Day 10 Huningue to Breisach. 60kms

It was sunny this morning to set off -very happy to leave the city behind. Our first route was along the Canal de Huningue - Alsace canal which was very peaceful and then we branched off following Jerry's GPS along highways with bike paths alongside.  

We followed the Roman road past a tile kiln and read that they have been making roof tiles in this area since Roman times. We found a very new cafe and best toilet ever in Hambourg, We stopped off in Ottmarsheim where there was a very unusual church with an open vaulted inner atrium and lots of information about the Romans and various occupations over the years in the nearby information centre. We went through many "heims" and finally to I'lle du Rhine (the French side) where we have a lovely campsite with automatic washing machine and lots of sun to dry! Small pleasures! Hot and sunny all day and with the exception of one field which we travelled down on a farm track parallel to the paved bike track it was great surfaces all day. 

Day 9

Waldshut to Basel via Laufenberg, which is beautifully situated on the Rhine and a good walk around Bad Sackingen which is an amazing place. It was notable for a wooden bridge across the Rhine to Switzerland and the trumpeter of Sackingen. For us it is the first place that we required mechanical repairs in this instance a puncture caused by broken glass on the footpath. I was not poular having suggested a quick trip along the footpath by the Rhine for a closer look at the bridge. 

Mid way to Basel it started to pour so we ended up in torrential rain in the middle of Basel's  motorways looking for bike routes which we couldnt find. 

We arrived in Huningue which is French, across the Rhine from Germany and adjacent to Switzerland.

It was bleak in the wet weather and the campsite was the most basic so far- plus with me wishing for a comfy dry night. We had stopped at a hotel with a 3 bedded room- the only one free at 250 euro! Even I was not tempted.

The rain did clear and our tent proved itself with no leaks. 

Day 9

Content delayed because of violent thunderstorm. Sheltering in tent.

Day 8

From the hotel in Zurich we took a tram to the Bahnhof HB. We struggled to get a system to load the bikes and trailers in and out of the trams and trains but it started to look a bit more streamline by the final destination of Eglisau which is where we rejoined the Rhine. We had a reasonable ride with a couple of pretty Swiss villages with traditional houses along a mix of sealed and unsealed tracks and roads. There were more hills than I had envisaged and the glimpses of the Rhine occurred every 5 km or so. Weather was sunny and warm then a few spots of rain which fortunately didnt get any worse although we donned the rain gear in case the gloomy clouds ahead came our way. Finally, just as I thought we were about 3/4 along todays ride, Jerry suddenly turned a sharp right, leading us over a bridge on the Rhine, filled with stationery trucks and into Germany.

From here it was a short ride through houses and we were in the entrance to the campsite in Waldshut Tengen, nestled beside the Rhine.

We set up the tent which was still very wet from 2 nights ago and left it to dry while we enjoyed a cup of tea and some apfel strudel ( we hadnt had lunch!) 

Later we walked along to Waldshut following the Rhine and chanced upon a beautiful old city with an arched entry way, topped by a clock and beautiful houses either side of the road between the entry and exit gates. We were tempted by the amazing bakery items but resisted with the thought of dinner ahead.

We are now sitting in the restaurant enjoying some green salad and rosti with beer (even a non alcoholic version for me)

Day7

From Camping Steubisallmend to Zurich- about 30kms.
Although it sounds a short ride initially the GPS wanted me to go up a goat track up a steep hill. So I changed the settings on the GPS to avoid unpaved roads. Unfortunately that took me onto an extremely busy road which was narrow and full of trucks. Scary! So I changed the GPS back and went the slow way.
Anyway got here withput too much problem, going behind the airport on relatively quiet paths and cycle paths along the road. Interestingly stopped at a cafe at the end of the runway presumably setup for plane watchers. Coffee was terrible.
Camp last night was adequate but very quiet. Only problem was that everything shut at 6 pm as it was Sunday.
Sue arrives tonight and in morning we shall take a train back to were I left the route at Eglisau and will be back on the Eurovelo 15.

Day 6

Shorter day but some rough track to negotiate. Can be very slow and some walking up short hills. Far less riders today as I suspect most were doing the circuit of Lake Constance over the weekend so I went further along the Rhine and a little South. Full sun again so lots sunscreen put on this morning.
Last night campsite was good with excellent restaurant. Not so many noisy children.
Past through Schaffhausen which a very classic german looking city. Lots of japanese tourists wandering the streets with cameras in hand.
The Rhine falls was not a goer. They had screened off the views and were charging entrance fee. Was reluctant to leave the bikes and bags as there were so many people about. That when 2 travellers makes it easy. I did catch of glimpse of the falls but not worth a photo.
The bike and trailer are giving me no problems, touch wood but will oil the chain tonight as very dusty and dirty. Its a tough little bike alright.
Looking forward to a hotel tomorrow in Zurich when I catch up with Sue for phase 2w of the ride. Just a short distance but over some hills.
The restaurant shuts at 6 here tonight and no shops around so will need to eat early. Tent site well away from other campers so should be a quiet night.

Day5

Great day today with sunshine all day and a chance to dry out. Only done about 60kms today along the southern shores of lake Constance. 

Amazing how many people were out on bikes today. I suppose it is a saturday but had to keep a look out for the fast riders.
Last night was the coldest yet and next door to wimpering kids who also sounded cold during the night. (Family camping!!) The campsites are completly full over the weekend with lots of campervans so I am glad I set off early and arrive at campsites in early afternoon befor they get full up. Quite a few cyclits got turned away. It will be quieter next week as they had a holiday during the week and lots have taken the week off.

Paths were easy today with only short patches of rough surface.
Good views and lots of sailing boats about. It is a pretty large lake so lots of holiday homes and recreational areas.
Discovered the solar panels on the trailer far more efficient than the dynamo and far less effort!! This campsite at Huttenberg is really good with electricity and internet so happy to have my gadjets all charged. May be able to read a book and listen to some music tonight. For the Kiwis I can also listen to the national programme which starts morning report at 8 pm local time.

Another shortish ride tomorrow past the Rhine Falls.