DAY 57 - AUG 6 - KRAKOW to WLOSZCZOWA
It was a nice day for a bike ride as I left Krakow. There were some interesting paths like the one next to the fence. I have a love-hate relationship with the software I am using (cycle.travel), but I am sticking with it. 99% of the time it keeps me on quiet roads and bike paths, but sometimes I get to travel on really rough gravel or have to cross a crazy steep, cobbled, section of road, or dirt, or actually climb or go down steps. Another problem is it doesn't know I'm an interested tourist and takes me around a town that might have some nice things to see. In big cities it will take me on alleys, and have a zillion turns and I usually get lost. That being said, it still makes me happy following the routes through the countryside.
I loved the "Gotcza" sign. About the Polish language; their words are impossible to say (for me) and have way too many consonants, especially Z's, C's, W's, hell, just about all of them.
The farmlands on this day seemed to be very much about lettuce and cabbage, with a lot of wheat and corn as well.
Route;
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/3922476433
;
https://www.relive.cc/view/gh38560392521
DAY 56 - AUG 5 - OSWIECIM to KRAKOW
It was an interesting day in Poland, mostly along quiet country roads and partially along the Vistula River, which runs right into Krakow. There are levees built up along much of the river and many times a bicycle trail runs along them.
There were two little river crossings handled by a barge-like ferry run by a cable. Both crossings were not longer than 30 or 40 yards. The first one (see picture) run by an old codger (probably my age) had a little sign indicating a toll, I think, of one Zloty. Well, I had no Zlotys since 99% of purchases can be handled with a credit card. This fellow running the barge spoke no English, and of course I spoke no Polish and this was a 1% situation. After some gesticulating I came up with a .2 Euro coin, almost equivalent to one Zloty ($.26). The old fellow looked at me, looked at the coin, took the coin, gave me the stink-eye, and I was on my way.
The second ferry (also see picture), was less dramatic with no toll for bicycles. One other similar incident on a different day when I was in a little village shop and making a purchase of about $2. Again, I had no Zlotys and the store did not take credit cards. I did have this amount in Euros which the clerk did not want either. One fellow in the store noticed the problem and paid my bill and accepted my Euros for which I thanked him profusely. Maybe I should acquire some Zlotys.
I got to Krakow fairly early, checked into my hotel and bicycled around town to check it out. The center of Krakow is a beautiful medieval, well preserved, city! There is a castle that afforded some great views. The main square is charming, quaint, and awe-inspiring, with lovely horse and buggies parading around with tourists. There is an old Jewish quarter, which I briefly passed through. History buffs could go bonkers here.
Route;
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/3919686852
Relive;
https://www.relive.cc/view/gh38517010495
Pictures;
https://1drv.ms/u/s!AuvSBXwonxKx3hv_uXuaFgdLttBZ?e=47WNgP
DAY 55 - AUG 4 - OSWIECIM
I'll admit I'm a little tired and since I'm in such a place of historical significance, I decided to stay another night. The next day I reluctantly biked over to the Auschwitz Concentration Camp. I hadn't even thought about it, but it was Sunday, and the place was packed. I'm talking about a three hour line just to get in! You may not know this about me, but I don't do lines, even short ones. I chalk this whole experience up to very good karma.
I do have a comment or two about the place. They call it the Auschwitz Museum. If they called it what it really was, a Concentration Camp, or better yet, a Death Camp, maybe not as many people would come. Isn't a little of the desire to see this the same as the mentality of people who slow down on our freeways to see a wreck when it isn't necessary? Honestly, if you don't know what went on here, you have not gone to school or read a book.
Also, they recommend no kids under the age of 14. I think they should lower the recommendation to ages under 9 or 10. Learning about human behavior should start early.
Back to my lovely trip. Rain was starting to threaten, so I made a quick look through the old section of Oswiecim and headed back to my lodge.
Route;
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/3916178974
Relive;
https://www.relive.cc/view/gh38462974585
Pictures;
https://1drv.ms/u/s!AuvSBXwonxKx3g0prPMTqQQGMIyB?e=yYejwA
DAY 54 - AUG 3 - OSTRAVA to OSWIECIM
I actually had to put my rain jacket on today during the first 20 miles as I approached the Polish border. The scenery continues to be pleasant. Drivers must be hitting the trees at night on the narrow roads so the Poles have strapped reflectors on them.
I was mostly on protected paths, but there were some trafficky sections. After I arrived at my lodging for the night and looked at a tourist map, I was very surprised to come to the understanding that "Oswiecim" is better known to the world in German as "Auschwitz". More about this tomorrow.
Route;
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/3911860701
Relive;
https://www.relive.cc/view/gh38405761869
Pictures;
https://1drv.ms/u/s!AuvSBXwonxKx3gSWpz04Aeqdm6q9?e=0KOqTX
DAY 53 - AUG 2 - BYSTRICE to OSTRAVA
Not a bad day in the Czech Republic. I saw a stork, a distant ruin, and some beautiful farms and forests on some very quiet paved narrow roads.
Route;
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/3908387041
Relive;
https://www.relive.cc/view/gh38355931536
Pictures;
https://1drv.ms/u/s!AuvSBXwonxKx3XSSqjUQHvG4tCZv?e=oZxWAZ
DAY 52 - AUG 1 - SKALICA TO BYSTRICE pod HOSTYNEM
Not a super exciting day as I entered the Czech Republic. At least there were a few signs to indicate my transit. I paralleled the Moraga River for awhile until I got completely lost near Otrokovice. There seemed to be quite a network of canals on this hot day.
Route;
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/3905623189
Relive;
https://www.relive.cc/view/gh38312462229
Pictures;
https://1drv.ms/u/s!AuvSBXwonxKx3W3FOX1usSsUlDDB?e=h2KNzB
DAY 51 - JULY 31 - BRATISLAVA to SKALICA
I left Bratislava for a full day in Slovakia, first along the Danube and then the Morava River, initially the Austrian border and then the Czech border.
The first point of interest was the Devin Castle and Maiden Tower, including the Devin Lighthouse along the Danube. Didn't explore, just got pictures. More here;
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devín_Castle
Today's ride had some nice river and farmland views as well as some interesting forest trails.
Route;
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/3901644609
Relive;
https://www.relive.cc/view/gh38255742425
Pictures;
https://1drv.ms/u/s!AuvSBXwonxKx3V0xX7y3QAQCBIPw?e=TIR16a
