Thanks Carolyn. Will try to catch up. We're currently on lunch break, day 3.

That’s a heck of a first day ! I’m exhausted reading it. But you made it through. Hope you slept well and a better day awaits!

We hoped so too...but next instalment will reveal the truth!

You certainly have yourself a challenge for your first day ! Trains are always a challenge. Hope you have an easier day today

A long and slightly trying day but you have still found the humour in it 😀 Glad your bikes were all good and you are underway!

Demanding!

Wow! That was a very very beautiful g first day!!! Well done surviving till that late in the day. Quite a lot of nervous energy going into thise train trips!!🤣

I think the heatwave broke this morning . We've had thunderstorms, some rain and generally nice riding temperatures.
I bought one of those bags. You're right, they're very roomy. Bruce used a smaller overnight bag with my bag taking the overflow. It's an awkward shape to manouvre around but I got there. The bag, in its case, is currently doing duty as a rain cover for the stuff on Bruce's back carrier!
Too tired and too late to write up today's ride...didn't get to hotel till 9.30. Was a big day involving complicated train travel!

Lovely to read you’ve made it Robyn and happily reacquainted with your bikes!
How did the K-Mart bags work for you? I’ve checked them out and they look like just the job. Did you manage to get everything in one bag or did you have one each? They look quite big.
Looking forward to reading about your first day of the tour!

Thanks, Tricia. I'm enjoying your floating tour too!
We're about to head down to the bike shop...coinciding with a thunderstorm!

Great to hear of your reunion with your bikes and so looking forward to following your tour. We are still floating along on our way to Amsterdam - it is interesting to see all the cyclists travelling the paths we have done. This time next week we will be in Bremen and ready to start on the bikes. thank goodness the weather seems to have cooled down a bit
Stay safe
Tricia and Ken

Looking forward to following you Robyn!

Thanks Robyn. I should clarify that the family deaths were age related, not directly due to covid but the constraints of the covid context made the situation much more difficult, as it did for countless thousands of people who lost family during the border closures and lockdowns.

And I was very fortunate to be able to do a major cycle tour here in Australia between waves of covid and border blocks. It paid off having more than one cycle touring bike.

And I should also add that one of my learnings from all that has happened, is to take cycle touring opportunities as they arrive. Don’t wait. Who knows what’s ahead to restrict travel again.

So well done you for heading back to Europe to be reunited with your bikes.

And we had stunning weather!

This puts things into perspective, Graham. We may have lost a few years of cycle touring opportunities but you've lost so much more - three of your family - during the pandemic. We all need happier times ahead.