Bingo! BINGO!

Tag #76

Wednesday, July 15th

From Vrela Mrežnice to Dolenje Polje

Country: Croatia / Slovenia

Since I fell asleep early yesterday, the lack of reception surely has something to do with it, so my day starts early.

However, I'm in good company with this, as a canoeist is already out on the water, often moving at a good pace.

He is plowing through the water, it's incredible.

And thus, I have my first conversation shortly after six, which, unlike my monologue with the dog, is marked by mutual exchange.

The downside of being close to the river is that everything is wet and clammy.

Therefore, I have to lay my things, sleeping bag and tent, in the sun as soon as it comes out from behind the mountain ridge.

In the meantime, I check the broken tube, and my suspicion is confirmed; air is escaping from the patch.

That's all the knowledge I need, and I'll leave it as it is.

If I were to repair the hole, it would imply a potential need.

So I rely more on the principle of hope.

Once everything is finally done, I can get going.

Since I am in a valley, I first need to gain some elevation.

That's fine, but it’s easier on the joints if the whole apparatus can get moving first.

It’s a pleasant side route over asphalt with little traffic and a light up and down that propels me forward well.

And I am approaching the Slovenian border almost unstoppable.

The crossing is then relatively uneventful, as there are open borders again.

Just over the bridge and I have arrived in the last country of my journey.

The Kupa River, which separates the two countries, is just an invitation to jump in the water.

Furthermore, it is certainly time for a break.

So off with the trousers and let’s splash around. Of course, from the Slovenian side, while I celebrate having reached all the planned countries of my journey.

While I eat, I look at the possible further route and conclude that it only makes sense to go via Ljubljana.

In the afternoon heat, we then continue out of necessity. Like yesterday, it is very hot and especially extremely humid, which makes cycling very exhausting.

The incline itself is no special feature with its four kilometers, I have faced much greater challenges.

But I have to stop multiple times and drink a lot.

And so my water supply is rapidly dwindling, even though I had just been shopping earlier.

This means that I had almost five kilograms of water loaded.

At the top, we take a break, and I wring out my shirt for the first time.

While I eat and cool down, I can take care of the next report.

Just to mention it for my future self... It's really great to choose the right pictures, and then the reception is too poor to upload them all at once.

Okay, so back to square one in small steps. It takes time.

Since I need to refill the water, I head to the next supermarket, and check my options while I'm at it.

Initially, I decide to continue, but as I pass by a campsite, I decide to take it due to the time and the amenities offered.

Tomorrow I will find out that this was a good idea, as the conditions provide few opportunities for free camping.

Moreover, the shower is priceless and I can wash the salt out of my shirt.

This is how life on the road is, dirty and delightful.

Since there are suitable trees and the forecast suggests storms, I set up the hammock.

It’s easier to have a wet tarp than a wet tent.

While I prepare my typical dinner, I mindlessly surf the internet and ultimately force myself to lie down.

Like yesterday, not having internet does have its advantages.

And of course, a life with internet is super helpful in many situations.

Otherwise, I would probably still be driving in circles somewhere.

Song of the Day:

Johnny Cash - I've Been Everywhere

Germany

Poland

Czech Republic

Slovakia

Hungary

Romania

Bulgarian

Turkey

Greece

North Macedonia

Albania

Montenegro

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Croatia

Slovenia

Yeehah!!!