System catering

Day #4:

The forecast promises clouds and rain by evening.

At least we can build up dry after enjoying a great view of the landscape from our hammocks.

Juicy green and the bright yellow of the rapeseed fields will consistently accompany us throughout the day.

In overcast weather, we follow our plan to cover the first 20 km until we stock up on rolls, pastries, and coffee at a bakery. A portion for immediate consumption as a base, the rest gets distributed into the panniers, and off we go.

The sky has cleared, and with splendid weather, the first elevation meters come.

We are then rewarded with a super long descent that winds through the woods on the best asphalt.

This boosts our average speed and brings a big smile to our faces.

We still have to make a stop at the system catering. There's flowing water, and we need new toilet paper.

Then, it's back on the bikes and time to rack up the kilometers.

Our path takes us past the old town of Höxter. Dave is so taken by it and the area in general that he adds it to his bucket list. He wants to come back with a moped and some time to spare.

Beautiful pearls can be discovered along the way at every corner.

For us, however, it means continuing to ride.

Behind the corner, the next uphill stretch is already waiting for us.

Eventually, we make it to the highest point. At least for this section. That, along with a stack of Euro pallets lying beside the road in the field, is enough for us to take an extended break there.

Refreshed, we tackle the next stage, as the path sways through the landscape.

In the late afternoon, we stop at a supermarket again.

Staying true to the motto 'seize opportunities when they arise', we replenish our supplies, and the search for a campsite can begin.

We soon succeed and start the daily routine.

Today, however, we hurry with the tarp, as the first rain is imminent.

We are lucky again and manage to set everything up calmly and change clothes before it actually starts to rain. Dinner in the hammock is then a decent compromise for the otherwise fantastic weather.

Yum yum, there are 3 packs of veggie salami and 2 rolls. For each of us.

That's quite a substantial sandwich.

Full and satisfied, we retreat to the hammock, and with the sound of the rain pattering on the tarp and in the trees, it's easy to let oneself be rocked to sleep.