From Sellenstedt to Lehrte

Wednesday, 17.06.2020

It is 6.00 am... time to dismantle my tent before someone discovers me. There is a thick fog over the fields. No one to be seen far and wide. It is not allowed to camp in the open nature in Germany. Who, in the world, has the right to determine and claim the earth and nature as his own? Strange laws made by humans. It is not the same in all countries. In the Nordic countries (except Denmark), in Switzerland and Scotland, there is the right of public access, a customary right that grants certain basic rights to all people when using the wilderness. I simply trust that no one will discover me.

It's about to start... hoping to find a shower on the way. But no luck today😏

In Hildesheim, I suddenly get a flat tire in my front wheel. That's exciting, as I bought a repair kit for my bicycle just yesterday. My preparations for my adventures have been far from perfect🙉 Was it due to the perceived lack of time in the past few weeks or my naivety, both are probably true. According to my motto: 'It will somehow work out... every story has an end.'

So I put my bike on the handlebars and saddle and prepare the tools. Suddenly, out of nowhere, two angels appear. Two men on their mountain bikes in yellow safety vests stop and ask if they can help. They take the bike apart, work hand in hand... before I know it, my bike is ready to go again. The two men are from Hamburg and have been cycling from Hamburg to Austria in the last ten days, and are now on their way back to Hamburg, 1400 km in ten days. My respect! They came as quickly as they left. I stand there, touched by gratitude.

I continue to Algermissen via Sehnde to Lehrte, east of Hanover. On the way, I pass beautiful cherry trees. I immediately stop and enjoy the cherries straight from the tree. It's like paradise... everything is there🙏😀

The weather is wonderfully warm today, the sun is shining... it's finally summer. Now my battery is running low again, it's time for me to think about how and where I can charge my equipment. I see a big sign with the yellow 'M' ... let's see if I get lucky there. Yes, perfect! A small snack, power for my devices, and three hours of free WiFi. I can make use of that. For my phone, I bought a cheap prepaid card at home: Aldi Talk for 7.99 euros with 3 gigabytes of internet per month and a flat rate for calls/SMS. Since I am careful to minimize costs, this seemed like a good opportunity to have a phone number. Free WiFi is a gift for me.

Now it's already 5.00 pm. Time flies, and I feel free because I don't have to worry about it. I now wish for a refreshing swim... I search the internet for a lake that is 20 km away. Well... two hours ride, then I can definitely go for a swim. After 4 km, I pass by two adjacent lakes. That's what I call a 'divine' coincidence🙏😊 I immediately fall in love with this place. I ride a short distance around the lake until I find my bathing spot. And off with the sweaty clothes... the water is wonderful! Such a treat😇 I decide to stay here for the night. I cook another 'four-star menu' and enjoy the sunset. I am happy!