Name the film – “You’d think kids would want to come with their parents and take foxtrot lessons. Trips to Europe that’s what kids want. 22 countries in 3 days”. This popped into my mind as I crossed from the Netherlands into Germany, and now I keep thinking it. Not 22 countries or 3 days but I’ve arrived in my 6th county in 6 weeks – Scotland, England, The Netherlands, Germany, Czechia, a few miles into Austria this morning before heading into Slovakia!!

Nothing to indicate that I’d crossed from Czechia into Austria – other than an “achtung” sign at the first bend I came to – but a sign to let me know I’ve crossed from Austria into Slovakia. On my back I’ll spend more time in Austria.

To date on this trip, Czechia has been my favourite country so far and will definitely be back. Prague is an amazing city to see but would strongly reccomend going further afield – lots of beautiful places to visit.

The last 2 days have been beautiful and sunny – warm when you were sheltered from the wind, which wasn’t often. Again, a mix of very quiet roads and cycle routes.

Yesterday took me south to one of the big wine areas in Czechia. I crossed the Vestonice Reservoir – lots of other cyclists doing the same – VE Day yesterday and I didn’t realise that this is a holiday for many areas of Europe.

Resevoir – taken from Hrad Devicky
Sculpture of Reservoir – showing the bridges across it
Steep Climb up to Hrad Devicky but worth it for the views.

Had intended camping at the hostel at Valtice but everything locked up at reception and couldn’t get an answer when I phoned the number that was there. In hindsight I could have pitched up and paid in the morning but found a cheap single bed with an on-suite bathroom at a wee hotel, a few miles away and have to admit it is provably the best sleep I’ve had since heading off on my travels – the chicken burger – lovely marinated chicken – and glass of wine I had was lovely too – both for about £12.

Nice wee wander around Valtice this morning.

Had intended travelling further East into Slovakia today but opted for an easy day. 2nd breakfast at this wee lake – lots of bird life and pretty sure I could hear lots of frogs and / or toads but struggled to see them. Also seen a lot of deer and hares last few days and heard cuckoos too. The further east I go the barkier the dogs seem to get – all the ones doing the barking though are behind fences except for one this morning that chased me and that does make me nervous. Also saw a stork high up in it’s nest – there is a camera on it but I’ve struggled to find the link for it.

For most of today I’ve been following Eurovello route 13 / The Iron Curtain Route – lots of investing information on the way and also sounds like a good route to do sometime in the future.

Made it my first overnight stop in Slovakia – big campsite at Autikemp Rudava – lovely setting besides lots of lakes – bet its really busy at weekends and holiday season but guess what – yip – I’m the only one there and tonight I’m in charge of the padlock on the gate for the whole campsite – I’ve just locked myself in for the night – starting to get a complex that nobody wants to stay at the same campsite as me.

Interesting dinner tonight. Traditional Slovakian flat bread “pizza” – the bread is more like a Scottish buttery I think – regret not having the more traditional one with just garlic – but went for cheese and ketchup – don’t know why but thought Google translate might have got it wrong and it was going to be a proper tomato sauce but no – just ketchup. The very cheap large glass of red wine was very good.

Back from the loo and tucked up in my sleeping bag. From the toilet block can see lots of red lights going on and off – think they must be indicate big masts or towers but never seen so many lights like this before – looks like the aliens have landed – I will try and find out what they are for in the morning – if I haven’t been taken away in a UFO!!