AFTER SLOVENIA
GERMANY
After Slovenia, I go to Freiburg im Breisgau to dog sit at my cousin’s home. Secondo is a Flat-Coated Retriever who has a lot of energy! Every day Secondo leads me on our walks always taking a different route. He is delighted to show me everything! One day, he takes me to the next town and leads me down several residential streets stopping at a gate in front of a house. I read the name plate and it was the last name of another cousin, so I ring the bell. They are just as surprised to see me as I am them. I explain that the wonder dog, Secondo brought me and we all have a good laugh and a good visit!
From my cousin’s backyard, I watch Woodstork parents feeding their young. I enjoy hearing the clatter of their discourse!
HAMBURG
In Hamburg, I stay at the Generator Hostel next to Hamburg’s main train station where there was always lots of activity. I can walk everywhere, or use my bike, for easy get-around sightseeing and visiting family and friends. Hamburg has interesting architecture and beautiful people, I eat delicious food and meet a stunning tree (Southern Catalpa).
ICELAND
My flight home is supposed to have a 1.5 hour layover at the airport in Iceland. Instead, it’s a mad dash from arrivals to departures due to a delay.
This really messes up my plans as I had made two signs with holes and string to wear on my front and back as I walk slowly around the airport. I don’t have time to set it up so I leave the signs at strategic places along the way hoping for maximum exposure.
The purpose of my signs is to create awareness around Iceland issuing permits for the slaughter of 128 endangered Fin Whales - even though they are universally protected under international conservation law. Captain Paul Watson is a hero to me as he places his ship between the Fin Whales and whale killing vessels to protect them. He is adamant about saving whales. According to a BBC Article: 51% of Icelanders say they were opposed to commercial whaling. It would be great for more awareness to pressure Iceland to stop issuing permits.
A SWEET RETURN
I spend a night at Tryp Wyndam Newark to catch a next day flight back to Asheville. They have a free shuttle and my morning return ride is with Travis. The shuttle bus is a Ford van, which I also have, and I ask Travis how he likes driving it. He loves driving it (as I do mine) and I learn that his dad was a bus driver. Fortunately, I am his only rider and we are able to talk the whole way to the airport. It is one of those magical times of instant connection. We share our theories of life and the importance of being in the moment. It is a heartwarming micro-engagement that feeds our souls.
A perfect finale to a heart warming adventure!
Don’t miss the SLOVENIA GREEN article about this solo biking adventure - READ IT HERE
UP NEXT
THE TRANS DINARICA TRAIL
The Trans Dinarica Cycle Route goes through 8 Balkan countries: Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo and Serbia. The route was developed by a group called the GoodTrail team. GoodTrail’s goal is to “Facilitate and solidify community-based tourism efforts around the world while also providing visitors with a method for engaging in real travel.”
I’ve been following them for over a year awaiting their GPX route release. I reached out to them last Fall to get the firm release date as I wanted to buy my ticket. The firm release date is July 31 this year. I bought my ticket for September 15.
This spring, the Adventure Cycling magazine cover and feature article was on the Trans Dinarica Trail! I reached out to the GoodTrail team indicating that I would be in Ljubljana in May and would like to personally deliver the magazine. Matevz, who happens to live in Ljubljana, answered and said he would be happy to meet up. So we did!
In addition to the free GPX route, the premium version lists the accommodations and recommended places to eat all tested by the GoodTrails team. So it’s a no-think route: just ride, focus on the beauty and allow it to unfold!
Can’t wait!
To read a powerful Letter To The Editor about food from the July/Aug. 2024 ADVENTURE CYCLIST MAGAZINE please CLICK HERE.