Saturday June 30, 2007

 

DATE: Saturday June 30, 2007
ROUTE: Warsaw to Kazimierz nad Wisla
DISTANCE: 88 miles
TIME: 7 hours
CEG: 1500’
WEATHER: 70s Sunny Light Winds

Wow! A sunny day had us giddy with anticipation! I was sad to say a final goodbye to John, Reed, Brad, Doug, and Rick Price. I know they will follow our progress as we make our way to Istanbul. John and the boys presented each woman with a bouquet of blue flowers. We tucked them in our packs and were ready to take off when Michele and Monica discovered that all of Michele’s luggage was missing. They searched everywhere, even checking through luggage on two big tour busses, but could not find it. It had been stolen right out from under our noses! Michele was left with only the clothes on his back --- bike shorts and a jersey. Since Rick Price doesn’t fly home until tomorrow, he will handle the police report so Michele can leave with us.

We finally left the hotel at 9:15am, traveling in a group until we were safely out of Warsaw. Seco devised a great route and with the light weekend traffic, we had no problems. It was very intersting cycling through the suburbs. Though the architecture is quite a mixture, the homes are very nice all with beautiful gardens.

We headed south through cherry orchards, berry fields, and forests. Along the side of the road local folk put out baskets of produce to sell. Cherries, raspberries, and mushrooms were all tempting but with little room in my pack, I reluctantly cycled by. Further south we rode through farms of wheat, corn, and potatoes. I now understand why Poland is called the “breadbasket” of Europe.

Nancy and I arrived in town at 4:30 where we joined other members of our group for some liquid refreshment. Then we rode and walked (the worst cobblestones yet) the short distance to the hotel.

Kazimierz is an historic village situated on the banks of the Vistula River, and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our hotel is quaint and comfortable, and our dinner was delicious. In the late afternoon, Monica and Michele took a little time to go shopping. Michele came to dinner in his new clothes --- looking mighty fine! We can hardly wait to see the rest of his new wardrobe.

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