Our departure from our hotel didnt go well today, we were loading our panniers onto our bikes in the underground garage when 2 cars decided to leave and 1 other car was trying to fit into a parking spot.At risk of asphyxiation i rushed up to reception and asked her to open the garage doors. No, she couldnt something was wrong with the electronics. It was another 10 mins before the problem was sorted.

Leaving Prague there were loads of the dreading diversions where they were digging up the old cycle paths, so somehow by the time we reached the zoo which was only meant to be 5kms away we’d already done 10kms. At that point life was good no cobble stones or potholes just a lovely smooth cycle path and the Vhltavi river on our left. Amusement had been provided for us with school kids attempting a white water slalem course that had been set up on the river.

After a few kms we saw a ferry and thought we saw the  A2 bike sign pointing at the ferry so we jumped aboard and crossed the river. When we got off there was no bike sign just a main road. Not to worry i  thought well catch the ferry further down back across the river. We reached the next ferry but there was no bell to call it and no sign of life or a timetable!!

We cycled on along a cycle track next to t he river which was quite good for about a further  12

kms till it completely stopped. There was no way along the river only a country lane going straight up. We looked at the esterbauer cycle maps and realised if we cycled up to Tursko we could cut across to Krapuly and be reunited with the A2 eurovelo 7.As we cycled off we discovered we were on cycle route A0082 which at least helped with navigation. It was quite scenic but a very long hill up and quite a detour.Once w e reached Krapuly we stopped in the first cafe we saw a rest was called for!The other thing we discovered today was Czech cafes dont have to have toilets..so maybe we wouldnt have stopped at the Bistro if we’d known this.

It was pleasant cycling after this although initially on narrow forest tracks out of Krapuly. We decided to stick to the main route now ,it was only called eurovelo 7 no A2s or other variations.This also sent us to the ferry option an even smaller boat than before. At least the ferry had a bell to summons him  and he came out and over fairly quickly using a line across the river.If you dont take that ferry you have to carry your bike up and over a pipe bridge,not easy fully laden.

Beautiful cycling on dykes at one point like in Holland, another diversion near Melnic meant we came in on the main road by accident but at least our Pension was signposted. Very hot and sticky we were glad to arrive. An hours break before walking up to the old town which yes was at the top of another hill. It gave us a great view point of the Vhltavi river joining the Labe. We were now finally on the Elbe.

Hope sleep is going to be ok here there is loose drain cover  in the road outside and everytime a car goes over it, hubby goes why havent they fixed it.Could be a long night after a long day.!