We woke early to get packed up. It was going to be a long day an estimated 73kms (haha it was longer.. ) plus there wasnt much accommodation in Werlte particularly as the large bed and breakfast was out as the beds had footboards on, so Tim wouldnt fit in the bed.The African Sky hotel had phoned me back after telling me no rooms available initially and said so long as we got there by 3pm we could have a room. Reception would be closed after this!

First hurdle was the garage where our bikes were locked up was still locked up and there was no sign of food in the breakfast room which was meant to have started at 7am. It was 715am before anyone even arrived let alone started putting breakfast things out, we didnt have to waste any energy complaining as there were 2 very irate dutch cyclists also wanting an early start and they let forth.So our quick get away didnt eventuate. I gave up trying to look at my phone screen to navigate I think i need a screen the size of a tv. This meant I had to follow my scribble, I did notice the dutch cyclists had very nicely written up notes! Envy!

The next hurdle of the day was Coevordens market day fortunately it wasnt too frenetic as it didnt open till 10am. So that didnt delay us too much.Coffee was at Meppen but the boys were on a mission I hardly had time to drink my tea and they were ready to go.Meppen was our first german town. There was no stop at the border although the cyclepaths deteriorated significantly so we knew we had crossed the border plus the huge signs in german about this weekend being a hunting weekend.Great we are cycling through the forests at the weekend!

We also noticed once we were in Lower saxony the crowds of touring cyclists disappeared we had the paths to ourselves. There was more variety aswell leafy country lanes well shaded plus some very bumpy cycle paths unheard of in the Netherlands.

It would be nice to say we had a lovely leisurely lunch somewhere but no it was standing in the shade eating a roll as we had to make sure we got to Werlte on time or no room for the night. Mick not being of tall stature was quite happy to have taken the last room in the bed and breakfast , the bedroom with the footboard!! On we went once it got past 12oclock the german villages were deserted , where had all the people gone?It was Saturday after all their gardens were immaculate so perhaps no gardeing was required?? On the dutch side there were plenty of people particularly as one of the villages Schoevingen was having a garage sale so every house that had items to sell had bunting and balloons in the driveway. This proved hazardous to us with cars parked on the cycle path and doors opening, agghhh.

Tim and I arrived at The AfricanSky Hotel at 240pm 20 mins before cut off time. An impressive hotel full of statues of animals in the gardens. The hotel seems really quiet like a ghost hotel, hardly a person anywhere.Reception closed , front doors of hotel closed by 4pm, very strange. Still its a lovely place, we are not complaining and we will be sleeping well after our 79kms today, the bum butter will be getting good use on those calloused regions tonight.!

Day 5

After a great nights sleep and a good breakfast we were off to meet Mick at the appointed hour near a local school. It was a little cooler first thing but again well shaded paths most of the way.It was Sunday but Bakerys were open so we did get a morning coffee/tea in and a local cake to sample. We have been continously pelted by acorns no sign of squirrels might be the heat causing them to drop acorns early although there were warning signs about the oak tree caterpillar. Tim has even got bruises on his arms from acorns and Mick has declared them a cycling hazard, but they are miniscule compared to the good old large gum tree nuts which do cause many an accident.

Inclines have started now although they didnt appear till nearly the end of todays ride . We were getting very used to cycling along flat routes apart from the odd bridge crossing.The forests around Wildeshausen were very impressive but Wildeshausen is a reasonable size and not much left of its mediaeval history,not the tiny town I imagined.A fairly easy 59kms today . Heading to Bremen tomorrow negotiating cities always a challenge.