A good nights sleep inspite of the humidity helped us recover from the 9 Euro train nightmare of yesterday.We havent been sampling much of the local german fare in the evening somehow when its 30C the thought of wurst and mash is too much, a vietnamese meal in Wedel did go down very well.

Hotel Diamant was great and the bikes were securely tucked up in an underground garage.A rare event in Germany fly screens on the windows meant the windows could be fully open without any unwelcome visitors flying in.

We set off on the Ochsen route but havent seen a single ox since we left Wedel.Green arrows mark the route plus the occasional signpost all easily missed so we need to try and keep alert. We missed one turn off this morning and consequently missed a castle and an interesting church.No we were’nt peddling back.

The paths have been different from compacted sand through forests to concrete slabs with grass in between and beautiful shady country lanes.We did have to leave the route in search of coffee which the Tornesch bakery helped us out with, and of course the raspberry tart and plum tart also had to be sampled.We stopped in at an Arboretum which appeared impressive but we felt to do it justice you needed to spend a few hours there. So consequently we didnt cough up the 10 euros to go in. Our destination was Bramstedt a small town with a historic mill, 17th century manor house, sculpture park and a beautiful lake.For me its main attraction was a 1000 year old oak tree. There were no signposts to point us in the direction of the tree near the lake.So I asked at the tourist bureau , the lady said oh yes Ive vaguely heard about that and then looked it up on the internet! The tree just had one tiny nature monument on it no other plaques, to me it was so incredible to think what that tree has seen…

We are staying in a hotel on the lake, The Seegarten .So time to get the deck chairs out on the terrace!

Well it turned out to be a very humid night and the airconditioner seemed to make our room more humid, maybe it was evaporative airconditioner.Morning arrived though with a misty autumn feel, not an inspiring breakfast either for a lot of euros so The Seegarten hotel didnt impress. I as usual will sleep regardless if im tired Tim however doesnt.We farewelled Mick who was cycling back to the ferry in The Hook of Holland and got an early start.

It was an interesting day of varied paths gravel roads, compacted sand through forests, country lanes, even a sandy track through farmers fields I pushed a lot of that.Being the Ochsen trail it didnt follow much of a straight line but also didnt seem to head for large water bodies, cant imagine how much water 50,000 oxen would drink which was one of the largest sales in the market place at Wedel.It was also a pilgrim route for pilgrims on their way to Santa Compostella plus knights and merchants would use it.

We had morning tea in Bad Bramstedt where Roland graced their market square aswell.Then it was a beautiful ride to Neumunster. Time was getting on so it was a quick donor kebab before navigating our way out of the city of Neumunster. The oxen way is now appearing on signposts and there was a rest spot in the forest with the maps and information on the Ochsen way.

We had been unable to find accommodation on the Oxen route so Id booked somewhere 2kms off the route as we were peddling there we saw a big sign “No Bicycles allowed on this road. “We had no idea how to get to our hotel now except by another 10km detour.We thought “no” and peddled like mad till we got to the turn off to our hotel.Luckily no police around. A very pleasant suprise large room and lounge plus use of sauna .and a frog pool to swim in, wonderful. A swim followed by stretches in the sauna and Im as good as new , Tim is not faring so well , he wants some new knees and a new back I think.. It was a big day again 71kms, hopefully shorter tomorrow.The Danish border is now only 2 days ride away but we may need to take a break!