Before long the day's first bikers pass us, "Guten Morgen"s all around. As the day winds on though, it's clear that there are, in fact, too many cyclists. And by mid-day of lot them are grumpy, having to negotiate these narrow trails full of other cyclists: couples, families with kid's bikes and baby trailers, large groups, solo athletes, slow old people, careless youths. Add our wide, plodding figures to the mix and it's a rare Spreewald tourist who still offers a proper hello by noon.
The large number of trails and the confusing signs are a bit of a problem for these guys too. And for us. We somehow lose the E10 and bypass the purportedly lovely town of Lubau. We're desperate for a comfy lunch and follow signs to "Cafe Lichtenblick" right on the trail... but it turns out to be the cafeteria of an oncology clinic. Despite the fun location, we feel funny among the chain-smoking staff and weary patients. So we have a trail mix picnic a little further down the road.
It really is just a paved road, though labelled a bike/hike trail. Hard on the feet. And so many bicycles! Passing each other, dodging each other. So many that they form little traffic jams. At one bridge where the riders have to dismount to cross, it's a ludicrous scene as long lines of cyclists take turns, one from the north and then one from the south, with the impatient newcomers attempting to shove to the front.
But enough grousing, this is our Spree Idyll! Here, wild hops!
Lovely gardens as we approach Lübenau!
No camping possibilities in this area, so we take a room at the Babben brewery in Lübbenau and sink off to sleep inside this old barrel:
Wild hops and dinner in a beer barrel! Looks like an awesome trip.
ReplyDeleteHow great to "camp" at a brewery! Sow your wild hops!
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