To be fair – the showers were fabulous, and there was a nice little kitchen area with a kettle and camping stove (which I made this morning’s porridge on) and, if I’d stayed longer, there was a small swimming pool which looked inviting BUT it was a tiny site with my wee tent sandwiched between two enormous camper vans. It was ironic that I was watching “Let’s Dance” with Susanne and Roswitha a week ago –and I could see this week’s episode on a huge screen through the windscreen of the German campervan next to me last night.
I think I confused the young girl in reception when I paid as she didn’t realize that I’d already stayed – so was writing me out a piece of paper to attach to what? The bicycle?
I will let it go, chalk down to experience and move on. Not that far – it was so hot and muggy I was smearing everything I touched and was covered in a wet sheen. I lay down in some grass around lunchtime and had a snooze for an hour or so. It’s no wonder I’m so slow. I could see black clouds gathering in the distance.
I was following the railway line out of Prague (which makes navigation easy) – and it was lovely in the woods (though I doubt if I was completely on the right track at one stage, when it nearly disappeared in some woods). I was looking forward to the storm breaking as it was so stuffy.
The wind picked up strongly, buffeting me sideways. The sky under the clouds turned yellow and thunder rumbled in the distance. The temperature dropped by several degrees, which wasn’t as pleasant as one had anticipated. I started looking for shelter – which came in the shape of a restaurant in Česky Brod. I had a greek salad while watching the rain come down out of the window. (Ok, I confess, Jenny – and another small beer). This restaurant seemed to be a mecca for local, lycra clad cyclists (who paid no attention to me, knitting in the corner).
After the downpour, I emerged into a much less muggy, but rather soggy, washed world and set off again. I was back in the countryside now, and relieved to be out of the city (though I could see Prague had the potential to be a wonderful place to spend more time exploring). Just before I got to a village called Kourim I started looking out for a wild camping spot (particularly as an antidote to last night). The first interesting looking lane I spotted led me to a row of beehives – it would have been ideal - mowed grass in a pretty orchard – but I didn’t want to have to explain myself to a beekeeper so I moved on. The second spot was a snail heaven – they were everywhere – but it wasn’t too far from the road, yet hidden behind a hedge and raised banks and the grass had been mown also. Perfect and I slept well.