Blowin in the wind

Leaving the hills around Lohme behind, we cycled out on a fairly flat 40km route. Later, we have a ferry crossing which is weather dependant and so we were advised to check before leaving the hotel. The receptionist looked out the window and announced we would be ok. With that sort of insight, who needs a weather app?

Our first stop was Glowe. We’d cycled less than 5k but Kim was keen to paddle in the Baltic and our route took us right along the beach. Shoes were off and in she went. As you can see, she was very brave and announced the Baltic was Baltic. Our route then continued through peaceful brightly coloured pine forests before arriving in Breege.

At this point we had a choice, 20km on to Poggenhof or an additional 25km detour to Kap Arkona, the island’s most northerly point. Kim has struggled with cycling most days, the hills have been particularly tough, so there was great surprise when she announced she wanted to attempt the detour. Having previously checked the route she was also aware it was fairly flat. Ken has a sore back and opted to take the more direct route. The remaining three intrepid adventurers headed north. The peninsula is known as Windland (windy country) and it was! We didn’t make it all the way to the lighthouse at Kap Arkona but did pass the Nobbin Megalithic tomb, and had a lovely lunch on the beach at Vitt which traces its roots back to a Slav settlement in the 10th Century.

We stopped to chat with an amber seller on the beach. He talked us through all the different types of stone he collects, polishes and sells. His amber came from the local beach as did his hex and lightning stones – explanations available on request. As you can see above, Jacky and Kim tried their best to find some amber.

We retraced our steps back to Breege which was a delightful little harbour where we stopped for a cuppa at a fish smokers. Then we were off to catch the Wittower ferry, out along the main road. Fewer than 10 cars passed us in an hours ride.

The ferry is a 10 minute crossing and saves a 20km detour. Luckily this mornings weather forecast had been correct. Our final 10km felt a challenge. Although fairly flat, 60km is the farthest distance cycled in a day. We were relieved to arrive at Hotel Zur Alten Schmeider in Poggenhof. It is in the middle of nowhere and a quirky joy.