Day 7 Mammern, Thurgau, Switzerland - Yurt Gonna Love Switzerland Too!

Joan's View

Steering rod adjustment

The Heat wave continues. Since it cools down in the morning, that is our best sleeping time, BUT there also is a huge advantage to getting out early before the heat slows us down. We started out around 10:30 after getting some pictures proving that the bike did absolutely no damage to the place. We made a quick stop before getting too far so that Tony could make some steering rod adjustments. It was a little loose and is very important according to Tony. Who knew? Riding along Lake Bodensee was wonderful. A cool breeze and great views all from the bicycle paths.  Lots of sail boats on this lake which makes sense based on the wind that we experienced yesterday. 

 

Tons of sailboats on Lake Bodensee

European bakeries are awesome!

We both spotted a bakery at the same time (haha) which worked out well because Tony’s blood sugar was going low. Tony even added sugar to his cappuccino to get more carbs. Outside of the bakery, we chatted with a couple from the Munster area. They were spending the day riding around the lake because their sons lived in the area and were at work.

 

Dang Americans

At one point we came upon a huge festival that was being set up along the lake. They detoured the bike path since it went through the festival grounds. Tony detoured a little but found a way to get back on the path, which means we rode some through some of the festival setup anyway. Dang Americans. 

 

Wave boarding without a boat

We made several stops to recharge. One stop along the lake there was a place where you could wave board from a motorized zipline, no boat needed. Looked super fun! 

 

Tony's best way to get relief from the heat.

When it was time for another rest, we found some shade along the water and said our rosary. Coming up to the next break, Tony was looking for a way to get into the water to cool off again. We found it! Another bench in the shade and steps to get into the lake. He said that the water was cooler the previous days’ dips in the mountain streams.

Train stop # ???

Also, we had several stops for trains today.

 

Loved ringing this bell!!!

We traveled on and made the small climb to our overnight place tonight - a yurt. First time for us in a yurt. The driveway up to the yurt was a “steep get off and push the bike kind.” It’s a farmhouse with chickens roaming around. We rang the huge old bell using the string that hangs from it to let them know we were here. Pretty cool moment on a hot day!

To the left is the most beautiful chicken I have ever seen! She even had feathers on his claws.

The yurt is atop a small hill away from our bathroom and kitchen in the barn, but the view is awesome. The yurt is like an oven. We are spending most of our time at the outside table in the shade of the grapevines. Yes, I am eating some grapes as I am sitting here. They are concord grapes like the ones that we had growing up at home in which I used to make pies.

 

The lakes start to narrow as they turn back into the Rhine River.  Tonight, we are somewhere along that section of changing to a river.

 

The owners letting their cows out to pasture after milking them.

 

Dinner tonight was made by the family that owns the farm. It was all delicious, but honestly my favorite part was the cold apple juice that looked homemade. Sooo refreshing in this heat.

Going to bed early tonight in the yurt aka sauna!

Tony's Extras

We saw many apple orchards that look like the way I am trying to grow apples. The apples are likely to ripen when we are gone and hope the Wolters enjoy them.

In the second half of the ride, we didn’t see any biergartens, so I went without beer on the ride. I did end up stealing a beer out of the barn refrigerator. Hope I don’t get in trouble. Later, I found the young German guys and they said I could have one more, So glad they were so nice. 

The people we talked to on one of our breaks had Canyon bikes and they love them. Just another reference as to why I want a bicycle like Isaiah. Since we are here sitting in the shade waiting for dinner at our yurt, Joan decided to clean up my contacts which is much appreciated. She asked if she could delete Gert, my mom. I said no, just in case I need to get a hold of her. Mom died right before our last Europe bicycle adventure 4 years ago. I miss her. She was the best Mom for me. That is why I am such a good smart ass, well Dad helped too.