12 Hello Belgium! - Long, long day to Bruges.

My planning this year was questionable. The daily estimated mileage was way out. I didn’t allow for strong headwinds all the way through France and now although almost at the Belgian border I am still some 80 miles from Bruges where my scheduled stop for last night was. At this rate I will miss my ferry by at least a day if not two! So my new plan is to visit the war graves in Ypres and then onto Roselaar. That should be about 50 miles today. If I can find accommodation in Roselaar I will then cycle onto Bruges and catch a train to Amsterdam. Missing home now! Sore, acheing everywhere. My body wants to relax a little I think.

Later .......  Where to begin? Well the mind body and bike were all in perfect harmony today and absolutely nothing was going to stop me from getting to Bruges today. Early morning rains sent frequent showers so the waterproof top and overshoes were needed. Everything was going so well. A long climb into Cassel was punishing but doable with a lovely town at the top. Panoramic views of the climb just executed.I have now made it into belgium in rain. First thing you notice is that you are separated from traffic with a cycle lane. Well done Belgium. Very moving that every few hundred metres there is a sign like this one. And the Union flag is everywhere.

I took lunch at Ypres where the war graves are numerous. And wild poppies abound. Very moving to see huge cemetaries of those who gave their lives for a free Europe. The tour de france is also coming in to town this summer. But then things started to go wrong. I stopped for some water and energy drink and must have left my glasses behind. Many miles later a map check was necessary and I couldnt read it! I ended up hopelessly lost with only motorways showing signs for Bruges. I called into a pharmacy at the next village Ardoinne but they didnt have any. She rang the next town Koolcamp where they had a pair waiting for me. Probably just enough time to change the pricetags! So new glasses @29 euro and more pedalling. Three miles further on I reached for the map and? ....I'd left it behind in one of the earlier shops! How do you cycle around a strange country without maps? I tried google a couple of times but my phone was getting low. Made it into Bruges at 8pm. 86 miles of good effort. Just to find my phone packed up while tryng to find a room for the night. Got one but not impressed. No choices really without power or an internet connection. Must shower and eat — at Bruges, Belgium