Obermarchtal, Germany - July 23, 2018

Don’t paint the peacock. This theme came up several times during the day. We are open to others’ interpretations.
We woke to wet tent flys and fog in the valley. I’ve learned to keep the dry body of my tent away from the soaked fly when packing up in the morning. This way, I can maintain relatively dry tent conditions when setting back up in the evening.
Recommendation: If time allows, dry your tent during the day. At breakfast stops, hang the tent fly and body over your bicycle while eating and poaching power from an outlet. Be sure to hook the tent around the handlebars and rack to prevent it from blowing away. When bicycle touring, it’s pretty simple to live comfortably with little extra effort.

The German people’s use of solar power is light years ahead of any other country I’ve visited. Today, we encountered a solar farm while on the route. It seems like every other home has paneled their rooftop. I’d like to research this more post trip. In sum, the country is cleaning up its environmental footprint. Our United States leaders should take note. Have they traveled here?
Later in the evening, as we were FLYING downhill toward the river, we hit a super charged insect pocket. Large winged creatures were suffering serious damage impacting my face. It helped to tuck my head down level with the handlebar bag. After coming out of the fray, a light tug on my shirt jettisoned the hitchhikers.
Cycling until nine o’clock, we conveniently found a spot outside of Obermarchtal to free camp alongside the Danube. After tents were set up, baths were taken in the river. The temperature was quite bracing, but totally worth it.
Note: In the last five days, we have free camped four times. I think we’re feral.