What’s a cycling man to do?
Today held small town and forest views while we skirted the Rhine River. As I may have mentioned before, the route is well marked. The Swiss may want to consider making a few more bike lanes on the streets. We were out in traffic more today than any other. In truth, we never traveled a busy street in France without a bike lane. With all the money the Swiss have, it has me scratching my head a bit.
After a second day in Switzerland, I can say with confidence that the prices here are nuts. A small cafe charged me seven dollars for a cappuccino (after the conversion). No problem, we were able to use the restroom and poach a little cellphone power while staying under the radar. As a dirt cheap traveler, I’ve developed skills finding out-of-the-way outlets at restaurants and bars.
When the desired receptacle is spotted, try to sit next to it. If that’s impossible, plug in all of your devices to your adaptor before moving with confidence toward the outlet. Plug in; consolidate cords; get out. Return to your seat. Periodically swing by for a check. Sip coffee slowly; draw the time out the best you can. Fiddle with maps and engage in conversation. Your phone will charge in one sitting and the supplemental battery that you brought will gain at least one charge.
The highlight of the day was visiting Rheinfall, the largest waterfall in Europe. The Swiss have developed the rocky bank for viewers, offering many lookout points for contemplation and pictures.
Perched out a short distance from the rage is an experience in natural power that I can’t say that I’ve experienced before - one that I won’t forget.
Near the falls, a portion of the EV6 was washed out, sending us down an alternate route, then into confusion (common occurrence). We followed our instincts toward a bridge that we recognized would take us into Schaffhausen. As we began moving up the ramp to survey the situation, a Swiss man stopped his vehicle and moved progressively toward cardiac arrest. In broken English, he used words such as "crazy" as he conveyed the fact that we were cycling onto the autobahn. Pointing us in a more reasonable direction was a genuine help. In a short while, we reconnected with the main route. I regret the fact that I wasn’t able to offer him a lozenge.
To quote Kelley, the Rhine is an "emerald jewel". Cycling late, camping was unavailable. Looking at the map, I figured on a possible free camp situation off an indicated dirt bike path by the jewel. Sure enough, we found a spot that looked set up for camping. We were the only ones there. After leaning the bike against a fence, I took out my shampoo, soap and scrub brush. Skinny dipping a bath in the Rhine touched something ancient in my mind. The loaded tour boat that passed later reminded me how time and place have to coincide for Magic to happen.
Note: Free camp twice per week, if possible.
More fabulous touring and writing.
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