We slept in this morning, knowing that we had a rest day in front of us.
After a leisurely breakfast, we cycled down to the ferry landing just before it was about to leave. We quickly paid and rolled aboard. This will be our last time crossing the Danube. It flows north as we break off east to Constanta and the Black Sea.
Tomorrow, our plan is to ride the final 120 kilometers to Constanta. Road markers are now counting down the kilometers.
It’s hard to believe that I’ve nearly pedaled a bicycle across the entire continent on Europe.
Will next summer begin at Constanta and end in eastern Turkey?
In late afternoon, we stopped by the Dervent Monastery. We found our way to the dining room and asked a monk about our staying the night. He indicated that we could, then motioned for us to sit down for a vegetarian meal. The food was delicious.
After we moved the bicycles inside, we were shown our upstairs room and where the bathroom was located. All of this the monks provided free of charge.
This trip has been, in many ways, a spiritual experience. It made perfect sense for it to end this way.
After cleaning up, I wandered the monastery grounds, getting a feel for the space. The monks have a large garden (food) and many cords of wood stacked. A new central church is under construction. Flowers abound amongst thoughtfully chosen trees. The place certainly has charm.
Tomorrow will be an early morning with more cycling than we usually take on. I can’t wait.
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