Trans Europa Day 20 Pultusk to Warsaw - 63km

It did not rain during the night and I slept reasonably well in my tent away from home.

The plan today was to follow a complicated route away from major traffic to get to a "lake beach" about 25km from downtown Warsaw and then to come in with a local guide.

Having vanned in yesterday, I was not ready for the sandy path on the way out which proved quite treacherous so I erred on the side of caution and walked where I felt it unsafe to pedal.

We had a leisurely breakfast and packed some sandwiches for lunch as it was not clear whether the lunch van could set up. We had to reach the beach by noon for the convoy but arrived well before then.

Not much to do but gaze out upon the water, visit the local deli for drinks and ice cream to accompany the tuna and avocado sandwich and take a nap in the shade on the grass until our guid arrived to lead us in to Warsaw.

There are 5 members of the Jewish faith on this tour and 2 of the guys now live in Israel. I certainly felt something "special" about riding in to a city of great historical importance to us.

Preparing for the triumphant return to Warsaw.



Our guide led us along the river banks, under bridges and across to more paths until we caught our first glimpses of Warsaw  and then, after coming along the cablecar route under the bridges we popped out at our hotel. A very interesting way to enter a large town safely!

After showering and unpacking, I set off for a quick look at the ghetto memorial and am pleased that they are now building a proper museum of the Jewish people to open in a couple of years.

After a visit to the local barber for a shave, I headed to old town for a shabbat dinner of chicken soup and mushroom pierogies. A lady was taking her pet echidna for a walk..

It takes all types...