After a hearty breakfast, off we rode into country of former eastern Germany. The absolute treat of the day was the more than 5k through the Spree Forest. Oh was that really beautiful. Dense forest like right out of some movie. The trail was shadowed by canal that was most times on both sides. Many bridges to cross as the water meandered from side to side. (Probably the easiest segment to date for us to follow the directions.... :D)
The highlight of the day, of which were many, was our visit to the Hentschels's pickle and juice factory. This business began in the 1890's and is continuing today. This is in despite of the GDR. German Democratic Republic. From 1972 to 1989 the government controlled all production. After the wall came down and the unification happened, the government assumed ownership of all businesses. As a result, if a business owner wished to remain in business by themselves, they had to buy their business back from the government. In the case of Hentschels's, it took our guide's father 20 years to pay what he owed, to keep this business. This also affected the farmers and anyone who was producing anything for sale. As an USA citizen, this is difficult to relate to.... Our tour of the factory was fascinating. They process some of the tastiest pickles you could ever imagine ( never could you prove that by me...) make apple, quince and pear juice, and probably more stuff.
Finished out the longest ride to date today at 62.2k. The evening was a quite pleasant flat boat ride on the channels of the Spree River. Of course, the afterglow was to retreat back to the hotel for a night cap.
Here are a few visuals from today:
Tomorrow, Dresden, a short day of biking and no doubt, MORE FUN!! Somewhat hoping to be pickle free....
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