Firstly, Happy Birthday Granddaddy Bill. Hope you had a good day and we thought about you today.
Woke up really early, as the sun comes up earlier on the north side of the mountains. Will went over to the Coop across the road and bought supplies for the day, including some muesli, yoghurt and fresh milk. What a nice surprise, we've only had UHT milk this whole trip. We got packed and were on the road by 9:20am, and found the Number 2 trail easily.
Take note of the rider coming down the road...
It was straight onto the dirt, and rolling hills. This trail follows the Rhine all the way to the northern port of Basel, so we were right along side the river. It was great. Until Black Betty got ahead of herself, and bucked me off towards the cliff edge. The front wheel hit a rock and turned right, the bike stopped and I didn't. Luckily it was at the top of a hill, so speed wasn't a factor and I came off with a graze on my left shin and a good bruise on my right calf from the peddle. Will, had scooted off down the hill ahead of me, and was blissfully unaware of my stack.
The top one is for us, and we have to do is spot the next one. Great job Switzerland.
When I caught up to him, he reckoned he was wondering what had happened and was on his way back. Huh, likely story, whose gonna ride back up the hill? All was well, and we carried on. Easy to read signs along the trail, and a lovely bush track to cruise along. Lots of orderly farms, and carpet covered hills. Very beautiful on a sunny warm day like today.
Catching up to Will after my stack. He reckons he was just about to come back for me...huh!
These two young boys got board with me quick and went back to eating...cute.
The scenery just looks fake, it can't be real. Who mows all that grass all the time?
As we came through a little village, the lady we saw at the start of our day, in town, came past us. Huh, where had she come from? We followed her for a bit, along the trail, until she veered right, and we went left. Curious lady. Five minutes later, we all joined up again at another junction. We were all surprised and made all the usual surprised noises, before striking up a moving conversation. She was from Ilanz, and out for a ride all this quiet street (oh, I thought it was a bush track). She was very amazed at us being from Australia, and wished us a happy trip, and off we went.
I'm sure we've seen you before somewhere? How did she get behind us and then catch us?
Wasn't long before we got to Ilanz, and began the climb up above the canyon. It was a bit tough, but gave us some spectacular views. I haven't been to the Grand Canyon, but I can see why the Swiss refer to it here. Almost at the top of the climb, we found a bench, near a water fountain, in the little village of Carrera. So pretty, neat, tidy and spectacular vistas.
Wow, pretty specky. Great view from this hill we just peddled up. Worth it.
Lunch stop almost at the top. Such neat little villages, and grateful for the seat.
The climbing continued for another couple of kilometres, until we had a super fun downhill at Versam. We thought we were home and hosed, but there was more. Just before Bonaduz, we wound around the mountain, through some little tunnels, and got some awesome shots of the river you would never be able to get in a car, as you couldn't stop.
We're going down there, it's fun time.
Hurry Will, before another truck comes.
Wow, and wow again.
Around that bend was a worker, blower vaccing the leaves off the road, I kid you not!
After that, we had a relaxing, pretty straight downhill run, that went for about 9 or 10kms. Aaahhh, so good. From here, more farming, a couple more little villages, and we had made it Chur. The number 2 route goes straight to the camp ground, so we rolled in, sorted out a pitch and some Wifi, then went to set up. Gorgeous spot for tents, lush grass, trees and some seats. Score!
Every village has a steeple.
Look at this luscious grass! And we've scored a bench. Top notch.
As we got set up, another cycle touring couple from Holland rolled up, then a guy from Germany (Wolfgang) arrived too. We all had a chat, and they were all old hands at this, and seemed very happy that we were giving it a go. The Dutch couple were heading off to do the Oberalp Pass, and Wolfgang was following the Rhine also, but with lots of flexibility. He had ridden about 100kms today, over the pass and to Chur, wow, we were impressed.
The Wifi was pretty slow, so after some dinner, we retired early, to the sound of gun practice in the distance. There is an army base here, nearby. Not sure what tomorrow will bring.
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