LAST FULL (RAINY) DAY IN BELGIUM

With rain falling over half the day, it sometimes felt like I was out there on the bike longer than I was, although 9 hours was already long enough. Not really recommended for knee repair, but surprisingly, it doesn't hurt when I ride, slow and steady and not a hill in sight. Despite the rain, I still enjoyed the riding. When it started to rain each time, I just pulled up my raincoat hood, wiped my glasses off with my fingers occasionally and accepted it.

I had a map showing the various cycle routes till noon, but then had to rely on the list of about 2 dozen numbers I had made last night from a website. Each number represents an intersection of recommended routes. When you reach that well-labeled point, you head in the direction that is indicated to your next numbered intersection. No daydreaming allowed (said from experience), because, without a map at hand, you don't know if that next point will come in 5 or 25 minutes. But the signage was flawless.

Today's sightings:  3 thatched roof houses, darling cottages that artist Thomas Kinkaide would love to put in his paintings, expansive greenhouses, a bread vending machine by the bike trail, 2 gorgeous windmills (non-functioning), another chateau, canals, a marsh-filled natural park (in Belgium?), more "Mary niches" built into houses, and my cute B&B with horses in the field out back.

Tomorrow I'll be entering the Netherlands, the European country with the highest population per square km. Only 2 days left of riding. I'm predicting more wind and rain, but will push on to finish this #%^*€ goal!

Final note:  Mary Jo, I need you here to complete this picture!