I had intended to take a rather leisurely day cycling south, but plans are made to be changed on a whim. I did start out as planned, on the local train.

But I didn’t get off at Ringkøbing, but kept on to Esbjerg. After all, I’d already cycled that section on the cycleway. I decided to cycle the last section of the west coat cycleway (or first section if you’re heading north). This is the section from Esbjerg to the German boarder, just 108 kilometres.

A Swiss cyclist I had met earlier had described it as boring. It certainly was flat and for fifty kilometres I rode along the seawall dykes. My map showed the high elevation points along the way, the highest was 2 metres and it even showed the one high elevation point as 0 metres.

In the photo below you’ll see the sea level to the left of the lock and the canal level to the right – about 6 foot lower.

So what is the best way to travel thru dull, flat lands on a grey cool day? With a stiff wind to your back! I flew toward the German border and suddenly it was here. A bit of an anti-climax. Just two signs about 1/2 a kilometre apart. I don’t even know where the exact boarder is.

Although Højer was lovely little town near the Boarder.

The wind and I have a turbulent relationship, sometimes we fight, other times we are as one. Today we forgot the fights we had had early and together we journeyed east. For the most part the roads were also kind, but this part of the road near the Royal Castle at Møgeltønder gave new meaning to shake and quake.

This is the Ecco Shoe factory, near Tønder. Apparently the grey ‘monument’ is that of a foot. Since I was afraid that a giant foot could have a giant smell I did not go closer.

Soon after I met a couple from Copenhagen who were cycling around Denmark over time. We cycled for a couple of hours together. It is wonderful what you learn from chance meetings. Here we were going back into Denmark having taken a wrong turn into Germany. I think the building to the left maybe the old Border house – maybe not.

Anyway, it is funny, but we never introduced ourselves, so guys, if you read this, please let me know your names and do come to New Zealand.

Afterwards I pressed on, Going thru Sønderbørg.

Being late Saturday everything was closed so I continued. Possibly a bit further than I should have, and i took the ferry to Bøjden.

and stayed at the worst campsite of my trip. Yes, it was modern and clean but everywhere you had to use a swipe card, even the kitchens and the toilet. Fences were everywhere. So, try fumbling for a dammed swipe card in your tent at 2 in the morning when you have gotta go.