That wonderful blue line continued to lead me in the right direction. The bike guide I had used to plan this trip, seemed to suggest this Ocheon bike way would run through Sejong, so last night I made a hotel booking for 2 nights at the slightly posh looking H Hotel Sejong, which was just a little way off the path. It was only a short of 35km so I didn't rush off in the morning as I knew check-in wasn't till 3pm.
It was an interesting ride, a little different from the past few days. totally flat, apart for the little bumps going up and over roads and back to the river side again. Some of these are so sharp, there were occasions when I had the push Hennie up the short but steep rise.
The farm lands had a different look today. Not sure if I took photos, (I didn't) but there were big barns with cattle in small pens. They were a pale brown cow, not sure if they were for dairy or meat. Often there were 3 or 4 cows to a small pen. The sheds were large and mostly looked new and the hum of fans could be heard. But that didn't drown out the lonely bellows of the cows. I felt so sorry for them, as they would have no way to really exercise. I guess that is what makes wagu beef so marbled with fat... From one large shed there was this really weird bleating sound - I couldn't figure it out and I couldn't really see into it... But at the driveway, I saw a picture of a deer. There are no empty paddocks nor fences, so I think these animals spend their whole life, penned up. OK - this vego will shut up for now!
Apart from that, there was only one different experience today. Usually the path runs along the edge of the river banks, but today it dipped down to roll through the towering reeds or something that looks really like tiger grass. around a corner was a stretch of wet muddy track! the blue line had disappeared but was it under the mud or was I lost again? I decided there was no way I could be lost, so Hennie gingerly hit the mud and thankfully, the firm concrete path wasn't far below and we came out the other side totally unscathed - apart from Hennie adding another layer of dirt that I am going to have to scrub before returning back to Oz.
I arrived at my destination at midday, so had a couple of hours to wait. I found a nice little park, just across from the hotel, so made myself comfortable, made a plastic cheese and cucumber sandwich and chilled out until check-in.
It was pretty hot and having no breeze is great for cycling, but when you stop, then you can really feel the heat. It was probably around 31-33. A little pond was full of tall reeds and there was a little reed warbler of some variety, just a arm's length away - but do you think I could see it? no way!! the reeds would move, binoculars trained on that spot, but of course it was already on its way. It kept me busy for quite a while... The Azure-winged magpies were also busy around here as was the Magpie. such cheeky birds...
eventually, it was time to check in - catch the elevator to the 11th floor, with Hennie still loaded in the lift with me! Nice! There was even a space outside my door for her to stay, so a big plus. Air con and a quick shower revived me no end, and after a little while, I went out for a stroll around the streets. I saw a tiny shop selling fresh salads, so bought a egg and ricotta salad and it was really fresh and wonderful.
back in my room, I at last got Google sorted and started on getting these blogs going again.
Rest day tomorrow and I think it will be a really lazy Sunday. Apparently, most of the shops close on Sundays, but food shops are generally open, usually not till 9 or 10 though.
Today's pics are few, because I wasn't out on the road for long.
My hotel showing above the tree line - thankful I found it so easily and not far from the path.
I will try and find a clip of the muddy section, but am not really sure if I can easily upload video here. we'll see! PS - failed! apparently the Fly12 format isn't just right for here... or something. so here's a print screen from the video, just to give you an idea.
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