#7Countries7Passes Day 2 - An Introduction to Germany

Today's ride provided plenty of variety; from the Baltic coast, to the deep forest around Hamburg; then on into the lowlands of Hannover.

Up with the sun, I was on the road at dawn. Through quiet and deserted Baltic beach resorts, before heading southwards in-land.

The majority of the day was spent pedalling through endless forests, open farmland, and small smart little German towns.

A quick lunch stop at a bakery, and another mid-afternoon stop to make some sandwiches kept me fuelled.

By late evening, I was 150 kilometres in, and searching for a campsite just north of Hannover. Unable to find anywhere though, I made the call to push on through the city and try my luck the other side.

Unfortunately, by the time I had navigated the complex (but stunning) bike paths out of the Hannover forest, it was properly late and dark.

I found a few possible spots to pitch the tent, but then discovered them to be swampy and infested with mosquitoes. I pushed on again.

At about 21:45, I was stopped by a German lady, who had flagged me down to warn me my back light was off. In desperation, I asked if she knew somewhere I could camp. In an incredible act of kindness she invited me back to her family home; dinner and a warm bed inside. I was incredibly grateful.

Germany has shown me an impressive start to the trip across the continent.