Day 3

Most of us were woken up by the first rays of the sun, in fact they were trying to wake us up because last night we all fell asleep under the open sky while listening to a guitar solo. We woke up calmly because we knew that today’s target was 40 kilometres and also pools, a castle and the first border crossing point were waiting for us. But let’s not go too far ahead.

After vigilantly and impatiently watching the breakfast being prepared, we feel like it’s time to mention that the omelette was made from 150 eggs, ham, mushroom and other secret ingredients. After eating, in the hot sun, it was no doubt that a good bathe would be needed. Now it was even clearer that choosing Nagykároly’s plage instead of Tasnád was the right choice. It was even better when we could use the water slides too.

In the meantime chef Paul had already started preparing lunch because even though the distance we had to cover today was short, we couldn’t waste time, we were expected at the castle. No need to mention that Jogobella with mashed potatoes and a unique tomato based sauce was absolutely delicious. Although the best thing to do after eating would be to lie down in the shadow, we had to pack and leave.

Visiting the castle of Nagykároly was another very pleasant experience. You have to imagine that people who were strangers to us opened up the museum on a Monday, when it’s resting day, brought us water, offered us ice cream, praised and encouraged us to have the power till we reached Krakow. After Mr Hágó Atilla Nándor, the castle’s director showed us one of Transylvania’s most beautiful monumental buildings, where we took photos and thanked the citizens for their hospitality and then waited for the county’s police to escort us to the boarder.

Crossing the border was relatively easy. But it’s inevitable that an expedition of this size not to face some problems. The paper of one of the cars made our crossing difficult, almost impossible, but our team successfully solved the problem, so after having to wait for a little, we could ride our bikes in the direction of Máriapócs. Only 30 kilometres were left but the hot sun made it a bit more difficult for us. We stopped a few times, put fresh and cold water into our flasks and rested. The third team, now called the MACI (teddy bear) team was today’s favourite because we were kind of softened by the morning bathe, meaning that we needed a slower, calm pace. Luckily for us, most of the road was leading through shadows.

Máriapócs is a hidden but really likeable town that welcomed us with warm heart, dinner and beautiful camping place and also the mayor was waiting for us. We thanked him and the others who greeted us. It means a lot to be encouraged and supported wherever we go. In times like this there are no muscle cramps bothering us!

After a good dinner and pleasantly warm shower, we were getting ready for tomorrow in good spirits. It looks like the tents will stay in the trailer again.