Days 42-44: Slovakia, cont.

we didn't get a proper welcome to Slovakia when we entered; this (when we left) wasn't too much better

We left Bratislava and went on to have 3 nights of absolutely delightful camping, dry and mellow weather, even sun!  We had some serious headwinds heading out along the Danube the first day, and made it only 45km.  Camped along a mini canal/tributary to the Danube, backed up to a small forest and had a nearly full-moon that felt like a big glowing flashlight was shining on us all night (no headlamps needed!) 

Tuesday 11/4: Bratislava to...somewhere on an island in the Danube, just beyond the Hungarian border...  (~48 k, with major headwinds)

 Wednesday 11/5: to Moca, via Komarno - 82.5 km (rough roads, into the darkness)

Thursday 11/6: to Sturovo, into Hungary at Esztergom, and to Visegrad (~54 km total, with sightseeing in Esztergom)

one of our best campsites... moonlit, secluded, right by a canal below the embankment

The next day we made it further and also camped in a perfect spot, also backed up to a forest, facing a canal.  We were facing into a meadow, cooking breakfast, when a very curious and fluffy fox wandered by.  He took his time cruising by and almost seemed like he wanted to come visit for a snack (Ross was making an extremely elegant mushroom arugula omelette situation while I was doing some bike maintenance).

camping cuisine: peanut noodles with hard-boiled egg

 omelets for breakfast!

morning visitor

We were sad to wrap up our time in Slovakia, we had read that Hungary's rainiest month was November and had been blessed/spoiled with such dry & mild weather.  As if on cue, we were welcomed into Hungary with a very light drizzle (that shortly stopped) with a view of the massive basilica in Esztergom looming (the largest church in Hungary and one of the largest in Europe), we crossed the bridge into Esztergom.  After eating a little lunch of toast/salami/cheese/pear on a bench in the main square, we set off to see the church and explore the city.  More on Hungary to come!

Esztergom: first sight of Hungary

In reality, Ross is just recovered from an intense 12 hours stomach bug including projectile vomiting so we are happy to be healthy again and are headed off towards Belgrade now...expect some more on Hungary and Budapest to come).

yours,
madame goose-leg ( i mean blueberry).  I am growing really fond of all this dish...