I considered today to be a day of transit – covering a vast distance in good conditions to make up for lost mileage. The route continued on from yesterday, along along a halfweg or former pilgrims route (Route 1 towards Paderborn). The road was considerably straight for the long distance, but aided by the wind it made very easy work for once.

On two occasions, two cars pulled over and asked for photos – marvelled by a rickshaw in the middle of the countryside. It brightened up quite a boring day. The road simply intersected through rolling farmland and I got to the point where I started reading my e-book reader again.

I stopped in a nearby town and got a few interesting looks and in broken Deutsch explained what I was attempted and they wished me well. I was in a bit of a rush to meet another warmshowers host that evening – and had to make up the extra distance by travelling 40 mile (60km) that day.

Eventually, I could confirm that I’d reach my host in a small town of Salzkotten – ‘Salt Cottage’. I was waining under the distance even though the conditions were in my favour but I was progressing towards my destination at a leisurely speed of 9-10 mph (14-16km/h). I was close and finally I met up with Alexander who was a Mechical Engineering Student still studying at the University of Aachen.

Arriving at his home, I was greeted by his whole family, who were very pleased to see such an unusual sight in their garage. I was quite tired but soon awoke up after a coffee. It was interesting to talk abit about his recent trip to Morocco also his epic trip from Egypt to South Africa two years ago, something that I wish I could do. Later on, we went out with the rickshaw and took it for a quick ride around Salzkotten with his young brother being a passenger. It was quite late when we took it out but that didn’t stop us.

Salzkotten has alot of fresh springs that contain alot of salt – originally the water was evaporated in small cottages to produce salt making the town rich once upon a time. They also have tower which they drop the spring water down to improve the air quality which gives a sensation of being by the sea apparently.

It was a good bit of fun, although after we came back the rear brakes were squeaking, yet another small problem, but I hoped that it would disppear in the morning. We conclude the evening over a game of table football – unfortunatly my skills were no match for theirs…

My luck or stupidity never ceases to amaze me, later I found out that I forgot my travel adaptor which would mean I wouldn’t be able to charge anything. Aswell, my head torch seems to have failed. Fortunately they had a cable I could borrow but would mean I’d have to find something tomorrow. Another difficulty to add with the hills that are looming on the horizon.