Once we navigate our way out of Rostock harbour we pass dozens of identical 8 storey blocks of flats, built in the Soviet era. Enormous pipes, carrying the centralised hot water, link the buildings. Occasionally there's a restored Trabant. There are still dedicated cycle routes to follow east, along the edge of vast strawberry fields, the nets in giant rolls at the side, waiting to protect fruit from birds. At the end of every row is a little bee hive. Then the route avoids big roads by diverting us through beech and conifer woods, where we meet no one except a few folks picking up wood. We emerge under the windows of an ornate castle and through their enormous iron gates.
To the north are lagoons with small towns and marinas along the shore. At one village of cobbled streets we enjoy buns from a mobile Bakery van, parked by the Rathaus. Greifswald is a bigger town, with magnificent squares surrounded by brick Gothic buildings including a Cathedral.
It has an enormous yacht marina, and a good cycle path on top of the dyke. We are staying with Chemistry teacher Jonas in his flat in Wolgast.
Miles to date 1660
Location:Rostock to Wolgast
