Day 28 Balatonkenese to Keszthely

114 km (71 miles) day, 1,437 total
A contrast to yesterday. A quiet ride, mostly on cycle tracks, round the whole of the North shore of Lake Balaton. The terrain mostly flat except where the path leaves the lakes into gently rolling hills. The path (Balatoni Körūt - Balaton Boulevard according to Google) is almost continuous around the whole lake. Path surface is great in places and loosens your fillings in others. Signage is good. The lake has many small resort towns along the shore - so lots of food and drink facilities. Weather grey all morning with sun and thunderstorms in the afternoon. 
I wanted to catch up on eating today so started by buying bacon, eggs and bread and having a fry-up in a park near the lake. Lots (thousands) of day cyclists on this early part of the path. Past a museum of soviet era military equipment. That’s my era too as far as the army goes. Didn’t go in but recongnised a T-72 (main battle tank), a Hind (NATO name) attack helicopter, and a Fishbed (again NATO recognition name) fighter on the outside displays. Glad I never met any of those when angry! Entered the main wine growing area where there are loads of wineries to try. Had a great lunch too. On the back of the wine and lunch decided to reserve a cheap room at my destination. Lovely ride for the rest of the day and this time the rain missed me, although there was plenty evidence of near misses. Arrived in Keszthely and the Pension (B&B) is fabulous and has a pool! Quick swim and out on the bike for an explore. Went to look at the Festetics Palace - the third biggest country house in Hungary, and down to the shore. Ferries crisscross the lake and look very romantic in the early evening light. Very good brass band giving a concert in a shoreside park. Eventually found the town centre (which was decorated with umbrellas like I saw in Samur - but not as well done) and a nice restaurant, with live piano music, for a pizza and beer. Tomorrow, and for the next few days, logistics are uncertain as not on a tourist route. 

Breakfast view 


Cycle path lovely in parts


Great signage 


Fishbed (MIG 21)


Hind (MI 24D)


Decisions, decisions   - which winery?




Decision made




Missed me today!


Oh yes!


Festetics Palace


Balaton Ferry


I’ve seen this before.....








Comments

  1. Derek3 August 2018 at 10:13

    Hi Phil, The initial tactic in deciding the choice of winery hinged on some minor but fundamental investigatory skills. Which one was the orange t-shirted tourist headed to? Obvious.

    ReplyDelete

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