Monday 15th September 2014 - Eventually left the campsite. Wanted to wait and make sure tent was completely dry before packing up as I'd be staying in a hostel tonight. Probably for next few nights too. Not many campsites I could see on the map and apparently 'wild' camping isn't allowed either.
Passed the poor goats and hens on the way out. They really did live in a bit of a dump, literally beside the bins area. No grass or water.
Found a quieter inland road that ran beside a river/canal. It was straight and smooth and sunny with only a bit of headwind.
Got excited when I could see the blue sign in the distance for Belgium border. Stopped and got the obligatory photo as I crossed. Yey, out of France finally!!
New country and nearly instantly onto really good proper cycle lanes. They were everywhere. So were the cyclists. Not just people out exercising, but lots of people just going about their daily business, by bike! Most were in their 40s and 50s as well.
Followed a road for a while that the tram ran down the centre, cars either side and cycle lanes on the side of the roads. Anytime the cycle lanes crossed a road, there were either bike traffic lights, or the cars had to give way. Wow. All very ordered and neat and tidy. My OCD was happy.
So this part of Belgium they speak Flemish. Its kinda like Dutch, but slightly different and impossible to understand a word of it!
I also hadn't downloaded a map of Belgium, so was just following signs to Oostende, as I knew there was a hostel there I was aiming for.
Main road into Oostende was along the coast. The amount of sand swirling about and big patches on the cycle lane was a bit gritty on the eyes. Onto the promenade about 5pm and rode along it in the evening sun.
Loads of people about. All the bars and restaurants all packed and everyone drinking beer. Its true then!
Didn't have a clue where I was meant to go. Signs in Flemish. Found a billboard map, but was all in Flemish. Argh. Right ride round town a few times....
Eventually find the tourist info centre and go in to ask where hostel is. Fab, it's just 200 metres down the street beside it!!
Nice hostel, modern, new, clean and bike storage. Ended up with a big dorm to myself.
Hadn't eaten much all day soooo.... new country, must be pizza night! Didn't want to walk far so saw a Pizza Hut and plonked myself down for a feed. Beer of course too, lovely!!
Id noticed the people didnt really smile much, or look that friendly. However, once you started talking they all spoke great English and were really friendly and chatty. Asked the waitress a few Flemish words, hello, please and thank you, as I think its a bit rude being in a country and not at least trying to speak their language!
Back to hostel for first night in a bed, indoors, since I left. Aleady a bit trapped feeling, especially as the window only opened a teeny tiny bit.
Another lady came into dorm later. We chatted for a good bit and I found out Ian Paisley died. That's the thing with travelling, you never hear any news. Which kinda makes the world a better place when you aren't constantly bombarded with all the bad things in it!!
Day 17 - 15.09.14
Dunkerque to Oostende, Belgium
12.30pm to 6pm
4hrs 2min cycling
55.2km
1268calories
572 metres asc
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