Today I passed the beaches of Normandy where the invation took place 82 years ago. We have all read the stories, but it is impressive actually being there. War is horrible. Why do new dictators always come up and start new wars?
After 2 flat km, the day started with a killing climb. Only just managed to cycle, 10-11% i guess. At the top I felt I'd had enough for today. But stopping 9 o'clock was a bit early (there was a hotel actually 😄).
Crossing the Marne and a parallel channel right before Quistrehamn. Memorials to Major Howard som led a team that secured the bridges.
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| The Marne. When the tide goes up, water seems to flow upstream |
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| To the memory of Major Howard |
Just a few more pictures. There are so many stories about the invation already. I'd hardly add anything. Jut my own feeling of aw whne I'm actually here, wondering how it was possible, and more than ever feeling the madness of war.
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| On these beaches they landed |
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| Memories everywhere |
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| Used during the landing |
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| From the 75-year conmemoration |
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| German gun |
After coming to Arromanche-les-Bains (with lots of D-day history), I faced the worst climb so far, and had to get off the bike, and walk, which I hate.
Only done that once before, on Iceland, and then I turned around. But 18% is too much. Once you can't cycle anymore, pushing the 40 kg bike+luggage is not easy either. But you have little choice 🙂.
After this ascent I followed a nice track and partly road to Viervile-sur-Mer.
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| Passing close to the cliffs |
Now at camping Omaha Beach, on top of the beach with the same name, where the Americans landed in 1944. Nice camping, also dominated by mobile homes and campers, but here I have my own spot instead of standing between parked cars.
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| Start at red spot, finish blue arrow |
105 km that took me 9 hours (6:30 hours active cycling). Total distance 833 km.
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