After waking up I prepare the blog texts for the last two days. That, and being a bit slow this morning get me on the road only at half past ten. Yesterday I had been told that there was a camping shop in Itzehoe, and maybe in Glückstadt. I decide that Itzehoe is too much of a detour, but Glückstadt is the next town on the route anyway. Maybe I can replace my sleeping pad there.
First thing I do in Glückstadt is getting something to eat for breakfast. Then I start looking the for a camping shop. However, half an hour of unsuccessful search later I decide to continue on my tour, and try my luck in Brunsbüttel. A google search on my mobile phone shows something promising there - not a web page of a shop, but at least an address.
In Brunsbüttel my GPS leads me to an Address in an industrial area in the outskirts of the town. However, the company at the address is in the business of renting out party tents. I can see how google might come to associate it with camping, but it doesn't really help me. I make my way back into the town center, where I try to find the NSCR route again. With some help of a nice resident who sees me studying my maps I'm quickly back on track and find me in the same industrial area I just left. A few hundred yards further on I find the next signs for the NSCR.
The weather is sunny and warm - too warm for cycling in my opinion. With all the searching it is already 3 p.m., and I have just made 50 km today. Nevertheless, as I find a nice shady hut I decide to take a nice long break. I put the solar panels in the sun, and get out my net book to publish the blog texts I have prepared this morning. After that I eat the remains of my breakfast, get out a book and pass the hottest time of the day.
It is nearly 5 p.m. as I pack everything and continue on my way. The route leads through nice pasture land, until about half past seven, when I have my first glimpse of the north sea. A few kilometers along the dike - though on the land side without sea view - bring my to a campsite south of Büsum. Pitching tent, taking a shower, washing some clothes, and it is already 10 p.m.
I still have no new sleeping pad, but I'm getting used to sleeping closer to the ground.
