Another simple crossing, this time from Latvia into Lithuania. A wet & non-cycling morning and a sobering visit to a disused Soviet nuclear missile site. Memories of teenage years & CND & the fear of nuclear war. On the way we stopped at the Hill of Crosses, a family & memorial site for the resistance to occupation. The weather cleared and a lovely coastal pine forest cycle route to the port city of Klaipeda.
The next day was another lovely ride between the sand dunes & pines along the Curonian Spit, a natural phenomena which had its own kinder escape route during occupation. At Nida, you look out across the dunes to land not given up by Russia.
We visited an old Lithuanian burial group, and as the guide sang a traditional mourning song, and the wind rustled through the trees, I thought about my dad, as always, and on this day, the 10th anniversary of his death.
A drive west & across the country, visiting Vente Cape-a migratory bird ringing station; Trakai Castle; & on to the city of Vilnius. Enjoyed a tour by bike of the cobblestoned old town, river park & surrounds. Then a last night with dinner as a group, local beer at a hostelry, & a farewell song & music played on a traditional wooden instrument by our guide.