Ghent - july 20

Cool (temperature too) tunnel with wooden escalator under the scheldt then south into the heat. Cant wait to get back north and no regrets abous missing Luxembourg. Half the ride in nice lane along unattractive N70, getting passed by older folks on e-bikes and mopeds, rest by farms on trails and quiet roads. Stopped at grocery store for a croissant, seeded roll, 2 plums (2.5€ total) -why cant we get stuff like this at stop and shop, or even whole foods? Big ten day festival (2nd biggest in europe after oktoberfest, 1.5million people) in ghent with music, shows, random never-open places opened. Good timing. Checked out

hotel d'hane steenhuyse (treaty of ghent), climbed the steps of the st bavo cathedral and did a walking tour. Cool medieval center (castle, churches, guilds, canals and rivers) but very crowded Similar stories to antwerp. 38 miles, 17k steps. Last real ride tomorrow to brussels, till the sail adventure.