Day 3.

 Day 3. Thursday Aug 14.

TALLIN (Estonia) to KARU (Estonia)

Cycled: 85km.

Weather: Foggy when I got up at 6am. Cleared. Sunny but cool till 10am. Then sunny and pleasantly warm. Slight SW breeze into my face all day.

Road: No gravel. 40km on cycle paths. Some quiet roads. 2ft hard shoulder on busier

roads. All surfaces super smooth.

Set out from the football club premises at 7:45 onto quiet suburban streets. Within 3km I was onto a glorious cycle path through the woods for 10km all the way to Saku.

I cycled south and south-east through towns Saku, Kiisa, Kohla and into Rapla at 10:30 for a coffee-break at a Circle K petrol station.(Diesel at €1.70). 49km done so time for a hot coffee.

Not all the woods are as clear as the first one this morning. Others are denser with broadleaves (plenty of Alder) but all seem natural growth, not planted.

Plenty of agricultural activity also..grain, hay, maize but I've failed to spot any animals or stock.

For the last 20km I was on a busier road but had a decent hard-shoulder to myself and I careered along at 24 km/hr on the silky tarmac. And not a hill in sight. An ascent of only 170m over 85km....nothing.

It wasn't a day of any scenic content. Some people might regard today's route as boring. Not me, I can enjoy the absence of features. Once I'm on the bike...I'm happy.

After 81km (1pm) I turned left into the town/village of Karu. A scattered gathering of habitations and most are of a rectangular plan with steep roofs. Just 1 shop, the CoOp but it has all I'd want.

Having passed the striking church I arrived at my accommodation at a warm 1pm. (but room not ready till 3pm). Dropped my panniers and cycled about, had my lunch break in the Park. I sourced all requirements for lunch, dinner and breakfast in the CoOp.

 Tonight I reside in a Pram Museum. A house totally restored inside (the outside is a protective shell)  They have 4 flats upstairs and each is themed in yesteryear, 1920s, 1930s, 1960s and 1980s. I'm in the one representing 1960s (I remember them well) And each flat is designed with authentic furniture and decor from that period. Total immersion.

I was intrigued by the massive heating stove that straddled both rooms.

So, another glorious day, one where I could stretch my legs and not be hindered by cities or ferries.

Off to bed at 9pm.

Thank God for the health and thank God for the energy.