Day 3
Wednesday, August 23rd
Headwinds and beaches - from Vainupea to Untika


Andrzej tying his shoes while two cyclers are taking a break in the back

Waking up in the morning and updating the blog online through the great wirelsss LAN internet connection (in the forest!), the bikers had some strong porridge and set out for another day of cycling along Estonia's marvellous coastline.

The whole day had great weather (meaning: no rain) and the roads were lined with blueberry bushes and appletrees, which invited the bikers to stop and snack on mother nature's gifts. Old windmills and an antique farmhouse they passed on the way made the detour all the more bearable and enjoyable. Here you see Tova, Josh, Liina and Gert leading the way...

Despite the strong headwinds that accompanied the group today, the bikers rode another 75km (this time without detours). The trip was hardest for the few people who passed the lunchsite by accident and tried to make their way uphill for some kilometers before realizing they had taken a wrong turn and had to make it back to the beach. Rumor has it, that the entire group spent their lunch break taking a nap at the beach in Liimala because they were so wiped out from cycling against the wind the entire time.

Re-energized by the sun and beautiful scenery, they took on the rest of the way to Ontika, where they will be spending the night camping in the garden of an old mansion. Ontika Manor was known to be a brothel for  high ranking party functionaries during the Soviet rule. Due to its location near the Valaste Waterfall, it is a popular tourist attraction today. Thanks to the friendly gardener, Uku, who was nice enough to give the group a free guided tour through the beautiful rooms of Ontika Manor, the bikers got to use the mansion's kitchen to prepare their dinner (something for everyone, including the two American vegetarians: Risotto). Naturally, after drinking a good many glasses of vodka with Uku first!

What a great opportunity to finally raise the IPPNW-flag, through Maren and Alex - and so they did...

 

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First injury: Sanela suffered a minor injury in today's finishing kilometers. Luckily, it isn't serious and she will be able to continue riding. --> Information of the day: Tova plans on having 20 kids in the future (says Josh) Closest runner up is Alex, who would like to have 4. <--

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Small excursion into Estonian geography: Untika cliffs are not only one of the most beautiful places to enjoy a true Baltic Sea panorama, but also hide the well known Valaste waterfalls, which span 30 m in height and are therefore the highest waterfalls of all the Baltics... quite an astonishing sight for sure (we didn't see them ;) Michael and Ulli are enjoying the sights from up above

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Little excursion into Estonian ethnology:

Northern Estonia stands out in the diversity of its landscape and history. Dramatic cliffs uniquely line parts of this Baltic Sea coast region, which hugs the Gulf of Finland nearly equidistant between Helsinki and St. Petersburg. The area also features one of Estonia's most popular nature reserves, Lahemaa National Park; with its jagged coasts, vast forests, wetlands and many hiking trails, it is a nature enthusiast’s dream.

Medieval-era castles, elegantly restored manor estates and beautiful waterfalls dot this 200-kilometer-long swath of territory running from Tallinn to Narva, the country's most easterly city. This ancient outpost, which skirts the river border between Estonia and Russia, is a place where two cultures meet and mingle--creating a fascinating mix of East and West. The gorgeous Narva Castle, which straddles the winding river, is a hallmark of the region. it is an impressive monument to northern Estonia's rich and sometimes tragic history.

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The TOP 10 List of the Day "The Top Ten Things NOT to do on Estonian Roads"   1. Go the wrong way (for more than 10 km!!!) 2. Try to change your jacket while cycling and being passed by a bus. 3. Be afraid of the large dogs running after you bike. They sense your fear... 4. Drive over the small dogs running towards you - they are just stupid! 5. Blow a tire (especially three times in a row, Nino...) 6. Drive on the side of the road with the rain on it (how do they get those clouds so small?) 7. Eat the red berries on the side of the road (only eat the blue ones!) 8. Drive races uphill against the wind with Benni. 9. Try to follow Robbi, the Tricolore of Speed. 10. Look too long at the beautiful landmarkst and fall into a ditch...

 

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August 18th in the Estonian Magazine "Postimees":
http://www.postimees.ee/190806/esileht/siseuudised/213838.php

August 18th in the Estonian Magazine "Eesti Päevaleht Online":
http://www.epl.ee/artikkel/351329

Mentioning of the BBT found on August 20th on the homepage of the "Gruene Liga Berlin":
http://www.grueneliga-berlin.de/

August 22nd You can see news with Alex and Meelis interviews on the internet:
http://www.etv24.ee/index.php?0534940
    21.08.2006 - Aktuaalne kaamera (vene keeles) + Eestimaa Vene Muuseumi ekspeditsioon:    
    Saksa 2 - in russian (clip starts 10:32)
    21.08.2006 - Aktuaalne kaamera kell 21:00 - in Estonian (last clip)

August 22nd in the biggest Estonian newspaper "Postimees":
http://www.postimees.ee/220806/esileht/siseuudised/214176.php?r

August 23nd in the German newspaper "Rheinische Post" (Interview with Alex):
http://www.ippnw-students.org/baltic/rpartikel.html

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