Dookoła Polski 4 dzień (Komańcza-Wawrzka)

Day 4 Thursday, 07.07.2011

Distance 116 km Time 6h 56min Average speed 16.7 km/h Max speed 59.86 km/h

In the morning, rested, fed, and dressed in dry, 'fragrant' clothes, I set off on the journey. The start of the road from Komańcza was like a fairy tale. Minute by minute it got warmer, little car traffic, and the views of the Beskid Niski and the Bieszczady I was leaving behind were stunning. Along the way several Orthodox churches and stops for photos, later entering the road towards Krempna, also wonderful. The charming village of Polany with historic houses. Then Krempna, with a church I managed to see inside as well. I also listened to the story of its construction and turbulent history by joining a visiting group. Earlier I rode on a road section in worse condition than our driveway at home. A difficult and tiring climb from Krempna towards Nowy Żmigród, especially as the temperature got higher, but after rainy days I could not complain. Then a downhill towards Gorlice over flat or rather hilly terrain. Shopping in Gorlice and reinflating the tires! Climb up a steep hill in Szymbark. Just as I was reaching the top, a pop in the rear wheel. I knew it wasn’t good, but I didn’t think it was that bad. Burst tire, inner tube and damaged rim! I left all my equipment in the house next to that spot, and went with the damaged wheel to the bus stop. No bus in sight, but I hitchhiked to Gorlice. I arrived at the shop just moments before closing. I bought the only new wheel that was (more or less) suitable for my bike. The same gentleman from Ropa, who came especially to pick me up, took me back to the stop. After some moment of despair, faith in the success of the trip returned, thanks to people like him. I put on the new wheel, packed my bags and with apprehension (which accompanied me for several more days) continued. Upon arrival in Ropa, I took less busy roads towards Krynica. I looked for a place to pitch a tent. Already after dark I pitched the tent at the edge of a meadow next to a stream near the village of Wawrzka. A bath in the stream, the darkness was lit by fireflies flying around. Despite tiredness, the first night outdoors was rather restless. A sleeping mat is not a bed.