May 07 Wild dogs at the border

Despite the early (UK 5:45 am) start, a delightful ride through Russe though then through industrial areas to the bridge with scary HGVs grumbling behind us as they cannot pass. Fantastic views of the Danube. We cross into Romania half way over and after passport control Clare's worst nightmare as a pack of Romania's legendary stray dogs chase after her and manage to bite her pannier! It's incredibly hot and sunny. And very very flat! Endless Romanian villages merge into one another. Storks in impressive nests on telegraph poles. Picnic lunch under shady plane trees. Arrived hot,sweaty and worryingly tired in Zimnicea. We must be the only foreigners in this part of the world, and feeling very conspicuous - thought it might have been the Lycra and pale pasty flesh, but seems to be because we're English. Pizza on terrace storm now approaching(mileage today 48 miles, but took most of the day - Romanian roads are very potholey so progress is slow!) (Rousse to Zimnicea - 48 miles)