Left the hostel, cycled almost 90 km to Hungary on a flat road with more traffic and less shoulder than I like, with a mild to moderate headwind most of the way, no issues with the border crossing, and nothing to see. Sometimes that’s how the day goes.
Hungary looks a lot like Romania.
Entering Hungary I found a cycle path, that lead all the way to town, all 10 km.
And entering town, more good news:
I cycled into town (Mako) to get Hungarian currency, and found the campground clearly marked from the other direction as well; maybe Hungary ends finding the campground on the other side of town the next morning. Looking at my map of Hungary, campgrounds should abound.
Cycle paths cover the entire town. Not the usual, “we converted a sidewalk by painting a bicycle lane on it”, which I normally eschew because of the beating I take from them, and the delay of constantly slowing down to go over curbs, but real bicycle lanes. Cycle usage is commensurate with the cycle lanes; take a look at the parking lot of one of the four major supermarkets in town.
I could like Hungary.
I keep meaning to mention that in Romania, pedestrians rule. Most crosswalks have a pedestrian light, and if the intersection does not, traffic comes to a stop when someone walks up to the intersection. Traffic doesn’t try to sneak past, or bully the pedestrian into slowing down so the car can get past. Traffic stops. Multiple lanes of traffic stop. A UNC student could actually survive. The same appears true in Hungary, and includes bicycles crossing the street at crossings. More observation is in order.
Switching countries provides the opportunity to check my expenses. Still not counting medical or gear loss, it’s about $37/day across the 33 days of the tour so far. I had hoped for about $33/day, but a tolerable difference. About $1/day is cellular access. About $1/day is throwing out things I can’t eat. I’m happy with the choices I’m making, so not really worried about it. More hostels and campgrounds will bring that down – most of the daily expense comes from where I stay.
In Mako two campgrounds existed from the turn for the sign. I went to the smaller one originally, but the campground was empty, and the accommodations were very basic. The campground I settled in has wifi (for $1 more), and nice accommodations. Hard to beat for $6, and except for a drink for $1.50, my entire expense for the day.