Saturday, 28 April to Wednesday, 2 May
At least four different cyclists we asked assured us that it was possible to take bicycles on the train. We even asked the conductor on the train coming back from Sremski Karlovci whether in future we could travel with bicycles and he also (without much enthusiasm) said it was possible. So with Options B & C in reserve we headed to the main railway station at 07:15 for the 08:15 to Novi Sad. Bikes loaded, we waited to depart.
All good trips must start on a full stomach so we headed for a big breakfast at the Četiri Lava (Four Lions). No prizes for guessing who's plate this is...
After a cycle-push-cycle we reached Brankov's Grave, and the hundreds on people participating in the annual Fruška Gora marathon! It started at 09:00 that morning and runs through the night for 24 hours. There are numerous route options (a large-scale orienteer) - the longest being 110kms with a little more than 4000m ascent, with some participants running and cycling but the vast majority walking, chatting and having a good time as they go. Everyone without exception enjoyed our riding past and Ella Tili on follow-me. There were many many people on painful feet so our passing lifted their spirits just a little.
Overnights 1 & 4 at Planinarski Dom Vojvodina.
A well earned dinner...
...soon done justice of! Washed down by 'Black Cat' wine.
The following morning back onto the 'heartsli' / 'härzli' trail. Each junction and leg of the network of marathon trails is marked by a red heart surrounded by a white band. Fruška Gora is a vast Oak, Beech, Fir and Lime forest.
On the edge of the National Park, descending to Čerevič.
Sundowners on the bank of the Danube.
And time for another entry in Ella Tili's picture diary.
The view over Čerevič onto the Danube and down towards Novi Sad.
A bedroom with a view. Ella Tili observes the early morning activity at the Eko Etno Kuča (Eco Ethno House) in Čerevič where we stayed nights 2 & 3. Maya was a great host and guide.
One of three puppies.
Always a good start to the day...
Rest day: A cycle up the river to a ferry to take us across the Danube into a wetland area for lunch.
The view across the wetlands, the Danube and onto Fruška Gora.
Plenty of wildlife to observe.
Ferry number 2 for the return trip back across the river.
Ella Tili's first ride on a horse - a 24 year old old lady, so no fear of her taking fright!
Ella Tili holding a Malamute puppy.
An older sister and a prize winner for the breed. A lot bigger and stronger than the more common Husky. A truly magnificent animal!
Eko Etno Kuča Čerevič.
Frog and frogspawn catching on our way back into Fruška Gora.
Well stocked by Maya with Pastete and fresh cheese.
The final morning and a descent past two of the 16 monasteries that encircle the National Park. Manastir Grgeteg.
Manastir Remeta.
Well in time for the 13:20 back to Belgrade.
The train finally arrived but with only two wagons. No matter, the bicycles and follow me were loaded, and were squeezed past by the many people getting on and off during the one and a half hour journey home. Everyone was incredibly relaxed about us and our luggage! All in all a fantastic five days.
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