After a foggy night and a rather damp morning, the weather finally started to brighten up considerably today. His Lordship gleefully announced that the campsite owner had promised ‘tropical temperatures’ from now on. Her Ladyship therefore grudgingly consented to set off with him on a drive/cycling trip to Lake Lipno. But not before packing enough rainwear, wool socks and fleece jackets to last a week’s hiking trip in the Scottish Highlands.

I somehow suspect that she didn’t quite believe in the ‘tropical temperatures’ and I don’t blame her. I’ve had my feathers well puffed up these past few days.

We first drove to Horní Planá. Exciting place!

The bikes were unloaded there and we braved the wind and somewhat cooler than ‘tropical temperatures’ as we set off along the lake. The whole surroundings are lovely. Countryside by the bucketful! It reminded me a little of Ireland – lush and green, with soft rolling hills.

His Lordship was happy because he could stop every so often and fill up on wild raspberries, his favourite fruit, and I was happy because I got to spend some time on a sandy beach by the lake and could almost imagine being back by the sea again.

Even Her Ladyship admitted that she was thoroughly enjoying herself, although she never missed an opportunity to remind Himself of how so not tropical the temperature was. Her own temperature rose a good few notches at one stage when a viper slithered across the path in front of her. She, of the snakeless Emerald Isle, was not amused!

We drove back home via Rožmberk, a gem of a place on the River Vltava with yet another beautiful castle overlooking the town. Here the canoeists were out in force, and judging by the loud cheering and singing, many of them must have stopped off for a beer or two along the way. There are make-shift bars and food stands at dozens of points along the river, so there is ample opportunity to stop for a tipple. At one stage, I even spotted a floating bar in the middle of the river.

Beer, beer everywhere and not a drop to drink – for His Lordship. He is the designated driver and the blood alcohol limit in the Czech Republic is 0.0, so the poor guy had to wait until we got back to the campsite before he could quench his thirst properly.

Czech beer lives up to its reputation: outstanding. Apart from the top notch ingredients used, I’m sure the water must also have something to do with the quality of the finished product. Here on the campsite, for example, the water is mineral water (they appear to have a small bottling operation on site). It is on tap for general consumption – for free – and is excellent.

Strangely enough, His Lordship still seems to prefer the hoppy water.

Nastraví!