As forecast, rain had fallen overnight and light rain continued through the tall pines as I packed up. It had been a good camping spot, flat and even once I had cleared the ground of pine cones and twigs, and away from any habitation and the sound of barking dogs. Even the insects kept away now the air is cooler. The walk today was through forestry on sandy tracks similar to yesterday. Parts followed drainage ditches, void of water at this time of year. At one place fallen trees blocked my path, although I managed to work my way around them, otherwise the going was flat and easy. The leaves of some trees (Black Walnut trees according to my App) were turning yellow in preparation for autumn. I had admired a lake on my previous trip, however, it was now either invisible behind vegetation or completely covered by reeds. The picnic tables beside the lost lake, looked old, damp and rotten. Later lakes marked on the map had similarly disappeared, one now an expanse of rough grass. The ground must however be damp as it supported huge willows, whose grey green upper reaches billowed out into the sky.
Diverting a kilometre off the track to the village of Bánk, I stopped at a shop open for snacks. I had a decision to make. I could wild camp again tonight (in which case I would buy water from the shop lacking other opportunities) or catch a bus into Debrecen and spend the night there. The last few days had been long, a bit of a slog. I was getting tired and it was spoiling my enjoyment, draining me of both physical and mental energy. So, on impulse, I decided to spend a rest day in Debrecen, celebrating my decision with a can of Hell, with a flavour I did not translate, maybe blackberry from the taste.
From the road near Haláp I caught a bus to Debrecen, irritating the driver as I fumbled for the change for my ticket. Once in town and checked into my hotel I made my way to a Cukrászda where they sell creamy cakes to eat with your coffee. Mine was a cream ball with a berry compote in the centre, breadcrumbs on the sides and chantilly cream whirl on top.
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