There is a Neanderthal museum a few miles east of Düsseldorf at the site where the original bones were found more than 150 years ago. Sadly the cave where they were found fell victim to quarrying, but there is now a very well-thought-out modern building and series of outdoor exhibits where it used to be. The setting in the valley is glorious and we spent several very happy hours there.

Neander Valley
Neander Valley

Neanderthal Museum
Neanderthal Museum

My faithful Fidel is a sturdy packhorse of a bicycle, but released from the weight of my luggage he felt like a thoroughbred today. He was great fun on the open road, fresh and damp after an overnight thunderstorm, and I finally managed to get up a bit of speed. When we got back to Düsseldorf late in the afternoon it was very hot again, so we cycled a couple of miles to the Paradiesstrand (Paradise Beach) and Bruce went swimming in the Rhine. I was not so sure about the water or the jet skis so watched from the beach.

Paradise Beach
Paradise Beach

All in all a lovely rest day. Tomorrow, on to Cologne.

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