Day 41 Deliatyn UA – Kosmach UA

Too much excitement & apprehension last night for a good nights sleep. The heavy rain forecast till noon had stopped by 09:00 & conditions proved perfect.

The ride was very hilly but only 30mls & not having to pace for future rides, I pushed on hard, with occasional stops to enjoy the views & refuel. Landscapes improved with every mile but nothing prepared me for Kosmach. A few meters beyond a hard, 1000ft climb, I got my first view – the most picture perfect valley with dispersed dwellings. This was it, what I’d been cycling to for 41 days!!! It took a moment to sink in & get my emotions in check. I still needed to find the Topuziak’s home & with one zip code, a labyrinth of small roads, in the largest village by area in Ukraine, it wasn’t straight forward. I made my way to the orthodox church & waited for Oksana’s cousin, Vitaliy, to guide me the last 4km on his motorbike.

Turning off a rough metalled road, down a steep gravel track, I finally saw Oksana, her mum & dad, Mariia & others all waiting to greet me! The rush of joy, elation & relief I felt will stay for my lifetime.

Lots of introductions, photos & videos were taken but one very special photo was needed to close this ride. Miroslav & Peter Konstantinovich (Oksana’s parents) now joined Oksana, Mariia & me, & Vitaliy took the photo.

My ride was now over!

After, we moved to the porch of Oksana’s house where a long table, full of food & drinks was set out. We sat, we drank & chatted for hours. Later, I had a very belated shower & a little rest then a gentle walk to the edge of the village, guided by Oksana. And that was the end to my absolutely perfect day.

My sincere thanks to all of you who shared in my journey. Your participation pushed me along, giving me the strength to reach Ukraine. My thanks also to my Ukrainian hosts who have warmly welcomed me into their home. Finally to my wife, Christine, who cared for me through my operations & always provides fantastic support on all my adventures.

I am planning on closing my blog for now. I hope you have enjoyed the journey & can give some thought to the challenges & sacrifices war is having on the good people of Ukraine.