The day began with an excellent Austrian breakfast. We then stowed our bags with the hotel so we could explore the castle in Grein. As we were leaving we heard much hilarity from the breakfast room. Who needs coffee in the morning when you have beer? We never did figure out what they were celebrating, but they were having a good time.
Why have coffee when beer is available? This was 9:30 in the morning. They were having a wonderful time and their positive energy was contagious, even if I couldn't understand a word they were saying.
We did a little explore of Grien, minus the artisans, and then headed up to the castle. It was well worth the visit. It contained a maritime museum, as well as some historical rooms. We both really enjoyed it.
There were many, many ship models in the maritime portion of the museum showing how goods used to be moved up the Donau. We both love boats, so found these fascinating. This model of the old tow paths was particularly interesting though, because those tow paths are often what we are riding on.
This is the diamond vault. Absolutely amazing detail. The man hours required to complete this must have numbered in the thousands. Those are little pebbles that create the mosaic.
It was time to get on the ponies. We walked back to the Gasthaus (our friends were still laughing and celebrating over beer) and got riding. It was 11 AM. We were planning the south side of the Donau as it is the preferred route at this point, and that meant retracing our steps and crossing back over yesterday's bridge under construction. We saw something there I can promise will probably never happen in my lifetime in British Columbia. Cue the pictures.
Our very, very own bicycle path flag person, making sure we were safe. I mean, really, how awesome is that?
He was there to make sure this guy up above didn't dump rocks on our heads. We weren't the only bikes in line either. It was actually a pretty neat experience to be considered important enough to have our very own flag person.
After crossing the bridge, it was gorgeous scenery, fishermen (no fisherwomen), amazing weather and a smooth surface, with a tail wind. I said to Keith, everything is blowing our way. The only minor incident was when Keith stopped suddenly to take a picture, and I was looking the other way. Absolutely nothing happened, but boy, did I swerve in a quick hurry, and my heart rate had a quick boost. It was just a beautiful ride. Always something to look at.
About this point the chief navigator pointed out we could be doing this, or we could be home in our comfortable surroundings doing the mundane. There is nothing wrong with that either...we live in a beautiful part of the world...but this is just so amazing. It really is.
It was a short ride today because we wanted to stop in Melk. We had one more break on our way, the obligatory ice cream stop, and then cruised into Melk. You can see the abbey for several kilometres before you arrive. It is huge. We have the cutest spot ever to stay, and we arrived here early because of the shorter ride and the very helpful tailwind. We have had a good explore, but are saving the abbey for tomorrow. Another short day tomorrow. This is such a beautiful part of the world, we don't want to rush. I may have to cut down on the kuchen though!
My beloved Surly pony waiting for me to finish my ice cream and coffee. Isn't she beautiful? And aren't bikes magical? What a way to travel. Knowing I am being very, very repetitive, we are so lucky to be able to do this.
