Last day in Europe. Vienna Austria is one fabulous city. Those who prefer pics, this is a pictorial depiction from central Vienna. These buildings and statues reflect Vienna history. Google for details.

                                              That's me testing the water for my bath

                                             Balcony where Hitler announced German annexation of Austria

                                               Original Roman ruins

                                                         Yes!!

                                         Largest church in Austria   St Stephen

                                          Mozart apartment

                                                        Oldest church in Vienna-6th century

Day 28 of the EuroVelo6 ride across Europe. Today's ride was from Durnstein to Vienna Austria a total of 60 miles. This is the end of the ride for me as we had planned to go from St. Nazure France to Vienna Austria. It originally a 1,400-1,500 mile adventure but with the heat and rain days it was shortened to a mere 1,200 or so. But still not bad for an old guy. One thing I noticed traveling through five Western European countries is that we did not need to show our passports for any border crossing. And, when we crossed into another country there were no signs like "Welcome to Germany" or whatever country we traveled into. There certainly were no WALLS to keep anyone out. But, that is another matter. Again today, we had a great ride along the Danube River Valley. The first part of the ride reminded me of Chicago going into the city by train. Industrial Austria is much like any other industrial area worldwide. After about 10 miles we were again on a trail alongside the Danube. Our morning espresso stop was a nice little cafe and as Jay, Tom, and I sat there realizing this would be out last ride together, we contemplated the beautiful mountains that adorned the area. We were again on the road. Our lovely wives met us for lunch at this neat little park and provided us with a feast fit for a king. Can't say how much their efforts are appreciated. With about three miles to go we stopped for an ice cream bar to celebrate me finishing the ride. Again thanks for following my adventure biking across Europe and I hope you enjoyed sharing the experience with me.

                                                       Scene from Danube

                                                 Restroom entrance good to know H is for Herman

                                                Discussing mountains

                                                   White Swan farm

                                                    Lunch from the ladies

                                                        Relaxing after the ride

Day 27 of the EuroVelo6 bicycle ride across Europe. Today's journey took us from Ruprechtshofen to Durnstein Austria a total of about 60 miles. We started the day in a dense fog with the temperature at 51 degrees. But after about 7 miles the fog had dissipated and the temperature began rising. The roads for the most part were excellent which allowed us to enjoy, once again, the scenic beauty of the Danube River valley. One notable aspect of today's ride is we saw many castles high above the river. I suggested they were toll castles like the ones in Germany along the Rhine but could find no reference to any in Austria along the Danube. However, they are spaced far enough apart at strategic locations that one could indeed infer they were toll castles. But I need to do more research to confirm that info. Anyway, another great day riding a bicycle across Europe.
                                              

                                            Our route along the Danube

                                                      Toll Castle?

                                                     Melk Abby

                                                   Grapes for winery-best in Austria

Day 26 of the EuroVelo6 riding a bicycle across Europe. Today we rode from Obermuhl to Ruprechtshofen Austria a total of about 54 miles. It was raining at our usual departure time so we delayed our start about an hour. But, after we got on the road, the early part of the ride was a continuation of yesterday's beautiful scenery along the Danube River valley in Austria. On a side note, speaking of Austria, I am announcing that Tom has never seen the Sound of Music. That's... right Tom, I'm ratting you out. Okay, back to the ride. The temperature at the beginning of today's journey was in the 50's and never got much higher than the low 60's. Not complaining, especially after all the heat we rode through in France and Germany. Plus, we had a very nice tailwind. Road surface for the entire ride was perfect. No rough gravel/rock to contend with. Again today, just like yesterday,the trail came to an abrupt end we waited for a ferry to advance us down the trail on the Danube River. I didn't mind and actually enjoyed the break. Linz was the largest city we rode through and we stopped to have lunch with our lovely wives. Now, some fun facts about Linz. First, it is the third largest city in Austria. Johannes Keppler the famous mathematician lived here and also the childhood home of .......wait for it.........Aldoph Hitler. (Google for more info) After lunch, to test our resolve, mother nature paid us a little visit with a smattering of rain. Good news is it didn't last long and didn't disrupt our biking. We arrived at our destination at about our usual time and had to carb load for tomorrow's ride.

                                                   Morning view from our window rainy

                                                         Me driving the boat.....Not!

                                                       City of Linz

                                                        The thinker

                                                 Wooden tub in our room-can actually use it.
                                                

Day 25 of the EuroVelo6 bicycle ride across Europe. Today's journey took us from Iggensbach Germany to Obermuhl Austria a total of 59 miles. Since the first of the month we began on the west coast of France, skirted Switzerland, crossed Germany and now it is our first day in Austria. The hills are alive with the Sound of Music.....la la la la. Doe a deer..a female deer.. ok, I'm off message. Since we began we have seen many fantastic sights both scenic and structural.... But, today's ride into and through Austria was special. With the temperature in the mid 60's and a favorable wind, perfect riding conditions prevailed. The ride was spectacular. Following the Danube River valley with mountains on both sides every turn presented a new optical treat. The trail we are following required us to take two ferries across the Danube to get to the nights destination. But it gave an added intrigue to the ride. Posting all the pictures taken today still would not give a complete description of today's adventure. But I will try my best with the photos taken. Another great day for riding a bicycle across Europe.

                                                           View of Danube from out trail

                                                 Bear attack

                                                        Ronni at cathedral in Passal

                                                    Second of two ferries