Eidelweiss, eidelweiss!

Today we woke up at 6 am in Austria!! Engelhartszell was the name of the town. We had a great buffet breakfast and we able to pack our own lunch from the buffet as well. It did start to rain while we were eating our breakfast so we thought we would be cycling in the rain, but it stopped just before we went out to claim our bikes. We had our bikes assigned, got our panniers and bike repair/locks and then we were off! Most people are biking on their own. There are people who have come in small groups and some couples on their own as well. Very quickly after setting off we had to use a ferry to cross over to the left bank of the Danube. At the small village of Au is where the well-known Danube Loop is situated. This is where the river loops back on itself. We continued on here to a small farm at Pumberger where we could purchase drinks. They were selling beer, schnapps and Most - which is a light wine made from the unfermented grapes (the grape must, as we call it) and mixed lightly with water. We had a glass of that (just to feel like an Austrian). After leaving there we had to cross on yet another ferry to continue on the right side of the Danube. The cycle path here mostly went in and out of the forested area. It was lovely, lush and green. We were able to stop for lunch at a spot along the riverbank where we could buy a coffee, beer or sandwiches. Our destination today was Aschach (km 47) where the boat docked to greet us back onboard. We then set sail for Vienna. The boat will sail overnight and we will begin our cycle tomorrow morning from the outskirts of Vienna. (77 km ride into Bratislava) The rain did not return today -- it was cool and we needed jackets and long cycling pants -- but we stayed dry! We had a briefing about tomorrow’s ride. It is a long ride but there is another shorter option with a train ride into Bratislava for those who don’t feel comfortable cycling that distance. We are very game to do the long distance and are looking forward to it. We will need to get an early start and hope the weather cooperates for such a long ride. Welcome cocktails tonight at 6:30 from the captain and crew followed by another 5 course dinner. Great menu options every evening. Slovakia tomorrow!