Tag Archives: Germany

Tour de Donau Stage 1

 

Day

Saturday, 21 July 2018

Start

Passau, Germany

Destination

Engelhartszell, Austria

Distance Travelled

30km

Accommodation

Gasthaus Goldenes Schiff

Weather

Cloudy, drops of rain, warm – 25

Interesting Discoveries:

  • The Donau river temperature is not that cold – Mark checked this out!!
  • The Fahre (ferry) has a large bell that you ring for service if he is on the other side of the river.
  • Bike tubes are available in dispensers along the RADWEG (bike path)
  • There are many lizards and snakes found in the woods including the viper snake, the largest snake in Germany – luckily it did not cross our path.

Highlights:

Rain and thunderstorms were forecast  for the afternoon so we planned a short day 1 following the NORTH bank route passing the Bavarian forest and into Austria. The Donau (Danube) has cut  a path 300m deep through the mountain ridge. Most of the valley slopes are covered with mixed woods.

We were cruising for an easy first stage win today when our lead was almost sabotaged…..  by a peloton full of Australians!! Our route included a bike/pedestrian Fahre (ferry) crossing at the end of our journey to Engelhartszell. We were ready to board but the ferry captain said he had to wait for a large group of 40 riders that were 5 minutes behind us – The Australians!!…. We all piled on board, with our bikes going on last. This was OK as we were first off and hence will wear the yellow jersey tomorrow!! We enjoyed a chat on the crowded ferry and discovered some were from our home town of Melbourne/Templestowe — it is a small world!!

Our accommodation over looks the Donau River and the village is famous having Austria’s only Trappist monastery and of course a beautiful church.

Four countries in one day!

As we say goodbye to fantastic Croatia, we also say goodbye to the nice weather! Bruce is a wee bit confused today . . . . what country am I driving through now? In this corner of Europe with the borders so close by, we notch up 4 countries on one day!! Croatia, Slovenia, Austria and Germany! We have to pay for the privilege too with Vignettes for Slovenia and Austria. There are many tunnels here!

IMG_1310 IMG_1319 IMG_1344 IMG_1320

IMG_1346

Continue reading Four countries in one day!

MS Allegro . . . .Part II

Join us back on the cruising “Love Boat” . . . .MS Allegro!

IMG_7851

Wow! Look at these spectacular modern apartments jutting out over the Rhine as we depart Cologne!

IMG_7048 IMG_7049

I am glad we didn’t choose this Mobby Dick boat for our cruise!

IMG_7060

Continue reading MS Allegro . . . .Part II