No internet connection for last 2 days

We left Vienna yesterday and stayed overnight nearby then on the move today - on the autobahn - free internet - limited time though. We are somewhere west of Innsbruck austria looking for a zimmer. headed back across austria to switzerland and meet M&P near Interlaken on Thurs.

More later

On the trail again.

Biked for almost 40km today along the Danube River - some places right beside the river and more often inland. What a picturesque part of the world. Little old towns with streets so narrow we had to stop to let other bikers pass in the opposite direction - coarse there were lots of bikers. Past vineyards terraced high up the mountain sides on both sides - it was hard to stay on the trail. The wineries have little colorful ribbons and wreaths along the trial where one may stop and taste their variety. Not that we stopped all that much :--) but it is amazing the small patches of hillside where they have planted vineyards. The folks along the trail often have little fruit stands out close offering the riders cherries or walnuts or berries and little cafes take advantage of the passers by. No cars on the trail - only in towns a few places. Of coarse each town has a very old church that is usually on a hill overlooking the rest the town. And many places along the route were visible still working castles and some in various stages of collapse - high up on strategic points usually overlooking the river. We had planned to get to our destination at Krems in time to catch the ferry cruise home but we arrived in about 3 hours so had 2 1/2 hours to fill in at Krems before the boat left for back home at 3:45. Record time eh?? It helped that it was downhill most of the way - we had planned it that way. It took as long if not longer to make the return trip by ferry cruise boat as it did to bike going there.

On the trail again.

June 10 pictures

Blue Danube

Left Salzburg about 9am today and headed east toward Vienna. Took the autobahn about half way then back roads the rest. Staying at a nice Zimmer (2 nights) #00 43 664 738 12456 - half way between Melk and Krems along the Danube River and plan to bike into Krems 15 km tomorrow if weather permits. It is totally different bike trails here mostly away from the river but through little towns along the way. Not as many bicycles but the ones that are here are serious cross-country bikers. But we plod along enjoying the scenery - flowers, hay fields, apple orchards and vineyards but it gets better they say - will see tomorrow hopefully.
Our little Reanault Twingo 5 speed diesel is the greatest. Said goodbye this am to Helmut and Marietta and grand-daughter Moira in Salzburg. FYI Marietta is a Canadian from Saskatchewan, married Helmut an Austrian from Vienna. They met while she was here 38 years ago as a missionary with Canadian Bible Mission. She was a Mennonite - Jansen. We stayed in their apartment downtown. Theirs is second floor with the 2 awnings open on bottom right.

Aufwiedersahen to Salzburg

It does not seem possible that we have been in Salzburg for one week already. It is such a fascinating city - we have grown to love it in such a short time. Twill be hard to say goodbye tomorrow. Helmut and Marietta have been such gracious hosts - it will be hard to say goodgye to them as well. We have had some great "talks" and will miss their kind hospitality.
Today we took it more slowly - figured after yesterday we had better slow down a bit before moving on. We visited Mirabel Gardens today just across the river from the old castle. Jean was in her glory with all the flowers in bloom. It brought back some memories when our family would visit the Niagara Horticultural School in the Falls. We did some laundry the old fashioned way then headed south by bicycle about 4km to a park with lots of activity and lots of trails. Back to a mall near here for supper then rode back downtown for the last time to sit and watch the people walking and biking along the river. Headed east tomorrow toward Vienna. See ya later

Sorebuttsimsalzburg

Boy are we pooped - 51km today on bicycle along the Salzach River from here to Oberndorf, the site of the singing of Silent Night for the first time in 1818. A priest and his assistant composed the tune - one had written the poem/words years earlier and the rest is history. We biked all along the river sometimes right alongside and sometimes in through little towns. A very enjoyable trip to say the least. Just had to hum the tune inside this little chapel.
Had several "angels" meet us today along the way. We were standing beside a couple signs but couldn't figure out which way to go. When the marked trail disappeared and we asked several times how to get back on it one man on a John Deere lawn tractor stopped his tractor and after giving us directions previously he came back to where we were standing and uttered an deep gutteral sound, got off the tractor , walked up to the sign and cranked it 180 degrees around then smiled and waved and we understood why we could not find our way before.
Another shirtless man in shorts on his bicycle, when asked "Salzburg??" smiled and pointed to "Salzach" then motioned to the left. All this through the woods on a farmers gravel trail. He followed us all the way back into Salzburg and we waved goodbye. Off tonight to walk the 5 blocks back into Zentrum to see the lights at night.
We figure we will stay here in Salzburg - Ed, just sell the lawnmower and send the money. We found this great little shack along the river - only 15 km into town and very quiet.