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.

Old Salzburg and Castle

Today we rode just a couple blocks from our stay at Mr. and Mrs. Wejwodas to the Salzach River and about 15 minutes into the Zentrum (downtown). Well labeled bike paths are everywhere with turn lanes and seperate roadways all their own. Almost as many cyclists as cars - the only way to travel downtown. We practiced along the river first for 30 min. or so then got up the nerve to venture into Zentrum. The old town was bustling with tourists by then - no cars - some horse drawn carriages and lots of cyclists. We locked our bikes in Motzart Square walked around a bit then went up to the Hohensalzburg Festung - aka the old castle. many levels inside with everything on many levels - everything from horse stables to sleeping quarters and kitchen, music room - torture room - armoury and bunker... Then we walked down the hard way steep slopes that switched back and forth to the bottom. A funicular had taken us up but we decided we could handle the downspout. Off to MacDonalds near the main square for a coffee then north along the river again for a few km before returning to "home" for a short rest. In the evening we plan to ride back into the Zentrum for a night time view of the lights and sights.
Sorry Mon but this was the closest we could get to a Rollex.

Old Salzburg and Castle

Sunday Worship in Austria

We attended a Baptist church today, Sunday, in Salzburg. A very busy and missions minded church. There was a baptism for 3 Afghan men and they were accepted into the church as well. Even though we could not sing the words of the songs, we could feel the heart beat of the congregation. Nor could we understand what the message was about or the baptism, but we could feel their passion for this ministry. We think the message was about The Shepherd and his flock. About 200 in attendance and the music and singing was very much like our home church--worship team, guitar, piano player with a strong lead voice and 2 ladies blending in harmony. We felt at home. We are next door now for lunch at a wonderful internet cafe.