Grein to Melk. (Grain to milk? And there’s also a town called Krem)

 Sooner or later you’re going to get tired of endless old buildings and large expanses of water! I remain charmed by them, but that’s because I’m right amongst them. So today was 51 kms and the path was often more functional than beautiful. I was happy to chat to Jem whilst sitting on church steps in Ybbs, but couldn’t find coffee, so kept going and found the Dutchies on yet another bench, so had a picnic with them. At the next town there was a rustic cafe with an offering of some sort of river fish skewered on sticks over a fire. I settled for a Radler (a sort of shandy which is popular here). That was after I knocked a couple of bikes over by reversing my bike into them. People rushed to pick them up but I’m not sure who owned them. (Fun fact: Radler means a bike rider and was supposedly invented to quench their thirst)

Have just returned from a pretty excruciating cruise show…the international crew members did Thai and Indian dancing, bad singing…and finally, when the reception staff dressed as old German fraulein, and conversed at length ( in German) they finally lost the English contingent, who retired in haste! Top marks for effort though. (Halfway through the show the lounge emptied out as everyone headed up to the deck to smoke or vape! Amazing how common it is here)

Highlights…the town of Melk with its huge Benedictine monastery (still has some monks plus a huge school); a good dinner with Seamus having all the wait staff singing and bringing him a cake for his 60th; the wonderfully relaxing Balinese massage-bliss! As well as the ongoing treat of spinning along next to the Danube with no cares. I am truly fortunate to have this experience.

Tomorrow we cycle about 37 kms into Vienna, from a town called Tulln, whence the boat is headed right now. Will meet Geli and Ian at Nussdorf (the berthing place) for lunch.



With Irish women-Helena and Anne 

Blurry photo due to smoke…and possibly my poor photographic skills 




Found a good coffee in Melk but still not sure what to ask for. 

Melk Abbey 

Organ grinder



And the beast of today…a rabbit!










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