Wet and wandering

 Amazingly, after the heat of yesterday, the forecast for today was for consistent rain! Many people opted not to cycle and only the Dutch and the Kiwi (of the English-speaking contingent) decided to brave the weather. ( Jo asked me which items I wished I’d packed, but hadn’t. That would be the waterproof pants!)

I started off by cycling 4 kms in the opposite direction to our ultimate destination, to visit the Mauthausen concentration camp. I was in 2 minds about this but was so pleased I went. It was suitably bleak day to be there. There were memorials from many countries, restored barracks and an excellent museum covering every aspect of the camp’s history. I hadn’t realised how huge it was and how many smaller camps there were in the area. In the last couple of years of the war, inmates of those camps were sent to Mauthausen, causing even more extreme overcrowding and consequently, deaths. 90,000 out of 190,000 prisoners died.

There were so many school groups there, which I found interesting.









I was pleased to get back on the bike after that. And then the rain came down! Spent the next 20 kms riding as fast as I could in the hope of reaching a promised coffee kiosk, to change pants and warm up. Managed both and the rain stopped long enough for me to come upon the Dutchies enjoying their picnic and for us all to be in a celebratory mood about the lack of precipitation! I continued gaily- then it started to rain again and I took the wrong turning and rode 10 kms, only to land up almost back at the kiosk. I shouted “Grein?” at some passing Germans. They nodded, and I followed. 






Actually, it turned out to be special day-fairly solitary and adventurous, and after 58 kms I sailed into the beautiful medieval town of Grein. And the Princess was waiting!

After a stroll around the town I was back in time for coffee and cake on the boat, then nice hot shower and a celebratory Aperol Spritz, followed by another hilarious dinner with the 4 Oirish. I love their accents…and sense of humour.

And tomorrow I’ve booked in with one of the wait staff who does a side hustle in Balinese massage.

 Yay!







Culture in Grein!

I thought I should probably do the walk up to the castle but that thought was fleeting and the Aperol Spritz won!





Comments

  1. SallieJune 17, 2025 at 1:27 AM

    Lovely day out today with Charles. Sounds like you’re getting plenty of exercise đźš´‍♀️

    ReplyDelete
  2. JillJune 18, 2025 at 9:23 PM

    Sounds like a wonderful adventure despite the weather. Great pics sis.

    ReplyDelete
  3. WellparkJune 19, 2025 at 12:54 PM

    Great to follow your journey without having to cycle!

    ReplyDelete

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