We discover that it was Gretis birthday yesterday and it is mine tomorrow, so an impromptu party develops with the extended family. We start around an open fire in their cherry orchard, then move to Monica's courtyard where much wine and her homemade liquors are consumed by candlelight. We sing Beatles songs, and at midnight I am sung happy birthday in 2 languages! A perfect evening.
Greti and Peter send us off next day with a fine breakfast, and a packed lunch. We head generally east to return to the Donau, taking in the sumptuous St Florian Abbey en route. Looking south are clear views of the imposing Alps. The Wachau valley is famous for the steep vineyards and the towns have increasingly grand castles and monasteries. There are lots of walnut trees and apricot orchards. Near MELK is a modern nuclear power station, that was built not long before an Austrian referendum rejected the use of nuclear power, so it is redundant!
We are surprised to find that smoking is still allowed in bars and restaurants - it seems that Austria has not enacted the strict anti-smoking laws of other EU countries.
We have crossed a good number of wooden bridges spanning the tributaries feeding the main river. This one pictured is reputed to be the longest one in northern Europe.
We are now at TULLN, a half day's ride from Vienna.
GPS missing some bits again, but our route followed the thin red line at these times. Miles to date 1,763
Location:RUTZING to
