Day 18 Melk to Vienna (with bits of Day 17)

 km ( miles) - 2 days,  total

Yesterday, Sunday, met with Tom again late morning and we cycled together the rest of the day. Austria is mostly closed on a Sunday. Light rain all day. This area is known for its pear products (Perry and Schnapps in particular). Stopped at a nice cafe and had excellent Perry and a local specialty consisting of cake floating in weapons-grade pear liqueur. I’m ridiculously ahead of schedule but there is little point slowing down. Tom in the same boat. Speaking of which, crossed the Danube on another small ferry with a friendly man in full local dress! Given the weather, and forecast, we decided to press on and share rooms for the next three evenings. This will give Tom a full day to explore Vienna. Finished the day in Melk which is a mandatory stop for the Danube cruise boats. Very pretty, great choice of restaurants (even on a Sunday), and a nice Zimmer for the rainy night. 

Lovely days cycling although tiring at the end. Reached Vienna. Ruse started in rain but the day improved steadily until bright sunshine by early afternoon.  Really nice ride, foyer through gorges. Stopped several times for excellent refreshment. Valley sides for a substantial period terraced with grapes vines. Tom good company. 

Day 17 Pretty Pictures

Day 18 pictures