Cheese and Biscuits by the Danube River in Austria

Monday afternoon saw us sitting by the banks of the Danube River at the Terrassen Camping ground, between Linz in Austria and Passau in Germany. The photo is taken from our van looking towards the river.

We were enjoying our cheese and biscuits before dinner as the sun sunk behind the mountains to the west. There was also a glass of 2009 Spatlese Rheinhessen (a German white wine) for Gary and a glass of Orange juice for Dorothy. Whilst we were enjoying our before dinner snack, a working cargo carrying boat passed on its way upriver, flying the German flag so seemingly going home. Later in the evening a large tourist boat went past down river, very quietly, the first of four we saw that evening. The passing of the tourist boats with all lights on was quite impressive after dark.

Monday was a day of shopping to refill the larder and exchanging money to do the shopping. We then visited Melk Township and journeyed along road numbers 3, 129 and 130 following the Danube (Donau in German) river through Linz and towards Passau in Germany. The Czech Republic is not far away also, just over the hills.

Sunday saw us motor out of Vienna towards the Wachau district of Austria, between Krems and Melk. This is reputably the best viewing area of the Donau with pretty villages and ruined castles at every turn. Being Sunday afternoon, it seemed like half of Vienna had decided to go to the Wachu district for lunch. Traffic was very heavy on the narrow road number 3. Most of the tourist boats on the Donau do not appear to start until 15^th April or Easter, so we did not take a boat trip. We did however visit Melk Stift or monastery, set high on a promontory above the town of Melk and overlooking the river. Quite impressive inside, especially the library for Dorothy and the ornate restoration of the monastery church. This church is still in use, there being prayers every day at noon. The views up and down river from the balcony between the church and library are quite impressive. The town of Melk itself has its own church, separate to the monastery, we saw it on Monday when looking at the town.

Happy birthday to Sarah Jane for Monday and also to Georgina Janet (who would have been 93 on  Monday)

Sent from Innsbruck (Austria) camping ground after arrival on Tuesday afternoon