Day 14- Bolderhof to Ehingan - 147 kms

10 Jun

After an “interesting” night at the accommodation at the farm where we shared the big room with a family on a farm holiday we awoke at about 5.30 am and were on the road by about 6.15 am. Don’t know what the kids thought about sharing a room with a couple of 67 year olds with one who snores (that’s me!!!). Anyway we managed to change and pack without waking the family....

It was a cool start at about 8 degrees with clear skies and as the day wore on it became warm rust about 15 then we had a few drops of rain as the ride ended

Our first stop was alongside Lake Constance which is a leek on the Rhine. It was in a town called Radolfzell which is quite large... and do you think we could find a cafe that was open???? No we had to settle for the cafe at the station which was ok but I had visions of having coffee and pastry looking out over Lake Constance.... no such luck as we huddled in the cafe at the station!!!

After breakfast it was time to leave the Rhine and head for the country as we traversed to the Danube or Donau. The firt part of the traverse was ok though some rolling hills which was ok to lunch which we had at Stockach. There we shared a pizza at the Lebanese cafe which was the only eatery open!

It was prior to lunch that I discovered my rear vision mirror and rear tail light had fallen off the bike... bugger really as I now have to find a bike shop to get replacements

After lunch we had a 5 km flatis ride until we had an 800 metre climb with the gradient being at 18pc in some stretches. I must admit I walked my bigot about 50 metres whiowas disapointing but I was keen to save my legs for the longer day ahead

After the climb it was back to rolling hills again with a general to be down hill towards the Danube

We reached the Danube at Krauchenweis.... the river here is probably no wider than the Yarra in Melbourne up near Dight’s Falls and the locals advised that it becomes “bigger” later when several tributaries join

At this point the weather looked a bit more threatening so we donned jackets as there were a few drops

The wind was favourable and at our backs which made for easy and faster travel

The counter passed through was open fields on crops .... wheat and corn etc

As our water was getting low we stopped at Rottenacker ( funny name that!!) and asked a local resident for water and they kindly obliged

The last 30 kms or so was alongside the Danube in to Ehingan where we are staying

We arrived at about 5.15 pm after 7 and a half hours on the road. We both said we were not completely tired after what was one of our longest rides. Having said that... we were looking forward to a shower and a rest for the night at the Sternplatz hotel which is very comfortable

We even managed to talk to the staff about doing our washing and drying for a small fee!

As I write this note the church bells are going off with a lound noise ... we have noticed that the bells chime at funny times and not on the hour etc

Anyway today was a good ride and we clocked up the 1000 km mark which is a significant milestone

Now for the photos....

A pretty village called Stein am Rhine ... very old buildings beautifully maintained