Austria

Austria - our only foray into the "west" - was immediately notable for its immaculate houses and gardens, spotless lodgings and impossibly courteous drivers. At times we even had to encourage cars to overtake us! There were many cycle tourists, some in supported groups, on our route which was largely on a dedicated path. The weather was starting to cool and it was no longer 38 degrees in Vienna. The Danube was even starting to look a lighter shade of brown so we took the opportunity to cool down on a pebbly beach one evening.

Excellent signage

With only four days in Austria (and not really planning to go there) there was little chance to learn German. Instead we amused ourselves by finding funny place names on the map like Windpassing, Badgasse and Lusthaus.

The route followed a dyke along the Danube which was quite monotonous until we got lost on a long and heavily populated stretch of nudist beach just out of Vienna. Not knowing which way to go (or look) Roger approached a nudist-cafe and some friendly gents pointed us in the right direction. Even though there was only one dedicated nudist beach it was generally acceptable to be nude anywhere within view of water be it the Danube, a pond or whatever.

Horses and cart, Viennese style

North of Vienna we were glad to find a campground to ease the strain on our budget. This time all the swimming spots were taken and there was a water park with loud electronic music focused around a murky pond-like Danube offshoot. After this we left the Danube and spent two days cycling through hills of vineyards and fields of corn and wheat to the Czech border. We were lucky to have a day of strong tailwind to propel us because even though rolling hills look benign it is more tiring to go up and down relatively small hills than to do a single big uphill. Some rain clouds threatened, reminding us that we hadn't had any serious rain - that interferes with cycling - for weeks.

Note the tail wind!

Even the electricity towers were picturesque in Austria

Windfarms were a frequent sight


Luisa and view to the Czech Republic