Day Thirty-One

12/06/25 - Day Thirty-One

Another solid day in the saddle - give it one more day I’ll be fully recovered from my sickness. Appetite still lacking a tiny bit, but apart from that I’m good. As I drifted off last night I was startled by a light and someone walking right next to my tent, luckily they didn’t stop and I heard nothing more.

I woke at 5:30 since I needed the toilet and caught the delicious sunrise. I went back to sleep however, and rose in earnest at 6:30. I took a leisurely breakfast soaking in the morning rays, boiling a coffee and sitting with the tranquility. After dropping the kids off at the pool, I set sail. Grinding out tough miles into a strong headwind until I arrived into a village with a shop. Buying lunch and glugging down some choccy milk, I was ready to continue on.

The headwind had not abated, and I soon grew weary of it, letting it get the better of me. I cursed and shouted it, but it would not yield. Head down, I must press on. I took partial shelter at Ybbs, where I lunched in the town square. My mood improved when I reach the town of Melk, the impressive abbey coinciding with a drop in the headwind. I found a bridge made from roughly chiseled stone and played around for a while climbing on it. Then, just round the corner, I came to a beach.

Not wanting to miss the opportunity for a swim, I waded in all the way in. I then read my book while I dried in the sun. Reluctantly dragging myself away, I pressed on once more. The headwinds were back, but I was as distracted by the beauty of the landscape I was passing through in the golden hour light. The temperature was perfect, and the steep treed hills on either bank were broken up by dramatic rock faces and cliffs. Not the most exciting day, but a good day, that went and got better. The best camping spot of the trip so far, and a beaver or an otter spotted!

 

Not quite sure why I look so miserable!

 

The sun is starting to pack some punch, even at an early hour

 

The Abbey at Melk!

 

 

Cute and quiet lanes in a wine growing region

 

Golden hour vines are nice
Mmmm yehhhhhhh
Best camp spot of the trip! “Concerning hobbits” - the only tune for the job!

 

And no men hiding in bushes tonight…

 

 


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