Following The Danube

Today was a fabulous day on the bike as we started following the Danube towards Budapest Hungary. About one mile into our ride, we cycled past the head of the Danube shown above. Coming in from the lower left is the Breg River while the Brigach River is coming in from the upper left. It is the merger of these two rivers that creates the Danube River which flows out to the right of the frame. It will be interesting to contrast this humble beginning to the Danube to the Danube we see in Budapest at the end of the month.

The morning did not start out auspiciously. While we were eating breakfast, rain was coming down reasonably hard, lightning was flashing, and thunder crackling. Fortunately, the storm cell was moving fairly quickly. By delaying my departure by about 30 minutes, I was able to wait out the storm and start my ride in the cool temperature the rain left behind. The light had a wonderfully vibrant tone to it as I rode into the countryside.

It was not long before the sun started to make intermittent appearances.

While it was still generally overcast, the temperatures were deliciously cool especially after the heat we have been experiencing. The scenery was beautiful. I am not sure the exact nature of this memorial, but I found it striking.

Throughout the day, we were crossing from one side of the Danube to the other. On this particular crossing, we got to cycle through a covered bridge.

Most of the day we were cycling on a bike path. Sometimes it was paved as in this section as we approached this town.

Other times, we were cycling on well kept gravel paths or roads.

Here we crossed the Danube on a suspension bridge made for the bike path.

At various points, there were cliffs along one side or the other of the Danube. Here was a home built right at the top of one of the cliffs.

Here the bike path runs alongside another of the cliffs. This was one of those days when I found myself cycling along thinking about how incredibly lucky I am to be able to be here and experiencing this on my bike. I wouldn’t say that the views were breathtaking, but I found wonderful serenity enjoying the constant beauty.

Here is a lovely little church we passed as we cycled.

And here a larger church of a different style.

Shortly before the end of today’s ride we passed the Sigmaringen Castle. The origial castle was built in 1077, but was expanded and worked on over the next 840 years. Its current form was completed in 1908.

Tomorrow we continue our journey along the Danube 57 miles to Uln.