We're in Austria - Where are the von Trapps?

3/7/12

Not many photos today, just riding. Sorry.

OK, we slept in, then it was a mad rush to get packed and onto the bike by checkout time. It’s interesting over here. The hotel staff are more than happy to do whatever they can for you and help you out in any way possible, but don’t check out late. There is NO leeway. If you check out late, even by five minutes, you will be charged for another night. It was made very clear to us, even though we don’t speak German, that we had to be out of the room by ten o'clock. We climbed on the bike at about eleven, so the back roads idea went out the window and with about 750 kilometres to cover, and the fact that it was raining, we opted for the Motorway. It really is a VERY fast way to cover ground when you have too.

We made a few fuel and food stops on the way and after about 550 kilometres we stopped for a break. I asked Suzanne if she wanted to go on or call it quits for the day. We were just over the German border in Austria very near Salzburg and if we pushed on another 200 km we could make Portschach not long after seven. We stayed. Suzanne was ready for a rest and my backside and the BMW seat don't like each other very much. It's hard to comprehend that BMW can build such a great bike, but can't make a seat that is comfortable for more that about 100Km. It's not just me, everyone says the same thing.

We tried to check into the hotel but it was fully booked. The girl at reception offered us the “Wellness Room”. They could make up a couple of beds on the lounges for us. Cost? About twenty Euros each. Suzanne went up to check out the room, and a few minutes later we were booked in. The wellness centre is part of the gym. It consisted of a couple of large rooms, one with four fold flat lounges (our beds), another with two saunas, a large bathroom with two showers, and it had a huge balcony. It was fantastic and I had one of the best night’s sleep I’ve had in years. Score!

Sunset view from our wellness room window. I didn't know at the time, but hidden behind those clouds are some very big hills. So big in fact, that should have another name. What's that Suzanne, they're called mountains? What the hell is a mountain. I was about to find out.

It's not much of a photo but apparently this mountain is the exact polar opposite to Ayers Rock or Ularu. Start digging.

Another thing I like is that you can buy postcards everywhere that say "There are no kangaroos in Austria". Apparently a lot of tourists from a particularly large, English speaking county ask where they can see some kangaroos when the arrive here. Chuckle, chuckle. I want a sticker for my bike but haven't found one yet.

Where's Rex's Buff?

The Buff is having a great time and getting lots of attention. This is Zee, a truly crazy American painty person. Nice meeting you Zee.