Donnaueschingen - The descent of the Donau (Danube) begins

 

Hi all,  It has been just one month since we left Amsterdam and 1555 kms later we have become river junkies.  We rode the misty Mosel, the busy Rhine and the beautiful Neckar River from Mannehiem to its source, Schwenningen.  We then rode the 15 kms to the source of the Danube

Each river had its own magic but the Neckar was truly incredible.  Word association with the word Neckar takes me to Nectar, to honey, to sunshine, to greenery, to peace, to beauty and as we followed the river from where it joined the Rhine, to the small stream it becomes at it source, the beauty of the area just kept us spellbound.  Each day K said "I think that was the best day yet".  I hope the photos do it some justice.  On the way we met some really interesting people and have become enamored of the German country people.  They are very engaging, jovial, helpful and kind.  So many people here do bicyle trips for their holidays that everyone thinks that we are one of them.  They come up to us and engage on the flimsiest of excuses simply because the want to express the mutual enjoyment of the bike trip, scenery, or share their experiences, and on life in general...we have been very impressed and feel very at home here.

A typical view of the Mosel River.  We had quite a bit of rain/drizzle but it didn't deter from our enjoyment of this lazy laid back river

 Keith beside the Mosel with a Castle in the background.  It got to the stage when we hit the Rhine that it seemed like, another 30 minutes, another castle.  Keith postulated that was a 30 minute castle rate on the Rhine......

 This statue of Kaiser Whillem (I think?? ) dominates the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel Rivers in Koblenz.

 Resting along the Rhine, a very busy river with barges (though none in the picture!!)

 Cycling down the Rhine, in particular, we came across numerous cyclists with trailers in which they were transporting their best friend.  A new take on taking the dog out for exercise.

 A view over the Rhine from our balcony.  We arrived at this hotel wet to the skin and the manager very kindly put all our drenched clothes and shoes in the boiler room where we put warm dry shoes and clothes on to start again the next day.  The weather pattern seemed to be consistent down the Mosel and the Rhine.  Sunshine in the early morning, clouds building, rain early and mid afternoon then sunshine in the evening.  The good thing about getting drenched is it makes you appreciate a warm dry room.

Riding along the rivers we are privledged to see the allotments.  Garden plots that the citizens tend and nuture.  On the weekends the whole family is there, kids playing and running free while Mum and Dad get their hands in the earth.  Most plots have small shacks for tools, tables and chairs etc - a mini camping spot.

Each afternoon, as our energy flags we stop for coffee and cake - gives us the power for the final hour or sos ride. As you can see the cakes in Germany do provide plenty of energy for bikers.  This photo was taken between Mannehiem and Heidelberg along the Neckar River.

 Overlooking Heidelberg - a great small city, full of history and good vibes.

 Stuttgart - The Mercedes Benz Museum - I love the comparison between this super modern achitecture and the traditional German village (see below)

 Market day in Tubingen - an historic village/town on the Neckar

The beginning of the weekend summer festival in Rottenberg (yes Rottenberg) where we spent two nights enjoying the long evenings.

The last few days in the Neckar Valley getting closer to the source, wide quiet roads, distant hills and fields of grain.

 A town along the Neckar.

 Getting close to the source, a covered bridge on the Neckar, very reminiscent of Wisconsin and the film Bridges of Madison County.

 On the ride into Schwinnegen and the Neckar veiwed from the bike path.  This is getting quite close to the river source.