DAY 10 (MAY 11-FRI) MARBACH TO KREMS, AUSTRIA  (9:00 TO 6:30)

Armand up at 5:30–Sun was up–went downstairs at 7:00 to download pictures onto computer.  Our friends Tom & Leslie just finished the Southern Tier (Cal-Fl)-had blog w/wonderful pictures.  Told A that I write & his job to put pictures on blog.  Said his job was to read directions & get me to next motel–he has a very BIG responsibility.  Maybe pictures in Vienna when we have extra day–but A says we have lots of churches to see & clothes to wash.  Today was a climbing day because we listened to Jean’s plans.  4 k climb to see MARIA TAFERI-church w/fantastic view.  Want to know how they got all the supplies & people up here to build church.  Then more climbing to visit Arch Duke Ferdinand’s Castle/Museum w/church attached.  Lot of history-Ferd–loved to hunt (killed over 2,000 animals-some in US & Can) married someone on the unapproved list-had to promise that he nor heirs would be king–he & his wife were killed which lead to WWI. More climbing–can’t believe it–see a GOLF course & clay tennis courts.  Now  went back down to Danube trail to Melk see huge hill to Monastery–stop at gas station for Coke, chocolate cake, yesterdays Chips & ham & cheese sandwich–eat on bench outside gas station..  Climb hill-Jean is already there looking around.  Now we’ve met at all 3 places.  Look around-do not buy ticket because Jean didn’t.  Jean is crossing bridge like directions say-we bike on rt side-Wonderful shady-tree lined & flat.  Come to ferry & cross–bike up through towns & see MILLIONS & MILLIONS of grape vines on countryside & rows on mtside–all w/own sprinkler system.  Suppose to get free bottle of wine if we make it to this town by 5:00–we don’t drink but Armand wants to ship it back to our friends Erich & Marta.  I stop at church & see cemetery.  Church is closed &another couple from Canada are there–they just flew in today.  Told them I was impressed w/flowers at gravesites & how well they were maintained–said if they didn’t keep them up & continue tp pay-graves would be dug up & given to someone else.  Armand said I took so long at the cemetery we would not be on time to get Erich’s wine–Erich-it’s the thought that counts.  On to Krems–big town-not good directions-stop biker & ask for directions–he takes us to the hotel–Jean’s bag is still there.  Clean up–watch tennis, go to eat–find Asian restaurant–very good.  Get back to motel 8:30 & Jean is walking out the door to get dinner.  Have to hear about her day tomorrow when we eat breakfast.