River Rhine

Although we had picked up the bicycles last evening, we had to stop at the bike store for pump and repair kit and another lock.  Helmets for 3 euros a day when the bicycle is only 8?!  No thanks -picked up one for 14 euros at a department store.

North over the Mosel bridge and then onto the cycle path along the river.  Going downstream, the barges are just a bit faster than we leisure cyclists -- (on the way back with the tailwind for us, we beat them easily going upstream).  I am still delighted by the usage on the river -- personal craft to immensely long double barges laden with coal or containers.  And the bridges tell of different eras and technologies -- none go back to Julius Caesar, but there are many Roman ruins clearly visible.  One of my favourite bridges is the one in today's photo  -- a gorgeous new suspension span.

We prowled around Koblenz after we returned about 4 pm (about 40 km today).  Watching the cruise barges dock and jockey around each other is fascinating.  There was even a ship building works on one bank with the planking for launching on completion.  Solved the card reader problem on the computer and so I can now put in a teasing picture (so that you come to see all the photos).

For a second evening, we did the bread and cheese thing in our room, which is very modern and lovely.  We had eaten lunch out on the road and it was getting a bit cool to eat outside, which would be my preference.  Besides, the bread and cheese here are fabulous and the federweiss is available for take out (just remember to transport the unsealed bottle of fermenting grape juice standing up!).