Day 23. Sept 21.

Herzogenburg to Vienna.

Distance: 84 km.

Time: 3hrs 50 min.

Speed: 21.4 km/hr.

Distance on total: 2674 km.q

AHR: 111 beats/min

Feet climbed today: 451 ft.

Total climbed: 47,119 ft

Punctures: 1

Weather: Clear and dry and warm all day. Wind from the south-west was helpful most of the time.

Rose at 6am and checked outside as the forecast mentioned rain in the early afternoon. All looked fine with a fresh helpful breeze blowing.

In Cleverhotel, an extensive breakfast buffet was available including boiled eggs done to your own requirement. I took on plenty of fuel and, as usual prepared a few rolls for lunch. Cleverhotel was very very satisfactory for my purpose; although not a likely destination for a honeymoon.

I had a 12 km journey back to the shores of the Danube with that fresh breeze in my back. Glorious.

Met the river at a busy marina, turned right and ghosted along at 25+ km/hr with the path to myself. The Rosa Bella was moving downstream at a more leisurely pace in the early morning sunshine.

I passed by a mighty never-completed nuclear plant with a story-book inn directly beneath. A clash.

Shortly afterwards, at Zwentendorf, just off the path, I heard the bells ring and noticed some people around the church door. Seizing the opportunity, I said I’d take in Mass. One of the ushers outside said that it was a special Mass, it was Erntedankfest Mass, a Harvest Thanksgiving Mass.

Immediately, the band led the parade around the corner followed by a tractor bearing symbols of the harvest and then the local people, young and old, proudly in their Lower Austrian traditional dress (as if they had just stepped out of a Sound of Music set) and then the bishop.

I entered the church with the congregation (the only one not in finery) and the first part of the Mass (all in German) was lost on me. During the bishop’s sermon I rested my eyes for periods.

It was quite clearly a mass of thanksgiving and it suited my sentiments exactly. Serendipity that I should have happened on it. While they thanked for the fruits of the harvest, I thanked for a safe journey with no troubles and mishaps. After the Mass outside I spoke to the bishop for a while informing him of my journey. I noticed that sunflowers and maize were central in the harvest arrangements.

Shortly after that, I missed a turn going into Tulin and lost time (or rather put on extra kilometres) Tulin is famous for its garden (which I didn’t visit) but the Rathaus Platz had its own floral show.

Vienna was now appearing on the cycle signposts...just about 30 km to go. I thought I could see it downstream. I thought that I could hear the strains of Strauss. ( I didn’t see any great evidence of BLUE Danube. It’s not a colour I'd associate with it. Must be another explanation.)

Finally, I spotted the top of the revolving telecommunications tower out to my left, and then the Vienna woods on my right. Navigation was easy now....just follow the cyclists.

At the iconic decorative chimney of the waste incineration plant, the path veered onto the Danube Canal that cuts through the city.

At Marienbrucke, I came up from the cycle-path and headed up Rotenturmstrasse. This led me to the heart of the city in Stefanplatz, where the jarvies were setting off with their tourist groups.

I stopped, stared up and reminded myself that I’d completed the journey. I’d made it. A feeling of satisfaction is an understatement. Another one done.

It didn’t take too long to locate my hotel, Now I’ll have two consecutive nights in the same bed. I didn’t have that luxury for a while.

After a quick shower, I set out to locate an Irish Pub to see the All-Ireland. Arrived at Flanagans just as the second half was about to start. A good number of Irish there in their colours. Support was mixed for both sides, but all agreed that it wasn’t an epic. Still, it was a chance to relax and relish a pint.

So, tomorrow is a non-cycling day but still things to be done to arrange for getting the bike back home. Worry about that tomorrow.

Thank God for the health and for the energy.