Walenstadt to Wasserburg

Day 35 – Walenstadt – St Margarethe, 81kms

Last night when we arrived at the campground we noticed a storm warning system in the van park.  Lights flash orange to advise of extreme storms.  After a steamy afternoon (temperature wise) we noticed an arrange light flashing across the lake as the winds increased. 

A huge thunder and lightning show had us battering down and helping 3 young girls try to put up a tent they’d never seen before!  One was Swiss, but living in Sydney, so we think she was pleased to see some good Aussie spirit when we offered to assist!

The storm passed, but just as we started to pack up this morning the rain started again.

Today’s ride saw us back on the mighty Rhine River.  The headwaters are not nearly as impressive as the same river we followed last year on our ride. We rode through heavy rain again for 0.5 – 1 hr but with a tail wind and slight downhill it was better than heading the other way.

We rode through 3 countries today - Switzerland, Austria and Lichtenstein.  Some of the border crossings still exist and the cars stop at them even though they weren’t manned!  Phill went from Switzerland to Austria to buy some groceries and realised he didn’t have any ID with him – he had a few anxious moments before he realised he wouldn’t ride back through any check.

After 80k we decided to call it quits.  Soaking wet we called into a campsite to see if they had a cabin.  We ended up staying in the campground owner’s private cabin!  We think they took pity on us as we were Aussie and had come such a long way to stay with them.

The afternoon was spent reading, trying to dry our clothes and shoes, taking walks between showers etc.  We also managed to catch some of the Olympics on the TV.  News is few and far between when you can’t read any headlines, newspapers etc.  We rely on the computer for most of our news and even then we are often concerned about our battery life.

We have made use of various awning, carports etc in the last few days to try and keep dry.

Day 36 – St Margarethe – Wasserburg.  28kms

Not much rain overnight, but as we gathered our gear together the heavens opened.  Luckily we were still in the cabin, so decided to sit it out.  We headed out of Switzerland at about 8.30, then stopped for morning tea at Hard in Austria, where it rained again, then pushed on to Lindau in Germany. 

Lindau is a little “island” in Lake Constance, accessible via a small bridge.   We made a detour into there to have a look – very touristy, but a beautiful spot even on a rainy/overcast day.

We have made a decision to book into a hotel today – some repairs necessary to Steve’s bike and we’re not sure what the weather will do.