Munich to Salzburg to Linz

After 2 full days of rest in Munich, most of which were spent relaxing in the biergartens and bierhalls, I headed east towards Salzburg. It took 2 days to get there, stopping half way at a camp site on a lake.

My neighbors at the campsite generously offered me a bier and some supper. We talked for a while, and spent breakfast together the next morning. This sort of kindness from my neighbors at campsites became a pretty common occurrence.

This was also the start of the most trying weather I have experienced so far. From Munich to Prague, I had about 8-10 of extraordinary heat. Some days it approached 40. 40 Celsius = 104 Fahrenheit 

But this had its benefits. Such as stopping at biergartens and breweries along the way to keep cool.

Both days on the way to Salzburg, I was able to look to my right or straight ahead and have a great view of the Alps. They were majestic!

The campsite in Salzburg was on a hill that gave me a great view of the city!

Salzburg:

Salzburg to Linz was 2 easy, but long days along the Salzach, Inn, and Danube  rivers.  The routes along the rivers were always longer than expected because the rivers are so meandering.

The second day was my 30th birthday. There was a lot to process with me turning 30. My first birthday out of the country... Being alone... Getting older... Luckily I had the ride to distract me, and it was so hot that all I was really thinking about was how much I hated the sun. Which I feel bad about, because I love the sun. So I think the time to reflect on turning 30 has come and gone.

About 60-70km into the ride, I came to the Danube river, which I would follow to Linz for 28km.  The route along the Danube is perhaps one of the most popular bike routes in Europe. And I immediately saw that it was like a bike touring highway. 

I stopped to treat myself to a birthday ice cream:

So good.

I arrived in Linz and found my way to my warm showers host, and finally had some shelter from the heat.

My hosts took me out for a walk that night and treated me to some more ice cream for my birthday!

It was a strange and wonderful birthday. But, I think from now on, I will prefer the company of my friends and family.

During the walk, my host suggested I stay a second night to avoid the heat, and to experience a little more of Linz.

In the morning, we rode our bikes to the Danube for a swim, and then I went for a walk to a museum.

In the morning of July 6, I left Linz to head north towards my next adventure: Czech Republic!