A customs crisis

It rained overnight but had eased when we made our way to breakfast.  We were chatting to an Englishman who was cycling to Istanbul, doing round 100kms a day, when I received a message from Melinda, our Airbnb host in Budapest, who had agreed to accept delivery of a box containing our bike bags and excess clothes.  Graham had posted the box over a week ago, and Melinda’s son had refused to accept delivery as there was an unexpected customs fee of around $40 AUD.

Melinda urgently requested the shipping id to avoid the box being returned to England.  Our first effort to provide information didn’t include the information she needed, which turned out to be the postage id.  Fortunately, Graham was quick to provide the required information and we thought the matter was resolved.  Then Melinda messaged again to advise that a friend of her husband worked in the post office air cargo department.  Her husband had called him for help and he arranged to return the package from the airport at the last minute.  It should be with Melinda in the next few days.  A big relief!!

It was cool as we departed along the path that ran beside the rive with lovely views.  There was no wind and the riding was very pleasant after the last few hot, sunny days.  Burg Neuhaus was on the distant hill as we approached Aschach an der Donau, and our planned stop for morning tea.  

It started to drizzle so we positioned ourselves near a covered bus stop, which also happened to be next to a vending machine dispensing bike tubes.  The rain didn’t eventuate, and we enjoyed our morning tea pastries with views of the river.

The path continued along the river, with expansive views.  It was easy riding and we made good time, stopping occasionally for a bum break. We could see Ottensheim castle as we approached the ferry, which was boarding as we reached the dock.  There was plenty of room for bikes as no cars were crossing.  This time we experienced the simplicity of the reaction ferry, with the motor just needed for docking.  

We detoured into the centre of Ottensheim for a quick toilet visit.  Some of the e-bikers from the ferry powered up the hill ahead of us, but G kept up with them, whilst Si and I took our time.  We found a table near the river for lunch, with a handy shelter nearby should the threatening rain eventuate.  Again we stayed dry and continued on towards Linz, the third largest city in Austria after Vienna and Salzburg.  After a few kilometres of cycling along a path adjacent to the highway, we turned off onto quieter roads and soon approached the Nibelungenbrucke that would take us into the city centre.  We made a quick detour for dinner supplies before heading to our Airbnb accommodation. 

Fortunately, it was only a short walk into Hauptplatz where we caught the historic tram up to Postlingberg, climbing the steepest adhesion railway in Europe.  An adhesion railway relies on the friction between the train wheels and the rails for propulsion.  At times it was very steep.  

At the mountain station, we disembarked and walked to the lookout, which offered stunning views over Linz.  We continued up to the basilica, Our Lady of Seven Sorrows, built in the 18th century, and remains an important pilgrimage site.  

Whilst waiting for the return tram, we explored some of the old fortifications before making the 20-minute trip back to the city centre.  Back at Hauptplatz, the main square of Linz, we admired the 20-metre high white-marble column, dedicated to the Holy Trinity.  We went in search of the famous Linzer torte, but unfortunately could only buy it in a commemorative tin, which wasn’t practical so we thought we would find a slice tomorrow.  After a quick detour via the old Cathedral, we returned to our accommodation for dinner.

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