Donau Walzer: Wachau tal und Dürnstein

We had only spent only a half day at Melk, so in the afternoon, we cast off for Dürnstein. We cruised up the Wachau valley, which is dotted on both sides by ancient castles and churches. I live on a river myself and am fascinated by life on a river. So, the next ten photos are of those things. Note the small children on the beach and the fisherman as well. On the 11th photo we can see the blue tower of the Baroque Dürnstein Abbey. The medieval castle, Burgruine Dürnstein, is actually visable in the 10th photo. This is where King Richard I Lionheart of England was held captive by Duke Leopold V of Austria after their dispute during the Third Crusade. There are around 8 photos of the Abbey tower and town.

This was the first chance I had to see the crew mooring the ship and took some photos and I realize that this part will only be of interest to the boat afficiandos out there. The captain looks on as a mate brings the ship in to the docking space. A closeup of the controls. A crew member waits to toss the line. The ashore crew waits to retrieve the line. The line is tossed! The ashore crew heads to pick up the line. He's got it! He clears a branch out of the way. The line is pulled up onto shore, and landed. Same thing. The line is pulled over to the halburk. Another crewmember takes a second line to the other halburk. The boat is secure! Most of the operational crew on the ship, are from Hungary.

 Next time, we explore the tiny town of Dürnstein!