Au on the Danube

Already on the evening before, I met Monika and Berndt from Dresden. After a short chat, I am invited for a cup of black tea in the morning. So Monday (June 26, 2017) starts with a shared breakfast. The two of them come from a bike tour along the Enns and want to pedal further towards Vienna on the Danube.

I was occupied with Rango's paw during the night. It seems it's still too early for regular hiking trips over 10km. I have to explore alternative travel options again, I don't want to get used to a longer stay. On the Danube, the most obvious option seems to be a boat. I did some quick research and behold: there is a small inflatable boat with a load capacity of 168kg in Mauthausen's Obi store. When I arrived there, it turned out that I would have to order it. Only a smaller version is in stock, and I would probably need 3 of them (one for me, one for Rango, and one for the luggage). After thinking it over, I abandon the idea.

The information in Mauthausen is not very helpful either. Back in Au, I ask the receptionist at the campsite again, who refers me to an older sailor in the harbor. After a brief conversation, he sends me to the pub next door. Here, I end up at the regulars table in a friendly atmosphere and with a beer. After some back and forth, I actually find a suitable inflatable boat on the attic of the Pühringer family, for a small fee. When I first inflate it, some leaks become apparent, but they seem fixable. With my new means of transportation and matching repair kit, I make my way back to the campsite.