Operation Gummiboot - our first day on the Danube

After patching 4 holes the night before, we go to the port master on Tuesday (27th June 2017) morning. There I am allowed to use a compressor to inflate the rubber boat. I find 3 more leaks that need to be glued. Around noon, I start loading our new vehicle and improvise a sunshade for Rango with the help of Max (sailor from the previous day). Max also provides me with valuable small tools, including a straw hat, a sponge, and a small bottle to pee in... The man has been sailing on the Danube for years and will know what matters!

Around half past one, it's time to set sail and leave the safe harbor of Au. The sunshade only lasts for a short time, as the Dicke (Rango) just can't sit still. Otherwise, the rubber boat is easy to drive and Rango seems to be quite happy with the new mode of transportation. After about two hours and 10 km on the river, we reach the Wallsee-Mitterkirchen power plant. Thanks to Max's description, I can confidently navigate to the boat transfer facility for motorboats. After the boat and luggage are carried to an old arm of the Danube, the sky darkens. I decide to set up the tent cover with poles over the boat and let the storm pass before we set sail again.

After about an hour, the worst seems to be over and we can continue (after the boat has had some fresh air). The tent cover fits so well that it stays fixed to the boat with 4 short ropes and also protects from rain and sun on the water. After another 10 km, it's the end of the day and I dock at the shore of a small island shortly after the Naarn River flows into the Danube. Rango even comes for a swim in the river without being prompted. Maybe the two will become friends after all, the Dicke and the water...