Wednesday, May 21: Konstanz - Lindau, Germany: Crossing the Bodensee by ferry then riding along the vineyards
WHAT a stunning ride today. I had read that the northern side of the Bodensee was worth a ride... and were they right!
Vineyards everywhere. An unbelievable number of cyclists, and apparently this is low season, so I cannot imagine what the bike paths must be like when that busy. As it was I had to really pay attention to my rear-view mirrors in case someone was overtaking or trying to get past.
My hostel did not open til 3 pm so I stored my panniers and headed to the island section of town. Rather touristy, but still nice. I had a vendor snack of wurst and fries then a dark weissbier. That was followed by a walk around the pathway that circles the island. Views across the Bodensee of Switzerland and Austria, including snow-capped Alps in the distance.
All in all, a great day, and though it physically hurt to ride, it was much better than I expected. I am not sure about tomorrow's ride. Some routes show as 55 km and others as 70 km with tough climbs. Please pray for me that day three strength gets me over any tough climbs. It seems the Bodensee-Konigsee bike route is longer and tougher. Yikes!
1908h Update: It is getting quite windy, though still clear. Some change on its way?
Descending to the Bodensee to catch the ferry across.
It is so nice in Europe that the restaurants can place their tables and chairs outdoors. No mosquitoes. Vandals or thieves don't seem to bother them. And everyone seems happy.
The first thing that I noticed on the other side (that is, facing the sunshine) were the endless vineyards. Right from this pier and all along to Lindau the hills were blanketed right to the top with grape-bearing trees.
Approaching Lindau there was a resort-ish kind of place so I stopped for a snack and enjoyed the views across the lakes to the Swiss and Austrian Alps. This is the corner of the lake where Austria, Switzerland and Germany meet.
