Oberegging to Maria Laach

In the morning we woke up, and after realising that we had 128kg of stuff we were carrying around(including the bikes) we decided we had to get rid of some stuff. Well, now I have an almost empty pannier and the funny thing is that I can hardly tell the difference:(

We headed off to Pöchlarn to have brekky and we managed to find ourselves a place which overlooked a supermarket. The food wasn't to bad but dad's egg was half cooked but it only cost €4.95 so it wasn't to bad. Dad and I had a few little races to Melk and we had to go around a small wooden bridge. I was going a bit too fast and when I broke my bike skidded/skud and may bike slipped from beneath me. I somehow managed to jump off the bike and still se the bike fall over. I was pretty pumped after that.

We got to Melk and went up to the Benedictine abbey and had a look around there. Dad will tell you more in his post.

We went back down had lunch and headed to our accomodation in Maria Laach. There was 12% hill and we climbed 800m for the whole day so it was a bit more difficult than riding along a river, but it makes the ride more interesting. 

Tomorrow we go to Tulln making a stop at Willendorf to have a look at a fertility goddess for Mum!!

Have a fun time, blogs will stop on Wednesday as that is when we leave Europe. Have a good time

-Lachlan

PAUL

We left some gear at last night hotel for others if they wanted it. No bad stuff, all serviceable. 

It was raining when we left but this soon awaited leaving the road wet but nothing from the sky. We got to the abbey and were greeted by Peter and Paul above the main entrance and they were feature throughout the premises. A very basic abbey but the library and church were impressive. The library was empty when I went in there. I took some photos although you weren't supposed to. The church had only 8 people when I went in and was able to read meanings and view the statues, frescos and decorations. After I left the front of the sanctuary and turned around 3 bus loads walked in and changed the atmosphere. 

We soon left and went to the gift shop and bought some abbey alcohol. All the herbs were squeezed by blind monks. (The Scott's know!) sat night Kristy. 

The ride up the hill was good. The legs were ready for it!

Stay safe, we are!

Bike path with stairs?

How to get cyclists to visit your treasures. Lockers and bike stands 

Stift Melk (Melk Abbey) Peter and Paul 

The first Benedictine rule, HEAR

The symbol of the pilgrim. 

The C13 breviary. 

The high altar. 

Goodbye old friend. Left in the locker for someone else.