Fast forward … medical test in London (good result – we count our blessings), graduation ceremony in Liverpool, train travel to Spain (crossing the Pyrenees) to visit Chris’s mum for a week in Spain, together with the kids and their wives, train travel back to Vienna (crossing the Ahlberg Pass in the Alps) to pick up the bike.

But first, million thanks to Kathi and Wolfi for looking after Tekel whilst we were away, for getting her serviced, and keeping her Match Fit by taking her on a long ride along the Danube:

Now we are on our way home like this:

• Train from Vienna to Regensburg
• Danube cycle path from Regensburg to Kelheim
• Danube-Main canal from Kelheim to Bamberg (about 170km)
• River Main from Bamberg to Mainz (about 400km)
• River Rhine from Mainz to Hook of Holland (about 680km)
• … and then to London

(although if the news from the UK continues to get worse then …)

We are planning to be back in early/mid-September. Chris and I have been discussing whether to do the blog again. On the one hand, people have left lots of nice comments and been engaged with our travels. On the other hand, it was quite time-consuming not just writing the blog but especially finding wifi, RUNNING OUT OF DATA ALLOWANCE, and getting the connection working. In addition, I’ve been offered an exciting volunteering opportunity at the GLA when I get back, combining chatbots and machine learning, so I would like to prepare for that.

But, as we were leaving Spain, 92-year old Oma (gran) said that she was looking forward to Part Two of the blog. So that swung it! Chris and I will continue the blog, we will continue to share the postings, but we will not post each day. We look forward to posting our pictures and seeing your feedback.

Our first day back on the road will be from Regensburg to Kelheim, then starting the trip north on the Danube-Main canal.

Chris will also be posting pictures on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/christinevanduuren/

Love,

Graham and Chris