Straubing to Passau Monday May 22nd

 My Australian chums, Nigel and Anthony reckon that today's trip was 100kms not allowing for the frequent diversions. A large section of the Donauradweg after Deggendorf was being upgraded so the path was shut and  there were no longer green bike signs to follow and actual navigation was required. 

I awoke to proper sunshine and it has shone all day long. In the afternoon it reached 28 deg and with no wind for a change it was hot. No wind meant that 100kms was feasible and I reached Passau by around 17.00. 

I had wished the Australians g'day and the French Canadians au revoir and set out to reach Bogen for coffee and the biggest croissant you have ever seen. Fortunately it was mostly air. After one of the many diversions at a crossroads who should I meet but Brigitte and Bertrand the French Canadian couple who were only making for Deggendorf. We chatted and decided to ride the 10kms or so into Deggendorf together ( en pelo )

For once I  managed to exit Deggendorf with no major detours and was on my way to Passau before mid day. The afternoon was very hot but very still which made for decent progress. I met up with a group which was doing the Danube in sections and this was the last remaining section from Regensburg to Passau. They looked amazed when I told them of my plans. They ushered me on and told me that I shouldn't be dilly dallying talking to them.

The countryside has changed subtly but it is basically a flood plain for the Danube and has lots of wildlife and bird life alongside the Danube.

We are on a CampingPlatz beside the river which is provided by the Passau KanuClub. the facilities are really good with helpful little touches like pot scourers and bottle openers. Unfortunately the on site restaurant is closed on a Monday so I had to cycle back in to town to find a supermarket for some food. I was accompanied by John from the North of England who rolled in after me going in the opposite direction. He and his wife spent five days in Budapest then she flew home and he is cycing home.

Tomorrow is to be a fair bit cooler with the chance of rain.But skin is waterproof, it is just all of the things that I carry that are not.

For the benefit of the map junkies.

Straubing, Bogen,Hofweinzier, Pfelling, Mariaposching, Metten, Deggendorf, Niederalteich,Winzer, Mitterndorf, Horkirchen, Windorf, Besensandbach, Irring, Schalding,

distance cycled so far:    776kms