Down the Danube V

A short day today - a mere 50km! We set out early to go as far as possible before the day got too hot, on a lovely section of path on the south bank among the trees and right beside the river. We ate a picnic lunch just outside Melk within sight of the abbey - it dominates the view.

We arrived at Melk in blazing sunshine and after a quick wash and brush-up set out for the abbey. Absolutely spectacular in a crazy way, demonstrating the main feature of Baroque architecture - just because you can do something doesn't mean you should! The riot of pink marble and gilt was so astonishing that I decided that a nice photo of our restrained and traditional gasthaus was a better representation of the day. The museum at the abbey was excellent though and the library also worth seeing (sadly no photography allowed).

A rest now and then dinner in the garden later!