Czech Republik

Linz (AU) to Prague (CZ) 229km @ about 19kphWe left Zell am See well rested and took the train back to Linz. From there we rode to the Austrian border town of Bad Leonfelden. It was a sunny afternoon but after the rain the humidity was oppressive. It didn't help that straight out of Linz the climb started which was to continue for the next 20 km. We had to stop several times just to catch our breath. As we arrived in Bad Enfelden we found the YHA but it was closed up with a note on the door to ring a number if we wanted the warden. She arrived promptly and opened up for us. So we had a YHA all to ourselves.
The next morning we rode downhill for 6km before crossing into Czeck Republik. The difference in the two countries was noted straight away as Czech was less manicured and more natural. We pretty soon arrived at the Vltava River which we followed downstream to Cesky Krumlov. The river was flowing strongly and was full of people rafting downstream, stopping at cafes for beer and food.
Cesky Krumlov was the prettiest little town ever. They call it "Little Prague". It is nearly surrounded by the river and has a castle overlooking it. The town has lots of cafes, music clubs and art galleries. We found a good cheap Pension to stay at and had a great evening sitting by the river listening to a fantastic band playing all the "oldie" songs.The rain started but we were under cover but the river was getting pretty high.
The next day we followed the river but decided to take to the hills as a lot of the country was waterlogged.
In Tabor (approx.. 80km south of Prague) we were picked up by Josef who visited Sigrid's home town in 1969 for athletics. He took us to his house outside Prague where we now have had 3 fantastic days with him and his wife, Jitka. After a days orientation of Prague by Josef and Jitka, yesterday we took the train into town for a good look around and today wen rode to Karstein Castle.It was a lovely ride through white poppy fields and decidious forests , then a tour of the castle (which even the Swedes couldn't conquer during the 30 year war)
Tomorrow we will continue north towards the German border and Dresden. Now the rivers are running north so we are actually following them downstream for a change.