On August 15 which is a katholic holiday here Maria Himmelfahrt (Maria goes to heaven)

we left Schwarzach im Pongau and decided to take the train to Spittal on the Drau. The reason for this were some very steep uphills and one really steep downhill. Mac was concerned about the brakes on the bikes and rather to have an accident we played it safe and had a nice ride in the dining car. The train was packed, but we enjoyed the ride and the beautiful scenery through the Gasteiner Tal with views of the Hohe Tauern while having cappucino and cake. The station Master in Schwarzach was ever so nice to help us get the bikes onto the  train but we got a ration from the conductor for not having reservations for the bikes. He got nicer and helped us unload at our destination. We quickly found the trail, having been there two years ago and were on our way to Villach. We found a cheap place, that was a little strange, with large rooms which we think was once a beer cellar. But the price was right and we had shower and WC, but no internet..We were lucky to be in because in minutes a thunderstorm started.

Later on after it had stopped raining we rode into town for dinner.We could only find only place open

and we had to wait a long time for our food. In the meantime they served us a little wooden box, saying a friendly greetings from the kitchen. Never seen that before. But it made waiting not so bad. Inside the box there was a tiny little roll and some herb butter and some carbonara.

We finally got our dinner Mac had Schnitzel with Salade and I had Beef Tatar which I love. 

Rode back to the strange lodging and turned in. The rain in the night woke us up. In the morning it was overcast but not raining.

This morning the 16th of August we left Villach and our goal for the day was Tarvis or Tarvisio in Italy. We rode along the beautiful Alpine river called the Gailitz with views of the high mountains.

We reached  the town early and found an Albergho right away. I am looking forward to some Italien food. 

Tomorrow we are being challenged to find our way to Bled without a guide book and map.

wish us luck.

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Checking the bike sign out of Spittal.

Trail along the Drau

Scenic vista along the Drau

Villach on the holliday

The mysterious boxes before dinner

inside the box 

mac's wiener schnitzel

Beef Tartare

at the river Gailitz

river Gailitz

Pilgrim chapel in Arnoldstein

feeder trail to Via Alpina at Arnoldstein

family with three young kids on the way to  Grado.  The boys wanted to swim in the Adriatic so the dad said they would have to earn it.  So they are biking from Salzburg to Grado.  No "just drive to Grado and junp in the water"

hiking and ski runs around Arnodlstein

Karawanken

entering Italy

Karawanken

little  village of Coccau along the trail

the mountains in the mist

church at Coccau

Along the trail to Tarvisio