Bodensee Circuit 2014: In Rorschach

Again I was the first down to breakfast but followed closely behind by two young guys who were also travelling on a Radweg-Reisen tour (their luggage had arrived with mine in Langenargen and I see that it also arrived with mine here in Rorschach).

I got an early start in a steady wind and a bit of occasional drizzle. There were clearing periods so it was quite pleasant. I diverted over the causeway to have a walk around the Island of Lindau.

It wasn't long before I noticed that the sign designs had changed somewhat and the Austrian crest was on some warning posts. Went through Bregenz with its amazing harbour and on through Hard and Höchst.

About 13k East of Rorschach the skies darkened, the rain pelted down driven by a strong wind. I had just passed a cyclist who was checking a map at a crossroads and I quickly doubled back to where he and some other non-cyclists were huddling behind tree trunks in a small sheltered area with a bench.

Out came all my rain gear, pants, booties and pogies and I donned them all before braving it again and pushing on.

Of course, it lasted only a few minutes more at that intensity and then diminished to a steady drizzle. There was a section of wet gravel and dirt that didn't make for the greatest ease of travel. Then that was over and I was once again on pavement.

The path into Rorschach parallels the railway tracks and I was soon within a few meters of my hotel. It was much too soon to check in (12:08) so I parked the bike and sat down in the Marktplätzli Cafébar where I had a beer, the daily soup (cabbage and potato), a slice of beef with potatoes and carrots.

My GPS can provide directions to points of interest so I asked it to find a grocery store. It showed a Migros a short distance west so I went and got a drink and tuna sandwich.

After a little sit by the lakeside I went to the hotel and as I was passing the receptionist ran out and asked if I was looking for it. I said I was but was just trying to find a place to park my bike. She took me under her wing and directed me to the garage and checked me in.

Luggage hadn't arrived so no shower but I had a great nap.

A phone call, luggage pickup, shower, WIFI connection later and here we are.

So, the photos (not so many because of the weather):

The Marina at Yachthotel

Consider each mast represents about €100,000