Tuesday, September 15--Salzburg, Austria

There are certain cities that are associated with certain songs. There is Frank Sinatra and New York, New York and there is Tony Bennett and I left my heart in San Francisco. And there is Salzburg, the city of Mozart and of Julie Andrews and The Sound of Music. Today I cycled from Burghausen, Germany to Salzburg, Austria, and try as I could it was impossible to stop the echo of songs from The Sound playing in my mind. I found myself humming Doe, a deer a female deer… and would say to myself—STOP! And I would—for about two minutes. Then the tune would reappear, intruding itself into whatever else I may have been thinking, or the nothingness of simply pedaling through beautiful countryside.

The trip to Salzburg was only a bit over 35 miles, and I arrived in the early afternoon. The day had begun with a solid cloud cover, but as it went along there was more and more sun until by the afternoon the skies were quite clear. And coming into Salzburg, following the Salzach River and rounding a bend to see the arc of buildings facing the river and the famous castle looming above the city, was quite a sight. The city of Mozart and Andrews showed itself very well.

There is a cycle path between where I spent last night and Salzburg, but I did not follow it. Instead I had my gps map a cycle route and I followed it. The reason is that while dedicated cycle paths are sometimes excellent routes, often following a river closer than one could by car, passing through solitary fields, and separated from the noise and danger of a street, yesterday’s experience with the path was one of wet sandy grit and I did not want more today. Plus I knew that the gps route would follow small roads, of which there are plenty in this part of the country. And an additional factor is that cycle paths try to avoid towns, making cycling easier and safer, but one of the reasons for cycling in a foreign place is to come to know the towns and see the people that live in them. All that is to say that the ride here was enjoyable and interesting.


We decided to try to find a place to stay in the old city, and were successful, probably because this is not the highest tourist time and rooms are available. So we settled in comfortably. Next was a walk around, enjoying the sunshine and admiring the human creations (buildings and bridges) and the God made creations (the river, cliffs, hills and mountains).

Salzburg is in the shadow of the Bavarian Alps, our destination tomorrow. We plan on following the Saalach River to Zell am See, at the foot of Grossglockner Pass. It should be an interesting day and is something to look forward to. But today is one to look back on with pleasure and thanksgiving—for the health and resources which God has given me so that I can enjoy a special part of his world.

Note: First two photos from Getty Images