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Before I jump into day five, I want to step back and mention something about the logistics of traveling the Rhine on a Viking boat. Often our shore excursions involve taking a motor coach to the site, and the boat leaves the place where we got off, and goes to another site up river, where we will rendezvous with it after our shore excursion. Sometimes the ship was not at the rendezvous location when we arrived. Such was the case when we were to meet it at Braubach.

Our motor coach waiting for us to board so we could leave for Broubach. The coaches were large and comfortable.
This is the KD dock where our boat would moor. We waited maybe half an hour for it to show up. I believe it was
held up in line at a lock it had to pass through. Our chef (didn't I tell you he was a big guy?) is on the sun deck as
the boat is being tied up to the floating dock. I think he was concerned about his meal being ruined by over cooking.
To tie one of these longboats up to such a small floating dock, especially with the strong river current tugging at it
was not an easy task, and it took a lot of coordination between the captain the deck hands on shore.

As we headed to Mitenberg from Braubach we saw lots of castles on the hillsides along the river.

After dinner, many of us gathered on the bow as we entered a lock. It was dusk, and so quiet and peaceful.
Pat, the trooper that she is, bandaged from an earlier fall when she stepped on the edge of a small curb she
didn't see. We were so glad she didn't sprain her ankle. The sky ahead of us darkens, as the sun is setting
behind us. Pete talks with one of the passengers we became friends with. Everyone was very friendly.

And now let's move on to day five.

DAY FIVE ~ MILTENBERG - July 28, 2013

In the morning there was an elderly gentleman who came on board to give us a glassblowing demonstration. Unfortunately I missed it, but Pete went, and he took this photo.

He said this man was quite an artist. All of the glassware you see on the counter he is demonstrating on, and on the tables in front of him are his handiwork. After the demonstration passengers were buying up lots of his work. It was quite beautiful.

Our walking tour of the town of Miltenberg began at 3:30 in the afternoon.

What is a Bavarian building without window boxes filled with beautiful flowers? It certainly adds something pleasing to the eye.

What a perfect playground for kids, especially when the weather is warm, as it was on this day.

We were enjoying the walking tour a lot. The buildings in this little Bavarian town were very historic, and so well kept.

This is Miltenberg's Old Town. The buildings are nestled together neatly, and each was
unique in its own way. Notice how tightly it hugs the steep hillside.

The lines on the stone indicate the high water marks from various floods over the centuries.

Miltenberg is on the Main River, the historic old part being on the left bank, and the Main passes between the Spessart and Odenwald ranges. Since the Main riverbed in the Miltenberg area is relatively near the foot of the Odenwald, only a narrow strip of usable land is left, which in bygone centuries was time and again flooded by the Main. The Old Town, which stands on this land, sustained sometimes considerable damage in these floods.

Can you imagine having 3 to 4 feet of water in your home? Fortunately buildings
were much more resistant to water damage centuries ago, having been constructed
mainly of stone. Our modern day gypsum wallboard wouldn't stand a chance.

Pete couldn't resist a photo with this huge Suzuki motorcycle. He said his brother Joey would enjoy that.

This is just an optical illusion that the buildings seem to be leaning towards each other. But aren't they beautiful?

Narrow cobble stone streets are typical in Old Town. We were here on a Sunday, so the streets were mainly empty.

They even build a building between buildings, with the street passing underneath it. Now that's what I call
making the most of usable space. I assume the owner owns the buildings on either side of this narrow street.

After a long and tiring walk through Miltenberg, we have some free time, so we stop for a well
deserved respite at this friendly pub. Cindy and Pat order the pilsner and Pete and I have their dark beer.
On our way back to the boat it began to rain lightly, and the crew greeted us with a line of umbrellas
to save us from a little bit to the rain. I thought it was a very nice gesture.

Beautiful Bavaria, unspoiled natural surroundings, healthy air, a wealth of culture and the proverbially laid-back Bavarian attitude to life are the hallmarks of Germany's most popular holiday region. Bavaria's medieval castles and small towns, magnificent palaces and baroque churches, as well as its fabulous food and wine make it a place you will fall in love with. It is a culturally rich region to visit.

Back on board our boat, we enjoy cocktail hour and live music in the Aquavit lounge. At 6:30 PM we cast off and head for Würzburg. Dinner is at 7:00 PM, and the deserts are scrumptious. I must live up to my reputation. LOL

In part five we will be visiting Würzburg, the capital of Lower Franconia, famous for its art, architecture and delicate wines.