Mainz to Middle Rhine

We left Erfelden rather late in the day due to the Roth Family Research.  We found ourselves on a variety of bike-path surfaces including this rather tooth-loosening one. There were very few other travelers which made for a quiet trip while we chatted about our amazing luck.  We had our picnic quickly, seeing several storks grazing in the fields, and hurried on due to the dark clouds looming again...

The bike path into Mainz took us over this railway bridge, a new experience for us, but uneventful. 

We stopped for a cup of tea at a lovely riverfront cafe and, look what Sal spotted there. Why on earth?  We never did find out because we needed to find our hotel in the Old Town.

Another narrow cobbled street in the maze, with another intricately tooled metal sign.  The pretty pink building with crooked dormer windows at the end of the alley became our landmark.










The Kaiserdom Cathedral was lit up by the rays of the sun which sets very late this far north and at this time of year, giving it a warm glow.



The huge square is lined with other beautiful frescoed buildings like this one that houses a modern Apotheke or pharmacy.

But, was ist dies?  We see colorful flag-draped people rushing across the square towards some loud music with a strong beat and, of course,  we must investigate!

In a nearby square, a big party was going on and everyone was having a good time listening to the music and dancing under the watchful eye of Mainz' favorite son,

Johannes Gutenberg, inventor of movable type and father of the printing press.  He has been rated by some as the most important inventor in over 1000 years. 

Sadly, our energy level and the late Sunday morning opening of the museum meant that we did not see the many fine Gutenberg bibles and other works.

We waved goodbye to Mainz from the top of the bridge over the ever-widening river Rhine.

The river runs East-West at this point in a region known as the Middle Rhine,  a World Heritage site and a region known for its wine,  roses and Castles!  Here is one peeking out from behind a tree in in Eltville.

We had some more adventures on the bike paths which we will show you in another post, :)  but shortly afterwards we happened on a wine-tasting booth where seven local wine growers take turns each week in offering samples to passers by.

We had been noticing the hillsides were covered with rows of lush green vines, which are reputed to produce excellent white and rose wines.

A happy customer

Another ferry (much more fun than a bridge) took us to the other side where we overnighted in Bingen.  No, this is not our hotel but the Klopp castle up the hill. 

With imposing views looking north, the Rhine narrows to a gorge lined with forty or more Castles and fortresses in as many miles. 

Arriving Bacharach

Bacharach

City gate

More castles,  high and low!  Perfectly smooth wide paths along the river allowed us to make a fast "passage" as we crossed latitude 50 degrees N and arrived in Boppard for the night.  Who could ask for a better view from their window?