Prague to Linz via Cesky-Krumlov - Sunday , 27 June 2016

We had lost internet connectivity before I went to bed last night. When it reconnected, a text message came through around 2 am. I messaged Amy for a while and then turned on the Pirates game just as Cutch hit a homerun. Locke had a perfect game going, but Joe Block jinxed him as he mentioned it on the radio and immediately there was a double and another hit that tied the game. Fell asleep and woke to the final 6-1.


Breakfast and an 8:15 departure for Linz and our river boat via Cesky-Krumov. The overnight storm dramatically lowered the temperature to a comfortable 60. A brief rest stop on the way where the women commandeered the mens' room before arriving in Cesky-Krumov at 11:15. Lunch at been arranged at the Rose Hotel, a medievally decorated dining room. Lunch was an onion soup, turkey in a lemon pepper sauce, gratin potatoes, vegetables, and pancakes with blueberry sauce.

We  met our local guide, Sharka, a native of the little village. She did an excellent tour with much history included.

Cesky-Krumov is so picturesque that it begs to be photographed. We walked up to the castle, through the 5 courtyards and then a steep climb to the gardens. On the way we found one of the 3 bears that live in one of the castle areas.

We had to meet in the square at 3:00 and arrived there just in time to get an ice cream cone. It was a different sort of cone- a twist of vanilla ice cream and either raspberry, strawberry, cherry, blueberry, or a mix. It was really refreshing.

Then as a teat for our time in the Czech Republic, Lucas served us some Czexh vodka.

About an hour later we arrived in Linz and boarded our home for the next 8 days, the MS Harmony. We checked into our room and after a few minutes our luggage was delivered. The cabins are on the small side, but comfortable. We unpacked and sorted out where we would put everything. Most importantly, we got all the electronics situated. The ship has wifi in the cabins, which is a bonus. We'll see how it works. It runs off a cellular hotspot, so we may not have it at all times.

Then to the lounge for an orientation meeting, safety demonstration, and port talk. Then to dinner. The dining room is lovely. We had a cold duck salad, a warm seafood risotto, pork Wellington, and creme brulé. No beer tonight, but a good wine, instead.

Earle and Barbara went out for a rainy night walk, and i went back to the cabin to work on the blog. Not having slept well for three nights, I was exhausted. Got almost caught up while listening to the Cubs lose to the Marlins.

Bedtime around midnight.