Zizers to Altstatten

Mileage:- 45 miles

Hotel - Untertor

The Sport Hotel was right on the cycle route so we loaded up, turned left and off we went.

After a short distance we opted for the Heidiland route. As this had been Mr. Ps favourite reading when he was younger, and still is, we could not pass up the opportunity to cycle through this idyllic landscape. And so it proved. Gently undulating lanes and paths going through vineyards and farms growing all sorts of fruit and vegetables. We saw some strange 4 wheeled contraptions with plastic roofs and being pushed backwards by the occupants of the single seat. We saw they were picking very large strawberries.

After many photo stops, we headed back to the river. The valley was getting wider, almost mile by mile. The river was also getting wider and deeper as we rode along the banks. John P was also getting wider on a day by day basis. We rode along a raised bank, right beside the Rhine, it was smooth and fast. After a while we crossed over a narrow bridge that took us into Liechenstein.  The path on that side was very similar to the we had just left. We continued on for a while then crossed back over to Switzerland.  Then Ann was in 7th heaven, we found a covered bridge. 

Wherever we looked the views were amazing. Gentle farm scenes with snow capped mountains in the background. Old castles and large houses on prominent hills. Picturesque houses, villages and lanes. 

We went into Buchs, which all appeared shut. We found a small store that did hot snacks and drinks,  replenished we carried on. The route now took us in a wide sweep away from the river, but staying on the flat valley floor. Today we have seen buffalo, storks, other birds to numerous to mention and large numbers of horses. Part of the last section of our route was along a canal, memories of the Canal du Midi.   It was a very different scene, although still cold, about 4 degrees when we set off. We eventually rode into Altstatten just after 4pm.  After a little searching we found Hotel - Untertor, right in the centre. It is run by a jovial Indian gentleman, who offered John a new wife, and thought us mad to use bikes when a car is so much more comfortable, and all in the first few minutes of us arriving. The big decision now is do we eat in his restaurant, or go out in the pouring rain, it started just as we got to the hotel. 

We feel we have got going now after our start. Could just do with a bit of heat now.