The official journey is over — but we’re still moving, still documenting, still listening as we bring the ship back home. The crew has changed: Gigi and Stephan have left; Markus and Christine remain on board, heading upstream with a changing cast of artist-friends. The logbook continues.
We didn’t make it to Vienna today – only as far as Fischamend, covering just 25 km in 9 hours. The current is still strong, and even though the water levels are falling, the ship is struggling – and so are we. It takes patience, energy, and steady nerves, while progress feels painfully slow.
To make matters worse, another wave of high water is on its way. Gauges in Passau (Inn/Donau) predict rising water levels again starting August 3rd. Tomorrow we really need to reach Vienna. Hopefully, once we’ve passed the first lock in Austria and entered the mostly dammed sections, things will get easier – until we reach the Wachau, another stretch known for its heavy current.
Sadly, we barely have the energy left to appreciate the beauty around us. We drift past the Hainburger Au, watching eagles circle above the nature reserve.
