Waking from my slumber to constant rain, back for another half hour hoping it would go away. No luck, but by the time we were packed, the rain had gone and sun shining.

I discovered that there was a thermal spring only 800m away, so this morning down the road and through a small bush track, two small pools. Steam rising and bubbles. Two ladies enjoying a morning soak in the luke warm mineral waters. I managed my feet, shoulda, coulda … had a dip at 8.45am.

Back into the centre for a Cafe breakfast, croissants and coffee. John liking a meat and salad roll.

Now off to the Drau cycle path following the R1 to Ferlach … we are booked 3km from Ferlach.

A great ride, ‘It’s not going to be all beer and skittles, John’ I say as I’m looking at the profile on Komoot. He has no idea.

We are riding through the valley through farming areas, lots of cornfields, little sleepy villages, before we know it we are in the forest. The Drau comes and goes from our sights, it’s quite tame today , no rapids.

We leapfrog a lot with other cyclists, as we stop for a photo or two. Quite a few short sharp climbs as we go through a nature reserve as part of the river/lake. John is struggling … he has a flat, a quick pump up but a little later on, a new tube is required.

A morning coffee opportunity didn’t eventuate in the little towns; 2km from Ferlach a Gaushaus full of activity; lovely outside grassed area with tables and heaps of bikes parked. Ĺunchtime spot for us and many others.

We find our Gaushaus in a little village 4km from Ferlach, very sleepy cute town, a lake down the road, lovely mountain views. Home for 2 nights.