Friday, June 26, 2026 (6 miles)

We set out to the Danube River Valley this morning after our delicious breakfast. Then it was time for our hearts to stop – and be moved:  We had a scheduled appointment at Mauthausen concentration camp memorial, which was one of the camps employed by the Nazis during the Holocaust from 1933 to 1945. What a sobering encounter.  I really didn’t want to go, yet reluctantly, I walked into the exhibits, actual gas chambers and cremation rooms.  I believe that I felt the very vibe of internment here. I also walked quite a distance to an area and up and down 189 steps to a quarry that prisoners were forced to walk, bringing 40 pound rocks up those steps into the prison for construction purposes. It was 95° today, so maybe not their every day condition, yet it was hard not to imagine what it must’ve been like to be one of those inmates carrying their load, knowing whatever they did made really no difference in prolonging their lives, expendable because they were Jewish, homosexual, disabled, latter day saints, female – or different.  I know that it’s important not to lose sight of such torturous and evil persecutions, And even with this history to learn from, there is still so much hate in our world and marginalization continues.

Our lodging is in Emmersdorf in the Wachau Valley, on the Danube River- So Quaint and Cute with abundant water recreational opportunities – but dang!  It’s just so hot at 96° that it’s hard to even go for a couple block walk!! I did make it down to the waterfront to sit on a bench for a bit (it smells briney like our Pacific northwest Ocean!), to an “honor store” selling local goods (I bought some lavender salt and sweet chili and cream cheese pesto!) and also into the sweet Parish Church across the street!! 

A large majority of us also took a swim in their pool – it was Oh So Refreshing!!!  The spa set up is very Nordic-with hot and cold rooms, wet and dry saunas, and many spaces to relax in!!

We had a delicious dinner together (what else is new – I had a superbly prepared white fish) – our last evening with our driver, Luc.