Today was a sleep-in day. Didn't get up till mid-mornng and then just sat on the upper deck watching the river and the little river town of Miltenberg. We have moved from the Rhine to the Maine River (pronounced mine). Much narrower river, in some places no wider than the Illinois River up in Morris or Utica. The ship is brand new and they have a lot of fancy things on board. For instance, some of the river's bridges are very low, so they have the ability to lower the captain's bridge by hydrolics to make sure they make it under the bridges. Some have only a foot or two to spare.

This river is much cleaner than the Rhine . People swimming, boating, fishing, etc. Didn't see much of that on the Rhine. It's a lovely area of the world.

Had lunch with John and Mari and then off to explore the little town of Miltenberg. They set us up with a local tour guide who speaks English. Very well done. The town is small...only 10,000 people, but they are celebrating their 750 anniversary this weekend. And we think things are old when they are 150 years old in the US. Great little medieval town. Again used the small walkie-talkies so everyone could hear the tour guide. After the tour we had a beer on the town square with another Aussie couple...Monica and Bob...I think Monica and Sandy are the youngest people aboard besides the crew. We were talking with some other people who said they went on the Queen Mary and they had 4000 old people aboard and six of them died during the cruise. Are you kidding me?Moral: Do it while you can!

Back to the boat just in time for tea ...or another beer if you like...and I like...and spent some time up top just watching the world go by. Beautiful country and the shore is no more than 50 yards on either side. Hard to believe they can get a ship this big on a river this small. Lots of locks and dams in this part of the cruise. I think we've been through about #20 out of 68. Still lots to go.

Headed down to dinner...had to change first...pants only, no shorts allowed at dinner. Great gourmet dinner as usual. Then up top and watched more scenery. What a relaxing way to travel. Finally down to check email and blog a bit. Pretty uneventful day, but a good one!

Coming home in a couple of weeks, but not sure we really want to! Best to all...and a special note of condolences to Steve Boettcher's family....his dad and the guy who used to do the PA announcements at State Farm before me, and in some ways my mentor, Gayler Boetcher passed away yesterday. He was 79....tough old bird, but he was always good to me! We'll miss you GB!

All the best...Dave & Sandy