Today was an exciting day for me. Ever since we’d started planning this pilgrimage, I’d made it a point to somehow visit my German friends Gerhard and Edgar and their families. I met Gerhard and Edgar in the Spanish meseta during our 2017 Camino. Their massive pilgrimage from their home here to Santiago Spain is one of the main inspirations for us to move beyond a shorter Spanish Camino to something much grander. Their inspiration was crucial to our lives. We have kept in touch and even visited several years ago.

But the opportunity to WALK to Gerhard’s house was exciting for me. Just to walk up to your friend’s house in a foreign country was pretty cool on its own. But to do so as part of a larger pilgrimage has made it even more special.

We left our previous lodging with a long and hard day planned. We knew we had to take it more slowly and more carefully due to our various foot, and knee problems. Still, the steep climbs about killed us. Stopping for yet more blackberries every few minutes (they are really abundant today) slowed us down further.

Morning update

https://youtu.be/RBwzN4QQCMA?si=fjnsryYog-NuiQUC

At one point the path we were on just vanished into a hayfield.

https://youtu.be/VvYKgWsvM3g?si=DJM1jjKQFWDOujYM

We passed through the village Wallenfels which was fairly deserted like many of the small towns we visit. Their tradition of the Flöss which happens on Summer weekends looked fun. Apparently you get VERY VERY wet.

After a few more killer climbs we made our way to Gerhard and Heike’s home in Grümpel. It feels like family and there is nothing kinder I can say about anyplace. I will treasure our time here.

As a result I am considering suspending or at least shortening the VLOG for a few nights and just catching everyone up with events here edited when we leave Monday morning. There is a festival in the adjacent village and a visit to the castle in nearby Kronach planned. We will also make a trip to visit Edgar.

Nadine here

Definitely my favorite part of this trip today was meeting the famous Gerhard and Heika, their two grown girls and grandson Anton. 

Anton took me on a walk to see his fort in the woods and then to see his goats.  He talked and talked to me in German the whole way, and I didn’t have a clue what he was saying.  Haha.  He’s an active boy, just like my grand. 

Blessed! 💞

Allison here.

Today was mostly uphill and challenged all of us physically and mentally. But the views along the way were beautiful.

I treasure the time we are able to spend with Heika and Gerhard and family. Such special friends are true gifts from God. I am truly thankful.

Compilation video below.

https://youtu.be/A4cE7YfXhxg?si=49jfwo_5ItNIgx4R