It was hot and we walked 17+mi. The End

Well, not really the end but the heat took a toll on our enthusiasm and excitement about the walk. There were long sections of paved bike paths and that didn’t help either. Oh, and we ended with a climb (always fun on tired legs).

I created an unusual Morning Update to capture the quirky mood of last nights lodging. I hope it doesn’t sound too insulting. All in all we had wonderful hosts and slept fine.

As I’ve alluded to, the chilly morning didn’t last long and soon we were seeking shade and wiping off sweat. FYI, the hot weather America had two weeks ago has arrived. Forecast is for 95deg here on Thursday. With backpacks and hills and hours of exposure we will undoubtedly be dead tired.

Allison here

We started off our morning at a brisk pace just to stay warm. Three hours later we were no longer worried about being cold as the sun was heating us up quickly.

As we were walking along, we saw many bike riders. One gentleman stopped, hopped off his bike and began chatting with us. I am afraid we all forgot his name, but his kindness of going out of his way to talk and just share in our journey for a little while was appreciated. Plus he led us to a bakery shop where we indulged in a morning pastry and much needed coffee and tea.

As we were finishing up our last few bites at the pastry shop, a distinguished gentleman asked us about our walk…all in German. He was kind enough to speak slowly throughout the entire conversation. Leopold shared his contact information with us because he wants to send us a postcard. But a special one that he will draw as he is an artist. I love seeing how God works in all things. Mark ended up sharing an arrow pin with Leopold.

From this point on our day our day heated up quickly. We criss-crossed all our paths and streets just to stay in the shade when possible.

Just before lunch we entered the beautiful town of Schürbitz. The architecture was simply stunning.  Of course the path took us up to a Cathedral which was beautiful but locked.

We also saw some fun sights along the way.

Our late lunch was purchased at the grocery store. We were super classy and ate every single bite across the street from the store under the shade of a tree. It is surprising how much happiness can be gained by the small pleasures of life. A cold drink of soda was amazing! That hot water in my water bottle will hydrate me, but when it is the temperature of boiled water it is not very appealing.

The last stretch of our day was challenging in the heat. But we made it to our lodging!!!

Nadine here

One of the BEST things about doing a pilgrimage is the people God puts right on your path.  And as it often happens, one interruption turns into another and that’s where the blessing is found.  We’re seeing a great deal of beauty along the way but the sweet man we met today will be something that stays with us for a long time.  Catholicism is the primary faith practiced in Germany and we have met many lovely Catholic people but this man was an Evangelical which is somewhat rare and our conversation was extra sweet.  Thank you Lord for the people you placed in our path today.

Tomorrow is going to be a tough day.  Prayers appreciated 🙏