< We finished mile 291 today. Tomorrow we will pass 300mi. >

Today was a scorcher. Today was a day we kind of dreaded after seeing the forecast. We had a longish day planned anyway and the previous day exposed in the sun had drained us. To add to that, we had a late start because our lodging at Vierzehnheiligen included breakfast starting at 7am. We tried to be early, but we were politely scolded and breakfast opened promptly at 7 (not 6:59 nor 7:01)…very German.

We stayed on nice partially shaded trails as we started the day and had some major ascents. After one ascent we arrived at Adelgunde Kapelle (Chapel dedicated to Saint Adelgunde). She was a woman who chose virginity over marriage and established a nunnery nearby. There is a miracle associated with her that involves a transit across the river without getting her feet wet (ref Moses). Her symbol is the crayfish. From the summit there was a wonderful view of the valley before us.

Allison here

After walking 12.4 miles, we stopped for lunch. I almost sang Hallelujah when we walked into an air conditioned grocery store. That is very posh here. We basically bought sandwich stuff and cold drinks that we ate outside at a table with an umbrella in front of the store. I would like to say that it was a cool break, but it was so hot you could feel the heat radiating off the ground.

Shortly after lunch, we followed a short cut or should I say “Mark’s path”. I reached our designated turn first and just started laughing. We had to ford a creek.

The water was waist deep for some of us. But the cold water felt so good.

Even though today was beyond hot with little shade, it was a good day. I am thankful.

And because we are in Germany, we ate at a Greek restaurant. It was recommended to us by our host and the food was delicious. Because we are so physically active all day/ every day, we are often hungry. I do like that I can eat anything and still lose weight.

Nadine here

I have one question…why does the destination lodging always end up at the top of a hill?  Always!  After walking in sunny, hot weather we all end up pretty exhausted and that question comes to mind…”Why are we doing this?” Then you shower and tonight our clothes are being washed for us!!! and you think, “Life is pretty good!”

For those who have done the Camino in Spain, today was like the Meseta, but with some trees.