<More video and pictures have to wait until better wifi>

Today started early so we could beat the heat and also because of the distance and elevation. Unfortunately, last night was loud. Our lodging did not have air conditioning which required us to open the windows. Thank goodness the owner had a fan we could use. It was also the beginning of a holiday weekend…Assumption Day. Apparently that was why a group of people celebrated just under our window until three am.

We began our day tired but ready to tackle the hot day ahead. Last evening we found a grocery store so we were stocked with hard boiled eggs for breakfast and 3 day old pastries. Yes, they were stale but filled our bellies and did not make us sick.

We tackled three of the 5 hills before we ate lunch. Our lunch was a true pot luck of what we had squirreled away in our back packs. Everything is closed today. So we used the picnic tables in front of a pub which is closed for a month. The shade was very much appreciated. The road had a fair bit of traffic, so we received some good looks from passers by.

After lunch we stumbled upon a dispensary by a bus stop where you could buy ice cream. It was so refreshing and very frozen.

The last part of the afternoon was just hot and challenging. The path continued up too. We made the decision to find some lodging with air-conditioning, so we could all have a restful night’s sleep. Go AC!

Walking into town, Nadine discovered a bird’s nest. She had enough energy to imitate a bird. There are pictures and video to prove it. Enjoy!

For supper we hit the local beer garden Kellerwald. This place is huge! I think it holds 60,000 people. We had dinner and sampled a couple of different beers at different cellars.

Nadine here

Along the way we met Antje und Udo who were traveling by cycle.  They invited us to sit and rest at a picnic table.  Makes me want to do the same when I return home! 

One thing I have noticed here is that many fewer people have their phones out especially at restaurants.  That’s a nice change!

As a fun challenge I told Mark I didn’t think he could remain quiet for an entire hour.  He didn’t use words but he typed responses and asked questions via his cell phone to those around us.  How many people think that was cheating?  I guess I should have made the challenge more specific😊.  All in fun of course! 

Today was hard on the foot again for me.  I don’t think it’s something that will be fixed while walking the long distances.  I am looking forward to the cooler temperatures tomorrow and perhaps that will help the swelling.