Mark

We had a beautiful but chilly early start to our morning. It was cold enough that we were happy to climb a hill first thing. I think we all agree that getting an early start makes a world of difference. Today ended up being exactly 18mi which is a significant haul. But it felt shorter because of the early start. Oh, yes we are tired, just not exhausted and worn out.

We climbed for some time back up the hills we had descended last evening and then up still further. The hills were not terribly steep, but they did go on for a bit. We continued the up and down rollercoaster for most of the morning passing the small village of Frickenfelden.

Here the path entered a wood and we were quickly attacked by mosquitos. These guys were bandits. Mosquitos haven’t really been a nuisance on this pilgrimage and any we’ve encountered have been for short periods. These guys however were persistent. We covered up as best as possible but eventually the bites and swatting were too much so we got out the bug spray.

The woods we were traversing was several km’s long and we were treated to a cool historic landmark, the Limes. This is a series of 3rd century Roman fortifications marking the boundary of Roman authority. It is similar to Hadrian’s wall but less of a bulwark and more of a demarcation boundary wall. When the power of Rome began to fall, the defensive line was moved south to the more defensible Danube River. Seeing structures built by the Romans is pretty cool. They knew their stuff.

There are several differences on Jakobsweg in Germany compared to our other adventures. But I must say that the biggest difference is the lack of places that offer a cup of tea or coffee. Where we might walk 4km in Spain or France or Italy before finding a cafe, in Germany we typically don’t find anything before eleven and often never.

Today was no different and we came to our first bakery at 11:15am in the village of Gunzenhausen. We were hungry and had a pastry each along with our tea/coffee. Then I casually/jokingly said – “who wants another round”. In unison, Nadine and Allison both said. “I’m in!!” So we had another pastry each.

We next waddled out of town under a glorious sun. As we left the village we saw its famous leaning clock tower.

Some town names are fun, but our path didn’t take us through Aha! Bummer.

As the afternoon wore on and the km’s accumulated, we found ripe pears and yet more blackberries.

The countryside was glorious and we were treated to some amazing panoramic views with our destination of Spielberg ahead on a steep hill on the horizon.

When we arrived at our nights lodging it felt like family. Another guest was staying for a few weeks, and we had a conversation of several hours primarily in German. I love being stretched like that.

Quote of the day from Nadine “Mark is less entertaining than a biker’s butt” It’s a bit of a paraphrase but there ya go.

Nadine here

Our hosts are delightful here and this place feels like a home!

Although I am very inept at German even after studying it for a few months before we came, I am picking up more of the conversation which is fun.  The hostess and I have connected over the phrase, “Tomorrow is a new day”! 

We visited a castle overlooking the village.  The owner professed an undying love for his wife as evidenced by many statues of her and of them together as a couple.  Truly touching

The views from the castle are so beautiful.  Can you imagine living in a place like this?

Other fun scenes from today

Obviously, this will drive Mark insane that the pictures were in reverse order.  😂

It was a wonderful day!

Mark

Yes, it does drive me nuts.

Allison here

I am going to let the siblings battle out the layout of the vlog. It is entertaining…says my evil side.

First thing this morning on the trail, I hear lots of chit chat about the sunrise. Granted sunrises are beautiful but you have to know that number one, I am up and walking somewhat awake; number two, I have had no coffee yet; and number three, do not expect conversation before 8 am. So I am walking this journey with two morning people! I feel a bit mean in the morning and so far we are all still alive.  So the sunrise pictures are taking place and then I take pictures in the other direction of the dramatic sky.

I will fast forward to the end of our day. We have arrived at our lodging which is up hill. At the end of the day that is always a challenge.

Our hosts are amazing. They have been in the business of hosting people in their home for 36 years! They have the magic formula. And after chatting with us, making us feel at home, and offering us homemade schnapps, we walked up to the top of the mountain and visited the castle. The views were amazing. And the trip up the hill was really easy after partaking in 2 shots of schnapps.