Allison

Today began early. We hit the road at 6:20 am. The air definitely has a cold bite to it at 47 Farenheit with a breeze. The sunrise was beautiful on this cloud free morning.

Mark decided it was time to replace the rubber tip on his pole. The old and new tips definitely looked different. What do you think? Personally I think we got our money’s worth.

At one point we were walking on no fewer than seven major trails that had converged. Four of them were long distance trails (Romantische Strasse, Via Romea, Jakobsweg and Jerusalem Way). Europe is awash in trails to take. I must admit, a marker made me consider an alternative pilgrimage. But I don’t think I’ll try to get to Wagga Wagga.

No more flat terrain today. We climbed and climbed out of the crater. My uphill muscles got a rude awakening. The views were worth the climb and the pain.

At the top of the crater was a historical marker telling us about a major battle in the Thirty Years War in the area. Go Google translate! This was a battle in 1634 that the Swedish King lost and the Catholic forces won.

Some things need no translation like fields of grass, freshly plowed fields, spider webs, wild flowers, and even curious cows. These are the little joys in life we have the opportunity to appreciate on our slow journey.

At some point we left the state of Bavaria and entered Baden-Württemberg. It will be a short stay since our route takes us back to Bavaria soon.

Lunch time found us at a monastery at the top of the town of Neresheim. What a stunning place! I hope the pictures and video do it justice. The exterior of the cathedral is very plain on purpose. But when you walk inside, the interior is decorated in a baroque style with white walls. I loved that Christ is the center focus of every single work.

While having lunch, with still no clear place to stay Mark found a hidden spot in town and we secured a room. Hurrah! The rest of the evening was normal, showers, hand-washing laundry and hanging it out to dry on an improvised clothesline.

Nadine had done the grocery run so we’re stocked up for tomorrow when we will be staying at a campground. Dinner was Doner Kebaps (fast food, but tasty).

Just for fun!