Mark

I had probably one of my best nights sleep primarily due to this hotels extensive options of pillows. I chose a small firm pillow and a neck roll and slept like a baby. So when the alarm went off at 5:30am I was asleep (not normal), but popped right up, ready to go. The ladies credit, they did as well. We’re very much into this routine.

We walked out to a dreary morning in Ulm however and the spitting rain did nothing to brighten the day. The streets were shiny and wet and all the awnings dripped. Our various choices of rain gear suited our style.

We stopped almost immediately for a pastry even after already having a rushed breakfast from our backpacks earlier as we were getting ready. Allison and I ended up trading because the one she’d chosen was really heavy. I have to admit it sat in my stomach for awhile.

Our walk took us through a quaint part of Ulm we hadn’t seen the day before.  But again it was raining, so we just hurried through as the city woke up.

Soon we were out into the suburbs and along a path paralleling the Danube. The water was moving fast, either due to the overnight rains or the constricted river banks.

Our one and only climb for the day occurred as we backtracked and course corrected after missing a turn in the trail. Luckily the rain had stopped at that point because climbing steep hills while wearing rain gear soon makes you a sweaty mess.

The large part of the day was spent along a ridge line with extensive views of the countryside. The wind was cool and it was silent except for getting buzzed by a military helicopter occasionally.

Our pilgrim credentials are beginning to fill up. We were able to accumulate at least two more stamps today. Both were from evangelical Lutheran churches. One church had a beautiful exterior arch and pretty stained glass windows.

We were privileged to pass by a flock of sheep just as a new lamb was being born.

We had a pretty short day planned and starting off as early as we did meant we arrived at our destination around noon despite stopping at a previous village’s market.

Our village of Oberdischingen also had a small market that was just closing as we arrived. We managed to buy some cheese from the “cheese man” and have a quick picnic before completing the last 15min of our hike.

Tonight we all feel like Camino Pilgrims. We are staying at a pilgrim lodging with all the trappings of the best of Spain but in Germany. All the familiar things like:

• A place to put your shoes at the entrance
• A pilgrim spaghetti dinner
• Sheets, and showers dorm style
• A laundry rack!!
• A patio in which to relax
• A library and…
• Tons of pilgrim paraphernalia lying about

It felt like home on the Camino