Our day began at 5:30 am.  We had a hearty breakfast of eggs, ham, and cheese plus coffee and tea. That is the way to start a day.

Our path started off flat but we did climb some steep hills today. We have been spoiled by all this flat land walking. Our mountain climbing muscles need some action. Thank goodness most of our trail was not pavement today.

Along the way we came to a newly married couple’s home and in their yard was this display.

It’s not uncommon for couples to post their initials and married date on a stone in their yard or on their house for everyone to see.  This couple went beyond this small display and shouted their undying love for each other!

Around one bend on the trail today we were surprised by a large group of deer in a reserve of some sort. They were just as curious about us as we were about them. The rack on two of the bucks was impressive!

Late in the morning we stopped for coffee and tea just beside a large Catholic Church in Weingarten.

We were surprised to hear contemporary Christian music as we enjoyed our tea (Roobis Vanilla Carmel for me) and coffee for Mark and Allison.  We also visited the tourist information office for a stamp for our Pilgrim’s Passport, then walked about 10 steps out of the office, took some silly photos …

…and found a bench and enjoyed our yummy lunch of sandwiches, peanut butter chips and cookies.  (Mark “made” us eat 3 cookies each — one over our quota to reduce pack weight!  To be fair we share in carrying the groceries but he always carries more than his share.). As we ate lunch, we watched construction workers fix a broken pipe, and noticed how little safety features were in place. 

Bikes and people went around the tractor that was scooping up rocks and earth, filling the hole, and the man inside the hole wore no protective helmet or other gear.  This would not happen in America!  I bet the job gets done more quickly. 

There’s another thing we notice about safety.  Children’s parks have all kinds of equipment that would never be deemed “safe” for kids.  It made me think of when I’m with my grandchildren and I say, “Be careful” and their mother is saying, “No, be brave”!  I do think that’s a better approach!

We arrived at our stopping place today (Ravensburg) which we were curious as to what we’d find due to difficult communication and a “too good to be true” price.  It’s perfect; two queen beds and a kitchen.

Mark did the grocery run and fixed a wonderful dinner of fresh salad (we’ve been missing veggies), asparagus, beets and salmon. And for dessert he baked nectarines and served it with chilled condensed milk!  Yummy!!! 

It’s a good day when the laundry is drying in the sun, we’ve been cared for with a great meal, and we’ve surpassed 500 miles on foot!