Day 131: Blueberries And A View

Lemgo to Velmerstot

Distance: 35km


A cold, humid night left my tent covered in morning dew. Might sound romantic but it certainly isn't. A wet tent means some extra weight. After a relatively late start, I leave Lemgo behind. As I climb up and out of the cold air, the temperature is rising considerably, making walking much more pleasant. My mood improves even more when I spot some wild cherry. Not completely ripe just yet, but definitely good for eating. Three hours later, I reach Detmold. Time for resupply. As my timing is a bit unlucky (no possibility to resupply tomorrow and day after tomorrow with a public holiday on Thursday), I need 4 days worth of food. Plus 3 liters of water for today, tonight and tomorrow. My body struggles a bit with the increased weight. I need to take it slow. 


After a strenuous climb I reach the Herrmansdenkmal, a hilltop memorial to a Germanic chieftain. It is massive, reminds me of the Statue of Liberty. This guy must have left quite an impression. 


The next tourist spot are the Externsteine. Some rocks that actually look quite attractive. I think it's a bit of a shame they somewhat ruined by making their tops accessible. I'm surprised they didn't buit a roller-coaster around it too. I leave them behind as well, passing a Heide, packed with blueberries. This comes unexpected as I thought I have left the blueberries behind for good. Even more fantastic to see they are ready to be picked. Even though they are small, they taste delicious. The highlight so far today. Far better than these tourist spots. And that's a reason why I like thru-hiking. Going to these tourist places by car or public transportation, I'd have never experienced that and missed this highlight and would have to be satisfied with the touristy things. 


With my belly full of blueberries a short but steep climb takes be up the Velmerstot. Two peaks, one that seems to be in it's original state, the other one heavily altered. Apparently it was used for as a military defense site. Now a massive observation tower sits on top of the flattened peak. The views are staggering. Clear sky, excellent visibility. After another somewhat tough day for me, mostly through forest, I'm soaking up the scenery, getting the motivation to keep trekking southbound. 


Dead forest along the way
Dead forest along the way
Blueberry field
Blueberry field
Heading south
Heading south
Sightseeing at Hermannsdenkmal
Sightseeing at Hermannsdenkmal
Externsteine
Externsteine
Blueberries 😊
Blueberries 😊
Eggeturm
Eggeturm
Dinner time
Dinner time
Picking blueberries while sitting on a bench. Life's good!
Picking blueberries while sitting on a bench. Life's good!
More views
More views
Good night!
Good night!

Write a comment

Comments: 3
  • #1

    Rob (Tuesday, 14 June 2022 22:40)

    Stop it. You're making me hungry for hiker food (*not likely) haha. You are a forager. Let's hope that passing animals have not pee'd on them so low �
    Rain! Rain! Rain! ... so much of it here. Personally, I'm loving it for the gardens.

  • #2

    George Mills (Wednesday, 15 June 2022 00:47)

    Interested in your blueberries. Ours grow on trees not on low bushes like yours appear to do. Here the commercial ones have to grow under nets otherwise thd birds eat the lot. Hope you continue to eat well.

  • #3

    Rob (Wednesday, 15 June 2022 02:44)

    I like they way you set your camera to take selfies. Makes it feel as though you're walking eith someone else, of you have a camera crew following you, who just pop up from time to time. Lovely photos though.
    On the matter of birds. Have you seen, or heard any woodpeckers?

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