Siegen to Drescher Fichten
Distance: 40km
Continuous change while being on the trail. That's what I wrote a couple of days ago. Well, to be honest, some things remains the same over the years. Like leaving trail angels. It's still difficult for me. No difference today. Therefore, I keep the goodbye brief and hit the trail once I am ready. No good in dragging it out.
It's a lovely, with 8 degrees Celsius pleasant morning. The hike itself is more diverse than the previous days have been. Different kind of forest and cute little towns. Best of it all are the berries though. Seems like they all waited for the longest day to ripe. Until today, besides the blueberries, there wasn't really anything to pick. Which made me a bit sad, made me think if I should have started my hike in Flensburg a bit later.
No such thoughts today! Raspberries, wild strawberries and to my delight also Juneberries I find along the way. Not heaps of them but in combination with the cherries I nearly could grab something sweet permanently. And what surprises me is how sudden they all became ripe.
But... I also have some walking to do. Up and down and up and down and up.
Towards the end of the day, I decide to deviate from E1 and follow the Westerwald Trail number 5, which would take me from Herdorf to Bad Marienberg more direct fashion than E1, which is deviating way towards the east. And I don't really feel like doing that today.
Shortly before reaching my spot for the night, I have a super funny, somewhat sarcastic chat with two older ladies. In the end they press me a 10 Euro bill into my hand. A first for me. Do I really look so shabby already? :D Anyway, I don't say no of course. This will buy me a lot of well needed ice cream!
The spot I picked for camping is, well, okay I guess, so I decide on staying here. It's a massive BBQ hut but lacking of chairs, tables and the like. Staying there is probably not tolerated but it's past 20:00, I am hungry and tired and don't expect anyone showing up anyway.
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George Mills (Tuesday, 21 June 2022 21:55)
Good to see you enjoyed your zero day and are back on track refreshed. Like you I love summer berries but don't overdo it and end up with a stomach upset. You seem to be passing through a more densely populated area now. Enjoy your icecreams
Rob (Wednesday, 22 June 2022 00:16)
As difficult as it is sometimes to leave kaitiaki (guardians/protectors) trail angels, it's often the same for them when walkers/hikers/trampers part, and move on. Many a time we have stood at the bottom our driveway to farewell the walker (some we've walked a short distance with), then to have feeling of loss, hope, and the best, as they walk off. We are real enough though, to know that WE MUST KEEP THEM TO THEIR MISSION, and let them go. So, your feeling is understandable. And, you know it will pass. When you meet your next wonderful person, that initial memory will fade. Never forgotten.
As you need to stay your mission, I am sure every kaitiaki has seen their role, as replenishing your wairua (spirit) and see you walk on, with their complete blessing.
Your assorted berries look delicious. No doubt your body was thanking you for the nutrients, minerals, and vitamins.
Onward and upward ... �
Fredy Koster (Wednesday, 22 June 2022 11:43)
Very nice old ladies. They are right, you look a little bit shabby. And my advice is, do not go to the
beauty salon. So perhaps you get some more icecream :)