Stage no. | 21 |
Date | Sunday 24 July 1999 |
Distance stage | 43,0 km |
Distance acum. | 823,0 km |
Quality of signs | Good |
Quality of the hike | A (fantastic!): a very beautiful stage due to the huge variation in scenery |
Today I have the second day of my seven-day hiking tour. I am very lucky with the weather, there are no clouds and it is approx. 25°. Together with all my lugage (17 kg) I take the train back to Biblis.
From there the Trail first continous through the Rhein valley (70 meters altitude) to the village of Auerbach. While I walk through the coloured and florishing fields (quiet and open) the first hill of the Odenwald forrest starts appearing in the far distance. It is the Melibocus (514 m altitude), which I will have to climb from the village of Auerbach.
After a short break (from noon to 12.15pm) in Auerbach I ascend the very steep path upwards. It is very hot, my backpack is very heavy and I start to get blisters under my feet. Once on top of the hill the view is a little disappointing (a lot of trees block most of the view). The Trail continous from here up and down through the Odenwald Forrest. Altogether I will ascend today some 1100 meters and descend 800 meters, which would be a very good day in the Alps. I arrive in Lindenfels at the beginning of the evening and without a problem I find the local campingsite. Unfortunately it is 2km down the hill, in the village Schlierbach.
My feet are hurting badly and the care that I am able to provide once I have put up my tent is a blessing. On the meadow directly next to the camping there is a big fancy fair tonight, including a big Beer & Sausage tent and a tractor pulling race. I have a look and there is a very nice, relaxed atmosphere. I am tired enough to be able to sleep through the noise of the races. Tomorrow will be another tough day for me.