On Saturday, the 12th of September, I was home alone. O.K. was at his godson's birthday, and I needed the time at home to get things ready for our holiday, starting on Monday the 14th.
After a busy morning of household tasks, I had coffee and read my weekly paper. By the time I was ready to set off for a walk, it was well past 4:00 pm. I knew I only had about 4 hours of daylight left, and as is often the case, had only a rough idea in mind of where to go: I knew I wanted to be down by the river, where I had not been in many weeks.
Instead of choosing the most direct way to the river bank, I decided to take a detour by the castle ruins. I was astonished to find them cordoned off with a small flock of sheep grazing; the last time I was there not all that long ago, it was open to the public, and people were having picnics on the terraced hill.
Further on I went, on the path
along the river connecting my hometown with the next. I had brought a
savoury snack and a bottle of water along and consumed both resting on a
bench.
It was so peaceful just sitting there, watching the river flow and boats slowly go past.
The general idea had been to walk up the hill into Marbach, the small town on the other side of the river, and take the 10-minute journey by train back home from there. But after my rest on the bench I felt not at all tired, and decided to walk back home.
Instead of going back on the same path I had come, I walked across the fields. And while I always knew where I was and which direction I needed to go, I am not familiar with each and every path on that particular stretch of fields and orchards, and so I had to retrace my steps once or twice. It meant the way back took longer than anticipated, and I ended up walking almost 23 km. It was dark by the time I arrived home (almost 9:00 pm), but it had been a good walk and I did not feel completely worn out, just pleasantly tired.
I feel tired just reading about it.
ReplyDeleteI must admit I was glad enough reaching home eventually!
DeleteThis sounds like a great walk, especially the peaceful part of sitting by the river and watching the water flow byl
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed that very much, and it left my mind well rested.
DeleteAnother lovely walk. I think I would be a bit more than pleasantly tired, though.
ReplyDeleteIt was good to be home, and my settee was very inviting for the rest of the evening.
DeleteWow! I had to google to see how long 23 km was and I was amazed you walked over 14 miles! You are really in great shape! What lovely pictures too! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI can only walk such long stretches when there is not too much uphill, and when the paths are good. Looking back at last week‘s hiking in the mountains, some days 10 km felt like 20!
DeleteThat ended up being a long walk. However, judging by your pictures it was well worth it! The river views you had are beautiful and I love the stone wall. You also got another beautiful sunset for your collection!
ReplyDeleteQuite a bit longer than planned - my original idea had been to be home in time for the main news at 8:00 pm... The sunset was even more beautiful than what the pictures show.
Delete23 km is really a long walk if you are starting at 4 PM! But I'm glad you enjoyed it. It looks so peaceful and rural and i like the feeling of time passing as the sun goes down....
ReplyDeleteThe 23 km were not intended, but I did not regret them, either. It was nice walking towards the setting sun and observing the changes in light and atmosphere.
DeleteWhoa, that is one long walk. You must be so fit and healthy! Of course, a long walk is most enjoyable when there is such beauty!
ReplyDelete(I had to ask Richard how long 23 km was and he told me 14 miles! If I just read the comment from Ellen above, I wouldn't have had to ask him! Hee hee.)
It certainly was one of the longer ones this year, but not the longest. And it was possible only because I did not have to climb many steep hills, I am such a loser with uphill bits, my pace resembles a snail and I puff and pant like an old steam engine!
DeleteThe walk certainly got you ready for your holiday. Would that it would only require a step out my door to achieve such a walk--instead of the need to drive many kms/miles...just to locate a place to take such a walk (though my slightly ancient body would not attempt 23km). Lovely meandering one from the looks of it. Nice of the weather to cooperate.
ReplyDeleteIt was warm and still, quite summery, and I was never cold, not even after sunset. Usually, my after-work-walks are more like 10-12 km, just around two hours with no break or snack.
DeleteWow. That's a LONG walk! As others have said, you must be in terrific shape.
ReplyDeleteLong walk, yes; terrific shape, no. I am not complaining (after all, I am 52 and not 32), but if I ate less chocolate and drank less wine, I‘d probably be in better shape!
DeleteA lovely walk and nicely illustrated. What is that lone white chimney for?
ReplyDeleteIt is part of a power plant next to the river. I've known it as the "Rocket" for as long as I can remember.
DeleteI can't believe that it's now almost time for dinner. I read your post with my breakfast but had to do things and then go into town. Spent the afternoon in the garden and will now try and comment. Presumably I've seen the white tower before although it hasn't registered in what passes for my brain. Is it a power station?
ReplyDeleteMy love of water meant that I could have wandered along the river very happily. One of the very few disadvantages of living on the Island is that without a car drive I have a very limited choice of interesting walks. However I do enjoy yours vicariously.
The white tower is indeed a power station. We have been calling it "the Rocket" for as long as I can remember, and it has featured a few times on photos on my blog before.
DeleteA river walk, especially when one is not constantly run down by cyclists (that path is extremely popular with them on weekends), is most relaxing after a busy day. I made a video of a freight ship slowly passing, but it is too long to upload and I have not yet had time to clip it.