It is hard to predict what the weather is like in May, at least in this country and in this part of Germany. Anything is possible from scorching hot days to snow storms and all in between. This year, May so far seems to be particularly unsettled, with a veritable rollercoaster of temperatures and weather. Never mind - I am on holiday, and just the fact that I do not have to be up at a certain time and then spend all day in front of computers and on conference calls makes me happy. Last but not least, being with O.K. all day every day and not just for the weekend is great.
Sunday was unpredictable, but looked good enough for a walk in the woods, provided we‘d prepare for all kinds of weather. And we did well - our rain coats and the rain covers for our rucksacks came to good use. At one point, there was even a bit of hail!
We started directly from the cottage, crossed the small wooded area behind the village and some fields before reaching the Black Forest.
It was just when we arrived there that the rain started. By the time we reached one of the huts built specifically for hikers and walkers to rest and protect themselves from inclement weather, we were not only hungry but also wet enough to welcome a break.
The sandwiches we had brought along were delicious, as was the half bottle of white wine left over from Friday‘s wine tasting. Our rain coats had time to dry, the sun tentatively showed itself, and we finished our walk without encountering more rain.
It is simply delightful to be in the woods this time of year. There were not many other people about, probably put off by the weather forecast, and so it was mostly birdsong we heard and tender green leaves we saw.
Highly recommended!
Love the blossom photographs. And I always think that bird song sounds much clearer on damp days.
ReplyDeleteI agree. And isn‘t it wonderful how droplets glisten on the grass and leaves when the sun comes out after rainfall, and everything looks and smells clean and fresh and shiny.
DeleteI did like how you simply left the cottage, skirted the village and some trees, before reaching the Black Forest.
ReplyDeleteA magnificent ecosystem, right on your doorstep!
A place of deep enchantment straight out of the Brothers Grimm and Goethe.
Olive Schreiner said that if Goethe had been stolen as a child by a band of Gypsies, he would still have been Goethe, and the boy would have told strange stories at night, sitting round the campfire, deep in the forest.
Schreiner's words form the epigraph in a wonderful book by Tilly Olsen, Silences.
Haggerty
Those are my favourite walks, straight from the front door, although of course there are so many more marvellous places and areas to walk when we take the car for about 15 to 30 minutes to reach the starting points for various circuits.
DeleteEspecially when there are no other people about, that enchantment becomes almost tangible.
We need enchantment these days, and many of us need re-enchantment.
DeleteI am watching a DVD of Shakespeare's last play, The Tempest, filmed live at the Globe Theatre, London. It's like being there, but with close-ups of the actors.
Prospero renounces magic as Shakespeare (whoever he was) renounced the theatre.
In New Scientist (7 May) there is a cover story: *Are Trees Sentient?*
Suzanne Simard, a professor of forest ecology in Canada, said that mature trees nurture their offspring and *transmit experience* to younger trees.
*The key finding,* says Professor Simard, *is that trees are in a connected society, and that it's a physical network and that they trade and collaborate and interact in really sophisticated ways as a cohesive, holistic society.
Suzanne calls herself a forest detective.
I am reminded of The Tempest ... *The isle is full of noises, Sounds and sweet airs that give delight and hurt not.*
Like walking in the Black Forest.
Haggerty
Peter Wohlleben, a German Förster and expert for all things woodland and very popular here through his books, appearances on TV etc., speaks of that network of communication between trees as well. It makes sense to me.
DeleteYou are brave to go off into such weather! Those dark clouds would have sent me scurrying home but you know what you are doing and had a wonderful time! Good for you! Thanks for sharing another great hike!
ReplyDeleteYes, we have all the equipment for when we are likely to meet with some rain during a walk. As my Mum sometimes says, we are not made of sugar!
DeleteSuch pretty May images. Weather can be changeable at any time and spring is especially like a roller coaster ride some years.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy each day dear Meike.
Thank you, dear Mary! Yesterday was a completely rained through day, perfect for resting on the settee and reading, reading, reading. I so enjoyed that and can not remember when I was last able to read for so long without interruption! My eyes weren‘t happy, but it was an exception.
DeleteBefore reaching the Black Forest...that makes me think of a children's story!
ReplyDelete(Am I thinking of the Grimm Brothers? Not quite sure of my mind and memory these days.)
So happy for you on holiday and you are enjoying yourself, rain or no rain!
Kay, I am truly enjoying myself just having this time off and being with O.K.
DeleteYesterday‘s rainy day was good for a day of complete rest, too.
Somehow I missed this post - sorry. I've been away from blogs recently but I was delighted to see this. I always enjoy seeing pictures of the Black Forest. It seems to me to be the perfect place to walk and enjoy nature. I hope you and O.K. are having a wonderful holiday!
ReplyDeleteNot to worry, Bonnie, I know you have much to do and on your mind, and blogs are supposed to be fun, not a burden :-)
DeleteYes, the whole region around the Black Forest is ideal for walking and hiking. I love being there!
Excellent that the shelter appeared just when you needed it. Sounds like you had a party waiting for the rain to stop.
ReplyDeleteWell, we were rather drenched by the time we reached the shelter, but our hiking clothes are made of fast drying fabric and so it was no problem; we had our sandwiches and white wine while our jackets were drying, and then walked on as the rain had stopped and the sun reappeared (sort of).
DeleteLove the light in the 3rd and 4th photos especially :)
ReplyDeleteMe too, Monica. The third one with the trees in blossom is my favourite of this batch.
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