Two Rainy Days

Last week started off chilly and rainy, but that did not deter us. As experienced walkers/hikers, we almost always carry some form or other of rain protection, and of course our sturdy hiking boots are as good as waterproof.

Therefore, on the Monday (6 May), we used part of the day when the rain was letting up a bit for a walk from "our" village (Bärental) to the next, somewhat larger one (Altglashütten). First, though, we both had massages after breakfast - I had opted for a foot massage (utterly relaxing, especially as I was given soothing pads to cover my eyes with) while O.K.'s massage was called "Clear Head" (not that he wasn't clear-headed before!).

Signpost in Altglashütten, showing the direction of Bärental ("Bear Valley") where we were based.

We chose a different route for the way home; by then, the rain really had stopped, and the sun put in a tentative appearance. The roughly 8.6 km altogether did us good, with or without sprinkles of rain.

It stopped raining...

...and the sun came through!

Tuesday (7 May) was grey, and at only 11C/51F relatively chilly. We had back massages booked for the afternoon and therefore did not want to venture too far away from the hotel so that we would not have to rush back.

On our first evening, we had spotted "Zweiseenblick" on the sign post near our hotel (see my previous post for that). It literally means "Two Lakes View", and naturally, we knew which two lakes they were - but was there really a place from where one could see them both at the same time?

Yes, there was! The path through the woods was unremarkable (not helped by the dripping grey clouds), but I love the woods in all seasons and all kinds of weather. The fresh air and quiet are good for the soul, I find, and it is healthy to look at it all and realise that nothing of what I spend most of my working days with has any significance here. Are the trees and the birds interested in what this or that article of the GDPR says? Do the sun and the clouds care whether we do everything to the letter when it comes to handling personal data?

Anyway, the views show the two lakes, and to the naked eye, they were both visible at the same time AND appeared much larger than what my pictures can convey.

New house in Bärental, built in the old, typical Blackforest style.

Spot the lake! (This was still in the village.)

Leaving Bärental behind...

...past green pastures...

...with disinterested cows.

The tiny white speck in the distance is a patch of remnant snow on the Feldberg.

Another view of the Feldberg in the distance.

 The damp moss on these trees was like a soft, lacey dress.

This rock is Zweiseenblick, the spot from where one can see two lakes.

This one is Titisee...

...and the other one is Schluchsee.

In less wet weather, this would make a great spot for a rest and a snack.

Old house in Neuglashütten with an equally old kitchen stove out front.

Back at the hotel after about 8 km, we had not only time for our massages, but also for coffee and cake, the sauna, some reading and resting before dinner.