In the guidebook, the intrepid hiker is told to go directly from Pottenstein to Graefenberg, a 34km hike that can easily take 11 hours because it includes a fairly substantial elevation gain and loss. Wisely, our leader had split that leg into two hikes, with a detour to our hotel for the night in Baernfels.
We woke to a blue sky - and while in California, that would be just another blue sky day, this was special and we were excited to be on our way. The trail was steep in places, but the birds were singing and the dolomite rocks were impressive. We were in the heart of the Fraenkische Schweiz (Franconian switzerland) and I was quite taken because I'd never seen these kinds of rocks before.
Old borderstones (you can see the number, 1607, if you look closely) lined the way.
Finally, the large solar panels had some solar to collect.
About halfway, Thomas' parents, who had driven up from Nuernberg, met us with a big bag of Brezn (large pretzels) from Brezn Kolb - everybody knows that's the place to get your Brezn from. They were both not so very young any more, but they hiked twice a week and were almost able to leave us in the dust. They knew the area well and had looked for lady slipper orchids, which would bloom in a few weeks. We were so thrilled that they found one orchid that was already open! I'd never seen a lady slipper in the wild before - what a special treat!
We have lunch in Leinfels, where I, just for one, have ice cream with hot raspberries as my lunch - the waitress is very apologetic that she's out of vanilla but I gladly settle for chocolate. James and I enjoy the opportunity to speak German with Thomas' parents and translate a bit for our friends.
After lunch, half the group takes a shortcut and the rest of us enjoy a little more walking on this glorious day. I have to stop for another photo - this isn't grass, it's moss!
We're sorry to say good buy to Thomas' parents but we plan on meeting them again in Nuernberg. An hour later we arrive at our comfortable accommodations in Baernfels, the Gasthof Drei Linden. We find a special room to rinse off boots and rainpants - some of the hotels are well prepared for hikers and bikers and know what the weather can be like. But today, we can sit outside and sip an Apfesaftschorle, a Radler, or some beer and enjoy the sunshine.
