Contrary to previous years January flew by just like a blink of an eye. On weekends I continued my project of section hiking the Alemanni Trail (Alemannenweg), which is marketed as a panoramic roundtrip through the Oden forest (Odenwald). Needless to say that it had been a very cold and muddy experience.
I have no clue to why the trail name is hinting at the Germanic tribe because so far I haven't encountered any significant historic sites or artefacts of the respective era.
Heading westwards from the trailhead at castle Erbach towards Reichelsheim.
Over the hights and through the valley of Mossau.
Castle Reichenberg
Back another day: Now in the wine region, at the summer residence of former sovereigns (Fürstenlager Auerbach) I have almost reached the halfway point.
Together we revisited the Heidelberg area: A moated castle at Handschuhsheim, the tower on Heiligenberg (All Saints mountain), the abbey ruins of St. Stephan and St. Michael and the infamous Thing place, a dunning remnant of the Third Reich.
Last but not least we climbed the mountain Königstuhl (at 567 m not really a climb though) and enjoyed the views over Heidelberg and the Rhine flats.
Good news on the job front: My supervisor liked my work and put a word in for me. I am happy to report that my contract at John Deere got renewed.
Not so good news on the virus front: Some non-vaccinated family members contracted Corona. So far it seems to be a mild form of Covid. Let's keep fingers crossed that it stays that way.
congratulations for the contract! I hope, your family-members will be better soon without any long-term effects. And your photos are great as always! My favorite is the summer residence. Have a great February :-).
ReplyDeleteThanks Yvonne, hope you like revisiting Germany every once in a while. I certainly appreciate your postings. Take care and keep sane and healthy.
DeleteEine gefällige Tour mit so einigem geschichtlichem Hintergrund, ich habe mich gerne noch weiter informiert auf dem Link zur Thingstätte.
ReplyDeleteNun begleitet uns der Coronavirus schon fast zwei Jahre lang. Alles Gute wünsche ich deinen Familienmitgliedern, hoffentlich hat diese Pandemie bald mal ein Ende!
LG Werner und Timi
Danke lieber Werner, man muss auch solche Stätten einfach mal stehen und auf sich wirken lassen. Am schönsten wären dort Konzerte oder Theaterveranstaltungen die in der dunklen Zeit deutscher Geschichte als "entartet" galten. Wir haben im Übrigen auch keine Lust mehr auf Pandemie... Seufz!
DeleteMore fabulous photos. The area looks beautiful. And congratulations on the contract renewal, though I still think that whole “work” thing is overrated… ;-)
ReplyDeleteHey, you can talk you lucky bastard. I have another 10 years ahead before I can think about retirement. Enjoy your freedom and stay healthy.
DeleteI’m loving the fabulous photos! And congratulations on the contract renewal.
ReplyDeleteIt will pay the bills and it's actually great fun to work for this company.
DeleteIncredible photos and places to visit, our family's connection to the region just that much more real. Good luck with your work continuing at 'Deere! I'll do my best to support the people that make the parts that later turn Green, last week was in Waterloo once again.
ReplyDeleteHow cool is that, by the way I talk to the Waterloo people at least once a week. Please continue supporting the product, it will do its part to keep my pay check coming ;-)
DeleteYou have a family connection or ancestors from this region? How intriguing!
Congrats on your contract being renewed! And thanks for the pictures, especially the ones of Heidelberg I really like that town.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dom. Seems like pretty much every US citizen falls in love with that city.
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