Another wet morning greets us as we arise from our 'sleep-in'. Stephi is upstairs resting, Mathilda is in her room playing, Niklas is at playgroup and Felix is in the lounge room engaged in a tele-conference as he is working from home today.
The Lippold household had breakfasted well before we materialised. So, while Maria was taking her shower I made my way to the local Bäckerei to buy bread
The rain had been consistent throughout the night and weakened to a fine mist by this morning. So,
undaunted I decided to resume my promenade
which had been shortened due to yesterdays
downpour.
Heading north in the direction of Schwäbisch Gmünd I passed a wainwright business which specialises in restoring/reproducing wagons and vintage vehicles. However, in the yard on a trailer there appears to be in progress a reproduction of a Roman ballista. This maybe in preparation for Medieval Games which are scheduled for May 2018. There is also a 19C hearse being restored, which may be in preparation for the Medieval Games as well?
When one drives into Straßdorf, negotiating a roundabout is required. In the centre of this roundabout and as though on an alter, is a sandstone sculpture of that Deliverer of Dreams and Prowler of the Night the god from the Greek pantheon - Hermes. Germany is certainly a land of sculptures.
I pay the deity homage and continue onto the ridge towards the corn fields. As Maryborough is surrounded by cane farms, Straßdorf is surrounded by corn fields. The air is sweet with the aroma of ripening corn,
which adds an excitement to my walk.
The corn fields have their own silent guardians.
As I had stated, Germany is a land of statuary and
Straßdorf is no exception.
As I continued the rain maintained its fine drizzle. Wherever I looked the heights were shrouded in mist.
As I continued the rain maintained its fine drizzle. Wherever I looked the heights were shrouded in mist. The cathedral which overlooks Straßdorf was again camouflaged as it was the previous day.
Passing among these corn fields I came upon parcel of land with a collection of garden allotments. Each
allotment with productive garden beds and a timber shed, and all neatly kept like rows of corn!
As I continued on my walk I saw in the distance what appeared to be a statue, a sculpture in bronze, indeed. This art piece was created in 2002 by the renown German artist, Josef Baumhauer. The sculpture is called 'Daphne', representing the Greek minor goddess.
The weather is beginning to deteriorate. I forge onward across the ridge towards another sentinel
in bronze.
'Sie doch im Osten das Morgenrot Edelstahlguss' translates as, In the east you can see the red cast iron morning. This bronze statue cast by Eckhart Dietz faces west as though challenging the wayfarer.
Pressing forward as the wind increases its pace,
I come upon another guardian. Created in bronze
by Max Seiz the sculpture is titled, 'Ecce! Me' and
translates as Behold! Me.
Following the the path down towards the forests' edge I come upon a wayside chapel, as though to mark a pilgrim's progress without the trials and tribulations befalling Christian Graceless during his quest for
the Celestial City.
Leaving the spiritual element behind me I deviate
through the forest following its undulating path.
The only sound was the constant tinkling from the
falling raindrops. Such a peaceful diversion of
dampness and the forests' scent.
Exiting the forest I come upon the 'thee-ways' indicating directions towards Straßdorf, Schwäbisch Gmünd and
Waldstetten. I choose Straßdorf. I continue onward and
following pathways, I eventually exit opposite the St Cyriakus Church in Straßdorf.
However, as I was about to commence my return home there is a sign indicating the direction towards
"Lebensalter"? Well, you know what curiosity did for the cat....
I ventured in the direction indicated by the sign-post which sent me towards the ridge from somewhere I had started my trek.
'Lebensalter' or Age as translated is a large limestone relief of sculptor Adolf Bidlingmaier.
My journey now completed, I return home.
Blog for Saturday, 2nd September 2017:
"Of Rocks and Wurst"
Not much of a blog for today folks. A fairly easy day which would depend upon your perspective.
After breakfast it was a spot of grocery shopping which Felix and I attended to. Apart from the usual staples, Felix regarded a few ingredients for dinner this evening.
Maybe it was considered I required adult supervision,
or at best - hard labour. There were a few items around Steph and Felix's which required attending to.
Two piles of river rocks - not stones - ROCKS! A task which any Herculean Daredevil would stand up to the plate for. Ha! Knocked over in a couple of hours.
Between cleaning windows, racking leaves and 'earth' moving, Felix commenced preparing dinner. What a repast did we have: Lentils, bacon, Wurst sausage and
Spätzle noodles. Great Swabian food.
Just as well Felix hadn't made Fava beans, this would have been disastrous.
Good night folks . keep your candy handy!
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