2024 Sept 4 Wednesday

Peiting to Wildsteig

Day 4 began sunny and warm. The trail literature told us of a nature trail through the Ammer river gorge (Ammerschlucht) as well as a visit to the monastery church at Rottenbuch.

9:13 am to 5:19 pm; 9.94 miles 23,119 steps; elevation +1472; temperature high 77; rain about last two miles.

Richard’s Relive video can be found here: https://www.relive.cc/view/vdvm11LLXNv

Feeling pretty good leaving our hotel in Peiting.
Instead of the town’s blue pole, this crucifix was affixed with icons.
We’re entering the park where we’ll follow the Ammer River. Lots of families are out—artists have been here too.
The path is looking okay at this point. Little did we know . . .

The river is a long way below us as we hike up and down the bluffs, but we could certainly hear it. Click the video for sound.

Now we are pretty far into the hike and the trail is much more treacherous. Besides being muddy, the roots meant every step had to be carefully placed and poles were absolutely necessary. Slow going.
We’re finally through the gorge after several hours, and travel along farm roads. They manage thee livestock with these gates just big enough for a person, and it pivots to open as you push through.
We’ve finally reached the monastery church at Rottenbuch. There are lots of tours here, especially German seniors with their walkers. They’re loud but are having a good time.
The interior of the monastery church at Rottenbuch.
In the nave of the church was this sculpture of the disciples sleeping while Jesus prayed. Unusual.
One of the side altars included the skull.
Perhaps you could give confession to Pope Francis. I haven’t seen this before.
As we’re leaving Rottenbuch, we’re seeing yet another pole with even more icons. Rottenbuch is near several highways and we are now seeing markers to nearby Oberammergau where the passion play is performed. Obviously it is an area of pilgrimages.
This is an very unhappy bull. Click the video to hear him bellow.

Completely drenched, we arrived at our hotel for the night and started laying out clothes to dry. Tomorrow is another day.

6 Responses

  1. I am glad you are still on the trail. I got worried the last few days. Yes, I see those muddy roots and uneven pathways. I love the sound of the River. I am sure it gave some guidance. Yes, steep, but someone certainly worked at preparing your trail. The churches are indeed interesting. If you build a beautiful church, then someone will travel to the village. Times have changed but I am glad pilgrims still stop in. The churches tell the Bible stories. They tell the theology. They tell about a connection between heaven and earth. At your next church, look to see if that church has a unique theme, such as the time in the garden. I do hope the weather cooperates for you.

  2. Wow, that was an adventurous day! Never seen one of your trails looking that challenging. Glad you made through ok! The nice thing is there is always a nicely prepared meal for you to enjoy without having to cook or prepare it yourself. Can tell from your pictures how much you enjoy those relaxing moments in each day. Can’t believe how ornate and beautiful the local monastery’s are in these small towns. Makes me sad to think of how many we have missed out on our European travels as we mainly went from one large city to the next. A real upside to your slower paced travel adventures.