Saturday, June 02, 2018

Saturday, 2 June 2018: Schmidmühlen, Germany

We took a short hike in Schmidmühlen, north toward Hammerberg, on a trail that ran between the Lauterach and Vils Rivers.  The Lauterbach river is where the trout (Forelle) I had for lunch yesterday came from! But first we stopped in town to pick up Dimpelsemmel (seeded whole grain rolls), cherries, butter cheese, trail mix, and a 1.5 liter bottle of water.

We met a nice couple from Stuttgart who were hiking the reverse circuit from Schmidmühlen. I almost suggested turning around, and going back to town with them for coffee and cake. We hiked about 5 miles.

A Saturday Hike toward Hammerberg

Along the Lauterach Wanderweg

Towards Hammerberg

Barley fields, we think

The trail crossed through forest and fields, and butterflies flitted among the wildflowers along the edge.  At one point a huge snail crossed our path.

Ströbi sees a large snail on the path

Snail on the path
A poppy along the Lauterach Wanderweg

Wildflower along the Lauterach Wanderweg

Butterfly along the Lauterach Wanderweg

Wildflower along the Lauterach Wanderweg

Butterfly along the Lauterach Wanderweg
Butterfly along the Lauterach Wanderweg

We stopped for lunch under a Horse Chestnut tree at the edge of a barley field. The warmth of the sun and the droning of bees helped us catch a peaceful little nap after lunch.

Time for lunch and a rest under a Horse Chestnut Tree




Staring up at the clouds while the bees drone and the gentle breeze blows


After our hike, we went back to the Gasthof Lindenhof in Schmidmühlen for some chocolate ice cream. Then we drove to Amberg and shopped for Bavarian souvenirs. We found a really nice Goebel Gift Shop, and picked up some gifts for the girls. The women in the shop directed us to a Dirndl shop around the corner, and we got there just before closing. We found a soft little Dirndl in Bavaria's blue and white, for Cora.

Bavarian Dirndl for Cora

We were so happy with it, that we went back to the Goebel Shop to show the ladies. They said it was very good quality, such as Bavarian mothers would buy for their own daughters. They told us the rules for tying the bow: On the left for single girls, on the right for married women, and in back for widows.

Finally we headed back to our hotel for a cool swim and then dinner again at the Erlhof in Erlheim. I had fish and vegetables, and we shared a giant Windbeutel (cream puff ) filled with strawberries and cream for dessert. It was the specialty of the house.


Salmon with herb sauce and spargel

The Specialty of the House: Windbeutel, a giant strawberry-filled creme puff for sharing.



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