Delightful Dilberg
We woke up to another scorcher today - a cloudless blue sky and temperatures around 30 degrees. In such conditions we are mighty glad to be walking mostly in woodland, though that does mean that our frequent climbs go largely unrewarded with views.
Breakfast was a less interesting affair than yesterday’s, but we still prepared a lunch time roll before setting off back up into the steep-sided hills that line the river.
I’m delighted to say that we didn’t have a gazillion steps to contend with this time, and although we still climbed quickly, it was easier on the old legs, and we soon had a vista down to the river.
Today’s is the easiest of all the walks, though, characteristically, we still managed to extend it by a couple of miles by taking one or two detours.
It was worth it, though, as the little town of Dilsberg is really attractive. We’d had glimpses of it yesterday, perched on a hilltop. It’s all narrow cobbled streets and timbered buildings.
We forked out a few Euro to climb up to the rampart wall of the ruined castle there, which gave us a really lovely view over the river back towards Neckargemünd and to Neckarsteinach, where we’re staying tonight.
We paused for a drink in a tiny café, basically someone’s front room, and pretty much furnished accordingly. A bit eccentric, but a welcome respite from the heat.
From there it was a steady descent all the way into Neckarsteinach, crossing the river over a massive lock, with sentinel cormorants stationed at regular intervals. The river has been canalised (if that’s a word) allowing huge barges to transport stuff. We’ve mostly seen aggregates so far. Passing through the lock was a closed barge, so no idea what it was carrying. But there was a woman on the small deck playing with three dogs, who were keeping cool by jumping in and out of a paddling pool. There was a car parked on deck too.
A shade-free walk along the river brought us to our hotel. Our room has a tiny balcony overlooking the river back towards the town, and the hotel serves cake on its vine-covered terrace, which was our destination after a shower.
Dinner was at a Greek restaurant. Yet more pork, oof, though nicely done, and the owner was a very genial guy who delivered the food accompanied by a rhyming phrase of some kind. The whole thing was finished off with a shot of ouzo. It felt rude to refuse, even though I can’t stand the stuff.
We’re sat out on our balcony now in the gathering darkness, wearing not very much, and wishing in vain for a breeze to drive some cool air into our room.
Em x
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