Ettlingen – Gaggenau (28,9km)
The first night in the tent was a bit unusual. Unfortunately, I couldn’t sleep much because of all the animals in the area and I still have to get used to the thin foam sleeping mat. But at least I wasn’t eaten by a wolf during the night (they say there really is one in Ettlingen) and I wasn’t woken from my sleep by the police. Due to the early dawn and the birdsong, I opened my tent shortly before 6 a.m., put it back together, put everything in my rucksack and set off.
Just like at home, I need my coffee in the morning to really wake me up. That’s why I decided to unpack my gas stove on a bench with a beautiful view and make myself a coffee. As I drank it, I enjoyed the beautiful view and wondered what the new day would bring.
When I had finished my coffee, I set off in the direction of Ettlingen, where I would finally meet up with the Baden Way of St. James.
Once there, I first went into a bakery to buy a snack. Once I had fortified myself, it wasn’t long before I found my first stamp station. I was able to add the first stamp to my pilgrim’s passport at St. John’s Church on the Alb. Immediately after the church, I saw the first sign showing me the way to Santiago de Compostela.
With my first stamp in the booklet and the route markings now in place, I continued my journey. After a few minutes, I left Ettlingen again and followed the markings in the direction of Gaggenau.
The path led me past meadows and through forests. There was a small hut in the middle of the forest where I could cool down a bit and take a little nap.
At around 1 p.m. I reached a small inn in the forest, where I took a break and had some refreshments.
After my lunch, I set off again on the path, which was now to lead through the forest for some time. On the way, however, I saw another interesting sign, which meant a detour of almost 100 meters for me, but which I gratefully accepted.
After walking through the forest for several hours and it was already getting dark, I set off in search of a place to sleep. After a long search, I found a suitable spot just before Gaggenau, which was not visible from any road and offered a cozy place to spend the night.
I pitched my tent there and slowly got ready for bed to be prepared for the next day.
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