Stans to Giswil, 25Km and 600m up
It makes sense for Walter to phone and book the accommodation because I have no German and who knows where we’d end up if it was left to me. At the time of booking last night’s accommodation he said we and the German ladies would share a room for four and did I mind sleeping on hay? Naturally I assumed he was becoming contaminated by a British sense of humour and I nodded approvingly then thought nothing more of it. So it was only after dashing off last night’s blog that I went upstairs and opened the door to our room.
It was a smart enough house and when I opened the door I expected to find a couple of bunk beds and a little table with a vase of flowers. But no. I found myself in the hay loft. Apparently there’s nothing the Germans love more than to romp around in the hay. The other three had already staked out their places and had left me a snug patch in the middle.
It was all very civilised, more like bringing the great outdoors inside than sleeping in an old barn. And I slept well, even with something nibbling my big toe.
Today was rather like yesterday. We set off at 9am, climbed and descended many times, the sun shone, we visited more churches than I can remember and ended with a level walk along the Sarnersee to our house for the night. We arrived at 5pm but we did see a lot of churches and chapels. After piling all our clothes in the washing machine we nipped down to the Coop to buy beer and some food and the ladies are now preparing dinner so you see they are adding a lot of value to our little adventure.
Pilgrimage 
Can’t beat a roll in the hay Tim. Great scenery, good company, a bit if exercise – what more could a pilgrim want after a big breakfast?
A spot of lunch is always good but sometimes hard to find. It will be good to hit a mattress tonight
You brought back a memory for me there of sleeping in a hay barn as a teenager on a youth club outing – I guess I kind of thought that that kind of thing didn’t happen anymore. – what a pleasure to be so wrong 👍
It has a certain appeal but you have to turn the hay with the fork provided
Kia ora Tim. The man in the up the hill is weeding the hay paddock so no thistles will be in the hay to spike the cows’ mouths! I love the walkways you’re travelling on, especially the grassy one around the hill. Kia kaha.
I thought he’d lost something up there
Glad hayfever 🤧 is not an issue for you Tim!
Interesting pic with the bread ovens; are they still in use? Communal/shared or private? Imagine the smell…that would get me over many a climb… 😋
Sadly they’re not still in use. They are a relic of village life back in the day. Imagine that fresh bread every day
Looked like a nice day – despite the nibbles in the hay.
Hi Lynn, it’s a certainly better in the sunshine. I can cope with being nibbled occasionally