Weitnau to Stiefenhofen, 20Km
Finally, a couple of pilgrims: two German men from Munich. I noticed them at breakfast in the Gasthof Krone and assumed they were bikers. We checked out together and exchanged a few words. I saw their backpacks and asked if they were walking Jakobsweg and they said they were, so naturally we set off together, Matthias and his step son, both self certified “pilgrim addicts”. That makes three of us.
They are walking the Munich branch of Jakobsweg which recently joined my branch and yesterday they were only a few minutes behind me. What a difference it makes walking with fellow pilgrims, talking, exchanging information and complaining about the lack of pilgrims on Jakobsweg. The kilometres flew by. It transpires they are Bayern Munich supporters so naturally we reflected on the 2012 Champions League final against my beloved Chelsea and the great sadness that descended upon Bavaria when Schweinsteiger missed the fifth penalty.
Apart from the company, it was a beautiful walk as we crossed the Bavarian Alps and we could see snow at 1400m (see photo above). The rich pastures are a deep green colour rather like the Wimbledon grass courts on day 1 of the tournament. Being a Sunday, all the churches were locked so unfortunately we couldn’t collect any stamps.
Accommodation is scarce along here. We bid farewell when I turned off the Jakobsweg to reach my hotel in Stiefenhofen and they are staying in a private house that accommodates pilgrims. I suspect we’ll meet again at some point.
Stiefenhofen is a pretty little Bavarian village snuggled in the rolling hills with a smart hotel and a Bäckerei (bakery) / Konditorei (confectioners) for a late cappuccino. However, the church caught my eye and while walking around it, I saw this plaque which brings a tear to the eye. Perhaps here in deepest Bavaria, there is the greatest need to atone for those dreadful years.
Pilgrimage 
As ever, stunning photos. Glad you found company eventually. The places look beautiful – they don’t look very “lived in”. Are people universally clean and tidy? Tim
This is the most beautiful part of this pilgrimage and the bad weather has passed. The sun is shining. Now I’m sorry it’s nearly over as I feel completely recovered from Covid
Hi Tim, good to hear that things are looking up at last! I love the photo of the spherical tree and its shadow; such an apt illustration of all you have encountered on your journey. All the best for your walk to Bregenz!
Thank you, I’m nearly there! It’s only two or three days ago that I felt fully recovered from Covid and now Bregenz is within my grasp
Thanks for the photos with the cows under the sun but where is the chocolate milka? I hope the forecast is better for the end of the pilgrimage. Good walk.
This is a big dairy area and that means walking carefully in some places! No chocolate milka, only cheese sadly