Distance: 10.2km
Duration: 2 1/4 h and 1h breaks
Weather: sunny and very warm with approx. 30C
Today‘s trip was a short one as I only had to go to Wittenberge as I’ll have a partner in crime for a few days to walk with me and who will arrive early in the next morning via train. The walk was pleasant on the dyke with beautiful views on the river. The last strip was via an old train bridge to cross the Elbe and get into Wittenberge. As it was hot again by lunch time, I took a break before the long train bridge and sat under a tree in the shade. While I sat there, I got a phone call. Fully engaged in the conversation, I saw a group of cyclists approach when suddenly, someone passed by in front of me, looked me in the face and shouted “Sabine!!!!” Completely puzzled, I looked up and realised that it were two friends of mine from the UK with their daughter and mother who stood in front of me. We couldn’t believe it! What a coincidence to bump into each other in this part of the world!! It was so great to see them. After a while we separated as we went into different directions but I finalised my walk with a massive smile on my face.
Walking into Wittenberge was interesting as it had the atmosphere of a workers’ town that must have been wealthy in the past. There was a massive oil mill at the entrance with an impressive brick building that was turned into a hotel end event location. Some streets were built of beautiful town houses with rich decor while other streets consisted of more simple and small houses. The train station itself is an impressive building from the second half of the 19th century. Unfortunately, it seemed fully closed and was boarded up for some parts. It was a very unique atmosphere in this town and I fear that it will also change in 10-20 years when the generation of the elder will not be there anymore that seems to represent the majority of the population right now.
I took it easy in the evening to be ready for the next few days where we’ll have some longer walks.
Sabine's blog 