Tags
Black Forest, Explore, Fairies, Germany, Holzen, Kandern, Photography, Storks, Wandern, Wolves
As promised in the previous post, here’s some information about Germany’s past and present inhabitants. One surprising creature in Germany: storks.
These storks live in Africa during the winter and Europe during the summer. Holzen, which is part of the greater Kandern area, is famous for its stork nursery, and has adopted the storks as part of their history and culture.
I guess I haven’t adjusted yet to the geography; I’m used to birds migrating to Florida from Canada or South America, and yet migrations from Africa to Germany were a huge surprise.
I learned more about German critters when I went on a hike yesterday. A new friend, Jenna, wanted to show me some of the cool locales around Kandern that I hadn’t seen yet.
We climbed up a steep hill to see a WWII memorial:
Also included on the memorial were the dates for WWI. The hilltop was a quiet, hallowed spot to reflect on the lives lost during the two world wars. Appropriately, the monument looked out over the valley, almost guarding Kandern:
On the way back down, I had to get a lovely sunset shot of the German countryside:
Jenna then promised to take me to a “creepy place”. Up for an adventure in the thickening dusk, I followed her into a tunnel of beech and elm trees, their branches forming a perfect Gothic arch above us. The air turned cold, its unexpected chill coming from the trees, not the altitude. We turned off the dirt path onto a leaf-strewn path made visible only by the absence of undergrowth. After a bend,we entered a small, winding ravine:
I learned that this hidden area was called something along the lines of “Wolf’s Cove” (but in German), because wolves used to live here (no kidding). The perfect home for wolves, rock loomed on every slope, providing both protection and a vantage point. The path was long, twisted, and narrow, good for trapping prey and hiding from humans. The sun no longer in the sky, I felt cold, like something was watching me. Jenna agreed, saying she’s always felt that way when she visits here.
Unfortunately (but fortunately for us), wolves were killed off a long time ago. Conservationists are actually trying to reintroduce wolves to Germany, so that hawks will have predatory competition and not overpopulate the region.
Leaves rustled around us as we walked; sometimes it was the wind chasing us, and sometimes–if you looked quickly–it was mice scampering away into tiny holes in the rock. I almost thought a kobold might be running behind me, always staying just out of sight. Dusk and dawn, according to folklore, are when the fairy world is closest to our own and we are most likely to see magical creatures. I found, in this twilit gorge, that such tales were coming alive.
Jenna told me how she would have camping trips here, as a part of a youth group.
We took a different way back, on a path that seemed even less traveled than the one before. It ran parallel to old train tracks, and through the trees we could see a circus troupe who had set up camp.
A small glen opened up, and we descended down to see a tiny stream coming from a minuscule fountain. It was so unexpected and small, and I felt like it must have been built by fairies.
Nailed on a tree nearby, a wooden sign added to the mystery of the glen.
I believe the poem is in Alemannisch, and I have translated it as best as I can (having no experience in the dialect):
Lever well
Larger, much larger than our knowledge,
it draws water (from?) a secret, living circle,
In water is everything, who knows and understands it,
in water is both, is life and death.
– From “On Brother Nameless”, by Lina Kromer
Eventually, we left the wood. And yet, lingering with me, is an awakened childhood dream. I had forgotten what it was like to almost believe that elves and sprites lived in a world next to our own. My rational adult self had been struggling with writing fairy stories (something I used to do all the time). My experiences in Germany might be restoring my ability to imagine the fantastical.
Karly Robin said:
I really like the photo of the sunset!
jennschmitt said:
Thanks! =D
Maria said:
Sounds like an incredible adventure! Feel free to take me on hikes when I’m there in April. You’ll be a seasoned local by then!
jennschmitt said:
Maria, I would love to take you on a hike! I’ll be sure to scout out all the best spots beforehand. ;p Just don’t forget to slow down for a non-athlete like me. ❤
Sus Schmitt said:
I love this post! What a fun adventure… and a chance to spark your imagination again. I think these weeks are a great time to recharge your creativity. We’re so glad!
jennschmitt said:
Thanks, Mom! ❤
Loren Cooper said:
This is just so you. I’m jealous, and would be proud if I could claim any responsibility for your journey or your perspective. Travel safe, dear friend.
jennschmitt said:
Loren, thank you for such a lovely comment. Of course you and all the people in my life have contributed to my perspectives and choices. Please keep in touch!!
Ben said:
Mom likes the post! Must have been the storks.
Bonnie and I enjoyed the stories and the pictures!
jennschmitt said:
Lol yeah, I’ve been paying attention to bird things just for Mom. =D I even recorded some songs for her to listen to later.
Thanks for reading! Love you both!