Day # 44 Kehl (Strasbourg) to Offenburg.

Deserted & very wet streets.

               Rolled out of my rather mean Strasbourg hotel digs at 7.45 am into heavy, and I mean heavy, rain. Very mild, but the sky was almost down to the roof tops. Walked up to the ‘gare central’ and took the bus # 2 back to the French side of the ‘Pont d' Europe’. Bus travel was acceptable for this 5 kms segment per walk regulations, as I walked into the city a couple of days ago and back-tracking is ‘not permitted’. There, you have it from the boss!

         Got caught up in the confusion of road signs in Kehl (opposite Strasbourg on the Rhine) pointing to my walking target today of Offenburg that told motorists to head due north---Offenburg is due south!! As is often best in these situations, I deferred to my old fashioned compass and opted for creativity. Quickly found the correct bike trail through a maze of city streets and set off southwards along the top of a dam beside a minor river. To say that the world was deserted this very rainy morning would be an understatement. Not even the omni present dog walkers were out. I knew that south must take me in the general direction towards Willstatt, my mid-way point. Sure enough just about noon, church spire indicated my navigating success. Thank The Lord for church spires. Just scan the horizon and most likely they will lead a ‘lost’ walker to his destination. Not very scientific, but it works.

              I am heading into another wine festival weekend in Offenburg and luckily I had the good sense, based on experience, to book my room ahead—as festivals usually indicate that all gasthaus rooms are sold out. The town itself appears to be most photogenic, with an emphasis on black and white framed architecture. Most of the central area has been developed into pedestrian friendly retail precincts, making for a pleasant shopping, dining and cultural experience. At the entry of most fair sized towns & cities the Germans post large electronic parking status signs for the various off-centre car parks, so that motorists are not in the situation of having to drive around trying to guess where there maybe a spot to park.

               My hotel tonight has super efficient central heating excellent for clothes drying after another day in the rain. For those who may be interested in purchasing ‘breathable’ waterproof clothing, let me tell you, from personal knowledge that the animal does not exist. It would be nice if humidity from the body could expire and at the same time prevent rain coming in. In my case, I become wetter from my 6000 steps an hour physical activity than from the rain seeping through & into my clothes.

               Tomorrow, I aim to reach Lahr, former (till 1996) host to the Canadian air-force NATO air base.

22.8 kms. walked today per Google Maps.
Cumulative kms. walked: 823.0
Type of overnight lodging: Hotel Traube.
Cost of lodging: 65E.