Stage 11.1: A Day of Rest

Hotel Schwarzhorn, Gruben

Wednesday, July 17

"Three things there are that ease the heart-- water, green grass, and the beauty of woman." Frank Herbert, Dune

Following 2-3 days of intense hiking, we decided it was time for one more rest day and after what happened at the end of stage 11, I didn't need any convincing.  We awoke late in a dormitory at Hotel Schwarzhorn, in a very small valley village of Gruben, all other bunkmates having left for the trail much earlier.  

We once again enjoyed a leisurely breakfast of yogurt, cereal, bread, butter, jam, cheese, meat, orange juice, and coffee.  We have become so accustom to this breakfast, we almost expect it; which will be a disadvantage later in our travels.  While taking our time drinking coffee, we watched with curiosity and thankfulness as the Norwegian and English group headed up the hill without us.

Rest aren't very exciting, but when they include sleeping in, hot showers, and breakfast with no rush, it gives the body and heart a chance to be eased; with a view of  running water, green grass, yet the chance to miss our women back home.

Laundry, naps, extra coffee, observing the natives, and blogging are what take up most of my time.

We also greeting the Maltese couple, Andrew and Mariella, as they came down from an alternate route in the mountains.  It had been raining in the night and during the day, so the trail couldn't have been too pleasant.  

We chatted with them before dinner, learning about the Maltese culture and their own travels.

We invited them for dinner, however, were surprised to find out that 2nd night guests get different menu items for dinner.  We had a chicken broth soup, an excellent salad, and grilled pork, an herb butter with fries.  

Ice cream with a wafer was sweet, but not very satisfying, so we all went down to the bar and I finished with a Schwarzhorn Coffee; Irish cream, coffee, and whipped cream.