An unplanned hike around Freudenstadt - Part 2

As I set off into the depths of the Black Forest, I was completely unaware of the surprises the day had in store for me. Actually my Plan was simple, which was to reach a lake I had randomly marked on the map and see if there was a waterfall along the way. I was over 800 meters above sea level. My shoes were a terrible choice, so I felt every single pebble under my feet. Even so I made it up the 250 meter climb in about half an hour. The canyon view through the trees was so amazing that it made all the pain worth it. The main route was closed because of forestry work on the way. Praying not to suffer the wrath of Google Maps, I turned onto local shortcuts used by the residents.

The pine scent in air was amazing the moment I stepped into the forest. I was walking among giant, century old pine trees with trunks so thick I couldn't even wrap my arms around them. I understood once again at that moment why the Black forest is called the dark forest. The trees there are so dense and majestic that the light of the sky can barely seep through. After cooling down with an icy drink from a small mountain spring along the path, I reached my destination Sankenbach waterfall.

When I first arrived the waterfall was almost dried up, with only a light trickle. Just as I was about to turn around in disappointment, the loud roaring sound of water suddenly echoed from the mountains. Apparently the water accumulated in a reservoir above and was released periodically. Seeing the huge 15 meter waterfall suddenly surge, I could not help but think it was like ordering the waterfall on demand. It was really a magical moment.

I went down to the lakeside to catch my breath for a while after enjoying the waterfall . It was time to head back. So I started walking toward the nearest town. I had a journey of about 70 kilometres and a few transfers to make to get back home. On top of that my phone batery had dropped to around 30 percent.

I decided to stop in a charming town along the way to have a refreshing beer. I was afraid of running into a cash crisis in this remote corner of Germany, but thankfully they accepted cards. Accompanied by the regionale famous Alpirsbacher beer, I watched the peaceful valley scenery that made the Swiss Alps famous.

I experienced the biggest surprise of the day when I arrived at the train station. While waiting for the S Bahn train, a deafening steam train whistle echoed. A historic steam locomotive was right in front of me. This giant black machine from the 1920s was taking on tons of water through hoses and blowing out massive clouds of smoke. It felt as if I had stepped into a time machine and been teleported a hundred years into the past.

My phone battery dropped to 13 percent at the end. But it was worth it. Leaving home for just a few hours and hitting random roads became etched in my memory as a wonderful day that offered me an unforgettable Black forest adventure.