Nord Süd Trail

Starting early in the morning in Assmannshausen, trying to get to Koblenz in 3 days. The bench for the night was kind of comfortable but I got disturbed by my alarm, which I forgot to turn off. On that day I came further than expected even though there were a few more ups and downs, especially in the evening. I was lucky to have a supermarket just next to my sleeping place to buy dinner.

After a later start I found my pace and was first aiming for a Trail Angel, which I couldn't contact by that time. When I came into the village, I randomly talked to a woman, if she knew the Trail Angel and I figured out, that he actually has a small store in the middle of the town. So I went there and had a nice chat with him and he gave me a dried sausage for dinner. I went on for quite some time even though I was way ahead of my 3 day plan to Koblenz.

On the third day I started after midday because of the rain, but I only had 20 km to Koblenz. There I met the next Trail Angels, who picked me up to drive a bit further to their home on the other side of the Rhine. It was amazing, delicious food, cleaning clothes and a nice couch to sleep on.

After they dropped me back on the trail I started running to get in time to the next Trail Angel 10-15 km along the Rhine, but 40 km following the trail on a big loop away from the river. The Trail Angel wanted to walk towards me but I took another route and we almost missed each other. Warm food and a shower is great for the end of a long hiking day.

And again a long day to the next Trail Angel. I wasn't feeling great that day and I had to take more breaks. I came late into the town 10 km before the Trail Angel and we agreed on picking me up there. I was their first Thru Hiker as a guest and I had a really good time with them, even though I was really exhausted. I had my own room + bathroom.

The next day we drove to the next bigger town to get me new shoes after 1000 km. I finally bought my favourite shoes again, barefoot shoes from leguano. No Trail Runner / hiking shoes but I prefer the weight and how they feel on the foot. Afterwards he dropped me back where they picked me up and I started walking again. We decided, that I would stay another night with them and they'll pick me up, wherever I'll end up. Because of network problems (no signal anywhere) and slow progress I decided to walk the 10 km to their place. I wasn't able to message them so it was the easiest way.

The last day of the Rheinsteig was about 40 km to Bonn. I messaged the Trail Angel there and started the day around 9.30 am. I knew there were still a lot of ups and downs, but I thought, even if I arrive at 9 pm that's fine. But I didn't expect to feel so sick again and I couldn't eat anything after breakfast. So it was again a really slow going day with many breaks. I called the Trail Angel 1 km before the break off point, because I was too exhausted. I was their first NST Hiker as well and they were really kind to me, I really enjoyed the time, but I wasn't feeling great at all.

In the end I decided to take the train to my parents place on the following day and recover from the diarrhea, which followed me for quite some time more or less. I hope to get back on the trail as soon as possible to continue my journey and meet some of the other NST Hikers.Read more