Day 5 from Zschirnstein Biwak to Taubenteich Biwak

Early in the morning at 7 am, I set out to climb the mighty Zschirnstein.

The small backpack with a water bottle, water filter, and valuables was quickly packed.

After 100 meters, I already heard heavy machinery and chainsaws. The yellow markers of the Forststeig trail showed me the way towards the noise.
The large forestry machines had completely transformed the Forststeig trail. It was just a muddy mess ankle deep.

Then I went through the thicket until the trail curved and gradually led me through beautiful rock formations higher and higher.

Once I reached the top, I enjoyed the view, and there is also a GEO benchmark here.
On the way back down, I had to navigate through scree and mud. It has been raining too much in the past few weeks.

After 3 hours (10 am), I was back down and the two women from Berlin were just finishing packing up and waiting for animal protection with the cat in their arms.

So I said goodbye and maybe see you later somewhere.

So, I strapped the beast back onto my back and off I went.

For kilometers along the German-Czech border, and guess what? It started raining again.
The Forststeig trail runs along a creek here and you have to cross it every now and then. Due to the heavy rainfalls, the trail has turned into a muddy wasteland.

The shoes were gradually giving in, letting the moisture in, the beast was pressing on my back, the water supplies were depleted again, and then I spotted a spring.

Short break, I took everything off and refilled the water. Fresh spring water tastes delightful. So, I packed everything up again and continued on.

I initially wanted to go to Taubenteich Biwak, but I caught a cold and got soaked in the constant rain. Then I saw a sign on the right for a Biwak hut.

Great, every Biwak hut has a wood stove. So, I turned right, hoping that the hut would appear soon.
After 30 minutes uphill in the rain and over slippery roots, I caught sight of the hut in the distance.

I went inside, took off everything from my back, and made a fire first. Then I went to the woodshed and chopped a cart full of wood to keep warm in the evening.

Now, I took care of my laundry, washing everything I was wearing and putting on fresh clothes. Over the fire, I could hang everything up to dry.

Tori felt comfortable in front of the fireplace and I could cook my instant noodles on top of it.

Suddenly, I heard voices and the two women from Berlin came in. They had spent half the day taking care of their cat, then also went up to Zschirnstein, but used the forestry roads to get to the hut.

They wanted to go to Taubenteich Biwak, just like me, but due to the constant rain, they also chose the hut.

I left them my lamp and then fell tired into bed again at 8 pm.

Lesson of the day:
Don't plan too much. Go with the flow.