04 - 03.08.23: Stage 04 Rams - Semmering

Thursday 03.08.23: Today was a good day!

I leave the Ramswirt late - it's already raining lightly. The weather forecast talks about the 'big rain' - I still can't believe it. From Raach am Hochgebirge to the Schanzkapelle on asphalt, then steep downhill through the forest to Maria Schutz. My clothes are wet inside and out! It finally stops raining - thank you Maria!

In the pilgrimage church, I fill my water bottle with miraculous spring water (hidden behind the high altar) - to rub on my knee 😀

From Maria Schutz a narrow forest path winds up to the Semmering plateau. My pants are wet up to my knees: the rain cover for the backpack works well, but the running water lands on my butt - next time I'll wear rain pants too! Uphill is much better for the swollen left knee, but now the right knee is also starting to complain - it must have instinctively taken on more strain!

Today's tour was only 15 km long, but with a lot of ups and downs. And I walked 10 km of it in the rain.

And once again I was able to observe wild animals in their natural habitat: Shrew; Something with frog legs and a dangerous vineyard snail. Although......I've also seen something with frog legs in Graz!

The next few days are expected to bring a lot of rain - it won't get better until Sunday at the earliest 😞I will stay at Berghof Semmering until then. An opportunity for my battered musculoskeletal system!