6th May (sunny and warm 22C) 15km

Once again, awake at six and began on the blog before we were to journey to Weingarten to observe what is known as the Bloodrun.  Every year a ceremony known as The Ride (or Procession) of the Blood, in honour of a relic of Jesus’ blood, is organized at Weingarten. 

It is a parade in which nearly 3,000 horses, ridden by representatives of the individual parishes and by the clergy of the individual churches, participates.  We had been informed by our host, Katja as to how many horses were likely to be taking part, but never imagined what this would be like, having so many horses, in such confined spaces.  

Along with the horses are brass bands representing various districts, marching in amongst these majestic looking beasts.  And to our amazement… no one was injured….well that we saw anyway.  The only time medics were required was for dehydration and too much sun. We have never seen such a spectacle and although it seemed ridiculous in one way to make such a fuss over a few drops of blood supposedly from Jesus Christ, it was amazing to see and they just did it so well that you couldn't help but appreciate the finery and the organisation.  There were so many varieties of horse and although the streets were a mass of horse muck, people were still able to cross, when the procession came to a halt at regular intervals.  

Nuns eating brotwurst

Vendors were out plying their trade, so the public was able to purchase different kinds of food.  Julia was snapping shots off with the camera like nobody’s business and what you see on the blog are only the very finest of a huge amount. 

The bishop with the blood.  Gotta love the staging with the white horse and the red cloak draped so beautifully.

The culmination of the event was a gathering of perhaps a couple of hundred horses outside the Basilica, where the Bishops and clergy do their bit and return the blood to the church.  As a religious spectacle…..the horses came out well on top for me.  Not only were they such fine looking animals and so well behaved, they carried their riders for hours without complaint, in testing circumstances…..so well done….I’m sure GOD would be proud!!

Our ride home took us through the town of Kisslegg and this time the stork was in the nest. 

We had decided that the afternoon would be a bit of down time, in comparison to previous days. It was also an opportunity for us to do some last minute checks on the bikes and take them for a ride. Stefan has a few trail circuits that he does during the week and we rode one of these through wooded tracks and around lovely lakes with views of the snow covered Alps.  All seems well with the bikes, which is a relief after the flights, as you never know how well they are handled.

Waiting for us upon our return was a beautiful late lunch of breads, cheeses and meat…. A staple and very enjoyable meal. Capped off with a Radler….just the trick! At 7.30pm Stefan and Katja’s son Tamino, who works in I.T. in Augsburg arrived.  

Tamino and Pete give me a hand but we
both managed to go solo on the AirWheel

He had brought with him his electric unicycle, or airwheel, which he was only too happy to let us have a go on….and I have to say, both Julia and I could see how you would get hooked on it. A bit like a Segway, without the handles and stem, this requires a sense of balance and although we were only just able to stay on it…. It wouldn’t take long to become proficient.  Tamino told me that because it is classed as a motorised vehicle in Germany, you need a license, something most who own them don’t do.  They certainly are a lot of fun.

Katja and Stefan's lovely home

Later on we all sat and enjoyed a nice evening meal outside as the sun faded. The conversation flowed and Stefan and Katja  you sense,are really proud of their son, who is a great young man with a good personality. Hit the sack just after 10.30pm.