Day 117: Bye Bye Ostsee

Jellenbek to Preetz

Distance: 50km

The chirping of the birds is waking me up before 4 o'clock. As the sky is already getting bright and I feel reasonably rested, I decide to do an early start. By 4:30 I'm back at the beach, respectively above. Both is possible, both has its own charm. It's perfect hiking weather. Neither too warm, nor too cold, no wind, sunny with great visibility. I am thoroughly enjoying these first hours along the beach, taking it slow, going for a swim. Having the weather on my side on my last day on the beach (for this year at least) is fantastic. 

As I get closer to Kiel, the beach eventually disappears and I head inland. Bye bye beach. A ferry takes me across the  Nordsee-Ostsee Canal, connecting the two seas. Once on the other side, it's a rather strenuous, neverending walk towards the city. I don't enjoy it too much. Therefore, I'm delighted when I see the ferry terminal, where I will take yet another ferry across the the other side of Kiel. While on the ferry, the Oslo Ferry is leaving for Norway. Those of you, who have been following my blog, know, how much I love Norway. A part of me wishes to be on that ferry and dive into Norway's vast wilderness. 

Reality catches up with me once I step of the ferry. While it's not Norway's wilderness, the trail along Schwentine river is quite nice. Eventually, I start feeling tired. The day has been longer and harder than anticipated. After a quick resupply, I'm happy when I finally arrive at my 1nitetent spot in Preetz. It's 19:15. A long day. For once I am relieved that my "host" isn't really into the mood of talking as I feel quite exhausted and thankful for some quiet time once I pitched my tent and cooked my dinner.