Day 156: Grüezi Schwiiz (Hello Switzerland)

Friedingen to Lippoldswilen

Distance: 55km

My last day in Germany... And it's not an easy start into the day. I am feeling stiff, my legs tired after yesterday's long day.

Still, I plant one foot in front of the other, making my way towards Konstanz. 

Only half an hour into my hike, I pass by a inviting looking lake. Swimming with explicit permission of the council only a sign says. Saturday at 07:00 and anyone in sight, I take the risk and go for a swim in the bright blue, warm lake anyway. Oh man, it makes me feel so much better. Energized. 

Lake Constance is getting closer quickly. Once close by, I want to follow it as much as possible. So I descend down steeply to the lake only to realize the lake side track is closed due to landslides. After another swim I climbe back up. A 2 kilometer detour. It was worth it though because of the swim in a deserted shingle beach. The detour takes me through a golf course, me not being entirely sure it's so much saver with all the golf balls flying around. 

Eventually, it's back to the lake for a kilometer before the trail is closed again. Screw it. I follow the closed track. Initially difficult than unwalkable.

I drop down to the lake, where I follow a narrow shingle beach. A couple of times I have to navigate around fallen trees. Hip deep I tip-toes through the water. My backpack barely above the water. Who would have thought that would happen on E1 in Germany. A Te Araroa flashback. Wonderful. I enjoy it. 

After a couple of 100 meters and disturbing the peace of a young nudist couple, who for sure did not expect anyone back on track. 10km to Konstanz.

It's busy. I didn't expect anything else. Saturday evening. I do my resupply then start my search for Fredy, my dad, who. will join me on my hike to Wetzikon. How exciting. Really looking forward to it. Eventually, we find each other. It feels great to see him again. 

Together we are looking for an E1 plaque, placed, where E1 has been founded. No luck. We have to go. 19:00 and still 10 kilometers to go. It will be a late arrival. Border crossing is a breeze. It feels not as special as I expected. Maybe because I am in the thru-hiking mode again. Keep going to make it to the camp spot before night falls. Fredy and I do lots of talking. Catching up on what has happened during my time away. Time flies. Unfortunately, we don't make it before darkness arrives. With headlamps on we find our campspot, nicely located near the confluence of two rivers. There's a fire place and being back in Switzerland, it means there's also firewood provided. That's something I love about Switzerland. I have to make use of it and light a fire. After a late night snack we retreat into our tents. I fall asleep almost immediately.