05) The Rotach River
- O Peregrino
- Jun 1, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Aug 15, 2024
Autobahn: Germany is famous for its Autobahn, the highway system where there are stretches with no speed limits. It is a paradise for speed enthusiasts.
Unfortunately, you could not join us on our adventures because you probably have to waste your time working to pay your upcoming bills and mainly the taxes, which will then be squandered on useless things somewhere. If you really make the effort to read through all the articles here, you can watch the video at the very end. You can also save time and effort and scroll straight to the video.
Our Tip: To counteract your dilemma, you will simulate a jungle in your smallest room. Dim the lights a little, or put a not entirely transparent stocking over the light bulb. Now sprinkle 5 kg of potting soil on the table, light the stove or the kettle filled with water and wait until it starts to steam. Doors and windows are of course closed. Now you can also open the jar with the worms, ants, beetles, flies and mosquitoes that you bought in the pet shop or caught yourself after weeks of trying and empty them onto the table top covered with potting soil.
To get into the right mood when reading the following article paragraph, put on your headphones and turn the sound on. After reading, turn it off again.
Diary
"The river snaked through the dense, untamed wilderness, its waters glistening under the dappled sunlight that pierced through the thick canopy of ancient trees. The soft murmur of the current was a constant companion we made our way along the mossy, uneven path that paralleled the river's edge. This was no ordinary river, but the legendary Rotach, rumored to possess mystical properties and a will of its own.
"Keep an eye out for the stone markers," said Finn, the seasoned explorer who led their expedition. "They'll guide us to the hidden passage."
Huayna nodded, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of the markers. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and blooming wildflowers, and the occasional cry of a distant bird echoed through the forest. He adjusted the strap of his pack, feeling the reassuring weight of the ancient map tucked safely inside.
As we walked, the river's song grew louder, and Huaynas thoughts drifted to the tales he had heard as a child. Stories of the Rotach's enchanted waters, said to heal the gravest wounds and reveal truths long buried. But the river was also known for its treacherous moods, and many who sought its secrets were never seen again.
"Over here!" called Jürgen, the oldest of the group, pointing excitedly at a weathered stone partially obscured by a tangle of roots. We gathered around, brushing away the dirt to reveal the intricate carvings that adorned its surface.
"It's one of the markers," Finn confirmed, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "We're on the right path."
With renewed vigor, we pressed on, the terrain growing more challenging as the forest thickened. The path was now barely discernible, forcing us to navigate around fallen logs and dense underbrush. Despite the hardships, we had a sense of camaraderie among our group, each member driven by the promise of discovery and the unspoken bond of shared adventure.
As the sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the landscape, we arrived at a clearing. The river widened here, its waters forming a serene pool that reflected the fiery hues of the evening sky. At the far end of the pool, a waterfall cascaded down a rocky cliff, its roar a stark contrast to the gentle murmur of the river.
"This must be the place," Finn said, consulting the map. "The hidden passage is behind the waterfall."
We approached the waterfall cautiously, the spray dampening our clothes and adding a chill to the evening air. With a deep breath, Huayna stepped through the curtain of water, feeling a momentary disorientation as the world blurred around him. When he emerged on the other side, he found himself in a cavern illuminated by the soft glow of bioluminescent fungi.
Finn and Jürgen followed, our expressions a mix of awe and anticipation. The cavern stretched ahead, its walls adorned with ancient murals depicting scenes of a lost civilization and the river that sustained them.
"We've found it," Finn said quietly, his voice reverent. "The heart of the Rotach's mystery."
As we ventured deeper into the cavern, Huayna and Jürgen couldn't help but feel that this was just the beginning. The river had guided them here, but it's true secrets were yet to be unveiled. And with each step, we felt a growing connection to the Rotach, as if the river's spirit flowed through their veins, urging them forward into the unknown."
Beep, beep, beep - The alarm clock rings, what a beautiful dream! (You can now silence the soundtrack on the top. Clean up your mess on the table and release the insects into nature, or prepare a protein-rich meal from them. Don't forget to turn off your stove/cooker. We don't want your house to burn down. If it does, you can post a photo or a video of the smoke-filled remains of your charred house here on our blog of course without additional costs).
Do you think we wasted your time with the above article? Hardly! Our tip: slowly move on from the mostly useless social media (with the exception of our blog) to reading real books.
The Rotach - The Reality
In the morning we stroll through the city briefly, spend some time in a nearby nature reserve and wander through a small forest. In the afternoon we decide to walk along the banks of the Rotach. We started our hike near the mouth of the Rotach - Weilermühle (district) - Berg (also district) - and back again to Friedrichshafen (Mom´s food!!!). A easy 20km hike.
Hiking on the banks of the Rotach
The sun had just begun to gently rise above the horizon, bathing the landscape in a golden hue. The Rotach, with its crystal clear waters, meandered gracefully through the lush valley, inviting all who saw it to explore its picturesque banks. This tranquil morning marked the beginning of an adventure for Jürgen and his son Huayna.
Jürgen, an experienced hiker with a passion for nature, had long wanted to share the beauty and tranquility of the Rotach with Huayna. At 29, Huayna was brimming with curiosity and energy, ready to discover the wonders of the world outside his usual urban environment. Today was the perfect opportunity for father and son to grow closer, far away from the distractions of everyday life.
With backpacks full of essentials, they set off from Jürgen's mother's apartment. The small river fought its way through the urban jungle to its mouth at Lake Constance. Bound and confined in a cement corset, we can no longer follow the Rotach´s bank along the river and move away.
"Dad, how long until we reach the river away from the city?" asked Huayna, eyes wide with anticipation.
"Not long now, son," replied Jürgen, smiling. "You'll know we're close when you hear the sound of the water."
True to Jürgen's words, the gentle murmur of the Rotach soon reached their ears. Huayna quickened his pace, the lure of the unknown driving him forward. As they passed through a cement factory, they were greeted by the sight of the river glittering in the morning sun.
"Wow," breathed Huayna, his eyes taking in the beauty of the scenery. "It's even better than I imagined."
They followed the river bank, each step revealing new delights. Jürgen pointed out different plants and animals, sharing his knowledge and sparking Huayna's interest in nature. Colorful flowers dotted the landscape while birds chirped happily from their perches. The air was filled with the fresh scent of pine and earth, a scent that Jürgen had always found invigorating.
As they walked, Jürgen told stories of his own childhood adventures on the Rotach. He spoke of the times he had spent fishing with his father, the excitement of catching his first fish, and the quiet moments of contemplation at the water's edge. Huayna listened intently, his admiration for his father growing with each story.
After a while, they came to a particularly scenic spot where the river widened to form a tranquil pool. Here, Jürgen suggested they take a break. They settled on a flat rock by the water and unpacked their snacks. Huayna skipped stones across the surface, each one creating ripples that danced in the sunlight. Their bond grew stronger with each passing moment. Jürgen and Huayna spent the day exploring, laughing and making memories.
As the sun set and cast long shadows across the landscape, Jürgen and Huayna set off back home. Tired but happy, they walked side by side, the silence between them comfortable and filled with unspoken understanding.
The Rotach River had not only provided the backdrop for a beautiful day, but had also become a symbol of the enduring bond between father and son. And so, with the prospect of future hikes and shared discoveries, Jürgen and Huayna looked forward to the many summers they would spend on the banks of the Rotach, where the magic of nature and the strength of their relationship would continue to flourish. And that was only the beginning...
You can watch the Video in full screen here!
The Rotach is a 39-kilometre-long (24 mi) tributary of the Rhine, which drains to the Lake Constance, in the German state of Baden-Württemberg. The river source is near the municipality of Wilhelmsdorf. It flows southward through Horgenzell and Oberteuringen before emptying into Lake Constance at the city of Friedrichshafen.
Weiermühle: The Weilermühle orchard is a meadow orchard where BUND Friedrichshafen (a NGO) looks after old and young standard fruit trees of many different varieties since 1980.
A recreational area with barbecue areas and a playground is integrated into the orchard. The adjacent Rotach river is perfect for splashing around and exploring. There is also a riding stable and a holiday home, and that's it.
Berg: Berg is a district of Friedrichshafen
Sightseeing:
Parish Church of St. Nicholas:
The parish church is located on a hill that dominates the landscape. First mentioned in 1252, it was rebuilt in 1464, destroyed by fire in 1646 during the Thirty Years' War, rebuilt by 1662 and remodeled in 1793 and 1837. In 1894–1897, the baroque furnishings from the early 18th century were replaced by a complete historicist furnishing in the neo-renaissance style (by Moriz Schlachter, among others). The church was damaged in the Second World War and repaired by 1946. In 1970 and 1971, the interior was redesigned in a contemporary style, with the historicist furnishings being completely removed.
Published: 07/16/2024
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