...or in English, the Ohlenstedt Spring. That's where we biked to and from today. 50K total, and it was really pretty easy. However, it was only 72° or so, low humidity, pleasant clouds, manageable wind. In other words, ideal conditions!!
The waters are not spring fed since they were created by digging for sand, but the water comes from ground water and is connected to the local rivers. It's clear and cool and there are lots and lots and lots of little weekend homes around there.
We headed first to Ritterhude and took a little detour over the newly completed bridge that crosses the Hamme River. They've put "eyes" on the bridge to give you a special view. Nice!
Along the way we saw these decorated hay balls. Usually they're just a farmer and his wife, but here a bride and groom?? A closer look revealed an invitation to the wedding of Nils and Anne earlier in the month. What fun! Looks like the whole village was invited!! That's the invite on the wooden slats.
Not all rural farms and such here - we have lots of wind farms. Just across the way there was a solar farm as well. In 2025 Germany's power was 60% from renewables. I assume it is even more now. Good for Germany and all of us.
We got to the lakes! And I'm glad we packed a little sandwich and some boiled eggs and some watermelon. Sitting on a bench looking at the quite water was soothing. The bench was not!!
There was a lot less happening there than we'd expected. School has started, and it was a bit coolish today, but still...
It was 33K getting there and I was a bit concerned about 30K back!! No, no, Werner assured me. We have a shorter way home. Great - and a stop for coffee and cake. Yow. Schwartwälderkirschtorte - Black Forest Cherry Cake. Yes! Very good. And very much enough for two.
The café was (overly) decorated with tea pots. HUNDREDS I would guess. Glad I don't have to dust them, but it was cute.
AND, we got a very special take-away - new socks for Werner!!
