Idar-Oberstein

 We have yet to begin our journey, but today I have walked in excess of 12 kms, and Edith over 9 - she got a lift with her brother to the hotel, whereas I walked the 3kms from the station.  Once she arrived, we explored the town, and have managed to get ourselves quite confused as to where the path goes.  The signs appear to be pointing in one direction, but as soon as the end is reached there is a sign WITH an arrow sending us back the way we came.  We will resort to the Terra Maps app tomorrow until we know for certain that we are on the right path.

An interesting stone house between the villages.

The police station was an impressive old building.

Idar-Oberstein is one those towns which appear to be two separate ones merging into each other, not unlike Cockburn on the SA / NSW border or Albury-Wodonga.  This whole area is famous for its rocks and minerals, and Hildergard von Bingen was quite vocal in her praise of them, particularly those she deemed to have healing properties.

The mineral museum where the first sign is meant to be.

It is at the back of this building, sending us onwards, in the wrong direction!

There is a fascinating church built into the rock - Felsenkirche, but it was closed when we were there.  In this day and age fear of falling rocks means that the entry is now through a tunnel!  Because it was closed when we were there we didn't, unfortunately, get to see inside.

Heading towards Felsenkirche

Felsenkirche 

The tunnel used to enter the church.

It is now 9.45 and there is still enough light to read.  The sky is clear, the birds are still singing,  and tomorrow promises to be a nice day for walking.

A fountain, across the road from our hotel

A stream bubbles up and flows on down the street.  Note the stone seat.