Started the Via Regia today from Görlitz--how exciting for me! Had breakfast with a Berliner some 8 years younger and met him again coincidentally at the hostel in the evening--his first pilgrimage and backpack twice the size of mine. Headed out using both guide books and my indispensable PocketEarth (tracking app) and the excellent waymarking (See pics) on the paths that exceeded my expectations--every bit as good as on the Camino!
I reached the summit (938ft) after about 10 mi. and as usual for Europe, I found a great restaurant and met up with Hugo. He's enjoying a beer in front of the "mattress" rocks, a really neat rock formation. I've missed him!
After lunch only an hour to Arnsdorf. I headed straight for the church and next door found a very modern hostel (see pics). Across the courtyard from the hostel was the old barn since transformed into a movie and eating space for the pilgrims, as well as bed overflow. Only two of us!
(Can't seem to upload pics! But am trying again on 6 May.)
