12. Sep 2026

Oberkirch - Kniebis

Photo 1: The small town of Oppenau...

Today would be my last hike where I would go from the vally to the mountain top in one stretch, a total of 1264 altimeters. Yes, I would still go through the highlands of the Schwäbische Alb, but this would be my last mountain.

Photo 2: Going up through the Black Forest to Kniebis. The Black Forest gets its name from the dense canopy of evergreen trees that grow so close together they block out most of the sunlight. It was nice walking in the shade on this warm sunny day.

Photo 3: "Pilgrim Toe"

Ever since Snail-Trail 1.0 my right big toe has struggled to keep its toenail. The downhills and bumps against rocks and roots keep it in a "humble" condition.

Photo 4: ETS - European Theological Seminary from the Church of God in Kniebis

This will be my home for the weekend. I was really looking forward to my stay here, to have a bed, meals served at the canteen, and most of all to have encounters with the students. I was not disappointed. I had very many meaningful talks with a number of students during meal times.

Photo 5: Lookout point "Ellbachseeblick"

Tomorrow it is supposed to rain, so I wanted to walk to this lookout point this evening after dinner. Two students went with me. A group of young men from the Stuttgart area were also there. I commented to two of them at how beautiful the view was, that it makes you want to thank God for his wonderful crestion. The one was a Muslim from Tunesia. He responded: "Yes, we need more faith in God in Europe!" I had a God-talk with the two of them and prayed for them. Afterwards they wanted to have a picture with me. Then the others also wanted to join it. It was then that I realized that the seven young men (two not pictured) were one group, each from a different country: Turkey, Sri Lanka, Romania, Poland and Germany. They were all friends since grade school 15 years ago. I shared a few thoughts with them from the Snail-Trail, truths for living, and told them that their group reflects God's heart for the nations. In the Kingdom to come there will be people from every culture and language group and that Jesus/Isa will take us there if we trust him. It was a God-appointment and was worth every step the past days to get here for this special moment.