(Deutsch) Corona-Tagebuch: Der Gipfelsturm auf das Eilumer Horn
Today we are doing something big. We are about to climb the highest height within the Elm, the Eilumer Horn. Until 1983 the Kuxberg was supposed to be the highest hill in the forest. The latter had to change places 38 years ago due to the findinds of four mountaineers from Schöppenstedt. The Eilumer Horn is 4.3 metres higher than the Kuxberg. Reason enough to errecht a summit cross at this point togehter with a summit book. Therefore I am looking foward to my first ascent on top of the Eilumer Horn.
At the cheefrul Wabe
This sunday is relatively grey, quite windy and chilly. However we decided that these adverse conditions should not hinder us from our race to the top. We start our tour at the beautiful manor Lucklum where we meet with the river “Wabe” for the first time. The stream will accompany us for a while. We cross the estate and walk along the park of the manor direction of the sports field. Though we ignore the first bridge over the Wabe and stay on the right side. At this place a nice small path wiggles through the houses.
We reach Erkerode. Kitty-corner from the house with the water mill a path leads to the Reitlingstal. The trail leads uphill and afterwards through lots marked with boundaries until the edge of the Elm. It is a very nice path. Until here we followed the signs of hiking tour no. 3, from the edge of the Elm we concentrate on the signs of loop hike no. 31. From now on we only walk uphill until we reach the Eilumer Horn. The acent is moderate though and easy to manage. Finally we warm up a little bit and achieve operating temperature. We pass by the rest are at the Mühlstein and turn right into a narrow path which leads us directly to the Eilumer Horn.
Tying not to be disrespectful I have to admit that the sight onto the summit cross needs some getting used to for every serious hiker who knows the Alps or similar mountain ranges of that height. But then again, why not? Everybody has the right to be proud of his native hills. After the mandatory summit photo we realize that we missed the stone grave “Adamshai” on our forward run.
Man in short trousers with gloves
Upon still reflecting whether we should return to the Adamshai, an accident comes to our rescue in the shape of a man wearing short (!!!) trousers but also black leather gloves. We realize that people are hard-bitten in this region. We address to the nice guy who at first gives us directions for the Adamshai. At the same time he dissuades us from going there and recommends instead the Amplebener Kuhlen. He tells us that they are much more interesting than the grave. Well, that puts us in a bind. Unfortunately we do not know how far this “Kuhlen” are away from our position. Therefore we decide to visit them another time.
We descend from the Eilumer Horn via the South edge of the Elm and reach the fruit tree colony above Evessen. The wind has picked up in the meantime and as we are quite exposed at this point we intensify our pace. Still we are attracted by the beautiful sight over the fields and the fruit trees. I imagine that this area will be a feast for the eyes in spring and summer time.
Money of witches and sun wheels
We reach the hiking lot at the Borrwege. Just a little bit further up the road we reach another parking lot, we have reached the stone pit Markmorgen. We take a look around and read the information boards to get some insights on geology and forest development. Unfortunately it is too cold today to look out for some fossilies. By the way, money of witches and sun wheels are characteristic for shell limestone. After a short break we move on, hiking through meadows, enjoying one again a magnificent view via the extensive hilly landscape of the Reitlingstal.
A moment of perfection
Reachting Erkerode once more that unexpected takes place: the sun breaks through the clouds! It is unbelievable how the landscape changes within seconds from a grey monotony to a vital and romantic natural spectacle. Even the sheeps we pass by for the second time looks scenic and out of a feel-good-movie.
We are using the sun intermezzo with the momentary blue sky to take a good look around at the historic part of Erkerode. The sun beams are glittering on the Wabe and light up the renovated timber houses. We enjoy a perfect moment. It feels like being in a movie. It only last for about 10 minutes until the clouds cover the sky again. The sun vanishes and the wind blows chilly into our faces again. But we will not forget that perfect moment.
We return to our car alongside the Wabe until we reach the manor of Lucklum again. The complete trail is about 14 km long. Once more I am positively surprised what kind of beautiful hiking paths and scenic attractions the Elm has to offer.
