Ruth’s Diary

July 23, Sunday Maulbronn to Freudenstadt (90 kilometers – almost all uphill) We had breakfast at a hotel or tavern across from the Jugendherberg & then Helen, Dot, & I thought we ought to see the monastery. We stuck our heads inside. It happened that a Sita group had just landed in town & were having a conducted tour. The woman at the door thought we were with them so closed & locked the door behind us. Since there was nothing else to do but follow we did. We learned a great deal. We saw 3 distinct periods of architecture as the monastery was remodelled – romanesque, Gothic, & Italian Renaissance. The monastery belongs to the Sistercian order & there were very tiny seats for them to sit on – so that they were almost in a standing position – no chances of going to sleep. The floor was worn away where they had shifted their feet, sitting in this uncomfortable position. We (Helen, Dot & I) slipped quietly out after about 15 minutes as we knew the group was waiting to start. We left Maulbronn about 9: A.M.. There was immediately a terrific hill, which I pumped up, thinking every minute I would die before I reached the top. That was only a sample of the day’s ride. By noon we reached (Wildbad?) & ate our Sunday dinner in a tavern, soup, potato salad, wurst. We started on again at 1:05 with 48 kilos still to go. Again it was continuous pumping. Helen & I lost Dot somewhere behind but didn’t wait as we had all we could do to push or pull ourselves. We walked miles rather than pump up hill & against the wind. We did only about 6 or 7 kilos an hour. We stopped twice to rest & to pick blackberries. Towards the end, there were a few hills. We couldn’t coast down & we arrived at the Jugendherberg about 5:30 – washed had supper the very same as for lunch. We took a short walk after supper for some candy. Then I came into bed & I talked with some German girls until 10:15. Anna, Elsa & Anna Lisa. Then some of the Hitler Youth talked with me. One, Anna Marie Schnitze, gave me her address as she wants some am. stamps She emphasized Germany’s army for peace.