Huhu, my dear travel friends! It’s your Little Viki again, freshly brushed and full of energy!
Can you imagine how much my little paws tingle when the sun is shining outside? Today was exactly that kind of day in Bad Ditzenbach. The sky was such a radiant blue that you couldn't help but stick your nose in the air and shout "Adventure!" Of course, nothing keeps us stuffed animals indoors then. We had to get out, we had to experience something, and above all: we had to go high up!
Our destination today sounded almost like something out of a knight's novel: The Tierstein. Sounds mighty and mysterious, doesn't it? Together with my very favorite cuddle friends – the brave Mini Christopher and the sweet Baby Viki – and of course our humans, we set off.
Our route was not for weak hedgehog legs, let me tell you! We decided on the so-called "Alte Steige" (Old Steep Path). When humans say "Steige," they usually mean it’s going properly uphill. And when you have legs as short as mine, it feels like an expedition to Mount Everest! But a true traveling hedgehog knows no pain, only curiosity. Puffing but happy, we worked our way up step by step until we finally reached the plateau of the Alb. From there, we continued from the Aimer parking lot directly into the woods. I love the forest! It always smells so wonderfully of adventure, pine needles, and damp earth.
But then, right in the middle of the path, things suddenly got really exciting! We were facing a particularly steep section. Our Mommy, who often carries us so we can enjoy the view, had a bit of trouble managing this climb for a moment. It was immediately clear: now was the moment for the cuddle friends to shine! We gave each other a quick nod – Mini Christopher, Baby Viki, and I – and then it was: Teamwork! With combined forces and a lot of mental hedgehog power, we helped Mommy master the steep passage. You wouldn't believe how strong little plush toys can be when it counts!
After this heroic rescue mission, we definitely deserved a reward. And what could be better than a break in the middle of nature? The magic thermos was conjured out of the backpack. Ahhh, that moment when the hot steam rises into the cold winter air! We all snuggled up together and enjoyed the hot tea. It felt so good and warmed up our little plush bellies perfectly.
Freshly strengthened, we continued to the grand finale: the Tierstein itself. And you won't believe what we discovered up there! There was actually a Christmas tree! Just like that, in the middle of nature, set up by an unknown Christmas elf (or a very nice person). It looked beautiful and immediately put us in a festive mood. We admired it for a long time and wondered who might have lugged it all the way up there. It's little surprises like these that make a trip perfect.
But as it goes with winter adventures, you mustn't lose track of time. Fortunately, we started heading back just in time, because the weather up here is sometimes a bit of a chameleon. While we were still admiring the tree, the fog slowly but surely crept in from the south. At first, it was just small wisps, but then it became thicker and, above all: noticeably colder! My quills almost stood up from the cold, and I hugged Baby Viki even tighter. It almost looked like the world was being wrapped in cotton wool.
So it was time to: shake a leg and get home! The way back was surprisingly fast – maybe because we were already looking forward so much to the warm living room.
Now we're sitting safely and cozily at home again. The heater is humming, and we’ve made ourselves another pot of tea to properly warm up again. My paws are warm once more, and I'm already dreaming of the next trip. It was a wonderful day, even if the fog almost swallowed us up at the end!
I wonder where our next journey will take us? I’m definitely keeping my sniffing nose in the wind!
Until the next adventure,
Your Little Viki