I’m packing an empty suitcase. It’s a weird feeling.
Like, literally packing what will be an intentionally empty suitcase to hand over at the airport.
We’ve been in Germany for almost three months now and we are about to head back to the states. But this return trip is different. We are coming back to Germany in just 7 weeks and want to bring even more stuff with us.
So we leave with empty suitcases. I’m afraid they will be crushed under the weight of the other luggage, so we fill them with empty Amazon boxes to give them structure.
Before we get on the plane I need to hit my favorite trail one last time. I am already missing it. I miss it even though I know we will be back soon. Because when we get back it will be different. The leaves will be gone, I’ll be wearing thermal gear, and who knows what the hell else to expect in December of 2020.
The route I choose is my standard 5 mile (8km) route here. It has a nice mix of terrain to enjoy – starting with a paved path on the Teltow side of the kanal then transitioning to sand and dirt on the Berlin side.
It’s quiet. It’s probably my favorite route for clearing my mind. On the paved trail you can really tune out and coast. On the dirt path you can focus on the roots and navigating the narrow single track sections. Life needs more such trails.
If you find yourself in Berlin, I highly recommend getting out for a long run along the Mauerweg. The section featured in this week’s video is obviously a favorite of mine, but the former Berlin Wall is over 100 miles long. So there is plenty to discover and enjoy regardless of which side of town you are staying. Here is a great resource if you want to learn more about the Mauerweg or even plan your own run or ride along it’s scenic trails: https://www.berlin.de/mauer/en/wall-trail/
Until next time, cheers!
Chris