Despite a heavy rainfall the day before, over 60 participants came together to take part in our annual hike to Himmerod.
Among them, 52nd Fighter Wing Commander, Colonel Kevin Crofton and his family, as well as Wing’s Deputy Commander Colonel Ryan Ley and family. The board members of the Host Nation Council Spangdahlem e.V. Klaus Rodens, Alois Gerten and Thomas Kröffges did not miss this event either.
After a brief welcome by the Vice Chairman of the Host Nation Council Spangdahlem e.V. Klaus Rodens, the group set off. In good spirits and on mostly dry paths, young and old reached the rest stop after a little more than half the distance. There, everyone fortified themselves with refreshments sponsored by the Bitburger Braugruppe and typical German treats.
The second leg flew by, and we arrived at Himmerod Abbey at around 1.00 pm. Now it was time for a hearty lunch, the experience was arranged in the monks’ dining room. Lunch was followed by a short tour of the abbey. Wolfgang Valerius shared all sorts of interesting facts about the abbey and took the opportunity to show off his talent on the organ. A feast for the ears for listeners of all ages.
Afterwards, there was still some time to explore the abbey and its operations. Many bought some of the abbey’s own honey, took lots of nice souvenir photos and enjoyed a bit of sunshine, which finally broke through the clouds.
At around 3 p.m., the buses drove the hikers back to our starting point, the main gate of Spangdahlem Air Base.
Two and four-legged friends agree: The hike was – as in previous years – a successful, family-friendly excursion with lots of highlights!
