For RF

The morning dog walk in the Bannwald in Ottobeuren. Very noticeable as we drove on to the car park was how very clean it was, not a leaf to be seen. A minute later we knew why. Gerhard the 87 year old pensioner and former forest manager was busily sweeping the leaves on one of the paths using a standard garden leaf rake. As always Luna dashed to him to get her cuddles.


I Bliped Gerhard almost exactly one year ago and detailed some of his life. As always we chatted for a while and he updated me on his bicycle tours this year including a 4 day, 450km Danube Way ride. He also mentioned that just a few years ago he took part in the notorious 550km Styrkeprøven bike race in Norway. Well he actually did the support role as the car driver, his younger brother also well over 80, did the ride. He reckoned it was almost more tiring as a driver in the 21 hour non-stop race.

He also said that Ottobeuren's council had planted a tree to mark the 70th anniversary of starting his forestry apprenticeship in 1946 and as a mark of respect for everything he has and still does for the town. A lime or linden tree and planted near the cemetery.

As we parted, I thanked him for his work, a labour of love to which he simply replied - the car park is the visiting card for the town. I also said we must be grateful for good health and the ability to be out and about.

So after the walk, drove there and took the Blip of Gerhard's tree.

Then this evening a thunderbolt that put all the appalling things going on in the USA and UK in to perspective. One of the very early and most dedicated Blipers "RedFlash" had bliped that her husband had quite unexpectedly died of a heart attack today on a business trip by train. Just yesterday she had expressed on Facebook her thoughts for the family of someone who had been hit by a train, (presumably suicide) and that caused her great difficulties in getting home.

Our thoughts and prayers are with RedFlash and her family. I know David knew how much you loved him.