A Slow Trip with July and August in September
A hike usually looks like this: We have heavy backpacks with provisions on our backs, we try to find the way along our self-planned route and get lost at least once, and above all, we are going at a pretty good pace.
But on this hike everything is different because we are accompanied by two very special hiking guides. They carry our luggage, know the most beautiful hiking routes by heart, walk at a wonderfully leisurely pace and, above all, they enjoy lush grass and being petted.
We introduce: The two donkeys Juli and August!
We meet at Reichenow Castle in Märkisch-Oderland. In July and August, people rush straight to the castle's green meadow, because this is where the best grass is supposed to be. Also there is their owner, Oliver Standke, who has lived in the region for 12 years and immediately hands us the lead ropes.
Juli has two bags on his back. He will carry the picnic prepared by Reichenow Castle for us.
After we have petted the two of them extensively (and pulled them away from the delicious grass), our hike begins. We are going to Katzensee, 3,5 kilometers away, which will be our picnic spot.
Before that, we take our first little break at the Long Lake behind the castle. We realise that we have never seen a donkey on the beach before, but here are the two of them and Juli is even happily wallowing in the sand. Oliver has taken his luggage from him just in time.
As we continue walking, Oliver tells us how he went on a donkey trek in Portugal and discovered his love for the animals. He rescued August from poor conditions in 2017, and later Juli completed the trio.
We are amazed at the level of trust between Oliver and his two donkeys. Even when we let go of the ropes, the two of them stay with us. Every now and then they want to eat grass and are stubborn for a moment, but they always remain deeply relaxed. And the relaxation is transferred to us too.
After walking through forest and fields, we reach the Katzensee. Now everyone has a break. The donkeys enjoy the grass and we enjoy our picnic - with a super delicious selection of sweet and savory snacks and drinks.
On the way back, August also wants to wallow happily on the dirt road again. We have long since developed a liking for this type of hike. So when Oliver invites us to another winter hike to the Stobbertal, which takes at least six hours, we immediately say yes. Juli is said to have a really cute winter hairstyle - we have to see it, of course!
After 2 ½ hours we are back at Reichenow Castle. We take a farewell photo with our new hiking friends and of course say goodbye with a cuddle.
Thank you Juli, August and Oliver for the lovely trip. We'll definitely see you again!