Pilgrim’s Diary
My silent farewell to my beloved Elke
01. June to July 20, 2024
1,070 km and 19,000 meters of altitude in 39 days
After the death of my beloved wife Elke Schark, I hiked on foot
from Carinthia (Austria) to Rome (Italy).
Experience this spiritual and emotional journey with me in this diary.
I have had countless many experiences, good and not so good, but the worst day in my life was the diagnosis of my beloved Elke, at the beginning of June 2022, terminal lung cancer. A path of hope began, but above all an arduous and sometimes very sad path of accompaniment and continuous farewell. Elke had not a spark of fear of death. She was just sad that she had to leave her family, children, grandson and me far too soon.
On October 04, 2023, after almost 39 years together, my great love passed away in the circle of the family. She left us a lot, especially the belief in a future, a reunion and not having to fear death.
She did not want a funeral service, but wanted a “farewell party with family and friends by the sea, at the Lido di Ostia, next to our beloved city of Rome”. We were to scatter some of her ashes in the sea.
My promise to Elke was that I would “carry part of your ashes on foot to Rome” to turn inward and seek my farewell in silence. It was 6 months of preparation, training and many therapies for my chronically ill Achilles tendon on my left foot.
On June 1, 2024, I set off from Carinthia and walked the distance of 1,070 kilometers and 19,000 meters of altitude to Rome and on to Frascati in “39 hiking days, 1 day for each year together”.
For me, the first months after her death were almost unbearable, full of pain, but my training for the upcoming hike and fulfilling my promise motivated me. The goal was to set off from Finkenstein on Lake Faak on June 1, 2024 and walk about 1,000 km to Rome and Frascati.
I had my goal and my promise to Elke to complete the whole way, no matter what pain it is associated with. After 39 days of hiking, I arrived at my destination – a walk of 1,070 km, 19,000 meters of altitude (according to navigation), up to 10 hours a day and up to 35 km with 1,200 meters of altitude, at temperatures up to 40 degrees.
On August 10, 2024, as promised, I organized a farewell party at the Lido di Ostia near Rome. Surrounded by my family and friends, we scattered some of Elke’s ashes in the sea, each for himself out of a small butterfly.
“It’s not the end of the world, said the caterpillar….
it’s just the beginning, said the butterfly”
For this reason, a song for Elke was created.
A song of farewell, gratitude and love.
It is meant to remember Elke, our time together, and the deep connection that remains beyond death.
My travel diary
On my 1,070-kilometer walk, I crossed the whole of Friuli, Veneto and Emilia-Romagna, then went over all the hills of Tuscany and Lazio to Rome and Frascati.
My itinerary
Finkenstein am Faaker See – Arnoldstein – Camporosso – Pontebba – Carnia – San Daniele – Arzene – Pordenone – Oderzo – Trevisio – Camposampiero – Abano Therme – Solesino – Rovigo – Ferrara – Malalbergo – Bologna – Badolo – Madonna dei Fornelli – Sant Agata – San Piero – Olmo – Florenz – San Casciano in Valdi di Pesa – San Donato in Poggio – Castellina in Chianti – Siena – Lucignano d’Arbia – Buonconvento – Bagno Vignoni – Bagni San Filippo – Radicofani – Acquapendente – Bolsena – Antica Sosta / Viterbo – Cura – Sutri – Campagnano di Roma – La Giustiniana – Rom / Petersplatz – Frascati
Saturday, June 1
From Finkenstein to Arnoldstein
My family came to Carinthia to say goodbye. I was a bit sad because I knew that I would not hear them again until I arrived in Rome. I wanted to walk the path in silence. It was a rainy beginning. The heel hurts, the toes hurt too. The day begins and ends with rain.
Sunday, June 2
Arnoldstein to Camporosso
It was a nice hike in the sunshine with few clouds. I crossed the Italian border at 11:20 a.m. The weather was still nice. The last kilometers were a slow march because my heel hurts. I arrived in Camporosso at 4:30 p.m. In the evening there was heavy rain again.
Monday, June 3
Camporosso to Pontebba
It’s raining and it’s cool. The heel hurts and there are also a few blisters, 2 on the left, one on the right foot and one on the right big toe. My back and legs are strong, but the weight of the backpack weighs on my weakened heel.
Tuesday, June 4
Pontebba to Carnia
I didn’t puncture the blisters in the hope that everything would get better. Today’s stage from Pontebba to Carnia is longer, 28 km. The weather is good and I switch to my ECCO sandals. It feels like a dream. From now on no more closed shoes. During the day it was hot and humid and in the evening rain again.
Wednesday, June 5
Carnia to San Daniele
Today is my first long stage from Carnia to San Daniele, 36 km with sandals. It is the first continuously sunny day and very warm. A route over the mountains in front of me, the first and last real altitude before the Apennines. In the evening I have a lot of pain, also a strong nail bed inflammation and a damaged toenail. Unfortunately rain again during the night.
Thursday, June 6
San Daniele to Arzene
The big toe hurts badly. Organize march to a pharmacy, antibiotic ointment, blister plasters, etc. Some paths did not work today. The rivers led too much water for a crossing. My condition was very good, I almost didn’t feel the 15 kg on my back. Only the blisters, my problem heel and the nail bed inflammation hurt.
Friday, June 7
San Daniele to Pordenone
The navigation shows me a wrong route. In the end it was over and I had to take a detour. I needed a lot of water and it ran out too soon. At the end of 15 km I had to walk without water at 29 °C, with 14 kg on my back. Today I sent a message (WhatsApp) to my son Christopher for the first time that everything is fine.
.
Saturday, June 8
Pordenone to Oderzo
There have been thunderstorms and rain every evening or night for a week. Today’s way was very exhausting. 29 °C, humid, but little sun and more clouds. The first time with a little pain in my back, hip muscles and of course on my heel. In my thoughts I am immersed in the memory of my Elke for many hours every day. There are also times when tears just run down my cheek.
Sunday, June 9
Oderzo to Treviso
Today I need a little more time for the care and preparation of my damaged feet – taping, piercing blisters and stretching. Today it is not particularly sunny, slightly cloudy, warm and still extremely humid at up to 32°C. Good for walking! In between there was always a little rain and thunderstorm. Despite 8 hours I am not really tired. I am just sad that I can’t hear Elke’s voice.
Monday, June 10
Treviso to Camposampiero
I walk the cycle and country path from Treviso in the direction of Ostiglia. This is the longest tree avenue I have ever seen, 20 kilometers with trees. Since I left the Alpe Adria Way 7 days ago, I have not seen any tourists and cyclists. The only pilgrim I met was an Italian near Gemona, on the way north, to Tarvisio. I am completely alone with my thoughts.
Tuesday, June 11
Camposampiero to Abano Terme
My first break after 20 km is in Padua. It is “massive rain” and I am completely soaked. In a café I change my wet clothes. From Padua it was dry again. I have walked almost 300 km in the last 11 days. On the entire pilgrimage routes, such as Rome Strata, Antonius, etc. I have only come across 1 pilgrim. I always wonder why there are so few pilgrims, strange?
Wednesday, June 12
Today is my first day off at the Abano Therme. I need a 1 day break and have a good time with thermal baths, food, massage. It’s a good feeling to walk through the city without a backpack. It feels like a little vacation and I miss Elke extremely.
Thursday, June 13
Aberno Terme to Solesino
The feet are doing relatively well today. The new puncture of the blisters from yesterday has brought success. I follow the Camino San Antonio and Romea Strata. There are many small villages on a canal. Solesino is a really nice place with a top restaurant. I talked to the boss and I can sleep on the jetty by the lake. This is my first night outside, without rain.
Friday, June 14
Solesino to Rovigo
I woke up at 5:30 a.m. The noise of a large crowd of migratory birds at the lake woke me up. The sun had not yet risen. My sleeping bag and the mat were completely wet. Today was a tedious hiking day. Despite navigation, I queued a few times and had to go back. My feet hurt, even between my toes. You wouldn’t believe where you can have blisters everywhere. In the evening I stabbed everyone again and took care of them.
Saturday, June 15
Rovigo to Ferrara
I mostly followed the “pilgrimage route Camino di Sant Antonio”. There were a lot of dirt roads, but also roads. The weather was extremely hot and humid. It went almost 20 km on the dam along the Po. I was very hungry for the last 15 km and the water had been out for the last 10 km. The path was very quiet and lonely. The silence gives me a lot of time to think but sometimes makes me very sad. I miss my Elke very much!
Sunday, June 16
Ferrara to Malalbergo
I cross Ferrara. Next to the cathedral, a priest asked me where I was going. I told him that I was going to Rome and that I had only seen 1 pilgrim from Austria to Ferrara. He was very disappointed and commented on the neglect of the pilgrimage routes. I followed the Camino San Antonio. Some paths lead astray, as always. Many roads and overgrown dirt roads stop me. I often had to take off my socks and remove all the thorny undergrowth.
Monday, June 17
Malalbergo to Bologna
In the beginning there was a lot of road, thank God most of it with little traffic. Later also gravel paths, some meadow paths and also very beautiful passages. I crossed a beautiful, very well-known nature reserve, the Oasi la Rizza in Bentivoglio. The feet hurt very badly. It was the first extremely hot day with more than 36 °C.
Tuesday, June 18
A leisurely day in Bologna. Walking, organizing things, buying new shoes at Asics for the mountains (Apennines). I managed to find friends that Elke and I had been looking for in vain for 15 years, Gianni Santi (79 years old) and Ellen Santi (85 years old). It was a miracle! I had an inspiration on the last kilometers before arriving to Bologna and was able to find the son Christoph who gave me the number of his parents. A dinner together after so many years. It was “the first longer conversation with people in 18 days”. I was happy, but also extremely sad that Elke was not with us and could no longer see our friends.
Wednesday, June 19
Bologna to Badolo
The flat plains are over, and now the route “finally goes over the mountains” on the “Via Degli Dei – The Way of the Gods” from Bologna to Florence. My route is about 135 km and 5800 meters of altitude in 6 days. Today the first stage from Bologna to Badolo, 22 km and about 800 meters of altitude. It was extremely humid and hot with up to 35°, no sun and always cloudy. The first steep climb to the “Santuario della Madonna di San Luca” (a cathedral in the mountains), with 3.8km the longest arcade in the world, 666 arches, 15 chapels and with countless steps. From up there there was no supply on the route to the Apennines. That’s why I needed 3 bottles of water and had 16 kg on my back.
Thursday, June 20
Badolo to Madonna dei Fornelli
Today there was very little sun, but it was extremely humid again. I arrived late in Madonna dei Fornelli. Since there are no rooms, I chose my sleeping place with a hammock on a wild campsite. The weather at night will not be good. In the village I met some Italians who are making the crossing over the Apennines.
Friday, June 21
Madonna dei Fornelli to Sant Agata
At night the weather was not good, windy and cold. I had breakfast at 6:00 a.m. in a small coffee with local workers. I set off at 7 a.m. It was still windy and cloudy. The hike through nature was beautiful, countless mountains up and down. Many paths were with strong vegetation and dense vegetation. At Passo della Futa, after about 15 km, I took a break. My decision was to continue to Sant Agata, as the weather forecast for the next few days was extremely bad. So, again many meters of altitude and difficult passages, in total it was 32 km, 1300 meters of altitude up and 1500 meters of altitude down.
Saturday, June 22
San Agata to San Piero
Today I wanted to go as far as possible, 34 kilometers over the mountains towards Florence. The weather will be with very heavy rain and heavy thunderstorms in the next two days. So, get out of the mountains quickly! On the way through the valley, about 6 kilometers further, it happened! I was lost in my thoughts of Elke and hit the asphalt with my forehead and nose unbraked. No idea how that happened? My head really cracked and the blood coagulated like water from my forehead and nose. A fruit transporter found me and took me to the hospital in Borgo San Lorenzo. There they stitched my forehead with 5 stitches and gave me a neck brace. Now I’m stuck here. I don’t know yet whether I will be able to continue tomorrow, because of headaches and/or bad weather. During the night a strong storm rages with thunderstorms and rain.
Sunday, June 23
San Piero to Olmo
The weather in the morning is bad, unfortunately heavy rain. According to the weather forecast it should stay wet almost all the time. The head and forehead still hurt. Now it was time to make a decision, stay or go and how far? I decided to go a shorter route, 20 kilometers to Olmo. The way was with some very steep climbs. At a pilgrim’s cross I left a message with a butterfly for my Elke.
Monday, June 24
Olmo to Florenz
It’s raining heavily! I wait for improvement and start around noon in light rain. Shortly before Florence, the heaviest rain since my hike suddenly started, a real deluge! After 15 kilometers of heavy rain, finally in Florence, completely soaked. And as soon as I crossed the city limits, the rain was over and the sun came out. Florence, a city I love and have often visited with Elke.
Tuesday, June 25
Since I was traveling very fast, I treat myself to a 2-day break in Florence. I slept more than 10 hours and didn’t wake up until 10:00 a.m. I had to take care of my injured forehead, my feet and blisters. Then I did various errands. I also visited many places where I was with Elke. The feeling of being without her always squeezes tears from my eyes.
Wednesday, June 26
Another rest day in Florence. The heel hurts and I walk 15 kilometers through the city without a backpack to keep moving. I was looking for a tape that I ran out. No chance, the drugstores and pharmacies are really badly stocked! I still enjoy this rest day without a backpack.
Thursday, June 27
Florenz to San Casciano in Valdi di Pesa
Unfortunately it is cloudy! I have briefly checked the weather forecast and it looks like it should rain briefly at 1:00 pm. At the moment not even the forecast from the previous day is correct! So let’s go! At the end of the city I come to the vineyards, paths over gravel roads, partly forest paths, just incredibly beautiful passages. An eternally wide view over countless mountains with wineries and stone villas is the reward. The accommodation I found in San Casciano was a disaster, but the small town is simply enchanting and beautiful.
Friday, June 28
San Casciano to San Donato in Poggio
I got up early, took care of my feet and head wound. Now pack up and get away from this disgusting accommodation as soon as possible! The weather is great, cloudless and up to 35 °C. After 5 kilometers the chosen path ends! Detours through vineyards, muddy and wet forest passages follow, 10 kilometers in the wilderness without exact orientation. At a lonely church I finally meet 2 more pilgrims, so 3 on the entire route for 28 days. At 1 p.m. my water was over! The targeted shop was closed and there was no one at the only house. No well, no water, … thirst, thirst, almost unbearable and another 15 kilometers at 35°C! Nevertheless, I left and after about 1 hour I find a really lonely house in the dry mountains with Belgians. That was my salvation!
Saturday, June 29
San Donato to Castellina in Chianti
I chose a shorter route, as the temperatures should rise up to 40°C and my heel hurts badly. Since the route is short, I didn’t go to a supermarket until 11:30 a.m. and organized water. Arriving in Castellina in the evening, I explored the pretty town, simply beautiful, especially the good homemade pasta.
Sunday, June 30
Castellina in Chianti to Siena
The pilgrimage routes separate in Castellina and I decided to take the lesser known “Via del Chianti”! The more famous “Romea Sanese” would have been an alternative. A very nice hike over gravel roads with little traffic and then many small paths across nature. Beautiful views with many steep climbs. Sometimes very strenuous. Later, the Romea Sanese reconnected with the Via del Chianti. Finally arrived in Siena and all hell broke loose there. It is the day before the famous “Palio”, a horse race where the 12 most important clans of Siena compete. Later, an evening walk through the city.
Monday, July 1
Today is a rest day in Siena. Walk 11 km, then find a hospital that removes the stitches from my forehead and a physiotherapist who looks at my very painful heel. The heel, which has been sick for years, is almost at the end, thick and swollen. My Achilles tendonitis and now also a sign of an additional bursitis. But I have to move on. In the evening I cooled the heel in a freezer for 1 hour to reduce my inflammation. Let’s see how it goes tomorrow.
Tuesday, July 2
San Marco / Siena to Lucignano d’Arbia
For the next stage, Siena to Rome, I decided to take the famous Via Francigena. The heel was a little better again. It was a hot, sometimes humid day. For a while I hiked small roads out of the city. In the end there were only trails and gravel roads with an incredible view over the Tuscan landscape. The mountains are over again, as well as the viticulture and olive growing. You can only find hills and fields with different types of grain, sunflowers, etc. Simply the typical Tuscan landscape, fantastic! My heel and the middle toe of my right foot hurt extremely. But the view over the beautiful landscape is worth the pain. You just think away the pain with a smile.
Wednesday, July 3
Luciganano d’Arbia to Buonconvento
I decided to do a shorter walk today because I had a lot of pain in my compromised heel last night. The hike was really nice, as was the weather. But in the evening in Buonconvento it rained lightly again.
Thursday, July 4
Buonconvento to Bagno Vignoni
Today it will be a long way again. In a pharmacy I bought blister plasters and heel inserts. I was physically in a very good mood. The 2 days before I was not so well. At km 18 the navigation misled me and demanded an additional hard 3 km in the hilly and hot prairie. No shade, but the view of the Tuscan landscape is simply fantastic.
Friday, July 5
Today I take a 1-day break for my suffering feet and only little exercise. But I enjoy the hot thermal baths. There is also a great breakfast at the Hotel Le Terme. I got the recommendation that I should visit Bagni San Filippo. It would be a small detour, but it should be worth it.
Saturday, July 6
Bagno Vignoni to Bagni San Filippo
Sometimes 22 km with 620 meters of altitude can be more strenuous than 32 km with 1200 meters of altitude. Today half of the route was so overgrown with plants that I would have needed a bush knife. Without my sticks I would have been lost. At least 10 km of trails in the thicket! Today it was also extremely hot and cloudless, without any shade. The sight of the sulfur baths in Bagni San Filippo was a real reward. Wow!
Sunday, July 7
I treat myself to 1 day to relax in the hot springs of Bagni San Filippo. Beautiful natural sulphur thermal baths, unique in Europe and similar to “Pamukkale” in Turkey. Puncture all bubbles and bathe in the sulphur springs for hours. That helps! Just relax and regenerate the body.
Monday, July 8
It is so nice that I decide to stay another day and bathe my injured feet in the pools again. In the afternoon I go shopping for the day of departure.
Tuesday, July 9
Bagni San Filippo to Radicofani
Actually, I had planned a path of 32 km. Somehow I overlooked that after 12 km there is this beautiful medieval place. I liked it so much that I spontaneously decided to stay one night. This historic place is almost unadulterated and looks like 1000 years ago. I found an old stone house in the center to spend the night. There is a unique “esoteric garden” where the Freemasons have built a “15-step stone pyramid”. This stands on a holy place of an Etruscan cult site. The castle is located at 900 meters above sea level, the top of the castle almost at 1000 meters. The mountain is the last major elevation before Rome!
Wednesday, July 10
I stayed there for another day to see the surroundings and visit the places of worship. At breakfast I met Paolo and Paula from the day before. They wanted to know if I was sleeping at the top of the castle today. The weather is good and I will sleep the night to Thursday in the hammock at the castle. At 6 p.m. I got visitors, with a snack and wine. I was simply speechless about this fabulous view. You can already see Lake Trasimeno, a part of the island by the sea and the still very distant dome of lights of Rome.
Thursday, July 11
Radicofani to Acquapendente
That was a day like the Foreign Legion. 26 km at a temperature of 39’C (start at 32’C). 16.5 kg backpack with 3.5 liters of water. Of the last 10km, 7 km were asphalt. On the entire route not a bit of shade, no shop, restaurant or town. At 2.30 p.m. I finally crossed Tuscany and am now in Lazio. 6 km before a planned stop with the snack bar La Raghette (which was closed) I ran out of already hot water. The thirst was unbearable! There was no village nearby, only according to the navigation system a company area. I made a detour and hoped that the company would be open. Thank God, they provided me with cold water and 1 chocolate bar. That was a day!
Friday, July 12
Acquapendente to Bolsena
My nose runs. This is the 2nd time on the trip that a cold is imminent. Quickly threw in a Clarinase and out at 10 o’clock. First asphalt and then endless gravel roads through a very beautiful landscape with alternating plantings and beautiful, huge sunflower fields. Thank God it is very windy, which makes the heat more bearable. At 5.30 p.m. I am in Bolsena on Lake Bolsena. Right away to the Hotel Columbus, exactly where I was with Elke on August 17, 2016. Today was the 33rd hiking day. I eat in a restaurant by the lake, exactly at the same table where I sat with Elke. Again, there is a place with many beautiful memories and I am happy but also infinitely sad.
Saturday, July 13
Since I’m really fast on the road and have planned to Rome for the end of July, I treat myself to another 2 days break. Lazing around in Bolsena, exploring the surroundings and sights on foot. I am at 9.30 a.m. for breakfast. Afterwards a walk through the city. The feet and heel are quite battered, but it is only about 200 kilometers left to Rome.
Sunday, July 14
A second leisurely day in Bolsena. Breakfast at 9.30 a.m. At 11.30 a.m. into the city and light 2 candles in the church for Elke and my mother. I see a pilgrim there again. A miracle, this is now number 4 since Austria. It is beautiful in Bolsena and also the memories of Elke, in one of the beautiful places together, are in my heart.
Monday, July 15
Bolsena to Antica Sosta / Viterbo
Today I had a hike with about 30 km and a few meters of altitude at about 35°C. Arrived in Viterbo right in the restaurant Antica Sosta. A beer and then food. For the first time since my departure, I experience a lot of mosquitoes! Ouch!
Tuesday, July 16
Antica Sosta / Viterbo to Cura
Today I found 2 places where I was with my Elke 2016. It was a nice and very hot hike (37°C) through old stone gorges with roads and unfortunately little shade. However, the impressions of nature are unique.
Wednesday, July 17
Von Cura to Sutri
Get up, tap my feet, stretch, have breakfast. I start at 10.30 a.m. because the distance today is only 22 km. The start was very difficult today. Had quite a pain in my heel again. The first few kilometers limping slowly. But it was a very nice hike after. Many kilometers were through a beautiful forest, partly along a stream with waterfalls and through several hazelnut plantations. That’s why I was in the shade for about 10 km. What a pleasure!
Thursday, July 18
Von Sutri to Campagnano di Roma
At the end of the town was a beautiful old Roman arena. Then I went off to the prairie. It was very hot and dry. I ran after a poor shepherd and pointed out to him that he probably lost one of his two dogs. I met this giant which was probably badly injured. I went looking for the dog with the shepherd. Unfortunately, we didn’t find him. That makes me very sad, because I know how badly he needs his dog. Today I passed the “1,000 kilometer mark”. Unbelievable how far a person can get with small steps.
Friday, July 19.
Von Campagnano di Roma to La Giustiniana
During the last night I organized a frozen water bottle to cool my painful heel. Today it was a really hot day, more than 38’C. This day seemed very long to me, and there was no end in sight. In the supermarket I bought 3 bottles of cold water, because there was nothing for the next 20 km. Today there was also the last hiking day before I am in Rome. A strange feeling comes over me, after so many lonely times and more than 1000 km of walking.
Saturday, July 20.
La Giustiniana to Rome / St. Peter’s Square
I woke up relatively quickly, but I took a lot of time. Today is the final, last day where I will arrive in Rome at St. Peter’s Square.
Many paths lead me through parks close to the city and in the city, lonely and hot.
It is an indescribable feeling after so many days of hiking. I was on the road for 50 days, had 11 rest days and 39 hiking days. “So, it was 39 days of walking for 39 years of love with my Elke”. This was not planned, but fate decided it! I arrived at “4.45 p.m. at St. Peter’s Square”. A feeling of relief but also of sadness filled me, a conclusion of a very important path for me. Tears of sadness and joy ran down my face to have made it after all. My heel is at the end and I am also a bit tired from all the walking, but much more internally than physically.
Sunday, July 21st and Monday, July 22nd
A break in Rome.
I stayed for three nights in the same apartment, about 300 meters from the Vatican, and even slept in the same bed where Elke and I had slept in 2016. It made me sad because I found a picture on my phone of her lying on the bed, smiling at me. However, I tried to be happy because I had been able to enjoy the wonderful time I had spent with her.
Tuesday, July 23
Rome St. Peter’s Square to Frascati
This was my chosen route, as I wanted to visit Elke’s favorite hotel, where we’ve spent several days on vacation. I thought it would be shorter. First through part of the city, then into a park. It was all very dry. Then back onto roads in the outer suburbs of Rome. A tiring walk, since Rome was supposed to be the final destination for me. But at 6 p.m. I finally arrived at Elke’s favorite hotel, the Hotel Mercedes in Frascati. Now it’s finally over, a true end to my trip. 1,070 kilometers and now my hiking is over!
Vacation from July 23 to August 10
Vacation and relaxation in Frascati and Lido di Ostia
Saturday, August 10
Today was Elke’s farewell ceremony. My sons, Raphael and Christopher; my grandson, Lauri; my parents-in-law, Sophie and many dear friends, including Rom, came to Ostia after the funeral ceremony in Lido di Ostia. It was both a joyful and deeply painful day. We had a wonderful gathering, and everyone scattered the ashes of a butterfly far out into the sea, in memory of my beloved sweetheart. Just as Elke had wished: fly, my butterfly, fly—until we meet again one day.
THANK YOU, ELKE!
My darling, I miss you so much. I want to tell you how happy I was with you and that there’s still so much I wanted to do with you. But I believe that you sometimes watch over me and that we will see each other again one day.
Thank you for the many years of your love for me.
You will always be in my heart.
Connected souls fly together.
Bernhard
A Remembrance of Your Life
I want your time on Earth, your work, and everything you did to live on for others. This long journey with you in my heart has brought me to many thoughts, especially the realization that I must now bring your wish for a charitable foundation for social projects to life – the “Elke Schark Foundation.” The project “The World in Art” also arose from my walking, standing, and admiring nature, architecture, and art. You inspired me! Every step was like moving from one picture frame to another, with constantly new impressions and continuous change.
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