Dear readers and subscribers, this week, I’ve decided to take it easy! Instead of writing, I’m going to share some lovely pictures from a short walk along the river Ill. It’s a beautiful stroll, and I was pleasantly surprised to come across three tall totems and a shorter one by the river. It’s fascinating to consider the possible origin of the name Alsace from this very river, adding a layer of historical intrigue to the serene surroundings. There’s so much fascinating history to explore. For now, I’m taking a break from the site to finally visit the stunning and historically rich city of Strasbourg. I hope you’ll join me on this early summer vacation and discovery journey. Our posts will continue, but at a slower pace – about once a month. However, I’ll keep sharing my poems as usual every week.
The Ill is a picturesque river in Alsace, located in the beautiful north-eastern region of France. Spanning 217 km (135 mi) in length, its gentle currents have powered the water wheels of sawmills and mills, adding to the area’s rustic charm. Originating to the east of the village of Winkel, in the Jura mountains, and with a resurgence near Ligsdorf, the Ill meanders around Ferrette on its east side before flowing northward through Alsace, running parallel to the Rhine.
In Winkel, the river begins its journey in a location known since 1591 as “Illentsprung,” meaning “origin of the Ill,” nestled in an orchard on the slopes of the Glaserberg. The tranquil flow of the Ill has long been harnessed by sawmills and mills, adding a touch of history and serenity to the region.

































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