The trail along the like was like a highway compared to the previous part. The abundance of the Sneaker Brigade told us that we were close to a parking lot. After crossing a side arm of the lake on a pontoon bridge, we left the trail highway for the more tranquil woods again.
Since the trail was broad and level, we did not heed our steps too much and were soon deep in conversation. The lack of attention was punished almost immediately - we had lost our trail! After exploring some side trails, we finally recovered our righteous path, but we had lost precious time! The bus was waiting to pick us up, and the appointed hour was very close. We almost sprinted the last two km of the trail. Out of breath we reached the bus, just to learn that some other members of the group were still missing. Almost an hour later they joined us - they had lost the trail in the same spot as we had, but not realized it for a long time.
Tired but happy we settled down in the bus and added to the general aroma by taking off our hiking boots. The day had been amazing - we knew we wanted more of this!