We did not expect to be in Renesse, but such is the adventure of the trip. We had a bit of a time finding a place to stay in Amsterdam because it was the Ascension Day holiday and things were booked. When there is a holiday here everyone takes off and plays. Now we have run into Pentecost. The manager of the hotel here in Renesse does not know what the significance of this religious holiday is (as is the case with many Dutch people, I suppose) but is happy the hotel is full. He helped us find a place for tonight at our next stop, Zierikzee.
Since '84 the trail changed and now heads south out of Geodreede along the Grevetlingen Meer. It is nearly a 35 km trek without a real village, so lodging is tricky. We called ahead to the places listed in the guide book, including camp grounds and could not find a place so we decide to take the old route to Renesse. We bought a local hiking and cycling map and will make a 20 km hike today to Zierikzee, which is supposed to be a spendid little village. We will catch up to the GR5 by bus. The way we are spinning this is that we are walking the same number of miles as we had stayed on the trail.
The weather has been spectactular so far with the high being around 15 degrees C and not a cloud in the sky after the sun burns through the North Sea mist in the morning. And the days are long! It doesn't get dark until 10 at night.
The trail is mostly well marked and is magical with bird song, lilac hedges, tulips, sea views, neat dutch houses and barns with kitchen and flower gardens, and the rich hues of the green polders. The trail runs over grassy dikes, through woods, along cycling pathes and occasionally along a road. Use of the bike pathes by scooters keeps us awake.
We have had minor aches and pains, the most significant was shoulder pain for Rhonda which we have fixed by padding her pack straps with a pair of sox, an old trick from 50 milers. I overdid with the wonderful sea food, which was very rich for a vegetarian, so I am watching out now and trying to eat right.
We stop every hour of so to sit on a bench and take in the views or after lunch have a beer at a cafe by the trail.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Great to follow your travels and hear how you're overcoming challenges. Sounds like you have a cell phone along? Now you just need to add a local calendar with religious holidays, so you can see when you might have to adjust plans!
ReplyDeleteLoving the blog and the pictures! What an adventure. Stay safe and don't let the minor aches and pains get you down. What great physical shape you two will be in when you finish! Can't wait for the next posting. Love, Linda and Larry
ReplyDeleteThis is go great to see and hear all about your travels as you go. We all get a vicarious experience along with you!
ReplyDeleteThe weather here is 10-15 degrees cooler than normal and a chance of rain most days. The forecast is for more of the same. It is getting a little old, but it beats the heck out of 100+.
Take care and I look forward to the next post!
Love, Debbie