We picked Holland to hike in because it is flat. However, we failed to take into account that dunes are small hills. We spent a large part of the afternoon slogging through soft sand, up and down, repeatedly.
However, it was all very beautiful and quiet, like I imagined walking in the dunes would feel like. So we walk on either soft sand or paths made from shells.
At one point we met up with Scottish Highlander cattle. One was lying right on the path and had a young calf with her. I made a very large detour around her because they have huge horns, growing sideways out of their heads. I tramped through the dunes, off trail, and I didn't care! I had to think about my safety.
Around 1 pm we stumbled upon a lovely hotel with a patio, right in the dunes along the route. We enjoyed some croquettes on bread. Very tasty, with that mustard.
A highlight in the afternoon was coming across a remnant of the Atlantic Wall, built by the Nazis to keep out the Allies during WW II. Today it is a home for mosses and bats.
After walking for hours we finally arrived in Katwyk aan Zee where we are in a cozy, old hotel with a room facing the sea. However, we do have a break-a-leg bathroom with several steps. Will have to be careful with that at 3 am.
We can smell smoke coming from someone's balcony. Many people still smoke here. This morning at breakfast a couple was vaping. Luckily outside. Smoking indoors was recently banned, thank goodness.
So far so good. With the cooler weather we have renewed energy and we are finding the scenery very beautiful.
Great photos! Glad to hear that the weather has cooled. Nice shot of the Atlantic Wall map! I recall playing in a bunker after the war and Dutch soldiers clearing land mines in the dunes and sea mines just offshore. Enjoy your hike tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteYesterday we passed a clearing in the woods where many people had been executed just before the end of the war. Really sobering to stand in that space!
DeleteBeautiful pics.....hard to walk on sand uphill..like walking on snow....glad that you have a path of shells...nice pic of that....strange to be on a beautiful walk and meet sobering history
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your experiences. It is very challenging walking on sand. For every step you take you sink a little and have to take more steps. I see you are enjoying the dutch food once again.
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