To Haarlem, Sept. 18

We are very happy to be showered and resting in our room in the small city of Haarlem. It was somewhat of a brutal day because twice we got lost and this cost us extra km. When the taxi dropped us off at De Zilk we went the wrong way on the route. We sound found ourselves approaching that glider airport that we had passed yesterday. We turned around and that cost us 2 km right there.

However, we were rewarded with a lovely morning on grassy paths through wide open fields and forests. That was the best part of the day! Plus, we saw deer most of the day.

Around 1pm we turned right when we should have turned left. Signage was terrible (non existent). By asking around and studying the map we managed to find the route again. Luckily, a pancake house suddenly appeared, like a mirage but real. It also had the comforting name of Oasis. This detour cost us about 3 km. 

We tried to make up time by taking some shortcuts, which was a bit risky, I thought. Jeff took over the navigation and he expertly led us back to the route. It is a bit nerve wracking to not see the signage when you are in the middle of woods. However, lots  people were about because it was a beautiful day and a Sunday.

The last part of the walking took us along a klinkerpad (path made of bricks) and this went on and on, with bikes whizzing by. After descending a steep hill of very soft sand we imbibed in tea, apple tart, beer and bitter ballen. At this point we still had about 3 km left and opted for a taxi to get us to Stemples. 

I walked 31134 steps today. 21.86 km. Tomorrow, a needed rest day!