Day 17 - Millingen to Groesbeek, Sept. 27

This morning we woke up to completely blue skies. Paul, our host, said it would be an "ouwewijven zomer", the Dutch for Indian summer. The B & B was wonderful and the breakfast awesome. But I always find something to complain about and this time it was the perfumed sheets. They were washed in a strongly perfumed detergent. I take Reactin for those type of things. Because my nose plugs up. The hotel here in Groesbeek, the Oude Molen, gave us a great room. But.... tiny towels. Like trying to dry yourself with a hanky. The places we stay in have been as interesting as the walk itself. 

After breakfast, we were driven back to Millingen to begin our 21 km day. Very soon we found ourselves on boot cleaning wet grass paths. These went on for several kilometres, at the edge of fields. Very peaceful! After walking through Leuth we deked in and out of Germany again, like yesterday. We came across a Camino de Santiago sign and realized we're on the actual route! That was a thrill.

It was Sunday, a nice day, and lots of people about. This was especially so when we encountered a serious climb through the woods and up Duivelsberg. But what a reward. The Duivelsberg pannekoekhuys restaurant was right there off the trail at the top. Over 100 people were sitting there on the patio enjoying lunch and sunshine. We restrained ourselves and had tomato and vegetable soup. Quite boring considering that on the menu they offered a pancake with advocaat, my weakness. Can't believe I let that pass me by.

After the lunch we continued through the woods and past lovely rolling fields. It is not flat anymore.

 Soon, we saw the Dutch and Canadian flags flying on either side of a big stone cross. It was the Canadian War Cemetery. We wanted to visit but it was a bit of a detour that we made up later. I found the grave of a 19 yr. old from Hope, BC. These people died 70 years ago already. The place looks immaculate. 

We have walked about 328 km and have about 170 or so to go. Nine more walking days. We are getting there!