Day 25 - Sittard to Valkenberg, Oct. 6

A little about last night. We were not overly pleased with our accommodation. It was a hot, stuffy little room. It would have been a good place to dry some laundry. The hotel guy was not very friendly. He had already made our lunches even though we like to do that ourselves. I told him I don't want butter on my bread and that I would take a bun for lunch at the breakfast table. He threw up his hands! 

Anyway, we found the square in the centre of town. Delightful. But where to have dinner? I have an uncanny sense for finding expensive places and we indeed had a lovely dinner and were treated like royalty. 

This morning I woke up with gastro-intestinal  issues and Jeff with a cold. We blame the hot room. We delved into our drug cache for relief. I said, no more apple tart, whipped cream or fries. I nibbled on a rusk at breakfast and wondered how far that would get me. 

Today turned out to be a wonderful day, again. Soon after leaving Sittard we came across the Stations of the Cross as well as the Mount of Olives. All in the woods. Then, in the tiny town of Windraak there was our first Cafe, not open until 10:30. But it was only 9:45. The owners were already there and said, come in, come in. So hospitable!! I had just tea, at this point. 

A lot of hills today and beautiful rolling fields. Jeff said we climbed 900 feet. We reached Kasteel TorBorgh, which is for sale (who would want it) and there is a cute Cafe attached to it. Another stop. This time I am feeling completely recovered and have coffee and applegebak. 

After this we climb up this riverbed-like gully in deep woods and it reminds me of the camino. Our most difficult footing yet. We emerge on top of the world amidst rolling fields of corn and other produce. Views in every direction.

On the heels of that we pass through the village of Terstraten which boasts the most amazing farm houses. And then we are in the woods again, following a "church path" that people used to take on Sundays. 

We are getting tired now, having walked since 8:30 this morning. It is after 3. We reach Strabeek and curse the guy who arranged things for us. "What an ass, to put us in Valkenburg, 1200 meters from the PP," we say. It makes for a 24 km plus day. But when we get to the Tummers hotel we are so happy. Lovely room and a dining room with white table cloths. All is forgiven. 

Only one more day!