First night in the tent was a bit rocky. It was nice and toasty in my sleeping bag, but congested sinuses, occasional hot flashes and background noise kept me awake lot. Started gathering my things around 0530 and was ready to leave the campsite an hour later. Caught the sunrise. A leisurely bikeride back to Holten trainstation and on we go – to the village of Laren.
It was mostly rural landscapes this morning. Saw a couple rabbits, wild geese, ducks, and all the farm animal classics (horse, cat, cow, dog, sheep). Thermals and beanie on, because it was chilly. Stiff hands and achilles heels a bit sore. Didn’t see any other early morning hikers. Occasional snackbreak whenever there’s bench in sight. Farmers plowing the fields, the grass speckled with dandelion clocks.
The trail alternates between farmland and small patches of forest. Wide array of bird sighting during the early hours of the day; spotted the crow, the swallow, the heron, the stork, the sparrow, and the pigeon. Passed a couple horsestalls, a castle and lots of classical farmhouses with their steep sloping thatched rooftops. There were statues in the forest. Hiked into the village Laren at 1030, which marked the end of the section (15 km). Kitchen of the café was barely open, so had to settle for a grilled cheese and a coffee (instead of the many asparragus dishes I’d been eyeballing on the menu). There’s always the next one…
After eleven it warmed up quickly, especially on the parts with blacktop – kept a steady pace, weaving through some more farmland. Made some awkward conversation with other hikers and cyclists (words not coming out at all like intended – why brain?!). Plenty of time to reflect on this, while crossing bridges and hiking onward through the green.
Arrived in Vorden at 1400 and thats 30 km done since departing this morning. On the PCT this would mark two-thirds of the day, and I briefly considered hiking further, but this was a very brief contemplation indeed. Not today! Hopped a bus toward campground (no bikes for rent at trainstation) and got about half the campground to myself. Rested some, read some, showered some, hired a bike some (they did have bikes here at campground) and peddled back to Vorden for dinner.
I specifically asked the waitress if the portions wouldn’t be too large, considering I just indulged on the entire bread basket, and had my sights on an entrée plus main. She reassured me it was all normal portions. She was right, but forgot to mention all the sides that came with the main. Hiker hunger hasn’t kicked in yet, so I did the best I could, but felt somewhat violated after. Safe to say I skipped dessert.
Back at campground now, and same as yesterday evening am floored by waves of sinus malaise. Hayfever? Exhaustion? Karma for gluttony? Vitamin I to the rescue (that’s Ibuprofen).
Peace.
