C2A: Into the Netherlands

Late now and I want to get to bed so today’s a short one.

The road out of Belgium is long and straight, except for the part that winds through Antwerp. In the city we cross under the mighty Schelde via pedestrian tunnel, the big brother of the one under the Tyne in Newcastle. Then along the railways towards the Dutch border.

Stop in Essen at an extremely local pub, where we chat briefly with the owner and a couple of regulars about touring and where we’re going. Get a bottle of Leffe Bruin for the road, gratis. Belgians are good folks.

Passing into the Netherlands we wave sayonara to the straight, immaculate paths and greet winding roads and fields of corn bowed under the weight of the wind. Have a late lunch of dubiously Mexican food in Roosendaal and then push on for Standaarbuiten where we camp for the night. Shower, wash clothes, peep the “extraordinary pigs” snoozing in their hut, spooning like humans.

Then bed.