Netherlands > Groningen – Zuid Laren – Gasteren

Once again, we were at breakfast at half past seven. Klaasje was present today as well. Now the trek along the Pieterpad really began, and all our luggage had to be carried in our backpacks. Following the bike path along the Noord Willemskanaal, we soon entered the wooded surroundings. The bike path wound its way along the Hoornse Meer. At Haren, we walked a dull stretch along the highway. At Sassenhein—a former estate of Hein and Saskia—we had coffee at the local angling club, Sassenhein. On the way there, the first foot problems started (unfortunately not the last). Rita had trouble with her Achilles tendon, and Ronald had his first blister. The rest stop was therefore very welcome. Just before Glimmen, we walked over the bridge crossing the railway. From that point, the route became increasingly wooded. Near the Natuurvriendenhuis De Hondsrug (Nivon), we had chosen a spot for lunch. The search for a suitable bench didn’t yield much, so we leaned our backpacks against a large tree and enjoyed a sandwich, soup, and coffee in the sunshine. Ironically, later we noticed a bench less than 100 meters away in the sun and out of the wind. We walked toward Midlaren, where we visited the Hunebed located right next to a farm.

Netherlands - Hoornse Meer sluice

Here we also met other Pieterpad hikers. Around half past two, we arrived in Zuidlaren. Rita went in search of a shoe store for lower shoes, as her shoes were irritating her Achilles tendon and causing more problems. The sports shoes were quickly found in the shopping street of Zuidlaren, and via the Dennenoord Psychiatric Clinic, we continued our route toward Gasteren. Along the way, we frequently walked alongside the Drentsche Aa, a notable little river often mentioned in crossword puzzles. Crossing it again at the pedestrian bridge, we joined the bike path toward Gasteren for the last few kilometers. On the heath just before Gasteren, we visited another Hunebed, and shortly after five o’clock, we arrived in the center of Gasteren. We had walked over 32 kilometers today. The guesthouse was just past the brink. Els and Henk welcomed us and offered us something to drink. While freshening up, Els reminded us that the Pancake Farm closes at seven o’clock. It was already past half past six, so we hurried. The pancake was delicious, and in the evening we stayed in the living room (Els and Henk were not home). Around ten o’clock, we went to bed after a tiring day.