Bad Münstereifel to Blankenheim, 21Km
This first stage within the Eifel region was a gentle warm up before the next seven stages to Trier. It’s jolly pretty with good footpaths and clear, frequent signing. I was treated to some more crop fields, a forest and the beautifully restored Ahe chapel dedicated to St Servatius. It was landscaped with wild flowers and had a posh WC which required a 50 cent coin. I imagined some poor pilgrim desperate for the loo but lacking the necessary coin so I left one in the slot, just in case.
Bad Münstereifel was a 5 star resort but from now onwards one must be grateful for a bed. My hotel is slightly out of town and when I arrived at 1pm my room was ready for me. It was glad to see me. I doubt anyone had slept in it for weeks. The owner, who gave the impression he had come to hotel management late in life, said the restaurant and “sports” bar were closed tonight.
I strolled into town and visited the Eifel Museum but there was little of interest; just a few paintings of the region and some Roman remains. It was one of those municipal museums that was immune from normal budgetary constraints. The lady at the desk was charming and helpful, “you can scan the bar code for information but it’s all in German”.
I then bought an ice cream and discovered the only night life in Blankenheim, Bero’s restaurant, open until 10pm. He’s cooking me a small steak from the Argentine, as I write.
Pilgrimage 
Bero’s looks a tad unfriendly for football fans if it closes at 10:00? Still you send lots of great photos and the path looks good.
We were wondering if you have been experiencing any thunderstorms as they were strongly in evidence at last nights football and on the thunderstorm website Susanna uses?
No hope of football in Blankenheim. Maybe on the tiny screen in my bedroom. We had thunderstorms last night but the daytime has been good. Let’s hope it stays that way. I don’t like walking in thunder
Loving these, as ever. Your dry humour does not diminish
Thanks Mary, I always appreciate your support
I’m impressed by the Ahe chapel’s lovely bench seat for a weary pilgrim!
I loved it and there were also 4 picnic tables. If only there were some pilgrims
Kia Ora, Tim. Love the wildflowers and forests but surely there is some two-legged or four-legged wildlife other than the ponies!? And not a single cat photo so far!? The bins outside Bero’s suggests you have to clean up after your dinner! Any sauerbraten on the menus? When you get to the hills kia kaha.
I’ll try harder. There are quite a few horses and a few cattle but not many. I had some sauerbraten on Saturday. I’ve not eaten it before but I’ll be eating it again. Stand by for a photo next time
Thanks Tim. I love making sauerbraten because itis easy, tender and tasty. Looking forward to some animated pics. Hope you’ve chosen a place to stay where you can watch the Euro final.
Hi Tim, I’m signing in late and without Jeff to share your adventure this summer. Instead, I am hold up in Uzes, France in an apartment for a couple of weeks visiting a friend whose husband also died recently. I’m doing some painting after a long interval and appreciate the beautiful scenery you are showing us.
Hi Rebecca, I’m so sorry to hear your news and I hope you are finding comfort in France and hopefully painting another prize winning watercolour. Are you anywhere near Schengen? We could meet for a coffee