Waxweiler to Mettendorf, 28Km
Before I raid the breakfast buffet for my picnic lunch, I always announce my intentions and offer to pay if necessary. Last night in Waxweiler I stayed in a pleasant B&B type hotel and the owners were very friendly. They said I could eat my breakfast whenever I wanted. But the breakfast turned out to be two tiny bread rolls, two slices of cheese, a plate of processed meat that I don’t eat and a tiny saucer of jam. There was no cereal, no more bread or any of the things I mentioned yesterday. No milk either, just some creamers such as you find in America. They charged me 8:50 euros too. The owner referred me to the village bakery but I couldn’t find it so I set off feeling rather grumpy.
I faced a 200m climb in the first 5Km. Once again the weather was perfect. Honestly I can’t believe my luck in dodging the torrential rains that have drowned Germany this year, nor the usual heatwave in July. It’s around 20 degrees, dry and sunny.
After awhile I came to a road and a sign which said Neuerburg 7Km. The Camino was tugging me in another direction, up hills and down valleys for about 11Km. I was tempted to take the road on such a peaceful Sunday morning and shorten the walk. I spent the next 90 minutes cursing my decision to follow the Camino because the scenery was ordinary. A few cows and that was it.
However, when I arrived in Neuerburg I found a cafe and a cold bottle of Bitburger. All at once I felt like Popeye after a tin of spinach. I continued as if it was Day 1.
Soon I saw a road sign to Mettendorf, my destination, 7Km down the road. The Camino suggested a longer route that started with a 150m climb up to a plateau then back down at the far end. Something made me stick with the Camino. I climbed through the forest and came to a plateau top that resembled “The Lost World” of H G Wells except it was a paradise of beautiful flowers and butterflies. It saved the day, a walk of contrasts.
Pilgrimage 
Fabulous wild flowers… I’d have thought they would have been over by July
They think it’s all over
It is now!
I would have felt grumpy too after paying 8.5 euros for such a meagre breakfast – I can just picture you as popeye after your spinach infused bitburger!
Total ripoff that breakfast. It should be the highlight of the culinary day. I like a decent cappuccino and a croissant
Shame about the breakfast 😳 Still at least you so those magnificent flowers and now you get to see England win – COME ON ENGLAND 🏴. What’s not to like 🍺😎👍
It’s behind me now. Big screen in the bar, Germans screaming for Gareth Southgate, I like it. If he does it, he could be the next Germany manager
😂😂
Go England! 🇬🇧
🏴
Kia ora, Tim, wonderful photos of flora and fauna. Absolutely stunning wildflowers. Sorry that England was bridesmaid again – ABs and Spain rule England! Have another beer and look forward to another delightful stroll tomorrow. Kai kaha
What can I say Tim, except that I totally agree with Vicky (hi Vicky)! As for the fauna, the nibbled butterfly seems an apt symbol for England, bloodied but unbowed, and still beautiful.
I agree with you but in an ideal world butterflies are not nibbled and England would win something more often than once in a lifetime