Day # 11 Kleve to Xanten.

Roman remains in Xanten.

            Sallied forth from my comfortable overnight at the Kleve Schwannenburg  B&B Hotel at a comfortable Sunday morning time of 8.30 am. Delighted to be offered a plate of corn flakes along with the sliced meats and cheese that seemed to be the B&B staple in the Netherlands. As my hotel is located on the southern suburbs of  Kleve an attractive  mid-sized town, I will not have much opportunity to explore its twisty streets & charms as I am heading to Xanten also in a south-easterly direction. The walk to day, while pleasant, & well sign posted, was along straight two lane highways bordered by large shade trees and fields of mixed agriculture. Mercifully, they seem in this area of Germany to segregate, as they did so well in the Netherlands, motorized vehicles from the pedestrian and cyclist.

             Sunday, especially on a hot, perfect late summer morning, seems to be outdoor group activity day in the Xanten region. Up and down these important local roads were droves of race-cycle clubs, Harley Davidson clubs, vintage car clubs, pensioner bike clubs, AT vehicle clubs, walk club groups et al. Heads up and attentive to all this action, I plodded my way across the flat country side. Germans seem to have a passion, a la North America, for brute horsepower with their recreation. Should note that I passed three kerb-side shrines to young men who had recently paid the ultimate price for their hobby.

           Approached the northern limits of Xanten at about 2.30pm and located without much difficulty, the local youth hostel that I had pre-booked. Built in 2003, about 250 beds, and located on the banks of a most attractive lake-park complex.After the crowds have disappeared it appears that I am the only guest.

            The town of Xanten is noteworthy for being the site one of the most northerly mainland Europe ancient Roman settlements. The museum and site includes a semi-intact amphitheatre.

Tomorrow, on to Dinslaken and the beginning of a closer relationship with the Rhine, as my routing very nearly follows the river banks from that point, right down to Switzerland.

            Another hour to go until the hostel supplied dinner. After two days of appetite loss, it is good to feel hungry again especially after the high-energy demands of a long hot walk. Not bad--- bed, breakfast and evening dinner in a recreational palace for just 30E.

27.5 kms. walked today per pedometer:
Cumulative kms. walked: 210.0
Type of overnight lodging: Youth hostel.
Cost of lodging:. 30E