Day # 29 Mainz to Oppenheim.

Hotel Merriam, Offenheim.

         A sort of non-descript day today. Whether this feeling has arisen after two prior punishingly long days, I am not sure. Maybe it is because I am currently locked into the middle stages of a long walk--the excitement of departure has subsided and already I am beginning to fantasize about seeing the Alps as a smudge on the southern horizon.
         Our route today, according to Google, was supposed to be anything but challenging---a simple stroll along-side the Rhine. In reality, it involved several railroad tracks and even entering very briefly a very major & dangerous road system, so as to be able to regain access to a footpath that suddenly ended with zero warning. Luckily, my brother-law- Keith was there to be able to help me manhandle the loaded jogger over road crash railings to regain the trail on the other side. In a signpost mad country like Germany, it is inexplicable that footpaths suddenly end without alternative directions offered. Back tracking 3 or 5 kms. is not an inviting option. More: while I am  in the mode to complain. There has been a general lowering of the pathway standards in the past couple of days.with frequent broken and muddy sections. Angela Merkel, please take note, if you read this!
         Observation on small German towns. Very quiet, even during this tourist 'shoulder' season when one would expect them to be full of pensioner tour groups enjoying the mild days and Rhine wines. In towns & villages full of coffee shops, baker shops, restaurants, it is frequently difficult to find a single establishment open at 10.30am ready to serve up a decent cup of coffee. This afternoon we called on a couple of small hotels in our search for an overnight room, only to find them closed for the day. Customer service does not seem to be top priority in this part of Germany.
      Tomorrow off to Worms--a full day, 26 km. hike.

23 kms. walked today per Google Maps.
Cumulative kms. walked: 537
Type of overnight lodging: Hotel
Cost of lodging: 50E.