During the previous three stages in the Netherlands the weather conditions were lovely and it was a joy to be outdoors. Today is not such a day; the weather forecast was horrible and it is all happening: strong winds, heavy rain showers and low temperatures. So the only thing to enjoy is the feeling that you are on your way to the horizon, fighting the elements. 

clay soil all over the Netherlands

In November the daylight is really short, today the sun is up for some 8,5 hours but the dark skies take some twilight hours from that. I am wearing my full rain suit (jacket, trousers and shoe covers) during the full day, which is for the first time in 107 stages on the E8. 

flat countryside with endless skies

The trail continuous to cross the Betuwe region, with its fruit orchards. At 11:00 I pass the old (tiny) city of Buuren. The old church tower has a very traditional carillon, that plays for me the tune of Blowin’ In The Wind. There is a lot of wind today. The trail follows the historical city walls of Buuren, passing some cannons on the way. 

cannonballs blowing in the wind? at Buuren

Halfway today’s stage I cross the city of Tiel, the capital of the Betuwe region. The trail passes a big supermarket where I get myself some pastry and beverages. In Tiel there is the weekly market on the streets but in these weather conditions there are not many people outside. On the southside of the city I use the tiny ferry service to cross the river. It allows pedestrians and bicycles only. 

ferry at Tiel, with the next river crossing at the horizon

On the south bank of the river Waal I continue eastbound towards the bridge at Beneden Leeuwen, which is a landmark that is visible from far away (in the flat countryside). 

Bridge across the Waal river at Beneden Leeuwen

After crossing the river the trail continuous eastbound, along the dikes. In the final hours of today’s hike the trail leaves the road on top of the dike and follows some muddy road on the bottom of the dike. Being carefull not to slip I continue in the fading daylight. After sunset I arrive in the village of Dodewaard. The railway station is located a few kilometers further down the trail. Fortunately the train back home has no delays. I am happy to have completed this long stage, under these tough weather and terrain conditions, without any disruptions. Only one more stage to go.