Day 11 – Osnabrueck

As I’m typing this, it’s 8pm, and I’m already in bed. I’m tired. Not so surprising while I’ve been walking 42.4km today.

Start of the day

I had a great night sleep at the house of Maria en Ralf. Around 5am, Ralf had to leave for work, so glad we said goodbye yesterday evening. I haven’t heard him in the morning. Signs of a good sleep. After having breakfast with Maria and Sabine, I packed my bag, said goodbye and started walking, to Osnabrück.

The walk

This the walk I’ve feared from the beginning of my planning. But today, that fear was gone. I left this morning and first did a detour to a viewing point on a small hill. Just 256 steps up. Well, I’m glad I followed this tip by Maria. What a view. You can see the picture in the gallery below.

I continued my way to the first town, Ibbenbüren. I made it a habit to look at the distance it takes to the next town/village, and not look at the number of kilometers to go for the whole route. This works best for me. Well, except for the last part of a stage, then I really countdown the last kilometers. I walk through hills, along a railway track, on the side of roads were cars drive too fast (yes, I’m in Germany, and no, not all Germans drive like that) and I stopped in a village Laggenbeck to have lunch, after I made a nice picture of the church there. A tuna salad was served, and I had a little talk with the owner. He was calling me insane to be walking to Berlin. And yet he wished me luck, and showed his respect for me. A very motivating gesture.

Next up were Velpe and Lotte, small villages, just before Osnabrück. I had been walking for seven hours already when I entered Osnabrück, But I wasn’t there yet. I had 9 km to go, all the way to the east side. It was hard, warm and my feet felt tired. But, I didn’t give in to the pain, I didn’t give up, and around 5:45pm I pressed the doorbell, just after I made a “I’ve arrived selfie”.

The animals

Yes! Another “What animals has Marcel seen today” episode today. #WAHMST

Cows are so curious, and when I stepped closer, they stepped back, and the other way around. It was fun. Until I realized I was talking to them….

The accommodation

Silke and Nils were already waiting for me, and I had a quick shower. The room was prepared with a welcome package, as you can see in the gallery. So nice! Then we had a real Osnabrück beer, Rampendahl. It was so good! Silke had been preparing dinner, and after dinner I was too tired. I needed sleep. I excused myself, put my legs up, got into bed, an started typing. And here’s the result.

Tomorrow

A 12km walk to Ostercappeln is on schedule for tomorrow. Maybe I’ll first take a bus to Osnabrück center, to be a tourist. And take the bus back to were I got in. So I don’t cheat.

See you tomorrow!