From Sluis to Domburg on the LAW 501

The LAW 501 runs along the coast of Zeeland, the most south-western province of Holland. Frans Spronk and I went on the misty morning of the 2^nd of November 2007 to the town of Sluis . This little city, 7 days a week teeming with Belgian tourists, was still a tranquil place at this early hour. We had parked our car near the residence of Rinus Meeuwsen. Rinus was a good friend of my parents and now for one year, enjoys the ambiance of his native town. After a delightful cup of coffee we set of and followed the town's ramparts from where we had changing views on the city and surroundings. The overcast sky contributed to the Friday morning serenity. 45 minutes passed before we left for the fields but soon we entered the very quiet border town called Retranchement. The Belgian-Dutch border hits the coast at the Zwin nature reserve from where we followed dyke and dune. Enjoying their autumn school holiday many Belgian families had taken over the paths and streets. Many of them were obviously in a good mood. If not so, Frans started a chat which most of the time resulted in a exchange of feeling or even sometimes linguistic knowledge.

After a lengthy break at a beach restaurant and a long walk over dune tops we completed our tour at the parking lot at the old Breskens-Vlissingen ferry. A good shower, some wine and the well prepared diner (Simone) made us soon feel sleepy. The night carried sweet dreams.

The next day we walked from Domburg to Vlissingen. The weather was slightly less cloudy and
we even had a short spell of sunshine. There was no free parking in Domburg so I guessed on
not being caught by the traffic cops. (with success). There are nice unsurfaced roads following
the dune tops resulting in magnificent views all around. At Westkapelle a dyke is nessary to withstand the rigors of the North sea so we were led over tarmac to the village centre where the lighthouse crowns an old church tower. The war memorial consisting of a Sherman tank and tables with old photographs called back the days of heavy bombardments to inundate the island in order to get rid of the German occupants. After the lecture in local history we passed a beautiful lake just beyond the dunes. It was full of different species of water birds. From thereon the surroundings of the dunes become more inhabited with humans and in Vlissingen only buildings, cars and restaurants were allowed to stimulated guests brain. After visiting the statue of Michiel de Ruyter we went to the railway station where Frans had his car parked.
In Domburg we parted at 16.40. I arrived home at 17.35. Fortunately our guests for that evening had not arrived yet.

Apart from the very poor red-white signs we only left good memories of the passed 2 days

Distance 2 x 28,5 km. Personal rating: ***