There were talks about visiting Bruges on the way back but we all agree it would be better left for another time. If we are to head for France then a return to Middelburg, where we started our Dutch odyssey 4 weeks ago, is a good option.
There is some not too busy motorway until we are south of Rotterdam then we get onto scenic roads across the waterways of Haringvleit and Grevelingen. At Zierikzee we take the Zeelandbrugge, or Zeeland Bridge, across the Oosterschelde. It’s a mighty construction of steel arches stretching off into the haze, with the roadway high above the water.
Instead of driving directly to Middelburg, we turn west and take the coast road through Domberg, a pretty town made more attractive with flags and bunting flying in the streets. The road continues to a lighthouse at Westkapelle, the most westerly tip of the Netherlands. From there it’s lush farmland all the way back to Middelburg, but when we arrive at the camperstop things have changed. The car park is clearly signed ‘cars only’ and the official motorhome parking spaces have a sign saying ‘overnachten verboten’ or ‘no overnight parking’. At the other moho parking by the station it too has signs banning overnight stays.
We consult books and satnav and find a minicamp at Koudekerke, which we passed 4 miles back. Ali rings to check for space and 15 minutes later we are checked in and parked in a field next to a paddock full of horses. The owners are friendly and the location is really pleasant, so despite the setback no one is disappointed.