Today's distance: 83km (52 Miles)
We initially had planned to cross the Afsluitdijk which crosses the IJsselmeer, a large body of water in the middle of Holland. It really is a long dike that has enabled the Dutch to reclaim a lot of land from the sea. The IJsselmeer used to be called the Zuiderzee (South sea) before the Afsluitdijk was built and turned it into a lake. Anyway, this dike is very long (30 km) which we would have had to bike against the wind on (no fun). We instead decided to head south and go to Enkhuizen where there is a ferry that crosses the IJsselmeer over to Friesland, one of the North-East provinces. That way we could also stop in Hoorn along the way which is a really neat old harbor town.
It was an overcast day today which we really didn't mind since we would be on the bike most of the tIme. The temperature was great for biking, about 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Most of the route took us through the larger farm country of North Holland on back roads. Very little traffic out there which was nice as well. We are constantly amazed on how nice the farms look with pretty gardens and well kept houses. They obviously do take pride in that.
Made it to Hoorn and spent some time looking around in the old harbor area. A very large number of boats out there, mostly sailboats. Hoorn is only 25 miles from Amsterdam, so it gets a bigger influx of tourists making a day trip. We heard some American/English accents for the first time since we have been in Holland. Had our daily beer for the day and biked another 14km to our B&B in a town called Venhuizen, near Enkhuizen where we will take the ferry tomorrow.
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| Going south.. |
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| The scene through the small farm villages. |
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| A way to help reduce trash beside the bike path. |
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| Building in Hoorn. No, it was not leaning, nor was I drunk.. |
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| The newer part of the harbor with lots of boats. |
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| Our beer spot overlooking the old harbor. |
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| Linda is starting to like these beer stops.. |
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| These houses were leaning into the street. |
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| House with poem and depictions of a sea battle outside Hoorn of the Dutch and the Spanish fleet in 1573 (the Dutch won of course). |
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| Gate of the old city built in 1578. |
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| Tall master Abel Tasman in the harbor. Abel was a Dutch explorer who sailed around Australia and New Zealand 125 years before Cpt. Cook. |
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| Trying to get a promo for Road Holland in the shot. We have exclusively worn bike jerseys and vests from Jonathan Schneider's (Andy's brother) company. It is fabulous clothing (and we don't stink too!) |
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| That is the harbor you smell, not me... |
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| Beautiful wood sloop in the harbor |
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| Boat along the bike path. |
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| On the wall in our B&B room. These are speed skating outfits. The one on the right signifies you as the champion of Holland. Must find out more... |
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