Europe 2014: Into Groningen..

Today's distance: 98km (61 Miles)

We had an early start to pack up the tent and the rest of our stuff and make the 08:30 ferry back to the mainland. Luckily the tent was dry and we made good time. We both had a very restful sleep, especially with the natural sound of the waves in the distance. It was cool so we bundled up appropriately for the short ride to the ferry terminal. We had bought some extra rolls yesterday so we had something to eat for breakfast as we crossed the Wadden sea on the ferry. I posted yesterday's blog on the boat with free Wifi since we didn't have any internet access at the camp site.

The wind was still in our favor as we got off the ferry and headed south-east towards the town of Dokkum (another of the Elfstedenstocht towns). We would soon be leaving the province of Friesland and entering Groningen, so we wanted to have some memento of one our favorite areas to bike through. Most of the farms we went through had a long pennant of the Friesian flag flying from the top of their flag pole. We found one and bought it in a local store in Dokkum. Weighs very little and takes up little room. Linda wanted the klompen (wooden shoes) that were painted in the Friesian colors. I told her she would have to wear them cycling if she wanted to bring them along..

The winds pushed us along nicely into the city of Groningen where we stopped for coffee (Linda) and beer for me.. Groningen is one of the bigger cities in Holland and has a very large population of college students (30%). You could see them out in force on their bicycles and scooters through the downtown. Although Groningen was nice, we were glad to have a place for tonight outside the hustle and bustle of a big town. We got used to the smaller villages with their quaint little stores, churches, and places to stay and eat. We will end up in Amsterdam for a couple days so we'll get our share of the big city life there.

Made it to our B&B for the evening in a little town called Onnen, south of the city of Groningen. Our host Ellen and her 2 large Bernese Mountain dogs greeted us. She must obviously love these dogs since her B&B is called "Bernerhoeve". A great place to stay yet again. This one was huge and we felt like we had a whole home to ourselves.

Today's route

Most of the farms in Friesland have a decorative gable (typically 2 carved swans) that are supposed to help ward off evil spirits. We have one in our home in N. Carolina that my parents gave to us. Doubt it would look good on a steel roofed house..

Hadn't posted a food picture lately... We were given this complimentary appetizer in a small restaurant in Friesland. It is yogurt with cucumber juice and a mint leaf. Delicious!