And finally - the photos

here is the link that should take you to the photos.
http://photos.orange.co.uk/slideshow?album_id=918936793
A great trip, and we even bought the good weather back for a few days.
Where next - We quite like the idea of Veloddesey - across Devon into Brittany and then along the Loire on Eurovelo 6. Via Claudia also sounds good - across Austria from Germany with a downhill run to finish in Venice, and then there are loads more. We will see.

Day 10: Tynemouth to Temple Sowerby 40 miles

We arrived in Tynemouth to bright sunshine. We were off without too much delay and quickly found the cycle path NCR 72. This had been much improved since we first cycled in this area. The path took us along the higher river bank and was very good and well used. We eventually dropped down to the Quayside. Glorious views of the Millennium Bridge, The Sage and the Baltic. We cycled over the bridge and then back over the swing bridge. An old cobbled street took us up to the station. A short wait for the Carlisle train, this gave us time to split the tandem and buy lunch.
Carlisle was also bathed in sunshine and we set off for home. The wing was against us and there were hills, something we had not encountered for the whole trip. Although tired we still enjoyed the ride and got home about 5.00 to a very welcome beer.

Day 9: Alkmaar to Ijuimden 27 miles

After a strange night with noises around the rooms, and very musical church bells that unfortunately went on every hour, half and quarter through the night.
We bought our breakfast from the bakery opposite and were put by 9.00. A market was in full swing as was some sort of horse competition. It took place in the square beside the town hall. A ring had been laid out and sand put down and there were lots of horses Being put through their paces.We could not find the route out of town initially, but after a couple of circuits of the old town we struck out, following our leader and meandered across a mix of routes until we were on the North Sea Route which took us into Idjmuiden. Ann and I decided that if we could change our ticket to tonight's ferry we would, as we felt getting back to John & Jenny's camper was completing the circuit - Around the Zuider Zee.

A great trip and a real education for us with regard to Holland. We had good food, a variety of accomadation, the cycle paths and signage were excellent.

Day 8: Volendam to Alkmaar 34 miles

We had a pleasant ride to Edam, and not a sign of cheese any where. On round the shore to Hoorn. John was looking for a pancake shop, but sadly failed. Back in the saddle on the windmill route. We visited one that had been renovated, and was now working. The route took us into Alkmaar. Quite a large town, probably the largest we have visited. The centre and old part is surrounded by canals and waterways. Lots of old buildings, churches and narrow lanes, which we explored after some excellent Tapas.
Our rooms for the night are above shops in the old part of Alkmaar.
Back towards Ijmuiden tomorrow, John and Jenny to pick up there camper and head for Frankfurt. We have one more day.

Day 7: Spackenberg to Volendam 48 miles

We left our salubrious accommodation after a good breakfast. The route took us beside waterways that went to Bossum, a wonderful walled town where we stopped for coffee and cake. We then travelled on along the bottom corner of the Ijslemeer. We came to the outer limits of Amsterdam, but as we were sticking close to the edge we had a lot of water to cross. This was achieved by crossing the longest cycle bridge in Holland, followed by a series of other bridges which eventually set us on the road to Monnickendam. We tried to find rooms but failed so we continued on to Volendam and the Old Dutch Hotel. Right on the harbour, great views. A few beers and then time to eat. A large bowl of Snert, pea and ham soup, followed by fish and chips.
The forecast is good for the rest of the week so fingers crossed. Much better today as wind was with us towards the end of the day and we rolled along at high speed.

Day 6: Kampen to Spackenberg 44 miles

A glorious sunny day, all very quiet as we set off mainly back to LF 22.  The route goes along the River Ijssel. We stopped for a coffee in Elburg. Many people doing the same and not a car in sight. Lots of cyclists though. The paths started to get busier, a number of motorbikes and a classic car rally, otherwise just cyclists. Harderwijk was quiet until we got to the waterfront. Everone and their dog were there. All along to Spakenburg the waterside was very busy. The cycle path was very good though a narrow one. Barely a metre wide and a vast number of cyclists. No-one gives an inch, it was very tiring as the wind had strengthened, and one needed to concentrate when passing other bikes.
We eventually got to Spakenburg, which seemed a very pleasant little harbour full of traditional botters.
There is no hotel, and the first few B&Bs we tried were full. Then we found our current abode. The owner came on her bike to lead us to our accomadation.
We were led upstairs above an industrial building.  J & J were given 2 single rooms, we have a room with 2 beds. There is a large open plan room with cinema seats, a bar, kitchen area, dining area and very strange decor. All the earlier euphoria of finding somewhere to sleep has dissapated. Added to the fact that we are not sure of the price.

Day 5: Sneek to Kampen 52 miles

A very quiet start in Sneek this morning. Quickly got of town and heading south. John P would like a poncho and cowboy boots to go with his 'ruched' shorts. We had a good ride, some wind against us which was frustrating, but it was warm and we managed a good distance. Scenery was varied, which is good as it is all very flat. Surprising amount of wildlife,lots of herons, ducks etc. We were on paths on top of dykes a number of times today. This gave us a good view over the surrounding area.
We eventually arrived in Kampen, went to the VVV,(Tourist information) and it was closed. There was a list on the door of possibilities. Another couple of cyclists had started phoning down the list and were getting FULL. they managed to get somewhere and then we started, luckily the first hotel we tried had 2 rooms and we took those. Hotel was close to centre, had a lock up for the bikes and served us cold beer ond nibbles. Bliss.