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.

Day 4: Stavoren to Sneek 32 miles

A good meal in Stavoren, and good to be able to sit and spread out in the apartment.
A clear blue sky this morning, lots of activity outside as boats of all types get under way and head out into the Ijselmeer. We took a dawdling roundabout route today. Lovely paths and views. We even cycled up the cliffs. Not very high by world standard but a change of height here. There was a great deal of activity with sailing boats. We watched as about half a dozen took on a very large group, possibly managers day out, the boats look great, sails up and off they went. We carried on along cycle paths, wending a way over farm land towards Sneek. In the distance in all directions we could see sails as boats sailed along waterways, canals or big open stretches of water. We took one path that stopped after a few hundred metres at asmall jetty. We rang the bell and a very jolly Dutchman appeared with a captains hat on. He came across on a small barge, he lived on a traditional ditch barge moored next to the jetty. During the winter he and his petite Frau would sail down to France. He took our photos and we took his, exchanged addresses etc. All this on a crossing that lasted about 1 minute. Back on route we saw the 6 traditional boats just outside Sneek, probably stopping for refreshments.
A quick ride into the centre, found an hotel, beers and ready for the evening.

Day 3: Harlingen to Stavoren 38 miles

Had a great meal last night, on the recommendation of the landlady. Nooitgedagt - John and Jenny had lamb, Ann had red mullet and I had gambas with noodles. Everyone enjoyed the meal. After a good breakfast we went back into the centre, found our route and set off for Bofsward. We are now riding away from the coast, all very flat but interesting little villages and towns. Had a break in Bofsward and then headed for Makkum, on the coast of the Ijsselmeer. This was straight into a headwind, very hard work. We have seen a large number of tall masted ships, mainly flat bottomed Dutch boats, many of them setting out or returning. We had our lunch in Makkum, then set off for Hindleopen. The cycle paths are very good, often well away from roads and although not empty they are quiet.
Finally arrived in Stavoren about 16.00. Found an apartment on the dockside, had a beer to celebrate another good day. A lot of activity on the dockside as there appears to be a number of sailing boats changing crews. We can see out into the Ijsselmeer from the apartment and there are lots of boats under sail.
John found a shop and now has coffee, so he is happy.

John Parkin - Style leader for Cycling World. Ruched cycling shorts are the latest style, these he alternates with very tight black leggings a la Max Wall. Jenny wears a selection of colours that make ones eyes water.
The Caves are in basic grey and black.

Day 2. Callantsoog to Harlingen via 30 km dyke. 48 miles.

A wet day. A very wet day. Not one of us had a dry item of clothing by the time we stopped. Route was planned meticulously at breakfast, we then ignored it completely and followed our noses. Many dykes and bridges later we arrived in Den Oever. We had hot chocolate and chips to warm us up before setting out on the long dyke. It was as straight as an arrow. 30 km, a 2 lane cycle path, seperated from the main dual carriageway. Luckily the wind was with us so we rolled along at a good speed. We stopped at the few parking spots, but there was little to see and we just got wetter by the minute. At the end of the fyke we stopped for a coffee and a warm up. Then the final 5 miles into Harlingen. That was on the sea side of the dyke and quite quick. The town centre seems quite old and attractive. We found the tourist information, booked a b&b with the assistants mother, showered and warmed up ready for whatever Harlingen has to offer.

Day 1: Ijmuiden to Callantsoog - 45 miles

Good crossing to Ijmuiden, off boat and on bikes and away by 10.30
Quickly we got onto cycle paths and the Lf 1(North Sea Cycle Route) was clearly signed. Luckily the strong wind was with us, cycle paths were on the main very good, paved or tarmac, with only a few short, poorer sections.
We had lunch in Egmond aan Zee. Glorious beach - but very windy. Great if you want anything sandblasted. The route was mainly behind the dunes, so we saw little of the sea. It was a very pleasant ride. We to Hargen, and the onto a manmade dune/dyke with a road along right beside the sea which was looking quite rough, with the wind behind us we were blown along at high speed, 18mph with very little effort.
A very enjoyable ride. We quickly arrived at Coolantsoog, and found our hotel. A great start to this trip.

Preparation

A short trip with the Parkins, around the Islemeer,( Zuider Zee) and finishing in Amsterdam