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.