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