Monday, May 13, 2013

IN HOLLAND AT LAST!

I'm just one day away now from finishing this adventure.  I entered Holland just 10 minutes after leaving last night's B&B.  There was no sign, but the map had given me an idea of where it might be, and suddenly the pavement of the country road was nice and smooth and the cars' licence plates had NL on them instead of BE.



Still following the beautifully marked cycling routes, I veered around the city of Bergen op Zoom, which I had hoped to visit.  But frequent downpours took away my desire to sightsee.  And I no longer needed a cycling map since the efficient Dutch strategically post maps on signs frequently along the route.  I always stop and double check my numbers.

I spotted a herd of the famous Dutch camper-caravans in their native environment.  I was able to sneak up quietly and capture a photo of them unaware of my presence. They appeared to have recently groomed one another, based on their clean appearance.

Today's synopsis:  three historic windmills today (one of them actually working) and many modern ones; riding along long dikes and canals and crossing on bridges over locks; being buffeted about by unbelievably strong side- and head-winds, which resulted in a pace of about 4-6 mph at times.



My lodging is again with one of the Vrienden op de Fiets, this time a woman slightly older than me, who welcomes hikers and cyclists.  She has just about as many English words as I have Dutch (3), but is a great sport and we managed to have a conversation using pictures, maps and charades.  Her son and daughter-in-law, both English-fluent, are now here, which helps a lot.  They have invited me to eat dinner with them, and I'm excited about the smells which are coming up from the kitchen.  It is so wonderful being able to meet local families and stay with them.




I have my own light-filled bedroom, but Danni and I will share the bathroom.  As is often the case in France, the toilet is in its own little room, separated from the shower and sink.  Here, the toilet is on the ground floor and the rest is on the 2nd floor with the bedrooms.  I'm beginning to realize what a surplus of space we have in most U.S. homes.

I'm very excited about finishing up tomorrow.  I'd really appreciate it if it didn't rain, but we'll see what comes.


8 comments:

  1. WOW! Just one more day! Hope it's a sunny ending. How many miles? I'll check back in a see the pictures later!

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    1. Barb, I'm not sure of exact figures. The numbers given for the total distance of the GR5 vary, from 1400 to 1500 miles. In 2007 and 2009, I did the lower 1000, so that means I split the last 400-500 pretty much evenly between the walking and the cycling. With winds, etc, my cycling averaged to only be about twice as fast as walking. But I probably took the liberty more often to stop when on the bike.

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  2. Ruth, I'm glad you are in Holland and close to your final destination. I'm having ribs tonight for your hubby. Can't wait to see you. Love Mary Jo

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    1. It's a relief to have finally gotten to my final country. Exciting too!

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  3. Ruth, you are amazing to have found a way to finish this goal no matter what. I hope your last day is sunny and interesting in sites and people. Julia

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    1. Julia, everyone's support truly helps buoy me up when I'm unsure about the wisdom of all this. I deeply appreciate it.

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  4. Replies
    1. They were everywhere in the area of the earthen dikes, keeping the grass nicely shorn.

      I did a Good Samaritan act today, dedicated to you, our great animal lover. A little lamb had gotten his head stuck in a wire fence, trying to get to some longer grass. At first, I thought he was just trying to get closer to say hello, but the poor little thing really was Wedged in there. So I just pushed on his forehead till he popped out backwards. I wish I'd taken a photo.

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