May 21, 2011

Goede morgen, mijn vrienden!

We cycle off the ferry into beautiful warm sunshine and a new world of cycling bliss. 

Holland is the land of the cyclist – no playing second class citizen to the car here.  Every road, every junction, every roundabout and every set of traffic lights has a dedicated cycle track where the cars give way to the bikes.  The cycle tracks are properly marked out mini-roads with smooth tarmac and their own signs at every junction.  No stopping and starting, navigating around obstacles along the tatty after-thoughts called cycle tracks in the UK.  Some of the cycle tracks are completely independent of the car roads, running across the countryside all well sign-posted with map boards showing numerous routes.  And they are used by young and old alike – the Dutch seem to be able to do anything on a bike; carry shopping, dogs, children and farm implements, young couples cycle along side-by-side holding hands.

The ride is flat and very easy but, nevertheless, is not boring because the countryside is punctuated by numerous waterways (some of which require a ferry crossing), pretty villages, windmills, fields full of horses, cows, sheep and goats and wooded lanes.  One thing we are not seeing is campsites, hotels or B & Bs which could be a problem.

The Dutch seem very helpful; as soon as our wheels stop turning someone asks you if we need help – at least that is what I think they are saying, my Dutch being what it is (non-existent).  They are probably saying ” why have you stopped here, you idiot”.  However, I´m sure this is not the case as when the genes for languages were handed out, the Dutch were at the front of the queue and everyone seems to be multi-lingual.

We spot our first sign saying ´camping´ and turn off down a narrow lane.  Half-an-hour later we are still cycling.  We start to think we have missed it when we see a second sign for the same campsite.  Another half-an-hour goes by before we get there, about 20 km from the original sign.  It looks like finding a place to stay will be harder than we had anticipated as they are few and far between.

Normal service is resumed when we ask about the nearest place to eat – apparently, we are too late as dinner is normally eaten in Holland between 6 and 7 pm.