Leeuwarden – Emmeloord 72 km
Today we were heading South, so of course the wind had changed direction and was now happily blowing North. Before worrying about that ( having something to complain about is a requirement of my tours) it was prison breakfast. True to form it was a frugal affair, yoghurt followed by toast, but the setting was great. Sad to say, unlike in most prison films, no fight broke out, which is just as well, as it was only the two of us for breakfast.
Leaving the Leeuwarden prison behind, we settled down into a steady ride out of the city. Here old and new mixed together with majestic boats alongside modern architecture. Unfortunately tall ships cannot pass under road bridges, so the road has to give way. Today we were caught up in quite a jam, as one negoiated it’s way through.
Then city gave way to country and the polders where canalside paths led us away from civilisation. Having over indulged in water and cups of tea at breakfast it wasn’t too long before nature called. I selected a very quiet and secluded spot for my business, scanned the horizon in all directions and once I was sure it was clear I started. Then out of nowhere came a Dutch Granny on her bike- god knows where she had been hiding !
Carrying on through the polders we came across a rather different windmill, reminiscent of those you used to see in Western movies, but with a much bigger fan.
For windmill buffs, it was built in 1920. Based on American design but sold by Germans under the name “Herkules Metallicus Wind Turbine” It was one of 5 built locally to pump water, they replaced 58 windmills !
Of course after this excitement, we needed an elevenses snack.
Post snack, the wind picked up and it was a real slog to lunch. Today a modest affair in the town of Lemmer, just a filled wholemeal roll and drink. Neither of us were looking forward to the afternoon ride, battling against the wind was draining, the long straight open roads with little shelter didn’t help. It wasn’t that the wind was very strong, just the constant buffeting and noise took its toll.
As we left Lemmer, we passed by what I assumed was a school bike bus. Judging by the numbers I think it must have been the whole school. It went on for several minutes as kids of all ages snaked their way past, all behaving and with very little supervision and despite the delays, not one angry motorist to be seen or heard. Although they may have been quietly fuming in their cars.
Another hour or so of pedalling and we hit our hotel for the night. A short day, but here the route is very much dictated by available accommodation. Still it’s good to have time to unwind a look at possibilities for the next few days. At the moment the wind is due to blow from the North tomorrow then East on Sunday, so I think we will be heading South and then turning back towards Rotterdam !
