We left the ship at the normal time of 9 am and headed west. At around 11 we stopped at a windmill museum in Schermerhorn. This windmill and the other windmills in the area were all used for pumping water. Considering that this area of Holland is between 1 and 4 meters below sea level, it has been quite a feat of engineering to drain water and to keep it out. Of the original 52 drainage mills used for 300 years 11 remain today and can still be used. However three modern pumping stations now do all the work. Being inside the windmill, getting a history of how these complicated machines came to be and how they work, made for a very enjoyable morning.
Cycling at times below sea level and then above sea level we headed for the historic town of Hoorn which was once an important port and centre of trade. Today, tourism is its main industry. There are lots of tall ships moored here, reminiscent of the town's past.
Hoorn is also a town where one can buy the herring that is a traditional Dutch food. It is eaten raw with some raw onion. I purchased some at a sidewalk cafe and gave it a try. There were no bones and since it was very fresh, there was no "fishy" taste. In fact, the texture was somewhat like soft butter. One piece was enough for me. It is not something I would buy again, but at least I tried it!
After leaving Hoorn we pedaled along the coast and had great views of the IJsselmeer Lake. We passed many fields of sheep today as well as many other types of farms. It seems like any land that is not used for a city or town, is used for agricultural purposes. I have never seen so many cows and sheep as I have seen in The Netherlands.
We arrived at the Jelmar (our barge) at around 5 with just enough time for a shower and coffee before dinner. Everyone looks forward to Christiana's dinners. She is a great cook and every meal she has prepared has been spectacular.
A city stroll seems to be what we do after dinner each night and tonight was no exception.
1 comment:
Can we now refer to you as the 50K'ers..a bike trip to Sobeys might seem like a yawn now. Judi, I suspect you won't be fishing for Herring in our waters in the near future. Michelle I see you behind the wall with those statues. You stood very still, the blue jacket was the give-away...he-hee.
What an amazing trip you folks are having. The beautiful pictures complement your narrative.Enjoy you, enjoying the adventures.
Be good
BB
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