September 1st, 2008
1:08 pm
Day 11 (26/8) – Gouda to the Hook of Holland

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We spent the morning looking around Gouda. Of particular interest were the fine stained glass windows in Sint Janskerk (St John’s Church). Unfortunately, photographs of these were not permitted.

After a leisurely lunch we left for the Hook of Holland and the ferry at around 15:00, thinking we had plenty of time. Unfortunately, we did not allow for major road works all along our cycle route, causing numerous diversions and lost time. We also got lost near the end of the journey due to a misleading sign. Additionally a large articulated lorry had overturned causing delays while the police directed traffic past the accident scene. In the end, we had to make a frantic dash to get to the ferry on time – well, as frantic as we could on a tandem towing a heavy trailer! We made the ferry just in time to board but it was touch and go and for a while I was convinced that we would end up in a hotel at the hook of holland for another night.

When the ferry actually started sailing we took a moment to reflect that we were indeed on board the ferry rather than watching it leave, and settled down to enjoy a few well earned drinks and dinner.

During the journey we travelled along some familiar parts of the route which we had taken a couple of weeks previously on the Orchid Holland charity ride, which we had also done the year before. We had passed this attractive windmill a number of times and had never actually taken a photo of it, so here we are…


View of the windmill ‘Wind Lust’ en route to the Hook of Holland

We finally arrived home during the next morning, after what had proved to be an excellent and highly enjoyable tour. We are already thinking of a tour of Denmark next year, so watch this space…. !

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August 29th, 2008
5:44 pm
Day 10 (25/8) – Utrecht to Gouda

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Today we had a pleasant journey from Utrecht to Gouda, with some pleasant stops along the way, including the old military town of Woerden. We arrived at our B&B stop in Gouda at around 18:30.

We discovered as soon as we entered the attractive outskirts of Gouda that it was a real gem, and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay there.


Views of the Tonke we stayed in at Utrecht


Interior of the Tonke, and view of the Bridge when leaving Utrecht via Vleuten


Views of the church and town square in Woerden


Garden gnomes for sale en route to Gouda!


Views of the Town Hall, Gouda, at night, and the next morning


View of the Cheese Trading Hall, and a stone monument in the museum

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August 26th, 2008
8:44 am
Day 9 (24/8) – Sightseeing in Utrecht

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We visited the DOM Tower, which is Holland’s highest church tower at 113 metres. We photographed the tower from below, and also from the top. You can take a guided tour to the 95 meter pont on the tower, which was plenty high enough for me!


View of the DOM Tower


Views of the cathedral from the top of the DOM Tower


Views of the same university building from street level and from the top of the DOM tower


Gargoyles and a bell at the DOM Tower


Views of a model of the DOM Tower


Cats of Utrecht!


An Christian stone from King Alfred’s time, and a statue of a fisherwoman

We were not quite sure why she is holding chickens under her arms, but we were assured she is a fisherwoman…

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August 26th, 2008
8:44 am
Day 8 (23/8) – Leersum to Utrecht

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This leg was an easy journey which enabled us to reach Utrecht at about 15:00


View of the DOM Tower, Utrecht

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