Bike, bike, bike, bike, dyke.

Monday 6^th June

Today we have moved on once again and are now in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

What a difference we are seeing in the weather – it was 30deg today and beautiful blue sky. One drawback with being so far north though is that it doesn’t get dark till very late. It was 10pm last night in Belgium – wonder what it will be tonight.

When we left Krontjik this morning we headed off on the highway to cover some of the miles through Belgium, and headed for Middleburg via the Westernschelde tunnel, which is a 6km tunnel under the entrance to one of the many bays along the coast. We arrived in Middleburg having no idea about anything, found a parking place only a short walk into the centre of town, and wandered off to check out the place. Like all cities/towns so far, the centre of the town was the church – and a trash and treasure market. We had morning tea here – poffertjes; which we enjoy when we find them in Australia.

Middleburg, the Netherlands

Dog of the day - we saw quite a few dog carrying carriages,

This water pump dates back to the 1700s in the cloisters of the church.

We stopped in another small town for lunch and continued up along the coast towards Rotterdam. One thing very noticeable about the Netherlands is just how flat it is – everywhere. Shepparton is flat, but this is flatter if that’s possible. (Rob says, flatter than a shitcarters hat!) This route took us along the dykes and flood control systems. Pretty impressive! There were waterways everywhere – one bay after another.

The town of Veere. 

The flood control systems along the coast. Lots of water everywhere, and lots of people camping or out on the water in boats.

I asked Dora for shortest way to Rotterdam and next thing we were lined up at a ferry! No drama, we crossed the canal and continued on. We drove right through the centre of Rotterdam but it was hard to get any sort of idea of what was where in the city so we continued out to our B&B. We are staying in the Historic Delfshaven and port section and our room looks out over the historic delft ships in the canal. And just the other way out our window is a windmill. There is a busy junction just 5 minutes walk from here where there are bars and eating places, so we are very well located.

OK Dora. Shortest route it is.

This was a very small group of bikes - go past a school or the station and there are thousands.

Couldn't be better located - right at the end of our street. Dates back to 1727.

While we were sitting in a bar having a drink, all the traffic stopped and the bridge was raised for the barges to flow through.

One of the restaurants nearby. We had dinner tonight at a traditional dutch restaurant - very homely and simple food, but a lot of mashed potato.

Tomorrow we will venture out on the tram and head into the city.