August 8, 2023
To Gorinchem
WIND a 2 ferry 1 lifting bridge day
Once we were settled in our room yesterday I didn’t go out again as as few times as possible negotiating those stairs was what seemed sensible. Down them this morning the breakfast was absolutely lovely fresh squeezed orange juice, pancakes with bananas and raspberries and coffee. This is a really lovely little town and when we rode out of the beautiful old part the newer residential areas were just as attractive. Soon we were in farm land and it is in this area that there is lots of fruit growing with very neatly espaliered apples and pears. They do need to grow lots of apples to make all that delicious apple cake we are eating. Before too long we came to the canal that goes to Amsterdam and we crossed it. It was just two weeks today that we sailed on the Avalon View under this bridge on our way to Amsterdam.
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About this time Ken saw what he said was an Aladdin’s Cave so of course in he went. Slightly disappointing I think as the old tractors he saw were mainly Internationals, he has been seeing lots of these, but he did see one narrow Fendt orchard tractor. Then almost straight away we came to our first ferry a car one taking us over what I thought was probably a small arm of the Rhine
Riding along a dyke was a real challenge, there was interesting farm land and houses on either side but the wind was so strong Ken didn’t dare stop for photos for fear of being blown over
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9 months ago
9 months ago
Getting near we came on the lifting bridge of the day and watched a couple of boats go by. Komoot turned us then into an unlikely looking path and sure enough there was our second ferry. It was a far cry from the previous one - tiny and just operated by a winch. It was extremely rocky and difficult to get on and off but the ferrymen were charming and with great good humour helped me on and off and took charge of the bikes
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The hotel when we arrived shortly after turned out turned out to be a 13 storied casino but it is very comfortable and has a lift. We have only done 40 km but with such a head wind it feels much longer.
Today's ride: 40 km (25 miles)
Total: 466 km (289 miles)
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