July 28, 2018
Wormand to Schoonhaven
Big cheeses, bigger rivers and straight paths.
July 28 Saturday 61kms
Saturday July 28th. Warmond to Schoonhoven.
Big cheeses, bigger rivers and straight paths.
Our early departure at 0830 in overcast conditions gives us s good start on the 57 km we need to cover to reach Schoonhoven. We have mastered the cycle route maps, and we also follow the red on white town signage which are usually more direct, but may be beside a road.
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The market at Oude Rijn has abundant fruit and vegetables and stacks of cheese wheels. Restock our garlic pot, and the stall holder throws in a red onion for good measure.
Route map 11 is purchased in the town's book store to satisfy Ann's need for concrete information.
Changeable weather accompanies us with squally showers and gusts of wind. The sun is out when we reach Bodegraven, and lunchtime is due. The hurdy-gurdy machine is entertaining, and the cheese shop enticing, so two samples go in the lunch bag. The specials are around 5.75 euro / kilo. One of the selected has a delicious dry tangy bite
.
The rest of the afternoon passes on quiet roads with occasional cars, farm machinery and farm smells.
Schoonhoven is the silversmith capital of the Netherlands. It's pretty old town which goes down to the Lek. Our camp is around the bend beside the river. We tuck ourselves in beside a hedge on a very dry caravan site, as the open area for tents, near the river, is considered too windy to risk.
We talk rivers and their course with a local chap and I determine to consult a large map of Holland when I get the chance. He describes the current ambition to increase barge transport on these large waterways. (A week later we hear that the Rhine flow into Holland is at its lowest level ever. So what will be?
No wind bothers our little tent.
Today's ride: 61 km (38 miles)
Total: 2,545 km (1,580 miles)
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