Well we never made it to the Casino. The bright lights of Harwich had fatigued us (you know that the place is special if Morrison's is the jewell in the crown!) that we had a beer or two in one of our many luxurious cabins (a Hobgoblin 5.2% Ruby ale and an excellent Marstons 4.5% Oyster Stout - sublime). We also watched the Time Trial from Spain but thought they were cheating as they had no luggage - sissies!!).
We arrived at the Hook and headed off in cool sunshine 14.5*) expecting to stop for breakfast somewhere. Well we had plenty of coffee but skipped breakfast AND lunch AND BEER! But plodded on on coffee and nuts (yes we must be!) - well Darren did have an Apfelstrudel and I a sandwich at some point.
We found the route surprising difficult to navigate - signs were easily missed and we excelled in de-tours! The cycle routes are generally excellent although the last 15 miles on cobbles were "interesting" - an excellent method of reducing the risk of overpopulation - they should have thought of that earlier in this densely populated country. Masses of cyclists on the routes, most in lycra (and not a tattoo in sight!).. They seem to be a lot of smokers who respond to our greetings by clearing some very deep and phlegm filled part of their respiratory system in a very audible way. Anyway that seems to be their way of greeting.
We arrived at Egmond mid afternoon, cleaned up, had a couple of TUE supplements (Dutch and Belgian Trappist beers, had a carbo rich meal and are now having a quiet coffee. Tomorrow we are aiming for a 100 but getting lost more often tan we are getting found does not increase our progress.
I don't think the Dutch have the same custom of greeting each other, as there are just too many cyclists so they don't bother. The phlegmy response may just be a sign of irritation at having to acknowledge you. A Dutch friend cycling with me some years ago was surprised to hear my greetings to cyclists and others. Not something they are used to in Holland. And I've read that their cycle routes can be difficult to follow in centres of population but should be better in the country when you are set fair heading north. I will be following you all the way and enjoying your writings. Good luck...bet you are missing our tea rooms already!
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ReplyDeleteFollowing you journey all the way with the expectation of an education in northern-European beers! Please remember that your finely honed, athletic physiques require good nutrition before setting out, otherwise you might not make it to the end of day refreshments! Fond regards to Willard, Lesley x
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