Clara called it

On our first train ride in the Netherlands, Clara looked out the window at the landscape zipping by and called it a water maze.  She was right!  There are channels of water everywhere -- many totally green covered in duck weed.  Some of the channels are blind ends, which are not visible until you start down them, many intersect with larger and smaller waterways and the depths vary greatly.  Today, there was even a marsh area where salty and sweet water mix making for different plants and even crops than I have seen in the last few days.

It has been quite cool in the mornings and the mist over the landscape makes for an awesome view.  I think I could have stopped about every 500 meters for the first hour and taken another 'artsy' photo.

There were 4 different ferry rides today -- everything from a tiny one where 9 bicycles just fit on, to big waterbus service that will take you to Rotterdam.  That city is tomorrow's destination, but not by boat!

Tonight I am in Papendrecht at another modern and well equipped hotel -- even modern on the outside and with an elevator.  (Yesterday they had to drag a yung man out of the kitchen to carry the suitcase up 4 flights of stairs,)  I have had very nice hotels, fairly easy to find, and well equipped.  Thanks Rad und Reisen!

My routine these last few days is fairly consistent.  Breakfast about 8, cycling by 9.  Stop for a coffee and pastry about 11:30.  Finish riding between 3 and 4.  Shower!  Go get some groceries -- bread, cheese, veggies, a sweet and a Radler -- the beer and lemonade mixture that runs about 2% alcohol, in order to rehydrate.  Very civilized and so easy.  

I think this is my favourite kind of vacation -- wake up and have nothing to do but ride in beautiful and interesting countryside.  I hope to keep doing it for many years.