June 11: Amsterdam to Leiden
Our first point-to-point touring day comprised about 40 miles, with diversions to visit the largest steam engine, the North Sea Coast, and downtown Leiden and the University area.
I'll let the photos and captions relate most of the day.
Where have all the tulips gone, long time passing . . . (Credit Pete Seeger). The tops have been trimmed, leaving the bulbs to grow for the next season.
While nearly all flat as we approached the North Sea Coast, we passed through belts of forest, sand dunes, meadows, and a golf course nestled in the dunes.
Lunch on the Coast. Ball of Buffalo mozzarella in the middle, chopped vegetables, and small bits of peach. Shared with Kevin, excellent.
Much like the painted horses and cows found in many US cities, of course the Dutch substitute tulip bulbs.
For the cat vs. dog lovers. Not part of the group in back, just wandering about the small park across from our first Vrienden stay.
Windmill Sawmill in Leiden. Run by volunteers, this is only open on Sundays. They had just finished sawing as we arrived because the wind dropped.
They float the logs to the mill on the canals. Now logs are often from local trees that fall or have to be removed for construction. They prefer to cut logs that are wet or frozen because they generate less sawdust.
Gerald, our Vrienden Host's home, back yard, and photo of their recent tour. Gerald and Els might rank as the most eco conscious people we have met. They are entirely vegetarian, do not own a car (bike or train), and will not fly. Both retired, they own 6 bikes and continue to bike tour. They prepared a delicious vegetarian dinner: salad, beet soup, lasagna containing pumpkin pasta, and penne.
Cycling miles: 40 today; 103 total.
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