When we woke up this morning we could here the soft roar of the surf. There had been no surf at all during the hot spell. After a great breakfast, which included the best strawberries I have tasted in years, we set of to Noord Wyk aan Zee. Another busy seaside resort, with huge hotels. It is Saturday and there was a kind of track and field contest going on. Lots of people. Also biking and walking. We were hardly ever alone.
Part of our route today took us along the water's edge for about a km and a half or so. Our map booklet did not show any coffee cups so we thought we were out of luck today. But after climbing back up into the dunes we came across several eateries, all beside each other. We each had a soft icecream cone because we sure needed the energy at that point.
We seemed to crisscross the dunes twice today. In the afternoon we walked by a glider field and had fun watching a few take off, fly over our heads and land. We also saw plenty of deer. Apparently they are a problem in that there are too many of them with no natural enemies. We should send Holland some of our wolves and bears.
At last, with sore feet and sore back, we reached the small village of De Zilk and called a taxi to bring us back to Katwyk aan Zee. There is no place to stay in De Zilk.
We have reached the point in our trip where we ask ourselves why we are walking so much. The taxi driver even asked us that question. We are tired right now. The thing is that a good meal and a night's rest usually perk us right up again. Tomorrow is our longest day at 22 km and it will take us to Haarlem and another rest day!
Translation of the fishermen's memorial:
They left for the sea to earn their living,
Unaware that their lives would soon end.
These dead had no chance to say farewell to their loved ones.
Only their names and memories remain.
A totem pole in Holland?! I once cycled the bike path through the dunes from Hoek van Holland to Wijk aan Zee and was similarly surprised by the size of the dunes I had to bike up! At least my path was paved!! I checked the map for Holland and it looks like your walk tomorrow is inland. Today we are getting our first fall rain, with a vengance! Enjoy your hike tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteYes, even a raven on it. We are very lucky with the weather. The walks are long and tiring but I think we can do it! Tomorrow the longest day at about 22 km. Good scenery helps!!
ReplyDeleteYou met a tough challenge today with a bit of a "wall" but yes, a good sleep, a good breakfast and you're good to go again, Chris and Jeff!! Cheering you on from the sidelines here xoxxx
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading about your daily adventures. Great photos....love your descriptions.
ReplyDeleteYes..this walk today sounds very tough...but beautiful....good question though...why are you walking so much?....lol...how is Jeff'S back with all this sand and dune walking?....I can imagine that ice cream tasted good...that horse on the beach picture brings back memories when I was there...in the mist and the roaring sea and horses galloping....I walked part of that beach alone while Mom and oom Frans waited somewhere having coffee.....such a nice adventure for you...completely different from the Pieter pad
ReplyDeleteI like the totem pole (looks Haida). Must be so soothing to walk along the shoreline with the surf. Glad you are finding coffee and ice-cream.
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