Day 3. 21 July 2011. From Gouda to Katwijk aan Zee.
I slept like a log/rose/bear what ever the expression is, I must have needed it. I felt well rested and after a good breakfast (delicious and plentiful) and more conversation this time about family illnesses, I left around 9.30 this morning. The sky was grey but fortunately there was no rain today and it got brighter and sunnier as the day went on. I have a bit of a sun and wind burned red face this evening. Today's cycle trip started with getting out of the city of Gouda and in particular the last part was very nice as it was along a narrow dyke with on either side small canals. Over these canals little bridges let to the houses along this street, it was a wonderful sight. I did try to make some photo's but they may nog have come out, some sights you just have to see for yourselves!! Anyhow, along the fields i saw a stork in a nest high upon a pole, what a fantastic sight. The trip continued through some small villages and past a recreation lake where there was one very little person (2 yr old) having swim as it was too cold for others to have a dip. I had my morning cuppa in a restaurant right along the lake and enjoyed seeing some sailboats in the distance.
I made one wrong turn and therefore had to cycle back and wasted 6km worth of energy but never mind that. After lunch I soon realised that I was getting closer to the sea as I could see and hear seagulls, the landscape changed and became more forrested again and before too long I found myself riding in the dunes. That was just wonderful, I loved the sea and dune smells, to see the dune grasses, plants and all the sand. There were numerous small lakes with plenty of waterbirds and lots more land birds and bird sounds. It was delightful to cycle through this area, highlighted by the fact that Graeme rang whilst I had stopped for a snack to tell me of his safe arrival in Kyrgyzstan. It did not even worry me that I was peddling against a strong head wind.
After a good hour and half cycling in the dunes I came to my end destination of Katwijk aan Zee. Katwijk on Sea is as the name suggest located directly on the sea. A delightful little town with a good vibrant atmosphere and plenty of tourist. I arrived at my accommodation at the same time as two other cycling ladies and after a cuppa and a chat we all were shown to our rooms. I have a lovely room and as we are fairly close to the beach I believe I can hear the sea (but maybe it is the wind and I am imagining things). I decided to forget the shower for awhile and headed straight back to the beach for a nice stroll. A fresh strong wind is always good to clear the cobwebs (not that I did have any after a lovely day on the bike). It was nice, there were other walkers, kids with kites and in the sea there were plenty of wind surfers (the types with a round kite, harness and smaller plank, different from a windsurfer on a lake). Katwijk aan Zee is also a traditional fishing village so for dinner I bought some fresh fish and chips (yes, again as it goes so nice with fish) with salad and later a magnum for dessert. Ghee, life is good.
Unfortunately, I have been unable to secure accommodation for tomorrow night so that means that I will cycle a bit further and sleep for a couple of nights at my mother's place before leaving again on Sunday or Monday.
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