Small Lighthouse

Today we cycled to Hoorn.

The first 20 km were along the side of the Ijsslmeer, however the cycle lane was on the inside of the significant sea defences so we basically never saw the sea at all. Once or twice the cycle lane went up the dyke for a short section, but the sea views were pretty limited even then as there was a significant mudflat before we saw any water. To be fair the sea wall did block the wind - which can be a problem in flat countries.

The second 20 km were inland as we cycled in more straight roads from village to village and along canals - there is a bit of theme going on here in North Holland.

We arrived early in Hoorn, but the little hotel was okay with that, and the super chirpy receptionist told us to bring our bikes into their store room behind reception. It was cool and damp (not wet) all day so it was nice to get inside and be in the warm and dry.

After changing we went for a walk around the town in the damp. Today's back blip is the Small Lighthouse on the edge of the port. The town is pretty enough and like many old European cities has at least one statue of some man who made a fortune in the colonies - who is now considered stain in the good name of the country.

We found our favourite supermarket and bought dinner and our breakfast and lunch for the final day of cycling.