SHIFTING GEARS

Monday

We have left the varying landscapes of Iceland for a very flat land of agriculture in Holland.  This is a bonus when returning to a stick shift after a few years--- no hills to stall on!

 

Another good sleep is helping us to relax.  Of course the garbage collection came through at 8 am rousing us from sleep.  After breakfast, then countryside was calling.  Driving is relatively easy on the straight stretches.  Downshifting for the many roundabouts is becoming more familiar as is a constant watch for cyclists who come from every direction and with the right of way!

Heading west from Sneek, the road took us to the quaint town of Bolsward.  Trying to stay off the "freeway type roads", we continued on to a coastal area where the sheep were grazing on the dike....eight beside the cache!  Following secondary roads, we meandered through the fields of hay and  corn etc. in a circular route through Midlum, Franeker, Dearsum and finally, Sneeker Meer.  Lunch was enjoyed on a dock at Sneeker Meer, observing the continual flow of boats/ ships in both directions.  Successfully, wound our way through the  school children heading home on their bikes...and our house is 2 blocks from 3 schools!!!

After a brief respite at home, and the receipt of some help for a cache, we set off for downtown.  A purchase was made at the fabric store, the cache was viewed, but too many muggles to attempt to retrieve so headed closer to home to the wine and grocery stores.  A sale at the wine store gave opportunity to stock up for our return to Sneek.

Having a home base, with room to spread out is very nice.  We are enjoying this time as we know that the next 3 weeks will be very busy both on tour and the last free days we have on our own.