We had breakfast together at 8:30 this morning in our hotel in Amsterdam. After hugs kisses and well wishes, Pat, Denny and Wendy left via cab for the airport at 9:15.
I had mixed feelings seeing them go. Here I am, by myself, ready to embark on the next leg of a Holland adventure. Can I do this? Sure I can!!!
Back up to the room to apply sunscreen, grab my bags and depart at 9:30. I walked to the bike shop where I had rented a bike, arrived at about 10:00.
Got the bike, Filled out paper work, got instructions, tested the bike, loaded the possessions that I had laid out the night before in the panniers. All fit! Attached my GPS mount, and my route sheets clipped to the cables and got instructions on how to get to the ferry. I'm off!
I had studied my route from the "Touring Holland By Bike" book I purchased some time ago. When trying to synchronize the route leaving Amsterdam with the maps I had purchased it was sketchy. I wasn't sure about it.
Caught the ferry @ 11:15 AM to cross the IJ, and activated the GPS to start the trip. No problem finding my way out of Amsterdam. I pedaled my way along the water front and through the first town of Durgerdam. My route took me on a nice water front trail on a dike. Before reaching Marken the next town I stopped @ 12:30 PM for lunch at a picnic table on the water front. Ate the sandwich that I made at breakfast (cheese two different kinds of meat between two dark all grain slices of bread. Also, three small candy bars and water. It is a beautiful day, partly sunny, light breeze and maybe 70 degrees.
After lunch I proceeded on to Marken where I caught another ferry to Vollendam. This is where I will stay for the night. I stopped at the TI to get directions to the address where I will stay, and inquire about Internet access. Found the house (more of an apartment building), and then went to the library to send my first report.
I will stop at the house at 5:00 PM to check in and will unload my panniers, and head back to town to get supper. I saw a fish and chips place that looks inviting.
This was a very relaxed day of only 25 kilometers. It feels good to have made my first destination of this six day trip.
All's well!
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