Day 7 Hindeloopen Loop - 22.9 km
Our
last day on the tour. We got up early to do a short loop near Hindeloopen
before driving back to Amsterdam. Allen had to drive some of the early leavers
to the train station, so our group was small. It was nice to be out in the
early day with the soft light and quiet. We followed some canals out of town
and spent much of the time on narrow fietspads (bike paths) winding through
green pastures populated with flocks of friendly sheep.
Even with our moderate pace, we were too quickly back at the hotel to shower
and finish our packing. We loaded the van and hit the road. The route took
us over the huge dike that separates the Ijsselmeer from the sea. This is
quite an engineering monument. A large part of the reclaimed land in Holland
owes it existence to this dike.
Back
in A'dam, we relaxed at the bustling Leidseplein with a beer and a tasty sandwich.
Later, Liz and I headed for Vondelpark for the Friday Night Skate. Vondelpark
is huge area that reminded me a lot of Golden Gate Park in San Francisco -
lots of variety: open areas, woods, and interesting buildings. Thousands show
up for this well organized weekly event. We met skaters from the US, France,
England, other European countries and, of course, friendly locals. The volunteer
leaders guide the group on a different route each week. Some race ahead to
control traffic while others sweep the rear of the pack to help out anyone
having problems. Since A'dam is very flat - the biggest hills are the bridges
over the canals - skaters need endurance more than they need skill. I was
almost taken out a couple of times by wayward bladers. With several stops,
everyone pretty much stayed together in a big pack. Most of us we dressed
in shorts and t-shirts, but several stood out of the crowd including the tall,
lean guy in the black leather bikini! Turns out he was one of the founders
of the event. You should definitely include this fun event in your next European
trip.
I spent two more days enjoying Amsterdam while Liz and Allen headed out
with the next group. Too soon, I was winging back toward SFO, business class
this time, warmed by the glow of free liquor and the great memories of the
tour. Thanks Zephyr!
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