To Gorinchem - A Nostalgic Journey through Europe - CycleBlaze

August 8, 2023

To Gorinchem

WIND a 2 ferry 1 lifting bridge day

Once we were settled in our room yesterday I didn’t go out again as as few times as possible negotiating those stairs was what seemed sensible. Down them this morning the breakfast was absolutely lovely fresh squeezed orange juice, pancakes with bananas and raspberries and coffee.  This is a really lovely little town and when we rode out of the beautiful old part the newer residential areas were just as attractive.  Soon we were in farm land and it is in this area that there is lots of fruit growing with very neatly espaliered apples and pears.  They do need to grow lots of apples to make all that delicious apple cake we are eating.  Before too long we came to the canal that goes to Amsterdam  and we crossed it.  It was just two weeks today that we sailed on the Avalon View under this bridge on our way to Amsterdam.

Last nights stairs
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Jane WalaThis stairs!!!!! That would have been a performance.
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1 year ago
Tricia GrahamTo Jane WalaYes!!
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1 year ago
Karen PoretTypical of stairs on a barge, but not this many!
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1 year ago
Apple Orchards
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Crossing the canal
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Unlike in NZ none of the shep have their tails docked
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There was cute house after cute house
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About this time Ken saw what he said was an Aladdin’s Cave so of course in he went. Slightly disappointing I think as the old tractors he saw were mainly Internationals, he has been seeing lots of these,  but he did see one narrow Fendt orchard  tractor. Then almost straight away we came to our first ferry  a car one taking us over what I thought was probably a small arm of the Rhine

The first ferry
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Riding along a dyke was a real challenge, there was interesting farm land and houses on either side but the wind was so strong Ken didn’t dare stop for photos for fear of being blown over

Miles and miles of flat land and beautiful pasture
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A fine vege garden
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I wonder if he ever has any luck
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Steve Miller/GrampiesWe have so rarely seen evidence of results, and yet there they sit in every country, the very epitome of hope over experience!
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1 year ago
Tricia GrahamTo Steve Miller/GrampiesI think it is part of the male DNA you seldom see women doing it
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1 year ago

Getting near we came on the lifting bridge of the day and watched a couple of boats go by.  Komoot turned us then into an unlikely looking path and sure enough there was our second ferry. It was a far cry from the previous one - tiny and just operated by a winch.  It was extremely rocky and difficult to get on and off but the ferrymen were charming and with great good humour helped me on and off and took charge of the bikes

The lifting bridge - the boats have just come through
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My helper at the second ferry
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Across we go
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With my helper
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He insisted he took both our photos
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The hotel when we arrived shortly after turned out turned out to be a 13 storied casino but it is very comfortable and has a lift.  We have only done 40 km but with such a head wind it feels much longer.

I don’t think his dress code fits the place
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Jane WalaThey should be pleased he took off his cycling helmet.
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1 year ago
Tricia GrahamTo Jane Wala😊
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1 year ago

Today's ride: 40 km (25 miles)
Total: 466 km (289 miles)

Rate this entry's writing Heart 14
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Robyn RichardsSuch a variety of experiences today!
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1 year ago
Tricia GrahamTo Robyn RichardsMainly strong wind coming from the direction we were going!
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1 year ago
Carolyn van HoeveThank goodness for your E-Bike!
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1 year ago
Tricia GrahamTo Carolyn van Hoeve😊
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1 year ago