Elburg to Voorthuizen

A champion packing session today:
12 minutes to pack inside the tent
90 seconds for the bike
12 minutes to pack the tent and get all of the gear on to the bike :)

I had a nice sit in the sun for breakfast while I finished off yesterday's baguette and the last tomato. Also another slice of the dutch cake. I studied the maps for a while, in no rush to leave this morning as it is a shorter day.

While it was warm in the sun it was actually quite chilly on the bike so after only a K or 2 I stopped and dug out the thermal top, so glad I brought it. Another nice tail wind today.

I am using an ANWB cycle map today. It is exceedingly easy to follow. The paths all merge at a junction which is numbered, you simply follow signs that lead you to the next junction. I had seen a cyclists cue sheet a few days ago and it was simply a list of numbers, now I understand. Oh, and each junction has a map of the area as well in case you end up at the wrong junction I guess.

There was a nice long forested region after the town of Ermelo. It really was a forest this time too. It went on for more than 10 K's, quite pretty too. I stopped once in a picnic area next to some pine forest, it so reminded me of Germany in 1995 with Patrick! Also the forest seemed to be on a hill. We gained 20 metres I think, and so I got a few bits of down hill afterwards. The downhill was so pleasant, I am actually looking forward to getting out of Holland even though it means that there will be more hills.

In due course I arrived at the quaint little camping grounds which are attached next to a farm. It was very cheap and I have to say ot had an excellent (free) shower, one of the best, and toilet paper. There are only 17 caravan sites and some space for tents, quite homely really. I am the only non-retiree here as it happens. I guess everyone who is not retired is at work again.

I walked into town, had a look around, and then had a Pannenkoeken with Apple and a coke, very relaxing. I sat for a while then I bought some food and walked home. I had a loll on the grass in the shade (yes, too hot in the sun) and then after a while in the tent. I don't think I fell asleep today though. Just lolling about reminds me again of 1995, this time in France on long hot lazy summer afternoons. I had dinner at the nice picnic tables (something most camp sites don't have), got to hear everyone in camp walk past and say “Eet smakelyk” :) Dinner as usual was baguette with cheese and tomato, the apple strudel and the peaches. I checked out the maps afterwards, getting to Hans and Trees is easy enough, I am just a little unsure of the route south from there.