Riding with CycleTours

Painting in our cabin

 Joined CycleTours boat yesterday in Amsterdam.  Bit of confusion... our originally scheduled boat (the Anna Antal) had a mechanical problem with the engine cooling system... so the company moved us all over to another boat (the Wending).  Happy change... the Wending is a bit bigger, nicer cabins, etc.  Our group is about 18 people, and the Wending accommodates 24 normally, so we've got room to spare.  All in all, an upgrade.  No complaints.

Good group of people.  All Americans, which is statistically unlikely given our past experiences.  Two groups of friends, one from New England, the other from California, two moms getting away from the family to celebrate a big number birthday, plus Katie and me, our guide Karline, the captain Jurgen, Anna Mieke (!!!) the cook, and her assistant Agnes.

 Cycled today from Oude Wetering down to Gouda, a beautiful 30 mile ride.  On a sunny, warm Sunday of a 3-day holiday weekend here.  Got off around 10:00 after a leisurely breakfast -- the boat couldn't leave earlier due to a bridge schedule issue so we hung out until the morning fog lifted and the sun came out strong. Lots of people out cycling and enjoying the day today.
Passed by Alphen, came within about 3 miles, thought about a detour for some frites... but the weather was too nice today for frites, so we can live with the decision.

Stopped at a local beach in the afternoon, an an impromptu 30 minute nap under a tree.