Today was the day that we had to work off all the accumulated lard we had put on because the family is treating and feeding us so well and after Dave and Fay’s horror stories about the Zeelandbrug we decided this would be a good time to do this 5km long bridge. I worked out it would be a 90km trip so quite a challenge. Here is the circuit for those who know Zeeland.
As the family had planned to take us for dinner tonight to fatten us some more it was imperative that we be back in time so 5:30 saw us rise and shine and at first light we were on our way, me in my cycling short even though it was 8 degrees! We were rewarded with a glorious sunset over the fields and stretches of inland lakes, shut off from the sea by the Deltawerken, a number of dikes connecting the islands.
We could not believe the number of birds in the estuaries and also the number of rabbits hopping about in the fields. I’m told you only see them in breeding season, usually they hide so well you don’t see them.
We didn’t really need a gps and maps and such things as the whole place is so geared towards cyclists and everything is so well signposted and if that fails you can always spot a familiar church spire in this flat landscape so you can’t get lost. We really did like this typical old farm surrounded by fertile fields. Of course the other one is a more traditional postcard tourist picture.
We got to the bridge nice and early with a gentle breeze in the back so no worries at all, being Easter Monday we also did not have the usual massive trucks blowing one about so it was a bit of an anticlimax, this gentle ride with its very nice views of the Oosterschelde.
As you can see, all happy and smiling.
On the other side of the bridge I found this lady but I must say she was rather frigid and cold to the touch. Spot the mcsa attire.
From Zierikzee onwards it was rather hard work as the wind was against us and blowing straight at us from the water but with a few stops for a nibble and some lunch we managed to get to Veere to admire the old buildings and, for such a small village, the gigantic church.
From there the last few kilometers back to home base, fueled by the expectation of a nice cup of coffee waiting for us. Unfortunately we were not expected so early and found our hosts had gone for a walk. Luckily we could wait in their heated greenhouse and a little later not only had coffee but a big piece of cake as well. Happy days…