Day 16 - Veessen

One thing we discuss whilst reviewing our trip ahead is the difference between a 25km day and a 65km day. The former allows for more site-seeing, which was particularly nice in the early days with the many picturesque Dutch villages and their long history. The east side of Holland seems to have fewer of these quaint historical towns; perhaps modernity has necessitated letting go of the old ways to a greater degree here than in the west?

In any event, I'm missing some of the exploration and learning we enjoyed in the early 25km days, in the many villages that lined the IJsselmeer north of Amsterdam. And I'm feeling exhausted towards the end of a long day on the fietspad. We can slow down a bit, but if we're going to complete the circle of Holland we'd originally planned, we'll have to keep up at least 40-50km days.

The first half of today is a delightful swing through high canopies of beech forests where we're surprised by the sudden appearance of old Dutch villages and impressive 17th century estates that once belonged to the old world aristocracy.
Later in the day we return to the vast farmlands, fields of grass and corn and occassionaly wheat. It's nice, but a bit boring after too much of the same same.

Unusual tree art near the canal.

Two highlights are crossing rivers: one small "canal" outside of Ommen where a fully automated electric bike ferry that glides across the still waters with quiet ease. A gaggle of ducks slides by unperturbed by this strange human invention. Later in the day we take a car and bike ferry across the IJssel River just outside of Wijhe. It's also guided by a large steel cable sunk deep into the water, but its diesel engine cuts into the silence with a determination and grit the other, softer ferry lacked.

We arrive mid-afternoon at our B&B in the countryside outside of Veesson, a lovely quiet space with a terrace that looks out over cow paddocks, the steeple of the Wijhe church behind.

Our B&B in Veesson: