A Sneeky Place
Netherlands (Friesland): Stage 04 Kornwerderzand to Sneek 43 Km (Sat 15 July 2023)
Weather: 16⁰C min – 25⁰C max, mainly sunny
“Live each day as if your life had just begun” ~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
What a difference a day makes! In contrast to the dull grey day yesterday, the sun made a welcome appearance today and the light was OK for photographs.
It was one of those days when everything seemed to go right. Even the bike bus was easier than expected … just wheel the bike onto the bus without even removing the pannier bags. The 30 km bus ride to Kornwerderzand passed quickly because I spent the time chatting to an interesting couple of bike tourers, Dieter and Ruth, from Germany.
Unlike yesterday I passed through a couple of very attractive towns, particularly Workum and the tiny village of Gaast. Although Gaast only has a population of 240 people would you believe I was able to get a coffee there! The community coffee shop is run by volunteers and is only open on Saturdays.
Something I have already noticed about Friesland is how friendly the people here are. An old man in Den Oever yesterday told me to expect this and so far he seems to be spot on. Even the cyclist I met along the ride said hallo (Dutch for hello) or gave me a wave or a nod.
As mentioned in yesterday’s blog, the Afsluitdijk is closed for cyclists, who have been provided with a free bicycle bus from Den Oever to Kornwerderzand (carries up to 30 people and a maximum of 15 bicycles). There were sufficient spaces left on the 9:15 am bus, so today I only had a 43 km ride from Kornwerderzand to Sneek where I am staying tonight.
Because I only had a short ride from Kornwerderzand (and was assisted by a slight tailwind) I arrived much earlier than the check-in time of 2 pm. Negotiating an earlier check-in was impossible because access to Stadslogement Kingsize is fully automated … for the front door you use your mobile to dial a certain number and for the room door a different number. Very sneek-y!
Sneek is a city located in the province of Friesland in the northern part of the Netherlands. My first impressions of Sneek are favourable, with its beautiful canals, charming city centre, and inviting cafes and coffee shops. What more does a town need?
hello Kevin, it was a pleasure to meet you! I found you on Strava and am following you there. On my page you will find another photo of us. we wish you a wonderful time in Europe and many adventures on your further tour. Greetings from Zwolle Ruth and Dieter
It was great to meet you and Ruth too Dieter. You did well to reach Zwolle today. I don’t reach there until Tue 25 July after touring up north.
Glad to hear the weather’s improved and that you’re enjoying beautiful scenery (lots of lovely cows, and a tractor to boot!). Hope you enjoy your northerly ride 🙂
Today’s ride to Leeuwarden was even better Soph. I had a good tail wind so I was more like a.hare than a tortoise.