Blockade Protest
Netherlands (Friesland): Stage 08 Baflo to Delfzijl 44 Km (Wed 19 July 2023)
Weather: 13⁰C min – 20⁰C max, mainly overcast
“When your bike is broken, you fix it. When you’re broken your bike fixes you.” ~ Unknown
After making my own breakfast in my apartment I delayed my start until afte 10 am. It is only 44 km to Delfzijl and I fully expected to get wet because IBM’s “Weather Channel” app predicted a 70% chance of rain. But fortunately they got it wrong again … not a drop of rain and even some blue sky!
It turned out to be a very enjoyable ride, following the LF-K route again most of the way. There was a mixture of quiet traffic-free roads and the usual good quality off-road bike paths.
Scenery was more varied than what it has been, with fewer canals and open farmland. Instead there was a string of neat and tidy villages, the most attractive being Usquert with it’s colourful gardens and impressive villas.
Between Eemshaven and Delfzijl I enjoyed riding on top of a twelve-kilometre-long seawall, with the Wadden Sea on my left and sheep grazing below me on my right. The dike is officially earthquake resistant, being the first in the country to be reinforced in accordance with the latest safety standards and with earthquake measures.
Who said sheep are not smart … while sailing along the path at the foot of the dike I came to an abrupt stop. Six sheep 🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑 had formed a blockade, completely blocking the path … as if in protest against cyclists disturbing their tranquility.
Delfzijl is a town located in the province of Groningen in the northern part of the Netherlands. It is situated on the eastern coast of the Ems estuary, which flows into the North Sea. The town has a large harbour that is used for shipping and cargo transport, as well as an attractive marina.
The town is pleasant enough but after a coffee and panini I returned to my B&B because I have more important business to attend to. Australia 🇦🇺 is playing England 🏴 in the fourth test of the Ashes series, so I am going to spend the afternoon absorbed in this gripping struggle. C’mon Aussie c’mon!
Haha – never tangle with organised ovines – cute though! Some very stately homes en route.
I think those ovines meant business. They didn’t want to move so I had to say “excuse me” and squeeze past.