(I wrote this on Wednesday before internet faded….still having problems with photo upload.)

We got underway before 9 am, just in time to join some of the commuter bicycle traffic as we traversed Den Haag headed south.  With many turns and lots of traffic, it is unnerving for both of us, Don negotiating all of the other bicycles, me trying to keep us along the pink line.  We survived…

It was only 8 miles to Delft, where we had planned to visit the Museum Prinsenhof, which didn’t open until 11 am (we arrived before 10 am).  Instead we went to the Oude Kerk (old church built around 1250, rebuilt 1450; beautiful photo exhibit with poems about the Creation), where we were serenaded by beautiful organ music.  The ticket to that church also entitled us to a free cup of coffee along the canal, and to view the Nieuwe Kerk (built 1396-1496, where Dutch royal family members are buried).  I climbed the 371 steps to the top of the tower for a great view of the city.

By now, it was noon, the wind was picking up and we decided to bypass the Museum to continue south.  As we approached Maassluis and the major waterway into Rotterdam, we were surrounded by windmills, some of the some traditional style, others the modern wind turbines.

We took a ferry across to Rozenburg, full size now with a bus on board as well as cars, pedestrians and other cyclists.  There were still 3 other canals to cross, these via bridges, before we arrived in Brielle.

There is a story about our accommodations tonight, a local B & B.  When Tulip Cycling double-checked the reservations, the owner had decided to take vacation. Peter pleaded and arrangements were made for the proprietor of the ice cream shop across the street to let us into the B & B for the night – so we are alone.  Someone will come at 7:30 am to bring us breakfast. Quiet town and we have made ourselves at home (buying salads for dinner at the local store and eating while watching soccer).

Directly behind the B & B is the History Museum.  While we missed the one in Delft, we learned all about the importance of Brielle, the Eighty Years War, William of Orange, Prince Maurice, and the Peace of Munster.

More bridge crossings tomorrow, hopefully with less wind.