Hoge de Veluwe National Park

How we managed to get to the Park we will never know. The road networks in Holland are phenomenal and part of it was like spaghetti junction x 10. We did manage it though and it was with great relief that we arrived in Otterlo which is on the outskirts of the National Park. The campsite was wonderful - set within both coniferous and deciduous forest and the caravans parked within clearings there. It was so quiet except for the sound of birdsong. It was also so hot that we erected our sunshade on the caravan for the first time.

We set up on site but then found that we had been sent to a plot with too little electricity for us - we need 10amps to cope with the fridge etc. So we then had to move a little way away - no problems as the site was so relaxing it instilled a sense of goodwill to all men!! After a sandwich and a long, cold drink we cycled into Otterlo village to stock up our pantry and fridge at the Spar shop.

When we got back Steve did a few odd jobs on Essie while I prepared a cassoulet for dinner followed by strawberries and cream. Sitting out in this lovely setting was idyllic and we really enjoyed our evening. Afterwards we went and watched a DVD - the first episode of Rome - we have all the rest to watch as we go along. Then to bed in readiness for our exploration of the park tomorrow.

After breakfast we set off to see the Hoge de Veluwe park on our bikes. There are supposed to be deer, red squirrels, foxes, wild boar and many kinds of birds within its setting - we didn't see any though. There were lots of people instead including a large school party from the USA - enough to scare any wild animal away. The park was lovely though - a cross between Chobham common and the ranges and the Royal Windsor park with some of the New Forest thrown in. We cycled 40 kilometres in total with a couple of stops for drinks and lunch. The weather was hot and sunny again with a light breeze making it very comfortable. Many people were hiring the white bikes for cycling through the park but we were glad to have our own.

Afterwards we went back to the van for a well deserved drink and a Thai green curry for dinner. Although we were satisfyingly tired we maanged to stay up and watch a DVD - or most of it anyway. Tomorrow it's Maastricht!