When its Spring again I'll bring again...

We went to the Keukenhof tulip gardens today near Lisse. It is world renowned for its spectacular flowers and it did not fail to impress. We decided to drive to near the gardens and then cycle in because it was Sunday and there were a lot of people on the roads and cycle ways and also the parking would be difficult. A couple of kilometres out of Lisse we found a lovely parking spot by a canal and some tulip fields and left the car there. It was an enjoyable cycle ride into Keukenhof and the access to the gardens was easy as we had purchased the tickets the day before at the reception of the camping site. The sights were spectacular as the photos will show and we walked our legs off through all of the gardens. The weather was hot and sunny - 23c so we appreciated the wooded areas for some respite. For lunch we decided to try their fresh herring "hot dogs" with tomato - they all eat them here and they are very healthy. We loved them.

At about 3.30pm we left the gardens and drove back towards the campsite but decided to detour to Nordwijck aan Zee for a look around. We used the bikes again to explore and cycled through sand dune after sand dune - it reminded us a lot of Cape Cod and it was gorgeous. We finally found the sea and stopped for a beer at a beach cafe - bikes were everywhere. It was Sunday so lots of people were out and about in the sunshine enjoying themselves - on their bikes!

Then we cycled back to the car, returned to the campsite and had a hot drink. We both thought that the campers at this site were very stand offish - to the point of being rude. Steve thinks its because we have an old van and they think we are dossers - well **** them!! We leave tomorrow for Hoge de Veluwe National Park so they can stick their camping where the sun doesn't shine - we are off to pastures new.

After an apperitif we enjoyed a lovely meal of Schnitzel, wild rice accompanied by leeks and red pepper cooked in ginger, garlic and lemon. It was delicious and well received after all the exercise we have enjoyed today.

Needless to say we are at the bar again tonight to get a good internet signal and Steve has had to force down yet another beer - he is so good!! I think an early night will be had so that we can pack up and move on tomorrow - head em up roll em out!!