Day 28 Delft, Netherlands - The Wonderful Dutch Countryside

Joan's View

It rained last night but thankfully cleared by morning so that we could get to Delft dry and mud free. Our ride began with more beautiful bike trails along the countryside and canals of the Netherlands. We came upon this imposing crayfish in the middle of the trail. He was definitely ready to defend his turf.

Also got a nice picture of a grass roof that plenty of people seem to prefer in this area.

Next stop was a roadside stand of pears. While I'm typically wherever you find fruit, I can pass on a pear. Tony, however, took advantage of the opportunity for fresh pears.

This next photo is an inspiring picture of what we guessed to be a father guiding his visual impaired son, each on their own bikes. We have seen this before in the Netherlands. The guy on the left kept his hand on the boy's shoulder the entire time that they rode. Bicycles are for everyone, and the Dutch can prove it.

Riding along the canals, there was a place where the water created more of a lake. This was a historical spot of some sort. Homes along that small lake used it for recreation.

We were coming into a small village. Tony saw a sign for what looked like a bakery, so we took a quick detour only to find ourselves in a manufacturing area. Getting back on the trail and just a little farther was a sign for the central town area. We took another easy detour and happily found the town bakery. Tony had a cherry filled pastry with cappuccino, and I had a bear claw. They were out of apple filled pastries already and it was only about 10:00.

Love the cute windmill chocolates.

Official Dutch bakery tasters

Back on the route, we saw our first vintage windmill in the Netherlands. As you can see, it is being renovated too. This windmill sits along the canal because a boat passed behind it in a canal.

We took photos of 2 unknowns today. One is a large structure, and one is a crop that we could use help identifying. 

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I also took a picture of a roller coaster on the trail. Tony just had to inform me that there are drainage grates at the bottom of the roller coaster. 😕 Even the mini roller coasters on the trail are smooth, and fun!

Another favorite that I enjoy are all the birds and animals. This variety of sheep has such a pretty wool coat. They got up and left after I took their picture though, bawling on their sheepish way to peace and quiet.

We arrived at our Airbnb before 1:00. This time Tony had to navigate the bike around a path. You can see our building in the background.

We put some laundry in the washer & dryer because we have one and started to walk around Delft. Since this city is famous for the blue & white delftware, I wanted to go and at least check it out. Remember though, I already got my souvenir. 

The Henri Willig cheese shop seemed interesting, and they had free samples. Other Americans were in there from a cruise ship and a lady from Scotland was in there as well. The lady from Scotland had to buy several cheese rounds for friends because the cheese is so famous. After plenty of tasting, Tony picked a young goat cheese along with some cheese crackers for us to take along.

Tony showing off his cheese by the end of the cow.

We decided to find a place to sit since it was raining a bit. The Belvedere had Belgium beer, so we found a table there. Our food was filling, but even better Tony got a free beer glass because he bought 2 Duvel beers. Guess Tony got his souvenir now too.

Tony earned his free Duvel beer glass.

Early dinner

Tony's Extras 

Another beautiful day in the Netherlands. We saw a four-lane highway, and yes it was for bicycles. Even looked like on and off ramps. Maybe not, but I can dream. They have some seriously beautiful churches in Delft, but they charged so I wasn't interested.  Here is a picture from outside our room area. 

I drank two beers, not just basic beers though. The international jury of beer experts got together to crown the finest beers in the world, Duvel was once again voted "World’s Best Pale Ale – Belgian Style strong" category. I had no idea until I got back to the room and googled it. It was mighty tasty. Even Joan tasted it and said it had lots of flavors. We were getting ready to leave and our nice waitress gave me this free beer glass. Can't wait to make a Pale Ale - Belgium Style Strong at home and use my new glass. This afternoon just strengthens the idea of Tour de Beer, 🍺🍺 Off to the North Sea and then into Amsterdam, tomorrow.