11th May 2016
Hoorn to Volendam

I took a quick ride into town to pick up some fresh bread for lunch. Such a pleasure to be out so early when the streets are empty of cars, vans and tourists wandering around in the middle of the road.

For a change, the meer was flat calm and on such a lovely sunny day it was quite a pleasure, especially as our passage was only 1 1/2 hours long. 

The haven here has a big entrance in to the meer without any bridges or sluises to negotiate. The "sea" wall is also low so one can see both in an out of the over the wall. As we arrived, skip said it felt like Paignton. To those who are unacquainted with Paignton, it is a typical seaside town with lines of shops selling tat and souvenirs. 

Just when you thought there was nothing more they could do with a clog.. 

Making waffels on the street. This was the selection.

There are passenger ferries hauling in tourists from the peninsula town of Marken, about 3km across the lake. They arrive there on tour buses from Amsterdam as this is a popular day trip out from the city. And everything on the sea front here caters to them.  

A narrow Edam bridge.

The mooring is good though, side-on, with water and electricity included in the 16.50 euro charge. If one wants there is a good shower block close by. Also included in the price as well as free wifi. There is a steady stream of sightseers, however, passing the boat and peering in the windows or sitting with fish and chips on the benches. I said it was just like Paignton!

After a quick look around the shops, we cycled 5km to Edam, the next town. Famous for it´s cheese, of course, it is a sleepy little town. Skip spotted a charming small hotel with an inviting canal-side patio where we whiled away some time over coffee and borrel (snacks/petiscos/tapas - take your pick). 

I always wanted to be the BIG cheese...

And more cheeses. Yes, I know, but it IS edam.

The hotel patio where we stopped for coffee & snacks.

The hotel was just as charming inside.

On the way back to the boat, we spotted a Deen supermarket and stopped to stock the boat up with supplies to leave for when we get back in August - milk, juice, coffee, chocomel, soups etc. . Skip popped in to the Action next door where he found a bike "computer" for 4.59 euros, which tells one how fast you are going, how long you´ve been going, and most importantly when one has limited battery power, how many kilometers one has travelled. Hmmmm, 4.59 euros - we´ll see.

Now we are enjoying cocktail hour on the aft deck and raising a glass to grandson Shane who passed his driver´s licence test today. Well done, Shane!

PS: So we´ve generally been moored on prime dog walkies territory the last couple of weeks and I have decided that, when I am 85 and no longer have any interest in labradors etc, I am going to get a Teacup Teckel. OMG - there has been a puppy coming past the boat on his thrice daily walkies the last couple of days and the cute is too much to handle :) :) :). Yes, I know, Graeme, but have you seen one in the flesh, or fur, yet?