| Amsterdam & Flevo Barging I Tulip Time Barging II Belgium | |||
 Marieke, our guide, had no problems using her cell phone while biking along the canal. |
 After the morning at the flower aucition, we pulled into Burgerveen for lunch. |
 The eels were waiting for us at a shop that sold only eel sandwiches. |
 The eels were smoked on site. |
 A vine-covered cottage in Burgerveen. |
 Back on the canal ... |
 Houseboats are permanently moored along the canals ... |
 ... in many locations, esp. near towns. |
 They varied greatly in size and design. |
 This coot choose the traditional architecture for her nest. |
 Our trip took us back through Amsterdam, this time on the canals. |
 Carol and Steve view the large river boats, which made our craft seem like a private yacht. |
 Amsterdam's harbor is busy in the water and on the land. |
 We made a short stop in Zaandam to where Russia's Tsar Peter visited as a young man. |
 The tiny fisherman's shack where he stayed is preserved in a small museum. |
 One stop along the way was the "living museum" of Zaanse Schaans, including historic windmills still used as residences. |
 This coot put her residence right by where the boat moored. Click to see male bringing nesting materials. |
 At Zaanse Schaans, we saw a demonstration on how wooden shoes are made using special lathes. |
 A walk at mill side gave us an opportunity to do some birdwatching in the marshy fields nearby. |
 I love to see the mute swans that common in the wild throughout Europe. Click for another view |
 Greylag (aka Graylag) Goose |
 Wood Pigeons |
 Eurasian wigeons |
 Northern Lapwing |
 Ring-necked Pheasant |
 On our last cruise through the canals ... |
 ... we viewed many fields of tullips ... |
 and other flowers. |
 Look closely in the full-sized photo and you'll see maverick yellow tulips. |
 Hyacinths, I believe. |
 I loved the contrast of the gray trees and colorful fields in this shot. |
 Old windmills still dot the countryside, though few are in use. |
 We weren't the only ones out enjoying the spring blooms, as locals camped alongside the canals. |
And some thought we were an interesting sight. |
 Some just looked with stony stares. |
 Our last view from the porthole in our cabin. |
 It would soon be time to leave the Princess Royale. |
 But not until after a special farewell dinner ... |
 ... ending with a fiery dessert. |
 We were sad to say good-bye to Hajni, Capt. Rien, Janos and Ralf, but Marike would be with us for a bit longer ... |
 Shortly after dawn on the Alkmaar harbor ... |
 our bus driver, Hank, was waiting for the final legs of our trip. |
 Church bells were pealing when we reached Delft on Sunday morning. |
 Of course, Delft has its canals, too. Photo by Mary Goddard |
 We walked to the City Square ... |
 ... with its interesting details ... |
 ... and its ornate old city hall. |
 Its fame is for its pottery with its designs in the distinctive blue. |
 One of the few remaining authentic Delft pottery firms opened to greet our group. The face of my old fisherman here reminded me of my grandfather. |
 This pot was the result of a firing accident. The pieces were too close. |
 One of the impressive display pieces was this recreation of Delft's city hall (shown above) |
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| Amsterdam & Flevo Barging I Tulip Time Barging II Belgium | |||
It was time to get back on the "barge" for some more
leisurely sailing through the Dutch countryside. Some chose to make part of
the trip by on bicycle.
(Click thumbnails for larger versions of photos)
(Click thumbnails for larger versions of photos)