Day 1: Crazy Camping Across Western Europe

 

Nigel decided we should take the ferry from Harwich to the Hook of Holland and drive inland to get our rental van.

It is an overnight ferry so we queue to catch the ship late at night.

We have a small inside berth with bunks and a nice bathroom.

 The ferry arrives early the next morning and we drive our car through part of the Netherlands to get to the camper van rental place.

 I miss grabbing my camera for the old fashioned windmills, but catch a shot of the modern ones.

 It is a green and relatively flat country.

 It is extremely clean and everything looks newly painted and well kept.

 One thing I really like about the country is its love of bikes. Everywhere we drive there are pathways and lanes for bikes. There are one gazillion bikers here as it is part of the culture (which we knew beforehand from our Dutch neighbours). Dutch bikes are large comfortable cruisers. They look like such a relaxed way to get around.

 We have just picked up our van (pictured tomorrow) and are heading out as the weather takes a turn. Thank goodness we are not camping. Although I don't mind camping even in the rain.

 Through small Dutch towns we head over the boarder into Germany (no border guards and in fact no indication of a border). Then we make a wrong turn and wind up crossing back into the Netherlands and then back into Germany again. (New roads not on any maps, I swear!)

 Germany is a bit more chilly and rainy at this time of year.