Haarlem

We all left Amsterdam to go to Haarlem where we would meet Diana and Arthur who were travelling up from Rotterdam to meet us. We had an exciting or terrifying trip however one likes to look at it, up the NoordZee Kanaal before turning off for Haarlem. As we make our way along a truck ferry comes from one side of the canal to the other.
Huge ships pass close by

as well as suddenly coming out from harbours at the side, you need eyes in the back of your head.

This dredge and 2 barges were anchored in the middle of the canal.

This photo of Oliver,s boat is like David and Goliath.
Thankfully after 20 k we turned under the bridge and down to Haarlem which is a lovely city reached by passing under many small bridges.
I think we may have set a record when we had 4 Australian boats in the harbour.

While shopping in Haarlem we came across one of the large street organs. The music really livens up the pace.


The old part of the city has very small streets and we spent some time wandering along them.



While out riding we came across this magnificent cathederal.


While here we took our bikes on the train to the sea side resort of Zandvoort on the Noordzee. We had all our winter woollies on but did see some people trying to pretend it was nearly summer.

The beaches are lined with little holiday cottages.