On our fourth day of cycling, we traveled from Schoonhoven through the beautiful “Green Heart” of Holland via Oudewater (visited the Witches Weigh House) to Utrecht. Near Oudewater visited a traditional organic cheese farm where we learned the cheese-making process.

I found the story about weighing witches compelling, as it is similar to witch hunting in Salem, MA.  How (mainly) women can be murdered because someone accuses them of witchcraft when there’s illness, poor crops, and other unexplained phenomena reminds me of how we blame others for covid, inflation, and supply chain issues rather than looking at the facts.

The cheese-making demonstration, presented by a twenty-something fifth generation farmer, showcased organic methods.  We also visited the cows – and their babies – all named by the farmers.

Cheese-making farm.

I’m not a witch!

Joel riding a broom.

Going through a sluice.

Dining room table 16!