I have mixed feelings about our last day of riding.  On the one hand, sitting on a bike for many hours can be a bit…uncomfortable (frequent sightseeing stops help!).  On the other hand, an e-bike, great company, and beautiful scenery make the cycling very enjoyable. 

We began in Zaandam and went to the open-air museum Zaanse Schans with beautiful windmills, traditional wooden houses, an old Dutch village, a cheese farm, and a traditional wooden clog maker. After spending over two hours at Zaanse Schans, we cycled through the recreational area of Twiske to Amsterdam.

Upon returning to the boat, we packed in time for the Captain’s dinner – mimosas and a toast in the lounge followed by our last dinner on board.  Dessert?  Flaming baked Alaska.

I thoroughly enjoyed my first bike tour.  Yes, it was luxurious – a cruise, full meals, great service, a comfortable cabin.  Riding an e-bike made the biking part much much easier.  The scenery, the experiences, and the excitement of the whole tour make me ready to book my next boat and bike adventure!

First view of the many windmills at Zaanse Schans.

We went into a sawmill to learn how windmills work.  The wind blows the blades, they turn, gears turn a crank, blades hang from the crank, and the crank cuts the wood.  Local craftspeople buy wood from this mill to repair and build homes, furniture, etc.

Logs soak in the water and then are pulled into the mill for cutting.

Each windmill works.  For example, another windmill makes linseed oil and another one makes paint.

Some pretty big shoes to fill!

Church organ in the village of Twiske.

Twiske recreational area.

A very enjoyable boat and bike trip!

Table 16:  Yun, Sari, Jean, Paul, Joel, Lisa, Brenda, Paul.  We couldn’t have asked for better table and travel mates!