We also have a great park with a zip line about a mile away. This provided some energy release for the kids.
One day we were able to take a quick trip to Gouda
We literally JUST missed the cheese market that day. I think this is the first real planning snafu I have made. Unfortunately, the cheese market only runs one day a week from 10:00 to 12:30 from mid June until August. So, it is unlikely that we will make it back to this one.
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| Gothic Town Hall |
So, I suppose I am contradicting myself already. This is the Town Hall Building in the center of the public square in Gouda, South Holland, Netherlands. No church in sight?
Paula and Scott got to enjoy our running route to burn off some of their energy. It is a beautiful route that I have now extended to 5 miles and run as often as the sun allows. While running this fall, I kept getting a distinct memory of running in TN. I was full of fun memories of Percy Warner Park and the smell of the outdoors. It finally dawned on me. I hadn't experienced fall weather since moving to California! I wouldn't trade that boring 70 degree weather for anything, but there is nothing like a crisp fall run with leaves rustling at your feet.
Here are some of the sights on our run. As you leave town, you are on a bike path adjacent to this road. It took some time for us to get used to how close the trees are to the side of the road. This could never happen in the US. They prune the trees very methodically. This is a two lane road. They realize that it is a little tight, so the slashed lines on the side tell you that it is ok to drive in the middle if no one is coming! |
| One day one of the cows had escaped into the horse pasture. Cows are smarter than you think :) |
This is a very traditional farm house found all around. They are brick and have a small barn attached on one side. The dark green or black shutters are also common. Roofs are either tiled or thatched. This one has a combination with a healthy growth of moss growing on the thatch.
Down a little further is this newer farmhouse. Both of these farmers had pumpkins and squash out for sale this year. The interesting part was that it was all on the honor system. They had a little container that you could leave your Euros in for payment along side the vegetables. How nice!
Past the farmhouse the road turns into a truly one lane (although paved) road. This is where it gets really beautiful. I have to be careful to only have one ear bud in when I run this section because there are little pull over sections along the road that must be used for cars to pass each other. To be safe, I run in the middle of the road so it will be obvious that I am an obstacle to slow down for.
Above left is the one lane road. Above right is a one lane bike path. Eventually the one lane road turns into a dirt road (far right below). Since it just wouldn't be prudent to bike in the mud, they have generously paved the bike path adjacent to the dirt road. Again, another odd but endearing Dutchism. Cyclist have the right of way 100% of the time. If there is an accident between a bike and a car, the car is always at fault. Period.
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| Bicycles to the left cares to the right |
Pronounced "feet's pad", but don't be misled like I was and assume this is a walking path. Fiets means bicycle in Dutch, so this is the bike path. Bicycles also have the right of way over pedestrians.
