Otterlo, Netherlands

Velo – Droom (Bicycle Dreams), our B & B for the next two nights.
We rented bikes and rode through the Hoge Veluwe National Park.
Where they have 1700 white bikes that are free and available for people to ride in the park. (We rented so we could keep them overnight and explore a larger area)
Within the park is the Kroller – Muller Museum. The highlight is it’s Vincent Van Gogh collection, the second largest in the world.

We saw many fine drawings and paintings but this was my favorite work of art!

Before we leave Utrecht

Typical street scene.
Their version of “The Thinker”. I wonder what Auguste Rodin would think. 😏
Cathedral (Domkerk) – While originally Catholic, like many Dutch churches this became Protestant following the Reformation. This depicts the damaging effects of the iconoclasts that sought to destructively unclutter the worshiper’s communication with God. I found it particularly interesting because they tore God the Father’s face off too. This sculpture had been covered by a wall only to be rediscovered in the 20th century.
I find cloisters to be so peaceful, including this one!
Amazing sculpture that we ran across while exploring Utrecht.
“Oh the things you find, if you don’t stay behind.” – Dr Seuss
Close up shot of the whale. Love, love, love it!!!

Time to experience a bit of countryside

Biking out of town to see a castle – like you do, ya know – I spot this dotted line in the street. “Let’s go back, I need a photo of that!”
Can’t resist this mumma koot and baby ❤
De Haar Castle – built for a wealthy baron (ya think?) between 1892 – 1912.
This is the “little chalet” attached to the castle, used for entertaining guests!
After touring the castle and grounds we bike back to Utrecht passing many farms.
These grebes were such fun to watch. Evidently, mom/dad was trying to give this baby a strong hint that it was time to move out on it’s own 😉
Nice bike paths, keeping people off the roads and safe.

Hop the train to Utrecht (OO-treht)

Pretty cool exit/entrance to the train station.
Walking along a canal and through the park – getting to know our new neighborhood.
“As soon as I saw you I knew an adventure was going to happen.” – Winnie the Pooh
Many people out enjoying the canals and this beautiful day. (This photo for you, Shyla)
And so lovely at night!
Very romantic place to sit and have tapas for dinner.💕

More around Hoorn

If you grew up around Detroit, you probably visited Greenfield Village where Henry Ford had buildings moved to create an historic town. This is the Dutch version. Many homes from the 17th & 18th century brought by boat to make up the Zuiderzee museum.
The inside of one of the many homes we toured.
Watching these children make wooden clog boats was very cute. Look at that intensity on this little girl’s face!
This cart has wheels and you can push yourself or better yet be pushed. But really I just wanted this photo because of that precious little child!
Nice photo of the harbor and indicative of how many people sail here.
The top of the spire on the harbor master’s house.
Nothing to do with the Netherlands other than it was parked along a street here but oh my heart be still!!!

What to do?

You know us by now! Go grab some bikes 😉
And head out to the countryside.
.
Yep, were in Holland.
Check out this trash can that we came across at the park. So many people cycle here that even the bins are suited for pitching in while riding by!
I found this interesting and a little sad. Older sister taking her little sister out on the pony but check out what she’s holding.
Not sure of the meaning because the explanation is in Dutch but I liked this sculpture.

The Bear Hotel – where we stayed – built in the 1100s.

Avebury is the largest stone circle in Europe. Hundreds of sarsen stones from the downland around, often weighing over 20 tons, were used in the construction of the site, some 2500 – 2000BC. It is thought that the circles may have taken centuries to complete.

Our “tour guide” Belinda took this pic of us.

Dear friend, Belinda and me. John & Belinda are our biggest reason for visiting England 💕
Took a train to Newbury where we saw this sculpture. Love it!!!
We’ve all seen these pokey things on buildings to keep birds off, Yes? Ha, these pigeons are having no problem camping out amongst all the “barriers”! 😃
Loved this gate leading to the church in Newbury.
These next 3 pics are of locks along the Kennett Avon canal and it was great entertainment to watch the boats coming and going.

Typical scene. Kathy Dailey will know why I’ve chosen this photo in particular!💕