Day 48 – Sun 27 Jul 14, Haarlem

Forecast: 16-22 deg C, showers and a few thunderstorms; Listed distance: 0km; Actual distance: 23km; Cumulative distance: 1892km; Av speed: 15 km/h; Max speed: 26.2 km/h

This is our last full day in the Netherlands before we start our long journey back home tomorrow afternoon. A ride to the beach about 10km away was first up. Our first stop was Bloemmendaal aan Zee, via a leafy path adjacent a national park, then made our way along the esplanade (which looks man-made to keep the sea from taking over the country) to Zandvoort.  Both were fairly quiet as it was still a bit early for most of the locals who tend to stay up late and then sleep in, especially on Sundays.  The beach in this area had nice sand (not quite Bondi but ok) with the usual array of bars, restaurants and deck chairs.  The North Sea water was a grey/brown colour and not all that inviting.

On a different path back to Haarlem we passed some beautiful mansions; seems like a popular place to have a 'shack' near the beach. 

The afternoon was spent in Haarlem wandering along the canals, sorting gear, (that took 10 minutes), relaxing, napping, watching the final stage of Le Tour and reading. 

Dinner was Asian and a beer or two.

Hotel by the sea
A long, straight and flat bike path by the sea
Bloemmendaal aan Zee
Beach at Zandvoort
Bloemmendaal aan Zee
Zandvoort
That's a decent-sized counterweight

A busy afternoon on the bike paths

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