Dag 2--Rotterdam Skateweekend

Zaterdag, 3-juni-2023 - Ottoland/Kinderdijk - Rond half twee was het stil in de Zwarte Schuur. Toch heb ik goed kunnen geslapen. Een heerlijk ontbijt met z'n allen. Frans zorgde voor de lekkere sterke koffie, Annie de rest. Eigen brood smeeren voor onderweg--klaar voor vertrek. Lidie was onze gids voor vandaag. Er waren heel veel hoogtepunten. Dit was er eentje van (foto). Vandaag deden Inge, Bart, John, en Pieter mee. In de polder was er van alles te zien: laag vliegende zwanen, boeren    bedrijvigheid, en overal gele lis. Kinderdijk was voor mee net als de eerste keer 45 jaar geleden met mijn ouders. Ik keek mijn ogen uit. 13 skaters, zes fietsers, en één solex rijder waren goed voor 55 km. Bij terugkomst stond Adriaan op ons te wachten. Dan was het zoeken voor de kortste route naar de Asian Delight--vijf man gingen wandelend naar toe.  fotos (177) gps-tracked route

Dag 1--Rotterdam Skateweekend

Vrijdag, 2-jun-2023 - Zijtaart/Zevenhuizen/Ottoland - Ine was onderweg de navigator en fotograaf. Met onze gids Marcel van Schaatsvereniging Rotterdam gingen we opzoek naar de oorsprong van de Rotte (foto). 12 skaters, vier fietsers (waaronder ik zelf), en één solex rijder waren goed voor 32,5 km. Negen van ons hebben een extra rondje (6 km) om de Zevenhuizerplas gemaakt. Dan op weg naar ons verblijf de Zwarte Schuur. Daar was Tonnie de grill meester. Wat een geweldige dag! foto's (186)  

bergop skating video clip (46 sec) 

gps-tracked route

Vat-oe-fiets 2023

Thursday, 18-May-2023 - Veghel - It's Ascension Day and time to vat-oe-fiets (grab your bike). It's a tradition. This year Chris and I passed it on to the next generation, my grandson Seth (photo). We were just on our way when Seth said "I want to do this again."  At the second check point we enjoyed a performance by members of the Circus Caps (see video). We saw familiar faces and old friends Netty and Willy. When we got back, Chris and Seth agreed to do this every year. Thanks to all the volunteers who made this possible. We were good for 28 km--Seth's longest ride ever! pics (99) gps-tracked route circus caps video clip (3:02)

Boekel Inline Skating

Tuesday, 25-April-2023 - Boekel - It was cold, but it was dry. As we were getting ready, we were greeted by the Gilde Sint Agatha (photo). Seven skaters were good for 22 km. pics (37) gps-tracked route

Rest in Peace Ma’am.

Thursday, 8-September-2022 - Balmoral Castle - Respect.

Zeveneiken Four-lock Boat Tour

Friday, - Veghel/Maastricht - Today we got on the Brabant Expres bus to Maastricht, along with other members of the Zeveneiken neighborhood association. Hans our bus driver dropped us off at the dock of the Stiphout Shipping Company in the heart of the city. There we were welcomed on board the Scheldevallei cruise ship. The tour took us over the Maas river, Zuid-Willemsvaart (Canal), and the Albert Canal. The Bosscherveld lock, which connects the Maas with the Zuid-Willemsvaart lowered us three meters. Via the Zuid-Willemsvaart, we entered Belgium. The identical locks of Neerharen and Lanaken (photo) each lifted us nine meters. The Nr4 lock of Ternaaien lowered us 15 meters back to the Maas. Thanks to everyone for a great day! pics (303)  

four-lock cruise map and explanation

Boekel Inline

Tuesday, 16-August-2022 - Boekel - Last week, Jan was by himself. This evening, John and I (photo) were the designated skaters. We headed for Elsendorp. On the way back, we met Tonnie on his moped. We were good for 21 km. pics (15) gps-tracked route

Tuesday Evening Inline

Tuesday, 2-August-2022 - Boekel - It's my brother Virgil's birthday today. He would have turned 70. We had a lot of good times together growing up. Back to skating. Jan pulled up in his Citroën 2CV6 "Ugly Duck" (photo). This warm summer evening we headed for the smooth bicycle path along the Doctor de Quayweg between de Mortel and de Rips. Even though the group was taking it easy, I couldn't keep up. No worries. They waited for me to catch up. What a great bunch of skaters! We took a break in Elsendorp at the Keizersbergh Hotel. Six skaters were good for 28 km. pics (49) gps-tracked route

Boekel Inline Skating

Tuesday, 26-July-2022 - Boekel - When I arrived at the meeting point, I was greeted by Jos (photo). I met him 14 years ago when I first started skating in Boekel. This evening we headed for de Rips. Three skaters were good for 27 km. pics (22) gps-tracked route

Hakim Undercover (Onder Koffer ) in Veghel

Sunday, 24-July-2022 - Veghel - It was the third day of Fabriek Magnifique (Fantastic Factory). Hakim (photo) provided two shows. He is famous and loved for his roll in Sesamstraat, the Dutch version of the Sesame Street television program.  There was so much to see, but he was top on my list for today. My grandchildren, Seth and Kate were amazed and thrilled to see Hakim in real life. pics (86)