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)

Fabriek Magnifique 2022--Day 1

Friday, 22-July-2022 - Veghel - It's the first day of this year's Fabriek Magnifique. I went to Juliana Park to check it out before the official opening. There, I met a woman in a tree setting up her display. Later I found out it was Marion van der Horst from Ateljee13b. I came back after supper to see what I could see. I started at the Noordkade where newly-formed bands were playing. They dared to put on a great show. I went back to Juliana Park to see Lakshmi (photo). pics (82)

Clover: You know that I'm no good (1:00)

Clover: crazy little thing called love (2:09)

Off Road: runaway baby (0:51)

off road - Should I Stay or Should I Go (2:22)

fieldtrip - supermodel (4:07)

fieldtrip - Amsterdam (2:13)  

Lakshmi Fabriek Magnifique 2022 (3:22)

Fun on Wheels in Oirschot

Sunday, 17-July-2022- Oirschot - Pieter was our guide today. We saw these beautiful dahlias when we pulled up to his house. Super skating weather. Super smooth paths. Frans stayed with me most of the route. He was ready to help me speed up, but I wanted to skate the entire route on my own power--I did! Thanks to everyone for a great day. Thirteen skaters were good for 35 km. pics (40) gps-tracked route

De Toren Skating in Uden

Thursday, 14-July-2022 - Heeswijk-Dinther - It was perfect weather for skating. We drove to Nistelrode to take the fast bike path to Uden. There we saw the annual kermis attractions ready for action. These umbrellas decorated the main shopping street. We took a break at the Huize Holland ice cream parlor. You can see what favor I had by looking at my face (I could have used another napkin). Nine skaters and one bicylist were good for 26 km. After we got back, we stayed at De Toren cafe until closing.  pics (62) gps-tracked route

Boekel Inline Skating to Landhorst

Tuesday, 12-July-2022 - Boekel - On the way to Boekel I had to take a detour in Erp--the annual kermis (town fair) had arrived. On the way home, I stopped to take a look (photo). Kees joined us this evening. He slowed down his pace from time to time to keep company with the rest of us. We headed for Landhorst, and then stopped for ice cream in Elsendorp. Five skaters were good for 29 km. pics (36) gps-tracked route

Fun on Wheels in Den Bosch

Sunday, 10-July-2022 - Den Bosch - Marcella was our guide today. Tonnie pulled up at the meeting point with his Harley Davidson Sportster (photo). Today's route led us along smooth paths to countryside east of Den Bosch. We took a break in Nuland at pop-up location 'De Valk Next Door'.  Helene, Louis and Frans helped me from time to time to stay with the group. I was sore all over around the 30 km point. I relaced my skates to get more circulation to my ankles. Thanks to every one for a great day! Ten skaters were good for 35 km. pics (19) gps-tracked route