Vianen

We rode to Vianen. A long, long bike ride.  About 34 km there and back. But so pleasant and so much to see.  And a very meandering journey. There is not a direct cycling path toVianen, due to there being too much water between Houten and Vianen.  

Ready to leave.  

 Our first rest spot, on the edge of Lekkannaal. A very busy canal. As always.

 A car getting a wash.   One must keep up appearances.

Vreeswijk. Time for coffee. A very picturesque and touristy village.   But no sitting on terraces and admiring the views here. Nothing open.

 This bridge was built in the 15th century.  Typically Dutch.  There is also a museum here.

Lovely little houses nestled below the dyke.

 Walter and Kylie riding along happily on the bike path. On a calm day.  However it is not a place to be on a very windy day, when you could find yourself swimming in the canal after being blown off your bike. Behind them is a huge lock.  Very impressive.

A trip over the Lek river on a small ferry designed for pedestrians and cyclists. The Lek river is not the canal. All very confusing.

Finally we arrived in Vianen. A lovely town, very picturesque but marred by vehicle access down the main street, and parking, on what could be a peaceful long town square. And it probably was years ago.

What is it about me, photographs and Dutch buildings. The gate tower and buildings are on a lean but the sign is perfectly straight. And I cannot blame the wine this time!  Or maybe most buildings do lean here.   Mystifying!

A huge metal horse. And we also learned about the connection re the town and horses.  A horse show and parade was planned for the following day, with an expected crowd of 15,000 spectators. A major event. The local restaurant/cafe were laying down floor coverings to protect the carpet from horse dung or maybe beer spillage.

And finally coffee, with apple cake and lashings of whipped cream of course. Delicious.

The 16th century town hall. Standing straight too.

A lovely little tea room, set in the park behind the church.  So peaceful.  And no cars.

The making of oliebollen, a Dutch New Year delicacy. All very stodgy, a yeast dough mixture with dried fruit in it and deep fried. Three months to go before New Year, and plenty of oliebollen to feast on.

Land in sight. We then took another route back to Houten, equally meandering, but mostly through woodland.

A rural scene, with reflections on the water behind the trees.

 

 A lovely avenue, with dappled light and shadows.

Fitness corner.

A large man reading a book.  Totally engrossed.   A sculpture!

 Dirty feet.   Another sculpture.    Very clever.

More reflections.   The light in October is wonderful for photogrpahy.

 Raphy went to sleep, huddled under his orange blanket, and lulled by the sound of the whirring wheels.   Lucky Raphy.

Finally we arrived back home, very saddle sore, but equally satisfied with our long and interesting bike ride.