We left Delft along beautiful canals, past many windmills finally cycling along the maas river into the Hook of Holland.Morning tea was at Schiedamm, at an ice cream shop who did a really good tea and coffee and instead of a small biscuit we got a teeny weeny icecream.Everything was closed as it was Monday apart from a bike shop.We dropped in to get a new bike lock as one had given up the ghost.He tried to sell us a really heavy one saying bike theft is huge in the Netherlands as I could hardly pick it up there was no way it was going in my panniers.We settled on a more lightweight version.

We stopped along the river for a break and an elderly guy on his very flash electric bike came and chatted, he used to be an engineer on ships so had been to the east coast of Australia.He said he is always impressed with people who tour with panniers as he said he only did it once and that was enough.

We arrived at The Hook of Holland in good time and had booked into the hotel where we stayed 5 years ago when we cycled the Rhine, Mijin Torpedolinos yes it has torpedoes in its carpark.The overhead fan in our room was making an awful clicking noise so before we knew it the owner was in our room on a huge ladder trying to fix it, he was chatting to us about his bike touring, its a wonder he didn’t lose his hand talking wielding a screwdriver whilst the fan was on full pelt. He had been trying to cycle to Rome but found it too hilly once they got to Verona.

We had a look around the Hook, they had an amazing display of blown up photographs of the Hook of Holland in 1875 with current ones showing its industrialisation.

Although we had some free time I deferred trying out a local hairdresser as 5 years ago I came out with almost black hair.An experience not to be repeated.It was a very good nights sleep and a relaxed morning before heading off to the ferry.The ferry crossing was very smooth, surprising to get off in the dark.Tim caused a delay by asking if we should enter on our UK passports.We had left on our Australian passports as the ferry had our residency and Aussie passport numbers.Anyway yes we should enter on our UK passports.

We spent the night at Harwich and weren’t meant to catch a train till 931am but we kept hearing that the trains into London would be packed so we set off earlier.Our bikes had had a treat ascwe were told to store them in our bedroom with us! We had to change trains at Manningtree and one train to London arrived and the stationmaster said this train is full wait for the next one.We asked about our bike reservation and he said just get on whatever train you can as everyone is heading to London to see the queens coffin move from Buckingham Palace to Westminster or to queue to pay their respects at the queens coffin.We got on the next train ok but in the wrong carriage, the bike carriage was the next one.So we had to jump off and rush to the next carriage, we just made it.

Liverpool Street station didnt seem too busy and as we cycled off down past Bank and down Threadneedle lane all seemed quite quiet.We reached supercycle highway 8 along the Thames hardly a cyclist in sight fantastic. We soon found out why as we got closer to Westminster the cycle route was closed!We were directed back over Westminster bridge, helicopters were overhead, the Thames was lined with photographers and crowds were building.No chance of staying with our bikes and panniers in the crowds it would have been impossible.

A leisurely cycle back to Putney.We stopped at our favourite bike cafe in Putney Dynamo and entertained one of the waiters with tales of our trip.He wants to do the same trip!The bikes were put away, Tim will clean and tuck them up tomorrow. And so ends another tour till next year joints and body willing!!The end of our 6th tour totalling 10,500kms cycled in Europe!

Notes to myself

If there is a heatwave dont assume it will end , my 2 warmer cycling tops never got worn.I learnt one top will do, wash it out every night.

With current strikes etc in europe you cant have a too fixed itinerary, we did love cycling in Denmark so would love to explore further another time……

Get back to weighing all my bags before I leave!!!