63.3 miles
Yesterday's third beer of the day (John Smith's Smooth) meant we woke rather the worse for wear. However, a double espresso and Derek's full English breakfast soon revived us. We disembarked at 10am and soon started cycling into a stiff NE wind which continued and strengthened as the day progressed. Full sun and a temperature of over 25 degrees also added to the discomfort. Lunch at Bergen am See consisted of the local delicacy of Kibbeling (a type of fried fish).
Then onwards into the gale, through the dunes, relentlessly heading NE. After 40 miles we collapsed onto a Bloemenhut table and devoured all four of our yoghurts.
With liquid refreshments running low we eventually stopped again 5 miles short of Den Oever for a soft drink. We struggled to Den Oever only to find the campsite closed.
Weeping profusely we retraced our steps for three miles to reach the campsite of Stroe. At least the wind blew us back!
Showered and refreshed we sampled the local bar and over our evening meal were joined by Mattheus (extremely drunk Dutch man) and Florian (only slightly drunk but joint smoking German). Mattheus continued to ply us with beer whilst effing his way through the evening's conversation. His young daughter should have a splendid and varied vocabulary when she returns to school.
We eventually escaped our hosts and retired a little worse for wear and dreading the battle against the elements tomorrow as we attempt to cross the Afluitsdijk.
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