Cycling around

21 May 2009

Each of the Frisian islands are cyclist paradise. Actually, "Frisian" is a deceptive English label. Not all Dutch "Wadden eilanden" resort under province of Friesland. And there are German islands as well. But let it be. For all cycling is the name of the game. Bringing a car is expensive, and on some of the island even prohibited (except for the inhabitants), and everything is close by. The island Terschelling counts approx. 87 square kilometers of land, has less than 5000 inhabitants, and the second largest of the Dutch islands.

No wonder today we have a cycling program with our Linssen Owners Group. Preliminary bycicles reservations are made for all of us, for some of us with electronic support. In main town West-Terschelling, like on all the other islands, dozen of rental shops each with hundreds of bicycles for rent, probable advance reservation is not needed, unless you are with a large group.

Our start today at 10:00 AM brings us, straightaway and within 20 minutes, to the ... coffeepot. Typically Dutch, can't do without. In free nature, surrounded by the typical island woods, a coffee table is set up for us, loaded with coffee and all sorts of cranberry cakes. The cranberry is a typical berry for Terschelling. The story goes that in 1845 a barrel of cranberrys washed ashore, and because of the ideal climate florished in its new habitat. Currently they are commercially exploited.

We continue our way after this delicious treat, direction north east, to another stop with guided walking tour (and climb) to the highest dune of Terschelling, where one can oversee the full island in all directions, and the clear blue and sunny sky mirroring in the sea. Another 30 minutes of cycling, visiting the Wrakkenmuseum, where we have lunch. The museum shows all kinds of remainders and washed ashore belongings of ships that wrecked over a long period of time. By the way, around Terschelling - even at main port - one finds several towers of WW 1 German sub marines, sunk in that period of time (probably got lost between the sand banks), found by divers during the last decades, and hoisted ashore for exposure.

A bit morbide, visiting a shipwreck museum, with a group of ships owners! So let's have a bit of a laugh. We do so, at our next experience: playing beach golf at our next stop. A very strong wind blowing sand dunes, and causing unexpected changes of direction of the golf balls making such a funny experience.

Cycling back to our Linssen's in Jachthaven Terschelling, a last surprise for today. On a windsheltered place between the dunes we have a cranberry liqueur tasting party. In the meantime our tour guide for today, being a tug boat captain for his day-to-day living, tells some horror stories about unfortunate skippers to be rescued around the wonderful island.