Tag: personal change

Floris V Pad – Diemen to Weesp

The Cedar Journal July 12, 2021

My Floris V Pad Hiking Numbers:

Floris V Pad- Amsterdam to Bergen op Zoom total distance 245 km
Diemen to Weesp – 9.6km
Total to date hiked – 103km
Distance to complete – 141.1km

As I pushed my way out the door last week to hike another section of the Floris V Pad I was greeted with beautiful weather. To me it felt almost like a normal pre COVID day until… I got to the bus stop where I had to place a mask on my face for the journey. Just a week had passed by since my hike with my friend through Amsterdam but riding the train with her seemed to fly by without much thinking about the hassle of wearing a mask. Now, my stomach turned with anxiety as I started my journey.

Bus 300→Schiphol Airport → Train to Amsterdam Central → Train to Diemen.

The more than hour ride on the crowded public transport was enough to make me question my sanity of hiking. Taking the public transport to get to my start point, my inner voice constantly asking what if?

“What if that person that just coughed behind me has the Delta variant?”

“What if those tourists that got on the train carried a new form of the virus here to Amsterdam?”

“What if this mask I am wearing isn’t good enough?”

The biggest what if… “What if the vaccine I got doesn’t protect me?”

By the time I got off the train in Diemen I was pretty frazzled. As I came off the train platform, I encountered the first challenge in the hike. A construction worker directing me that I couldn’t walk in the direction I needed to go. I am sure I gave him an eye roll and a dirty look.

As I altered my path to the left, in an entirely different direction from the start of the trail, I grabbed my Garmin 64s gps out of the backpack and paired it with my phone. Realizing with shock, that my phone was at 50% battery and that I didn’t have the charging cable or my back up power pack! Not a great start to the day, to realize that I wasn’t prepared. I better just find my way to the start point.

I decided to walk in a square around the construction site. That sounds easy but in this country of water, canals and large housing areas it is always an adventure. You can start out thinking “I will just go down this street and then cut back across.” Then realize that when you finally get across a canal of water, that you could be very far away from where you wanted or needed to be.

I lucked out this time. I found a small bridge across the water, cut through several parking lots of several high rise apartment buildings, walked back in the direction I wanted to go from the train station, then I was back in familiar territory of the week prior.

Now at my start point, I headed East towards Weesp through a very industrial area. Passing a car repair shop, some business that dealt in designer items (wondered why here?), and the largest thrift store in Diemen. I was tempted to stop and shop but my backpack was already full of gear, it really didn’t seem wise.

The trail now started to look a bit more like the other sections of the Floris V Pad that I have already hiked. Suddenly I was in an area that had a horse stable! Then trees lined the path and the sound of the city rush seemed to disappear as did my earlier anxiety of public transport and frustration of not being prepared.

A tunnel leading out of Diemen and into nature.

The path was in stark contrast to the public transport. Quiet, hardly any people.

I came to a nice bench in a wooded spot and looked at my phone battery. It was decreasing fast with the Garmin app active. I quickly texted the Hubby my situation so that if he tried to reach me by phone he would know why I wasn’t answering.

As I enjoyed my coffee on the bench and watched the walkers, dog walkers, and park cleaners pass by me I looked over and saw this.

I let out a loud laugh! Was I getting a message from the universe? I got up from my bench to get a closer look.

Yup, someone has been to Las Vegas! That sticker must have a story to tell! I laughed again at the thought of who might have placed it here in Diemen.

My gps route in blue. I was able to plot way points on my Garmin…

As I continued my hike towards Weesp I entered into a forested area. This one had a large sign with information about the area and what I might find while hiking. I smirked to myself when I saw a pine marten and a snake nicely displayed. Knowing that it was the middle of the day and very warm, not likely to see any of those creatures today!

I was on the trail totally alone, walking through what seemed to me like isolated territory, less than 12 km from the center of Amsterdam. This foot path was wonderful. I was watching my phone battery slowly die as I hiked the path. Just as I lifted my eyes from a near dead phone battery, I stood still in shock as this snake blocked my passage!

This was only the second snake I have ever seen while living in The Netherlands (15 years). Not caring that my battery was almost dead I took a picture of this very upset snake. If he was any bigger I would have taken his threats of pulling himself off the ground and making the ring around his neck flare outward seriously. At only about a foot and half long and not poisonous I knew he wouldn’t be a threat. I waited for him to backdown and move off the trail.

Slithering away with head held high in defeat.

The day was getting warmer as I walked now out of the forest and back into farm country. I came along a very nice roadside stand that was selling eggs, and ice cream. With a nice sitting area for a person to take a rest. I couldn’t resist the ice cream. I sat and enjoyed the cool treat and was entertained by a passing damsel fly that stopped also for a rest. My universe felt perfect at that moment.

I just love these roadside stands! This one was even better than most as it provided ice cream for those who stopped with change in their pocket.

Sharing my hike resting spot with this damsel fly.

It was time to get moving to my final destination. I turned off the phone to save the last of the charge and put my legs into overdrive now engergized with the ice cream sugar high, to get to Weesp. This section of the hike goes over a large bridge over the Amsterdam Rijnkanaal (Amsterdam Canal). I watched large barges going in both directions as I hiked over the canal and into the outskirts of Weesp.

Weesp is where I started this hiking adventure of the Floris V Pad in late 2018. Now coming into the town from a different direction I experienced the cosy neighborhoods with beautiful front gardens as I wound into the town center where I had started this trail.

I finally reached the point where I had started. I quickly turned on the phone and took a picture of the point.

Weesp – Where I started in 2018 and ended on this section between Amsterdam and Weesp.

I walked through town, placed the mask on my face and entered the train station. My legs felt the strain of the walk but my spirit felt renewed.

Interested in my other Floris V Pad hiking sections? You can link to my start in Weesp here, or search Floris V Pad in the menu bar to read about my other section hikes.

Hiking the Floris V Pad- Haastrecht to Schoonhoven

The Cedar Journal May 3, 2021

I had planned to hike Friday but a storm blew in and pushed my plans to Saturday.

I once again had the Hubby be my transportation to and from locations. Due to another mid day appointment we started our day at 05:30. It must be a passion to get up at that hour during retirement!

It was a cool morning at 3.5 C or 38 F. I layered in my wool garments and was even to the point of being over warm by the end of my 9 km hike.

The first thing that greeted me on the trail was the songs of thousands of birds coming from the Nature Sanctuary.

Haastrecht Nature Sanctuary on 1 May 2021

I saw this seriously serious birder but he wasn’t alone as I passed several with large lens at the start of the trailhead.

A birder with sound recording equipment.

The first part of the trail was hard packed dirt that was on top of an old dike. Off to the left with a good 20 foot drop in elevation was flat green farmland, to my right the bird sanctuary. Birds kept flying overhead either leaving the protected area for the fields or returning. Each take off and landing was filled with a chorus of bird noises.

While I was hiking the Hubby tried his hand again at photographing the birds with his small lens. Here are some of his shots from his morning.

A Reed bird that waited just long enough for the Hubby to capture it’s image.

These are only a very small sample of the number of birds that were nesting in the area.

This easily could have been one of the swans I saw from the trail. This one was captured heading towards a landing spot.

After about a kilometer I hit a turn where the trail headed more South towards my destination of Schoonhoven. The rest of the hike was a hardtop access road for large farms that lined the river.

One of the large farms along the river front and opposite side of the river.

There was plenty to see in this farm country. Lambs, poultry, milk cows and beautifully groomed gardens. The sounds of chug, chug, swish,… coming from the dairy farms brought back memories from my farm life childhood. The hard work that never ends. Did the Dutch kids working this morning have big dreams of escaping to another country, or profession? I wondered as I continued hiking onward.

I passed a small family run park with an invitation to sit. I did just long enough to get a good swig of water. Making a note that this was a really cool area created by these people.

One of the stumps that was aged at 2000 to 2500 years old. That was an old tree!

This park was filled with handmade benches of all sorts and beautiful blooming apple trees, but the view of the river was breathtaking.

I didn’t have much time to get back on the trail. I kept watching the traffic on the other side of the river to see when the “pace/chase/support”Hubby vehicle would pass by. Soon I saw him and he asked how I was doing.

Now the pressure was on to get moving and stop taking so many picture stops.

How could I not stop to take this picture?

One last place before Schoonhoven caught my eye and I had to stop.

Farm fresh milk is available from this self serve machine! Awesome idea!!!

As I entered Schoonhoven I once again encountered the trail sign issue that seems common in larger towns. Not very clear what direction I should go with several trails, numbers, and directions placed on poles and mostly no indication which trail is the Floris V Pad direction.

I stopped, looked at my map, consulted my cell phone map, and at one point after going with the sign posted on a pole, got that gut feeling that I was walking in the wrong direction. Stopped again, checked again, back tracked and went the most logical way through town. That took me through the city park that was part of the old fort style city defense. These are easy to pick out on satellite photos as they look like large stars with a canal of water that separates it from the rest of the landscape.

While leaving the park I saw a group of women having an outdoor fitness class. I surprised them by stopping, dropping (with backpack still on my back) and entertaining them with four pushups. I laughed and mentioned I could do more if I hadn’t had already hiked 8kms. They all laughed and I am sure they had something to share the rest of the day of how some old American lady, fitness bombed them.😂😂

Looking towards the Schoonhoven town center from the fortress defense (now a park).

I was soon after at my end point, the Schoonhoven ferry boat.

The ferry boat just getting to Schoonhoven.

My hike of 9 km was complete. I went off to locate the Hubby, who was parked at a nearby parking lot.

Some of the views from my route.

Netherlands Hiking

Floris V Pad Hike: Oudewater to Haastrecht

The Cedar Journal April 17, 2021

I started hiking the Floris V Pad in 2017 on a cold, windy day. I trekked first across the landscape to my start point in Weesp on public transport. You can read about my start to this hiking self challenge, Floris V Pad Weesp .

My Totals for the Floris V Pad including this hike:

Oudewater to Haastrecht – 8 kms
Total hiked Floris V Pad to date – 75.8 kms
Total distance for Floris V Pad 244 km from Amsterdam to Bergen op Zoom
Total distance to accomplish – 100 km (153 km per sign at end of this blog… ?!)

This week, that trip across the countryside was made easier with the Hubby as chauffeur and personal hiking support team. Details of all he was required to accomplish was kept from him as a surprise so that it would encourage his help. He dropped me off 80 meters from my start point in Oudewater.

The last time I was in Oudewater was in August 2019. I then had just completed my last section of this hike on the Floris V before COVID came along and placed my 2020 hiking plans to finish Floris V Pad on temporary hold.

My drop off point in Oudewater this morning.

As I started on my trek through the quiet streets of Oudewater I instantly found a photo opportunity for my “Hummm file”. This is always a good sign for an interesting hike. My readers will have to wait for another Hummm… blog post for that great reveal.

Nicely groomed trail leading out of Oudewater.

The first section of this trail took me along the Hollandsche IJssel River. This small but well maintained hiking path was quiet and picturesque of the Green Heart of Holland landscape. Large old farms lined the river mixed with new homes on large parcels of land. Gardens of all sorts gave me a view into these private areas along the trail.

One of the interesting homes along the route

Not far outside of Oudewater I came along my first person of the day out walking his dog. He almost passed by with no more than a normal greeting until I guess he saw I was a hiker. Then he made the statement it was a beautiful day for a hike! I turned and had a very nice conversation with “Gert” who has lived in Oudewater his entire life and also enjoys hiking. It was nice to have such a welcoming conversation with him and gave me a good feeling about this section of the country. He was not the last person on this section of the trek to engage in conversation with me.

A barge making his way towards Oudewater.

I got into my hiking rhythm and was pinged. The Hubby was at the endpoint. I got the feeling I needed to hike faster. But, I didn’t, as I knew he would go for a bike ride instead of just waiting for me to finish.

As I walked, the sun warmed me as I was so very thankful for having this moment of solitude hiking. I have missed my outdoor activities so much during the last year and this hike felt normal and refreshing.

An interesting camping location I hiked through.

As I got closer to my crossing point over the river, houses started getting closer together. Still farming country, but smaller tracks of land. At one point I came to a camping area where several campers were already preparing for a day of activity in the beautiful weather.

As I approached the bridge, I saw other hikers sitting enjoying a cup of coffee next to the river. Obviously, I wasn’t the only one taking advantage of the beautiful weather.

As I crossed the bridge I felt like I was being followed. When I turned around no one was there and I laughed at my sixth sense failure. Crossed the busy street and continued on my hike. But, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being followed and once again turned and saw a lady walking her dog behind me.

“Nothing unusual there!” I thought to myself.

As I got to what I thought was my turn in the trail I looked for the marker and as usual it was as clear as mud. This is where a good look at the map helped. Now, the lady who was walking her dog caught up with me and asked if I was hiking the Floris V Pad. I am sure shock registered on my face as this was the first person in all my hikes that seemed to know it existed. I confirmed that I was and we had a very nice conversation to my next turn off point. Her and one of her friends have completed several sections of the Floris V Pad as well and it was nice to converse with a kindred soul about the trail.

My turn onto the last part of the hike. A dirt road.

This last section of the hike took me through flat farm fields. Flocks of sheep dotted the pastures and all sorts of birds were singing Spring songs.

There were also more hikers and an occasional runner along this stretch of trail. I got a text message that the Hubby was just up ahead and I was heading towards a bird sanctuary. He was busy capturing bird pictures.

So I captured my own. Some friendly swans.

I was able to ask one of the hiking couples to take a picture of me. So much nicer than a selfie. Thank you for the kindness of fellow hikers.

Not much further I saw a man with a camera pointed at me.

On the final approach with some guy pointing a camera at me!

“Hey! I know that guy!” The Hubby was heading towards me.

Finished for this day! Only 153 KM to go!

Ahhh… a birder… yup, this will be in another blog.

We hiked together to the nature sanctuary and then on to the car where we had a nice camp lunch.

The Hubby walking towards the car at the Nature Sanctuary.

We have more planned adventures for the coming weeks.

Are you planning some adventures?

We would love to hear about them in the comment section below.

Travel safe everyone!

cedar strip canoe

March Madness for TCJ

The Cedar Journal March 11, 2021

As in most years people are glued to the TV or media screens in the USA to watch the NCAA March Madness, college basketball.

At the MSP Airport in 2019 March Madness ended in April.

Here at The Cedar Journal we have our own March Madness. In years past it has been awaiting the first day of the season to place the canoe or kayak on the water. Looking constantly at the perfect day in the forecast, the location we first want to explore, and checking supplies. You can read about those past adventures here and here and here.

This year is a bit different…

The Dutch government has extended the COVID restrictions now until 31 March. Although the government did make some minor adjustments this last week, like allowing for exercising with four people in a group outdoors instead of two; and adjusting the reservations for appointments to shop in stores, from only two persons in the store at a time so that now it is based on square meters of floor space of the store. All these changes still do not equal normal but they are small steps forward.

Suffering from my own new March madness I have been knee deep in projects. Planting seeds, making clothes and when I ran out of ideas…

A sweatshirt sewing project I purchased from De Steek in Amsterdam via online.

I started making bias tape, pot holders and tea towels.

My March Madness: Matching potholder, tea towel, and cast iron handle holder all self sewed.

Somewhere in all of that I did my US taxes. Now, that is something that did drive me nearly mad. A simple tax return turned into seven pages! My question to the US Congress is why can’t we streamline the tax code? I gained a few more grey hairs on that week! Plus, I might have said a few naughty words towards Congressmen lawmakers and the IRS.

On top of everything else, I was informed via email that all mail going to the USA from the Netherlands must have a custom form filled out electronically and paid for in advance online. When I say ALL MAIL, even a birthday card or personal letters are now required such nonsense! I would send my Congressman a personal letter of complaint, but it would take four months to get there and now needs a custom form with electronic postage, WTF hassle!

Yup, March Madness has arrived at The Cedar Journal. We hope April brings calm waters and stable conditions for us and all our readers.

What is March Madness like for you? Share your thoughts in our comments below.

cedar strip canoe

Now Entering the Fabulous 55+ Club

The Cedar Journal February 6, 2021

What is the big deal? Well, most likely nothing except a few more aches and pains from my years of adventuring. I know it has been awhile since I last blogged and the reason is… you guessed it… COVID LOCKDOWN.

So when I turned the page on 50+ this last week to 55+ I had to celebrate at home, without a party, and with only the Hubby. Funny thing is, it was one of my best birthdays in recent memory.

These tulips were the first to arrive via Hubby on the bicycle.

There just is something about a card in the old snail mail that puts a smile on my face. This year I got a few from family and friends here in the Netherlands and the one from Canada showed up 4 days after it was mailed!

My youngest son, who is currently deployed with the USAF in Qatar sent me birthday greetings via text and told me to expect flowers too. What did I want he asked? Tulips! He delivered!

My Hubby took the day off of work and went out and got me two bouquets of flowers! Wow, that brighten up the house under lockdown!

But, my day of flower deliveries was not over…

My two step kids and their partners both sent me flowers and those coming from different florist turned out to be so much alike that I placed them together to make a beautiful arrangement. They know me pretty well, my favorite color is purple.

When the last delivery of the day showed up, three bouquets of flowers from one florist I almost thought maybe flowers were a bit much for turning 55, but, I didn’t turn them away as my heart swelled with all the love I was getting from these deliveries. If entering the 55+ club means I get this many flowers in the dead of winter each year, I will take it!

Update on Dutch lockdown:

The lockdown with limited contact restrictions (one person from outside your home visit, per household, per day), work from home as much as possible, restaurants closed, bars closed, all shopping closed except for online with limited scheduled pick ups or delivery. Child care is now open, elementary schools go back to in school learning this week. Curfew is still in effect for now.

They estimate that 25% of all new cases in The Netherlands are of the English variant. They started vaccination of the oldest of the population groups this last week. We will get a letter from the government when our age group is qualified for a vaccine and then it is up to us to make an appointment. We guess that won’t be until sometime in the summer.

The aviation business is hurting here, as it is everywhere. Since that is how we are able to finance our blog and our canoe trips we are unsure how that will effect our future. Hopefully we will be able to bring more content in the coming months.

Until such time we will enjoy the blizzard we are currently experiencing. Then the next week of predicted freezing temperatures.

We would love to hear how things are in your world. Comment below or drop us an email via our contact page. Stay safe.