A long day today in spite of it being only 84 km. the reasons include:
-2-1/2 hours on the ferry and getting going
-a side trip to Dunkirk beach
-a time zone change
So, instead of getting in about 1 pm. I got in at 4 pm which left little time for chores (shower, laundry, etc,) and exploring before the riders Meeting and dinner.
Off we go. I said I'd try for better pictures of the White Cliffs and the castle. Here's what the ferry staff see when 29 people on cycles show up at the turnstiles. BTW, there are actually 33 of us including staff, but there are different regulations for groups bigger than 30, so we get 2 cyclists to ride in the trucks and the trucks go separately. Go figure. It works.
Here's a sort of better shot of the castle behind a better shot of the castle.
A much nicer shot of the cliffs as we leave. Note the classy touch of getting a sailboat in the photo.
The crossing was nice and calm, but you can tell that the ferry has had some rough trips from the amount of salt spray on the windows 6 decks up, so no photos. Besides, it's cloudy and threatening rain.
We're in France now. Unfortunately, our track takes inland behind a very industrial part of Dunkirk - nothing nice to look at. I saw power stations, an oil refinery and other industry.
About 10 km into our ride and 5 km north of the town centre, I detoured from the track and went to the beach. It's a large & beautiful sandy beach. I found a memorial to a paddle wheeler called the Crested Eagle. It was attacked by dive bombers during the evacuation and caught fire. The captain ran it aground in an attempt to save lives, but over 300 soldiers and crew perished.
The beach looking east.
That's it for France. 34 km into our ride we cross into Belgium with only a sign to indicate a change of country. First impressions: very flat, generally more modern looking homes than England with lots of farming and canals.
They have drawbridges over the canals with interesting looking davit style cranes to lift the roadway.
The country is much more bicycle friendly. Lots of wider roadways with space for cycle lanes both sides.
A group of local cyclists. Note the basket decorations. It was Sunday and the streets were relatively quiet. A lot of the cyclists I saw were riding at a relaxing pace. We'll see what that's like tomorrow as they head to work.
Near the end of the day I passed under this arch at the entrance to Bruges.
Bruges is a World Heritage Site which has been occupied since the Middle Ages. As I mentioned I had little time to look around, so here's a few shots.
And, from a bit closer.
An interesting building
This is one side of the main square. The square is quite large, fully paved with stone; the size gives it an open feeling.
Another church in the distance. I don't know the name of it.
Depending on the schedule tomorrow I may take a bit more of a look around.
Tomorrow's ride is to Brussels, where we have a day off.
June 18 now - I was able to get a look around Bruges. This tower is referred to at "Belfort" or belfry. Started in 1240, it served a number of purposes including a treasury, archives storage, bell tower and lookout for fires & other dangers. It was damaged / destroyed 3 times in its history. You can pay for the privilege of climbing the 366 steps.The inner courtyard and lower part of the tower.
View from in front. Note the gloomy and foreboding skies. Drizzle & showers on and off during the day.
As I went to Befort I found the original main square of the town. Totally awesome architecture.
Still in the square.
Last view and a shot of one of the canals as I leave town
Evidence of the Belgian cycling culture. There were at least 50 cyclists stacked up at the light. I only managed to get my camera out for the last half. Belgian drivers have to be very aware of cyclists and must have a lot of patience. It would take many, many years for this culture to be accepted in North America.
So, that's what I saw as I left Bruges.
