Gemeente Nieuwkoop

Today I hit a diversion. The “closed road” sign not only instructed cars but also cyclists. I was rather hoping it would translate to “OK for cyclists” but in fact it explained it was also closed to cyclists and walkers. Ah well. Taking an adjusted route after the diversion, I followed one of the dutch cycle node routes and ended up a bit confused. It had an arrow to “pont” (french for bridge but dutch for ferry.) I arrived to find a canal and no bridge and the route on the other side. What was I supposed to do? On closer inspection there was a hand ferry. I managed to translate the instructions and started to turn and turn. Eventually it moved a couple of centimeters so at least i knew I was on the right track. Quarter of the way across I was already struggling but on I turned, the chain that it was feeding through to pull me across now being visible. Somehow I made to the other side (rather pleased with myself of course). Later I found another crossing with a tiny manned ferry which came over just for me and Maisie for the grand cost of 1 euro.Read more