Sunday 19th February 2012 Amsterdam

The ice on the canals is starting to melt and the weather is slowly warming. We have found Amsterdam endlessly interesting and often quirky.

Today was our last day here and we are now looking forward to returning to Perth. We got our bikes pressure-cleaned at a Texaco car wash near the hotel, costing 2 euros. We have now cycled over 6000 km since we left Perth in May last year.

Friday 17th February 2012 Amsterdam

Today we visited the Rijks Museum to see the amazing Dutch masterpieces. I am feeling very privileged to have seen such beautiful art. Highly recommended!

Thursday 16th February 2012 Amsterdam

It's so good to just meander around the city by bicycle. It's quite safe, and you cover so much area in such a short time without getting tired.

Wednesday 15th February 2012 Amsterdam

Today we cycled from our hotel to the airport, to make sure that there are no problems en-route, and also that we are able to get the special bike boxes required for air travel. We went via 'Amsterdamse Bos', which is an area of natural bush and lakes between the city and the airport. We came across some strange looking oxen with long horns and thick shaggy hair.

There is a small office in the basement of the airport which supplies the bike boxes for 23 euros, so there should be no problem. Amsterdam really is the most bicycle-friendly city for cycle tourists.

Tuesday 14th February 2012 Hook of Holland to Amsterdam

The train station at H.O.H. is right next to the Ferry terminal, so it was easy to hop on the train to Amsterdam.

The weather here is cool (about 9 degrees centigrade), but not unpleasant. Amsterdam had a cold snap in the last few weeks, so all the canals have frozen over and the poor ducks and seagulls are walking on them instead of floating. We were amazed to see a dog racing through Vondel Park along the paths, and suddenly bolt across the frozen lake to chase a very surprised duck! There was some very indignant quacking.

Monday 13th February 2012 Hereford - London - Harwich

We caught the train from Hereford to Paddington Station , London, and then cycled across London to Liverpool Street Station, where we caught the train to Harwich. The ride in London was quite easy and enjoyable. The back streets of inner London are actually not very busy and of course always interesting. We have resolved to return to London some time in the future for a long stay to really get to know it.

When we got to Harwich we did the short ride to the ferry terminal and boarded the ship bound for the "Hook of Holland". It was an overnight trip and the cabin was not expensive and very nice.

Wednesday 8th February 2012 Lanzarote

We have been enjoying our last few days in Lanzarote, with lots of walking and cycling. We reckon that we've cycled about 400 km on the island on the hire bikes. They don't have trip recorders so it is hard to know for sure. Lanzarote hosted the Enduroman contest on Saturday and Sunday. It involves a 7 km swim, a 360 km bike ride and then an 80 km run! Absolutely crazy!!

Tomorrow we fly to Birmingham and make our way back to Hereford. On Monday 13th we are catching a train to Paddington Station in London, where we are going to cycle through the inner city to Liverpool Street Station. From there we go by train to Harwich, ferry to Hook of Holland and then train to Amsterdam. I beleive that it has been snowing with minus 5 centigrade there, so it will be interesting to cycle through Amsterdam.

Friday 3rd February 2012 Lanzarote

We hired a car and toured the northern parts which we couldn't reach by bicycle. Everywhere you look, there are lovely views. Mirador del Rio is a restaurant built into the side of a volcano cliff with astounding views to the north overlooking the island La Graciosa. It was built by Cesar Manrique and is a must-see.

There are a lot of professional cyclists (including paralympics) on the island, obviously training for the upcoming Olympics in July/August.

Wednesday 1st February 2012

We have been cycling around the southern parts of the island, as well as walking along the coast to the less accessible beaches. Some of the more remote beaches are frequented by nudists, some of whom would be well advised to keep their clothes on for the sake of local aesthetics

Peurto Del Carmen is very nice with lots of beach and mature, shady trees.We also cycled to Arrecife, which has a certain rustic charm - a bit like old Beira in Mocambique.

There are a couple of guys who dress up as statues and pose in rigid stillness in the hope of receiving donations on the promenade. They are very talented, so we have contributed to their cause.

By the way, in case you are not aware, if you 'right click' a photo and then 'left click' it, you can see it in full high definition. This actually shows a lot of detail which may not be noticed at first glance.