Good Morning All,

Well it has been a couple of days since I last blogged but it was down to the fact that the batteries on my cell phone had run out and also because we tried to use a computer in the hostel in Den Haag but the right click function had been disabled for security reasons, nevertheless we have now found a conection and I am ready to blog.

Since the last time I blogged we have crossed the Middelplaat by Grevelingen Meer, we have been through Goedereede which must be one of the most beautiful villages I have ever seen in my life, we crossed the Haringvlietsluis to Voorne where we stayed a night in Brielle on Camping De Meeuw and we have felt rain drops again (I counted at least 10 drops but Lou swears she felt a few more but not enough to warant waterproof clothing).

After our stay on Camping De Meeuw we headed further north towards Den Haag. We crossed over to Maasluis and cycled west along the Waterweg towards the Hoek van Holland, it was a mild culture shock after the beauty of the South / West and the traffic around the Hoek van Holland and Den Haag slowed us down somewhat but there was still plenty to see.

Our ride through Den Haag went well despite the traffic because we met a gentleman who lived in Den Haag and he kindly showed us the way to Central Station which was very close to the StayOkay City Hostel where we stayed the night. Our room at the StayOkay was sponsored to us at the last minute and I would like to compliment them on the Hostel, it was clean and tidy and the staff were really friendly, in my opinion it was one of the best hostels I have ever stayed in (thanks from us all, next time we come to Den Haag we will stay again.)

Whilst in Den Haag we met up with friends and went out for a meal, thanks Corinne. After the meal it was late and we went to bed and slept on a real mataress for the first time in two weeks.

The next day (Friday) we Ieft Den Haag at four O'clock after having looked around the city. We cycled to Scheveningen and joined the cycle path through the sand dunes, the path undulates all the way and I had great fun chasing four cyclists on racing bikes up some of the hills and I am pleased to say I gave them a good run for their money for the first few kilometers, not bad for an invalid towing 40kg and cycling on arm power, if I say so myself.

After the first sand dunes we reached Katwijk aan Zee where we took some photos and stopped for refreshments. We then cycled on towards Noordwijkerhout, we got there at 9O'clock and set up our tent on Camping De Noordwijkse Duinen. The camping is being renovated at present and it is looking really good, there are lots of toutists here enjoying the sun and the sea and the atmospheer is great. We are still here at the moment (4.15) because Lou is in town getting my front wheel fixed because I slipped the gears last night and buckeled my plastic chain guard, as soon as she returns we will be cycling onwards towards Velsen Zuid.

I am signing off for now and will catch up with you all later.

Look after yourselves, Matt

(Posted by Ilkka, on behalf of Matt! :-)