Nothing quite like the sea breeze running through your hair as you cycle on the sand-clad paths that pave the way through the dunes of the Dutch coastline. I had time to think this on my travels since the way to Noordwijk was so exquisitely signposted for all 18km I didn’t really need to think about where I was going! The undulating nature of the dunes did however take its toll and a rest at the beach was much needed, it seemed a lot of people had a similar idea! As I lay on my now somewhat overused beach towel photographs of me, from childhood, on that beach emerged only to fade in front of my eyes. Kind of in the way the waves gently tussled with the shore. I was actually surprised at how much I recollected of the town as I took a 4.5km walking tour to see some of Noordwijk’s historic pockets before heading back to the beach.
I had timed my visit to coincide with the Blomenfestival held annually in Noordwijk so the Oude Jereonskerk was adorned with beautiful bouquets of flowers and floral displays. In the evening, as part of the festivities, I watched a succession of elaborately decorated cars, differently themed floats and of course ridiculously happy people! As they travelled slowly through the streets the colourful and inventive displays were admired, sweets were given out, music blared, the sun set and many photos were taken! Having stayed the night with family friends I was able to further explore Noordwijk the following morning and see the floats stationary along the Koningin Wilhelmina Boulevard which runs parallel to the beach.
A visit to the Atlantikwall Museum, the Museum Noordwijk and the special tourist market held by the lighthouse on some Sundays was a lovely way to end an interesting weekend. As a cycled back I stopped off at Katwijk beach to enjoy yet more relaxation this Dutch summer.
It looks absolutely beautiful! What a lovely (and well deserved) reward after a long cycle :)
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