zaterdag 19 februari 2011

Naarden-Vesting

We walked to the market in Naarden-Vesting today. The wind was cold today and the walking wasn't easy because I'm recovering from a severe flu-like cold. Naarden-Vesting is an old fortified city in the centre of Holland. It has a double ring of canals and lots of forts and fortified walls. You can read more about its history here . 
The inner canal panorama
Restoration is an ongoing proces for years and years now and earthworks and maconary is slowly brought back to its original state.
The former housing of the garrison

Down a cul-du-sac I saw this old tractor, a photographers jem.
I'll return on a nice sunny day in the spring and show you some more pictures of Naarden.

zondag 6 februari 2011

A windy day at Parnassia beach

Yesterday we went to Parnassia beach, just north of Zandvoort. We that is my two sons, my little daughter, me and the dog. A storm was blowing, mainly in the northwest. Not a 'real' storm with winds upto 55 mph but strong enough to enjoy it. After driving for 45 minutes we reached the coast.
We got sandblasted while walking through the dunes before reaching the beach. It wasn't fun. Once on the wet sand the boys and the dog where enjoying themselves but my little girl wanted to return to the car immediately. It was indeed colder than I expected, 10 dgrC., but with a significant windchill.


I acted as a windshield to protect her. After 6 or 7 minutes we retreated to the car. I carried my little girl on my back (a good backpacking exercise) and we got sandblasted again climbing to the top of the dunes.
A flash visit to the coast. Next time without the kids ?