This large hotel boat pulled in, briefly, in front of us to eject about 20 cyclists, who set off for Keukenhof, as fast as they could go.
Here is a car showroom with a difference!
Moving on past Hillegom, we continued on the Ringvaart van de Haarlemmermeerpolder. This canal surrounds a large polder, lying to the southeast of Haarlem, southwest of Amsterdam. In 1845 this reclaimed land was a large lake but now Schipol International Airport occupies the middle of it.
On the waterway approaching Amsterdam, we were following this large barge, Adato, and wondering if we would fit into the lock with him.
Once in the lock he does not look quite so big!
The lock was big enough for this fleet of smaller boats behind us too.
Saturday, is Koningsdag ( King's Day ) so everyone dresses in orange, and are having parties on their boats in Amsterdam. Our route is through the bridge beyond these boats!
There were certainly over 40 people on this boat, all having a great time.
We are just passing through Amsterdam today, so we go on to the North Sea Canal, with the big ships! Another party boat is on its way across to Amsterdam, passing this 1000 ton barge, Miriam, which is overtaking us.
Miriam came quite close to us as Andy concentrates hard on keeping a good line. A full container ship was also coming up behind us, but we had time to cross over, and get out of its way safely.
There are quite a few small boats out here. Compare this to the Pool of London, where everyone needs a VHF radio, to be allowed out. As we locked off The North Sea canal, we even saw two canoeists about to brave the big boats too!
Even the windmills are decorated with flags and orange bunting today.
These houses have the traditional Dutch shape.
The Monnickendam - Edam canal, to the north of Amsterdam, is a lovely contrast to the North Sea Canal.
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