To the North Sea

We have left Nijmegen on the train and are heading to Heemskerk where Norm has a cousin, Freek, (Fred). Planning to get off at Castricum, we’ve  got Krentenbollen, apples and chocolate to eat on the journey.

Once the conductor comes by to check our tickets, it turns out that Norm’s is ok. He added money to the card in Nijmegen. My card however is not. I had said to Norman we need to tap in before we get on the train. Since we were able to go through the turnstiles we just got on the train. I have now been told to get off in Utrecht where I have six minutes to tap my card. 

Well things didn’t work out that way. I could find the place to tap, but once I went through the turnstiles I couldn’t get back so I snuck behind someone else to get return. Knowing the train would leave soon, I rushed back downstairs and couldn’t find the train! It had left the station! Thank goodness I had brought my backpack with me.

Turns out the pass didn’t have enough money on it. With help from a very nice transit man, we added euros, he left with the card and tapped me out then sent me to the platform to catch another train to Castricum. However he didn’t quite put me on the right one. I asked a few more people and boarded a train that went to Castricum!! Only 20 minutes later than Norm. 

Yellow Bunny and me together on a different train but heading the right way! 

Freek met us at the station, first Norm then me and off to his home in Heemskerk. We sat for some time visiting with Freek and his  wife Sophia.

Next we headed to the North Sea for a walk along the pier. 

What a wild and windy yet beautiful place. Sand dunes everywhere and windmills. 

We walked the pier trying not to get sand in our eyes or blown over.

The North Sea where if you look closely you might see remains of a ship wreck.

Freek, Sophia and Norman

What is interesting about the area is that with a close look behind them you can see a high industrial complex. Freek says they are making metal and a lot of pollution! 

Here you can see the beach and how big the industry is and this is just a small part of the dunes and shoreline.

It’s not a pretty picture. The waterway is also a huge shipping port as well, with ships coming and going.

You’ll never guess what these are…..

Garbage cans! 

Back to their home for dinner. 

The meal started with a lovely tomato, noodle beef soup followed by spinach pie with hard cooked eggs inside and meat balls. 

Thanks to Freek for the car ride back to Duncan and Lauraine’s in Koog aan de Zaan.