In the Netherlands, august 2024

If you go to the Netherlands by ferry, you either stay only a short time, or you’re away from home forever. You’re travelling for 48 hours! And I didn’t stay long. And I had to see the people I would see rather rapidly. 

I started with my mum. I got there around lunchtime. It was good to catch up! And I fit in a nice run before she opened a bottle of wine to celebrate Friday with a friend. 

Sunny run in the woods

At my sister’s place everything was happening. One son was moving out as he had found a place to live for himself. And half the rest of the family was busy buying a new (second-hand) harp. Not a trivial purchase! And my brother-in-law was dynamic again, after having sustained a rather serious sports injury earlier in the summer. And my sister was getting ready for the Alps. The cat, with whom nothing unusual was going on, provided some balance. 

Sister selfie

I also visited Roelof. He had just had a change in job description a few weeks before. And Viking joined us. We spontaneously made swamp hike plans! Stay tuned for that. 

I was hoping to organise another trip with Monique! But we might have to await improved health. But at least conditions were fine for a short walk on the moors and a drink on a terrace after that. 

A good place for a drink

Another selfie

I also visited my dad. I could report to him that the plant he had evicted from my gutter was doing well in its new home in the garden. 

On the last day I had another coffee session with my mum. And a last run. I stepped awkwardly on a tree root! It wasn’t bad and I could keep running, but I was painfully aware of only being six days away from a long trail (+ fell) race. Bad timing to weaken your ankle even the tiniest bit! But then it was time to pack up and leave. My visit had come to an end. Home and cat were waiting!