Amsterdam...

We camped about 20 km south of the city - with a short five minute walk to the Metro station. Since we were laying over we had all day Saturday to explore Amsterdam.

This is one quirky city! The buildings all have individual character and kind of all slant in different directions. The city was packed with tourists - and bicycles. I knew Amsterdam was big on bicycles but had no idea the scale. It was pretty amazing to see so many bicycles riding the streets and parked at the bike stands. We walked around getting our bearings throughout the afternoon stopping for the occasional beer at several of the streetwise pubs we happened along. We agreed that we would only stay for one beer at each pub. This strategy allowed for more walking and people watching - for which Amsterdam is brilliant in both regards. The weather was also a perfect 70 degrees with blue skies.

Amsterdam at night looks much different than during the day. The neon lights come on and the freaks come out - more great people watching opportunity. Apparently dressing in crazy costumes is something people do in Amsterdam. We also met some interesting people in the various pubs - mostly tourists like us from all over. Amsterdam is most definitely a hot travel destination.

We were having a great time meeting people, chatting with bartenders, etc. - until we came out of a pub just after having a late dinner and found it was pissing rain. It was one of those steady rains that you just knew would last a while.

We walked around a bit, visited a few more pubs and got really wet - we didn't check the weather and had left camp with no rain gear. Around 11pm we decided to call it a night and head back to camp. We had 12 hours in Amsterdam and that seemed like enough - especially in the rain. It ended up raining most of the night at camp and we got to pack up wet again. I hate having to pack up the gear wet as that is exactly how it will be when setting up at the next camp. We are currently on the ferry from Calais to Dover. The forecast tomorrow morning is 100% chance of rain - with 2+ inches and flooding so we are springing for a hotel room tonight and maybe tomorrow night too. I'm looking forward to a bed as I've been in my tent for 8 of the last 9 and 6 straight nights.

Castle with a restaurant on the first floor.

The canal.

Lots of bikes everywhere.

Lots and lots of bikes!

Bottle lady.

Crowded streets!