Amsterdam (again)

I do like ferries. Lucky really as I don't like flying. 

Disembarking was far simpler than I'd thought,  I was all prepared for queues and complicated passport procedures. There had even been an announcement telling foot passengers all about it. Turns out the car exit doesn't have the technology so, security be damned, we sailed through passport control. 

Similar to the journey from train to boat in the Uk, I'm not a huge fan on the ride into Amsterdam.  It's longer so there is more time to feel guilty about not training and, more to the point, it's a ride into a city so navigation is a bugger.  

It always takes me a while to tune in, get the feel for roundabouts and the like.  I cause confusion at first when I wait for cars, it takes a few tries before I remember that bikes truly have priority.  After 10 miles I was looking for somewhere to stop.  I needed to locate sun cream and a sun hat as well as top up my water.  I turned off to a likely looking building only to realise it was a boat crossing.  Nothing ventured, nothing gained, I hopped on board and headed over to the other side.  Over there I found a cafe, water and that sun cream.

I set off again and I must say, the boat gamble worked out well. I was in the country and leafy suburbia for most of the journey. Hitting the centre I stuck mainly to one road and I made it to the campsite far quicker than usual. 

I'll tell you what was not quicker than usual, putting up my tent. Some wally (me) had very carefully taken all the components apart and possibly forgotten a little how they went together again. Much banging, clattering and muttering ensued but finally it all clicked into place.

On this first night I always unpack and repack, check what I've got and curse myself for forgetting something I need.  This time that went reasonably well.  I've not bought too much superfluous baggage and I don't seem to have forgotten much.  Minor panic over phone charging but replacing a dodgy cable (that autocorrected to deoxygenated camel, which then turned into depressed camel and I was very tempted to try and weave both into the story.  I did once see a camel on the side of the road but that was in France, not today.  He looked well oxygenated but as a circus member I'm fairly sure he was a bit depressed.) won't be hard.

Arriving early afternoon and pitching in the shade means I've had a relaxing afternoon, interrupted only briefly by a drumming circle.   I headed to the shops for train snacks and to replace that cable then settled in for my first night under canvas.