First biking day

Rode 10.5 km. today through the Amsterdam forest and along the Ijsselmeer, an inland lake near Amsterdam. The forest is a public works project done in the 1930's. In order to get government unemployment funds people were required to work for 13 weeks building a forest from what had been a swamp. It's now very beautiful, with trails, soccer fields, a lake for rowing, a petting zoo and much more. Saw our first windmill and learned that the position of the windmill arms is significant. One arm straight up means the miller is away briefly and has stopped the mill. Two arms up (x position) means he's gone for longer time. One arm up in 5 minutes before or after the 12 o'clock position signals difficulty in the immediate family or in the local area. This system was used as a warning mechanism during the Nazi occupation. After our windy but flat ride we enjoyed a fabulous Indian dinner. The cook says they'll do a different theme each day with the meals. Can't wait to see tomorrow if today was any indication. Tomorrow we head to Gouda (pronounced here as How-da, sort of spitting as you say the H). I'll tell you more about the crew of our ship on tomorrow's post. Signal strength today is weak. Will try to upload some photows for you.