The Cold North Sea, Day One

Monday, 18 November

We both got up early enough to see Lucas before he left for school at 7 a.m. Later Norbert made a last-minute grocery store run.

We left the house at about 11:15. The Netherlands has done a lot of work on their highways and the trip was very smooth and easy.

The weather is nothing to praise, except to say it was dry. Gray all day, with the car lights turning themselves on. Only about 6°C.

Along the way and near the coast we saw hundreds if not thousands of water birds, both in the water and flying in swarms. Fascinating! There were also many, many swans. I love them so much and it is so wonderful to see them in the wild.

We stopped at the outlook tower so Norbert could eat a sandwich, then continued on to the park, arriving shortly after 2. Checked in with our e-ticket in about 2 minutes flat. Parked and walked into the park. Arranged for WIFI for the week. Had a coffee.

We then got the car again and drove to our bungalow. It is a bit hard to find, quite near the Market Place, but on the other hand also very secluded, which is nice. Unpacked and rested a bit. Also stopped in the park's grocery store to get the necessities: fireplace logs, beer and chips!

Then we walked to the beach, about one km each way. COLD! And windy! 

My nose and sinuses have been a bit iffy all day, so I bundled up like an Eskimo. 

Still ran through half a package of tissues, though. 

Wonderful fresh, crisp salt air. 

 Back to the bungalow about 5 p.m. Another rest and then dinner.

Tonight they are having the “Welcome Night” with a '70s and '80s musical theme. We haven't yet decided if we will go or not but the music would be good... I think it is also a clue as to the age range of the people here now … the only children here are pre-school age, the rest of us are getting on the years....