I woke up quite late today. Yes, I was planning to do a trip of 10.000 km but I definitely wasn't in a hurry. Usually I just kind of slip away in the early hours of the morning, keen to get as many miles as possible between me and those neighbours I've so rudely awakened. But setting off for such a long haul this morning, I actually chose to leave at 11.00 am, which gave me ample time to give little Ava all the hugs she deserved and have a decent farewell coffee with Monica - well, it felt that way but we actually will be meeting up in Stockholm next week, we're sentimental that way.

Anyway, when I finally said goodbye and started on my way, there was some kind of celebration going on. It had nothing to do with me leaving (though perhaps the neighbours had some cause for celebration). It was to glorify something called 'Water Day', which is a yearly festival and it apparently involves everybody in Edam trying to sell old rubber boats and such. They're a funny lot and I still can't get used to their logic in life. Or lack thereof.

I left them to it and went my on my way. It was a lovely sunny day and the BMW was purring along nicely. So far so good. I rode over the Afsluitdijk (quite the marvel, definitely worth a visit) and ended up waiting for the boats to pass by at the lock on the far side. That's when a motorbike group pulled up, frantically waving at me. Always being enthusiastic about meeting fellow bikers (even though I'm not particularly into 'bikerhood') I frantically waved back, only to be met with a steely gaze. It turned out one of their biker buddies had fallen behind and they were trying to signal him back in. I was in the way. Well, at least their lost brother politely waved at me when he joined his crew.

That's not to say I had an unpleasant start of my journey. On the contrary, I've met quite a few nice people today who wished me all the best. One lady at the cash counter of a tank stop was particulary interested and ended up suggesting she'd come along if she could. Being almost 75, it would be a bucket list ride for her, she said. I don't doubt it.

In the end it has turned out to be a pleasant first day and I even had to some time left to relax at the lakeshore near the camp ground at Steller See, near Bremen. If only the camping disco would stop turning out the greatest club hits of 1997. But the German teens seem to love it...