Schoonhoven to Rotterdam to Maassluis. Windmills, bridges, ferries and heat.

Mileage:-38 miles.

Total mileage:- 907 miles. 

Hotel:- Pension 'Piet Hein'.

We started by getting the ferry across the river. The along the dyke until we turned off on a loop that would take us to Kinderdijk. This is now a UNESCO heritage site. There are 19 windmills, many in working order. 

Then we started to approach Rotterdam. Coming in from the south was fairly straightforward and we were soon at the Erasmus Bridge.

The temperature today soared. Fine when we were on the bikes, but as soon as we stopped, we roasted. 

We had to get a ferry before Rotterdam, so we followed the route, found the ferry, rode on, off the other side and then realised we had taken the wrong ferry. We had lunch waiting for the right ferry. 

The route through Rotterdam was clear and we were soon over the bridge and heading towards the coast. We stopped at a VVV, Tourist Information and booked an hotel. 

Throughout the day we have seen a lot of wildlife, particularly birds. 

Storks, herons and lots of geese and ducks.

The river continues to change. It is now tidal, the ships are becoming more ocean going than river. We are now 2 metres above sea level. Last night we were -2 metres ie below sea level. Though we did not notice the climb today.