Molentocht 2008 (Traditional Ice skating in Holland) 1-2

Dear Reader,

Again a short story in a few photo´s. There are still 10 remaining photo´s remaining of the approx 80 photo´s after selecting. Contrary of the story told in my previous blog "Ice skating Madness or fun" this organised skating tour along the mills there is much more space to host thousands of ice skaters enthousiats, unieke distances are 25 km, 50 km and 75 km. There are 13 starting points along the route. You need to collect stamps along the route and at the end when finished in time you´re reward is a medal. Before 2008, it was 13 years ago the last one was organized. Well that´s it for the info... More information about this event is found at the official website: [url=http://www.schaatsmolentochten.nl][/url].

Let´s get to the photo´s.....


Start at early morning for the 50 k´s .


cracks in the ice but super scenery!


Straight skating at a canal in winterwonderland.


Not underneath every bridge solid ice so "klunnen" underneath the obstacle.


Most bridges form no problem however.


Endless skating into the distance...


Forward and return lane, most dutch love it.


Pit stop at Groot Ammers "koek & Zopie" for some energie.
Hot chocolate, punch, candy (or exceptional fried fish).


On we go again into the fairytale landscape.


The reward after having collected all the stamps, a medal!

Some bonus nature / scenery shots along the trip. Wish I carried my other camera instead of this small compact... but hey you gotta choose and skating it was...














PS don´t hesitate to comment...