It’s so cold here the rivers are starting to freeze up. But I wish it were even colder, and stayed that way for at least another two weeks. That way the canals of Holland will once again be safe for miles and miles of skating.
Just a little over three years ago I raced 550km from Hamburg to just south of Rotterdam for the chance to slip on the skates and slide around the windmills for three days.
And now that a Russian winter has invaded western Europe, could it happen again? A lot of people are guessing it might. Every day this past week dozens of people have been landing on this moribund blog after googling skating in holland.
I’d do anything to be able to do it all over again. There’s nothing else in winter quite like it.
The banner photograph shows the town of Britannia Beach, BC, Canada, where I grew up. It's home. But I don't live there anymore.
Wow! It looks amazing!!
Courtney
Thanks – it truly was spectacular. The photos on the post three years ago tell a more complete story.
I love the “shades of gray” style to the picture. Love the other post with pics and video too.
Skating on Rotterdam’s canals?! Just went back to read your original post and it is *wonderful.* What a fun insight into an aspect of Dutch life I’d never heard about before. Loved the beautiful photos, too — especially the one of the skaters crawling under the bridge. Brilliant!
There must be some Dutch in me somewhere, because I’m as nutty about skating as they are without having those extra-long blades. A hockey stick and puck will do me fine.
Three years ago? THREE? Oh, my gosh. I can’t believe that. I can see those photos as clearly in my mind as if I’d just clicked over there. Testimony to your skill, for sure.
I hope you get your ice. People here are distraught over a significant lack of cold and snow – meaning, of course, a lack of moisture and early warning of drought. At least if our cold had to depart for elsewhere, you may get some benefit from it.