In a dive over Valkenburg
When we arrived, the fortified city had not yet been taken over by day trippers.
The last wisps of mist are cleared away and the pigeons (day trippers) can be released at noon. We spread our wings at the 17th century Spanish Leenhof and then rise above the crowds in search of facts and other Valkenburg facts.
In the spirit of Theodoor Dorren (pioneer of Dutch tourism - 1885) we stroll through the centuries-old fortified city.
Under the spell of the French mill, we are then introduced to the peaceful, picturesque Geul. We stop for a moment at the 14th century Den Halder Castle, which stands in the shadow of the large castle ruins and enjoy its unprecedented, relaxing beauty. The Grendelpoort, a historic city gate from the 14th century, no longer stops evildoers and is unlocked for everyone. We discover the castle ruins via a staircase system and get some fresh air at the Velvet Cave.
Crouching down to stay out of the field of fire of the installed cannon, we outwit the city guards at the Berkelpoort and quickly cross the Walram weir.
We follow the Geul upstream at a rapid pace. The Geulstrand is deserted and expects the first sunbathers soon. At the marl wall we turn east and stroll through the park of Kasteel Oost. Along the Molentak we find the center and Oude Molen. This ban mill cannot keep us under its spell for long because all rights have been removed. Like a couple in love, we make some street theater and skip through the 'Liefdeslaantje' of Valkenburg.
A whistle draws our attention to the oldest station in the Netherlands. This marl building was built in 1853 and was inspired by the castle of King Willem II in Tilburg.
We quickly return to the center where we end with a refreshment in the shadow of the Geulpoort.
Together with the many day trippers, we end our day with an evening meeting, chatting and chatting until the sun sets. Many times we return home, we find our hotel bed and go to roost early with the chickens.
Tomorrow is a new day to fly...