"Een persoon kanoing" in Broek in Waterland

We were capable of rising at a reasonable hour, and so we did. It was a nice morning to walk up to A'dam Centraal and wrangle up some bicycles. Mac bike took care of our needs and called me a pussy for wanting hand brakes. So, we took our bikes and turned our wheels toward the ferry to North Amsterdam. In no time we were bouncin' along the bike paths through the parks and directly into the countryside to Broek in Waterland. A quick side trip and we came upon Waterland, where we each rented an 'een persoon kano' from the outfitter.

In the Netherlands, people don't wear bike helmets and apparently don't wear life vests either. The canals were tame, so we went with it. Halfway to Monickendam, we were greeted by an egret (I think?) who followed us for about a half mile, flying up the canal until we reached it and then flying off again. We were feeling great while pulling into Monickendam. After a rest at the end of Monickendam we pushed on, thinking how easy it had been up to the half way point. Trouble kicked in as we moved into the bigger lakes. The wind and clouds picked up, which made me wish my group had PFDs. I noted that Police actually patrol that area, so we could probably get a hand if needed. We powered through that and made it to the final stretch, at one point hearing someone play their guitar from one of the wetland coves. It was magical and peaceful. Paddling our way back through the town of Broek in Waterland was absolutely enchanting - neighborhood gardens and boats surrounded us with calm.

Thanking the outfitter, we gathered the steeds, stopped into town for water and snacks, then made our way back to A'dam. Within an hour and two ferries later we were coasting into the Centruum. We decided that all that work deserved a steak dinner, so we chose from one of the many "Argentinean" places.

Looking back, I did exactly what I've warned others not to do - go out without a life preserver. Weather is always a factor, and it can change quickly - lesson learned. On the other hand, Dan had just finished his master diving courses, gaining valuable rescue techniques and I was able to corral everyone to hug the shoreline for safety. Our little plastic kayaks didn't handle well against the wind. Also, the hairy part of open water was not very far, so we were quickly navigating calmer waters. After all, I left Broek in Waterland feeling blessed to have experienced it's waters and nature with my brothers.