Today we reached the fourth country of our trip.

Again, we seemed to sneak in without really noticing. No border control. No big sign. Just slightly different number plates and road signs that gradually began to change.

We joined lots of Dutch cyclists on the ferry across to Vlissingen, then continued north through Zeeland. Bikes everywhere. Every age group. Just people getting on with their day.

The highlight was crossing the Oosterscheldekering, part of the Netherlands’ extraordinary Delta Works. Built after the devastating floods of 1953, it is a nine-kilometre storm-surge barrier designed to protect Zeeland from the North Sea. Huge gates remain open during normal conditions, preserving the tides and saltwater environment, but can be closed when extreme weather threatens. An incredible piece of engineering. 

Riding across it, with the sea on either side and enormous wind turbines turning just metres away, gave us a real sense of the effort that has gone into controlling the water and powering the country.

After another great day, we arrived at our hotel. Bikes parked. Dinner. A glass of wine.

Tomorrow we continue north and take another ferry through Rotterdam’s vast container port.