On Saturday morning we left Middelburg and headed up the N57 for Zierikzee, crossing the spectacular East Scheldt storm barrier which is a 6km half-open buttress dam (look it up). This was the easiest ever campsite to find..no diversions sent to frustrate us, and within an hour, we were checked in at Camping Kloet, which is part of a working farm, and the main rule here is NO DOGS! Quite a brave rule, given that there are so many dogs travelling with their owners. The young man at reception was helpful, and spoke good English..further visits to reception, he hasn’t been there, so we have to attempt to speak to the older farmer, in German…Ich spreche nur ein bischen Deutsch.
Our pitch here is well sheltered by high hedges, which is useful in this baking heat! On arrival, there was a choice of 2 pitches, the other being quite exposed, and close to the children’s play area…no contest. The area here is part of a National Park, and the town itself has some lovely little side streets, and quite a busy harbour area.
We popped in to the Stadhuismuseum, partly to escape the heat..and it was €15 well spent…we found out lots about Zierikzee, in particular its history of producing red dye from the madder root. and there was an exhibition of some stunning paintings by a modern Dutch artist, Theo Voorzaat, which have made us want to research him a bit more. In town, later, we tackled a Dutch menu for some lunch…ending up with some prawn and beef croquettes, which are apparently a Dutch speciality..it’s easier just to order beers…we did have some of those too, all in aid of hydration, of course. Further cycling round town, and around the harbour area, ensued…wonder if there’s an offence in The Netherlands of “slightly drunk in charge of a cycle”?
Back to camp for bread, cheese, pate and salad…yip, Fiona’s turn to cook! Washed down with a 1litre bottle of Rose, purchased from the local Lidl, for the princely sum of €3.30. This Lidl is a bit of a find…it’s even open on Sundays…10am till 5pm..and there’s currently an offer on freshly baked croissants…5 for €1!
Click on the photo to see a selection of photos taken while wandering around Zierikzee in Zeeland, Holland
