Packing the tent
 

We picked up the fresh bread. Bas ate his right away, but I put mine under my jacket. It was nice and warm. Around 10, we went to the desk to pay before leaving for Apeldoorn. After Apeldoorn and a lot more rain we arrived at a 20 km long straight road with a strong headwind. Bas was pretty exhausted while we didn't even cycle 15 km/h. After taking many breaks we reached a bridge over the IJssel river. There was a large ruler counting down from the water upward. We didn't understand what the "0" meant. There was a sign that said "Welcome in Overijssel', the province we arrived in. After living in the Netherlands for over 20 years, this was the first time we realized that Overijssel was called this way because of the IJssel river.

 

In Zwolle we went to a cafeteria to dry. My phone had broken because of the rain, while I was about to get an important call from school. The fries were good. After Zwolle followed another endless straight road. We bought some more food just before reaching Staphorst. We got grapes, snickers, and drinks. Bas noticed some energy drink called BAS, which he said suited him well. I told him it was short for bastard.

When we ate everything Bas returned the empty bottle. From the refund money, he bought dessert and still had money to spare. We agreed to come back sometime and only pay with empty bottles. There were some small children in a car giving us the finger. Staphorst is known for its very religious and old-fashioned people, a bit like the Amish. There were many old people in old costumes and every house looked identical, only farms with green and white window frames and wooden doors in front of the window. They looked nice, though.

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After passing Meppel and heading towards Assen, we searched for another place to sleep. Bas needed to experience camping in the wild. It was hard to find a good spot because the road lay between two canals. Eventually, we found a nice place next to two old chalk ovens.