BIRCH TREE ROUTES

My ride from Rotterdam was past very well maintained canal homes along an amazing bike roadway system to the port of Houke van Holland where I caught an overnight ferry to Harwick England and a return to the less efficient but more charming winding bike routes through villages, forest trails and farmers fields. The highlight was an unplanned stop at the Birch Parish where I visited with John Harrison, part owner and resident painter of the Birch Gallery and Tea Room. John  paints very detailed pictures populated with traditional boats, buildings and people. He also paints fliers and scenes from the First World War. A topic he is passionate about.