Windmills and Dikes - Thursday, June 11

After sailing all night, this morning (Thurs) we arrived at our first river cruise port - Kinderdijk - where we could see windmills in operation since 1738. Although we thought we understood the reason for wind mills, we found out the real purpose here in the Netherlands is to pump water over the dikes into canals to reclaim land and prevent flooding. We learned that 50% of Northern Holland was once under water most of the year. Therefore, the Dutch built windmills to pump the water into canals and dikes to ensure the water did not flood the land they rescued.  In turn, the canals directed the water to the river and ultimately to the sea. Because this area of the Netherlands is below sea level, their biggest issue is water management.

Our tour was very informative and we had the opportunity to see the windmills inside out. It's had to believe that a family of 15 lived in this one.

This was a short 3 hour stop. Once back on board the Lif, off we went to Cologne where we'll arrive tomorrow morning. Along the way we saw Noah's Ark!  Karen had read about this as being in the Netherlands but didn't think we'd see it.  It is build to be as close as possible in size and design as the biblical ark.

The remainder of the day was spent relaxing aboard the Lif - in Norse mythology Lif is one of two mortals to survive the end days. Her name means 'Life'. Soooooo, we are living the dream and enjoying Life.