Our arrival was not promising at the village of de Zaanse Schans given the lineup of tour buses. It spoke of a tourist hotspot, a camera swarm, which is not our kind of thing. The wooden shoe factory confirmed the suspicions. Curious as the concept of wooden shoes is, I’ve had a pair available since I was a child living near Holland, Michigan, and they lost their luster long ago. Have you ever tried walking in wooden shoes? Let’s just say you won’t be tempted to give up your Rockports or Air Jordans. Of
Over-sized wooden shoes won’t hurt your feet when walking
course, that didn’t keep us from a couple photo ops.
Plenty to choose from
and unique designs
On the other hand, the old windmills caught my attention. They are more interesting in real life than on a postcard with tulips. It becomes clear up close how they are inspired by 17th century sailing ship technology. Take a look….
View from the back. The ship’s wheel can rotate the windmill cap 45 deg to face the wind
Rope anchor into bridge floor
View of the ship’s wheel with rope pulley from the bridge
Direct pull from wheel axel–just wind ‘er up!
The blades are sail cloth mounted over a lattice frame. Note contoured blade frames to turn in the wind.
The rope and lever disconnects the windmill head from the gearing. You can also take down the sails to protect the windmill in high wind.
Great photography! Really like your new shoes, Betsy!
Beautiful photos! Thanks for sending, Jack. Betsy, those shoes make you look so COMFY!
I hope your trip gets better and better as you go!
Meredith