Ice-skating sisters on the canal in our back garden. Meanwhile, Elfstedentocht mania is underway. The much-anticipated skating event through 11 Dutch cities is set for this weekend, if the ice remains thick enough to hold an estimated 16,000 participants. The last race was conducted in 1997, with Crown Prince Willem-Alexander participating.
Almost every canal is filled with ice-skaters or parents pulling small children on sleds. Click photos to enlarge.
Update Feb. 9th: Alas, after all the excitement and anticipation, Elfstedentocht has been cancelled, due to unstable ice in the south of Friesland.
Update Feb. 23rd: Due to receiving over 400 spam comments on this article alone, I'm closing comments while Typepad gets to grips with excessive spam.
Is this the view from you newest abode? What a beautiful winter you are experiencing Tara!!
x...x
Posted by: Stephanie | 20 February 2012 at 19:46
Reminds me of Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates! What a view!
Posted by: jeanie | 19 February 2012 at 17:55
Beautiful Tara, you have been sooooo busy! I can not wait to hear that you are moved into your new home, finally. It will be so wonderful! Can't wait to see photos as well. You live in the most beautiful dreamy place.... The balcony view is breathtaking!!! Love, Vanessa
Posted by: Vanessa {A Fanciful Twist} | 15 February 2012 at 16:59
Lovely photos - it looks beautiful! A winter wonderland... How sad that the event had to be cancelled - though perhaps on the bright side, does that mean your weather might be warming up a bit?
Hope you had a happy Valentine's Day, dear Tara! xox
Posted by: Terri | 15 February 2012 at 08:05
Wonderful photos Tara!! Hope you're still having fun nesting :)
-deborah
Posted by: Deborah | 14 February 2012 at 05:22
What a marvelous photograph. Like a painting. Better to cancel than lose someone through the ice, one supposes... :)
Posted by: Natalie | 12 February 2012 at 19:13
How fun to watch ice skaters from your home windows. What a very pretty sight. I hope you are settling into your new home and just loving it.
Posted by: Marilyn | 09 February 2012 at 04:24