Dutch Waterways

There is a large, new passanthaven in Den Helder, at the north end of the Binnenhaven (close by the museums and shown as an empty basin on the plan in the book).  Well appointed moorings (alongside & box) with water, electricity & WiFi, a supermarket only 5 minutes away and restaurants.  A new lock, the Zeedoksluis gives direct access to the port area, handy if you are visiting Texel.  The lock has 3 opening periods during the day, 8-10 am, early then late afternoon.

Would also recommend a trip to Texel, lovely, if expensive marina in Oudeschild - an island made for cycling.

From JH Jonkman at Sassenheim it was about a 6km cycle ride to the famous Keukenhof gardens, just west of Lisse. This extravaganza of spring flowers is open only from March to May and features Holland's most iconic flower in a dazzling array of varieties, as well as lilies, hyacinths and narcissi. We went on a mid-week afternoon, but it was still incredibly busy with coach parties, although the car park was half empty, so be prepared for a full-on touristic experience, complete with a gift shop full of unbelievable tat. Outside the grounds is bollen-boulevard, a sort of gypsy camp of bulb sellers, cashing in on bulb-mania, although even my limited gardening knowledge told me that you can't plant tulips in April, right?