At Kinderdijk our onshore excursion took us to this location where there are many historic windmills, some dating back to the 18th century. These mills drive pumps which lift the water up from low lying areas and feed it into canals to the sea. They were NOT used for grinding grain or other non-pumping activity.

The windmills are still operable, although there is also a more modern pumping station also operating. It has been typical to have people living in the mills, just as has been the case for centuries. To reside there they need to know enough about windmill operations to at least periodically run the mill as that helps to preserve the mechanics.

One of the windmills is now a museum which we were able to go inside, and even attempt steep, narrow stairways to the upper levels. The living quarters are set up as they were years back.

This particular day was one of our least cooperative weather-wise, but perhaps a bit of cloudy gloom is fitting for this low lying area near the coast. Toward the end of our visit there was a little bit of near sunshine for better light.