Windmill 'De Eenhoorn', Haarlem

'Eenhoorn' = 'EYN-hoarn' = 'unicorn' ('een' = one / 'hoarn' = horn) -- a sawmill!

Repairs undertaken in 1992-1993 revealed a part of the 'kruivloer', most likely the wooden 'grinding surface' (translating purely from the Dutch, and can't find the English term yet), with the date '23 Aug 1776' engraved on it, so the sawmill must be at least that old, but researchers believe it is much older, but, equally possible, a replacement of a much older mill, with parts of that older mill integrated into the newer mill.  Tucked away behind a lot of foliage, it is almost fully hidden from the narrow road along the river, but if you regularly sail on the Spaarn you couldn't miss it.  My GPS instructions were clear but I had to drive up and down the road and look closely between the houses and trees to spot it, after which the next challenge was finding a parking spot because there is almost no space to park in that area unless you trespass in someone's driveway.  It is, however, fantastic for hikers, dog walkers, and cyclists.  The mill was named after one of its more well-known owners, two centuries ago, one Jan Jacobszn (Jacobson) Kapteijn.  The path that runs parallel to the river and directly next to it is also very narrow, with two very tight foot bridges.  As you can see, though, it was more than worth the effort.  The road where I parked is behind those trees at the back.

A two-fold reason for 'dropping by' Haarlem today.  The other reason was the area along the Spaarn where my main character lives -- I wanted to scout it out myself.  She is definitely not wealthy enough to live in one of the villas along this stretch of the river, but it is a good location for some things that happen.  Connected to this reason was to kickstart my writing again with some new ideas.

Some housekeeping and Viking mail and phone call, especially that last one, before I left, and a delayed dinner and Wimbledon watch when I got back.

Thank you for the visits and stars!  It is all very much appreciated!