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Explore the banks along the open water of the Braakmankreek, where people like to relax. There is a peninsula with bungalows, a marina and all kinds of water sports are practiced on and in the 205 hectares of water: from sailing and rowing to swimming and fishing. The creek not only has an irresistible attraction for people. Water birds, such as the tufted duck and the black-tailed godwit, also like to use the creek and seek out the area as a resting place. About 500 hectares of forest have also been planted in polder de Braakman, creating a beautiful combination of forests, meadows and open water. The plants that you can find in the Braakman area include parnassia, creeping willow, sea green sedge, marsh helleborine, flesh-colored orchid, broadleaf orchid and beetle orchid. In the polder skylark, meadow pipit, yellow wagtail, summer teal and lapwing whistle the highest song. Here, at the former estuary of the Western Scheldt, you can expect cosiness and fun, combined with the splendor of nature. But the highlight of your bike ride may well be windmill Windlust, which looms on the horizon in Hoek. The round, brick-built tower mill was built in 1857 to grind corn. Windlust replaces a standard mill that previously fulfilled this function. Some parts from that mill were repurposed into the current one. Windlust was in operation until 1958, but after that the mill fell into disrepair. Restorations to the Windlust took place in 1979/1980 and 2009. Not only do you start this cycling tour from hotel De Gentsche Poort, but also route 136822. The hotel is the ideal place for an overnight stay, so that you can cycle both routes. In the evening you can relax in the hotel and enjoy dinner and a drink, or relax in your room with a book in front of the television. In any case, the cozy family hotel is a warm bath where you'come home\\\' after your trip.