Adventures on the Canals of France ,Netherlands and Germany

WE NOW HAVE TWO BLOGS

2011-07-17T14:43:00.004+08:00

From 2005 to 2007 and again in 2011 we had had a fabulous time cruising in France up and down thousands of locks.

From 2008 to 2011 we cruised in the Netherlands passing under thousands of bridges, cruising big rivers big and small canals.

During 2009 we travelled from the Netherlands to North Germany through the Schwerin Lakes area to Berlin experiencing several amazing mechanical lifts and water bridges.

Now after 7 years travelling in Courlis we have decided to change our mode of transport and buy a motorhome.

If you would like to follow us on our new adventures in our Motorhome please go to ykgilbertmotorhome.blogspot.com.

OUR LAST TRIP IN COURLIS

2011-07-07T05:03:00.419+08:00

Courlis’ Trip Back to St Jean De Losne - 1225 kilometes and 256 locks.
To sell Courlis, we decided to take her back to St Jean de Losne in France where we bought her. Kevin threw a rope up in the air and then guessed how far and how long it would take us to get there. I blithely followed along packing a few clothes, pills, etc and so started our nostalgic journey

NETHERLANDS
Day 1. Tuesday 14 June 73.7 kilometres Locks = 0 Weather = Showers then fine.
We left from Kuikhorne which is in the far north of Friesland and took the Princes Margriet Canal and on our way we were surprised by two houses floating down the canal. The movers were taking advantage of light breezes.

then across the Tjeukemeer Lake down a small canal towards Ossenzjl and had a lovely evening near Oldemarkt on the canal

Overnight = Oldemarkt on Canal

Day 2. Wednesday 15 June 34.8 kilometres Locks = 1 Weather = Cool and windy
We travelled down through Kalenburg where all the lovely thatched houses are and we caught up with Penny and Russel then across the Beulaker Lake and had an early stop the second night with Edi and Otto our friends from

Germany

in the canal near Zwartsluis. A great meal of Wieners, mustard and noodle salad, a few drinks and a dice game Edi taught us passed a good night.

Overnight = side of Beukers Canal

Day 3. Thursday 16 June 73.2 kilometres Locks = 2 Weather = Raining and storm
Next morning we started down the Zwaartwater, past Zwolle and through the lock onto the River Ijssel. It started to rain as we went through the lock and continued all day. We travel at about 11 kph and the current was about 2-3 kph against us and we kept as much to the side as possible.

The river is wide and the current slowed down a little by regular piles of the stones jutting out (I am sure they have a special name but I don’t know it.)

Despite the rain, the journey was interesting as we hadn’t been on the Ijssel before.

There aren’t many bridges across the river and transport across is by ferry boat usually on cable and often with attached anchor boats to stop them from going too far downstream.

We stopped the night in Zupthen Marina during a huge storm. It has been raining non stop all day.
Overnight = Zupthen Marina on the Ijssel River

Day 4. Friday 17 June 93.2 kilometres Locks = 2 Weather = Fine
This morning after all the rain the Ijssel is running about 3-4 kph as made our way to the Rhine/ Waal entrance wondering what the current on the Rhine would be like because of the rain. When we turned into the Waal we moved up from 3k against to 7k going with the stream. What a ride Courlis was going about 17 kph, Kevin loved it and it was like my worst nightmare.
We hugged the side as huge barges 130 metres and 12 M wide came from behind and in front often with three ships abreast. The big pusher Hercules came past pushing three 110m long barges, 2 barges wide, enough water being pushed in front to send me into hysterics. It was like being in a swarm of bees only they were very large boats. At the Nijmegen Bridge they all started Blueboarding to go opposite sides and we stayed out of the way as all the juggling for position took place. I managed just one photo, that of a cruise boat taking all those lucky people off on a pleasant river cruise up the Rhine.

Poor Kevin he needed all his concentration and driving with a squealing woman didn’t help. No wonder he had a headache that night. We stopped the night on peaceful Mook Lake.
Overnight = Mook Lake off Waal- Canal

Day 5. Saturday 18 June 128 kilometres Locks = 5 Weather = Raining and windy
Today was a full day travelling down Maas-Waal Canal, Maas River and Juliana canal through Limburg. The locks are 260m long and 16m wide about 10- 15m deep. We are going in behind huge barges but with floating bollards they are often easier than small locks. It has been raining and very windy all day and Maastricht was a welcome sight. Tomorrow we will be in Belgium. Kevin is realizing his calculations for the length of the trip are a bit out. But we did start from almost the northern most area of the Netherlands.
Overnight Maastricht on Juliana canal,
We have travelled 406 kilometres and 10 up locks and we have left the Netherlands

Day 6. Sunday 19 June 89 kilometres Locks = 4 Weather = Raining and windy
We got fuel in the morning and set off again heading south. We went through Lanaye Lock, the entrance to Belgium on the Albert canal. Kevin went up to show our boat papers and got a form of authority to travel through the Wallonia area of Belgium without paying fees. We are still travelling with large barges and it is still raining. Thank goodness we have good weather gear with pants and coats so we are not getting wet, but it is cold. What a contrast Belgium is on this side. We went through Leige the first big city we came to in Belgium. I loved the small house wedged in between the more modern high rise.

Next the golden bridge

Lots of industry

It was Sunday and this barge was unloading the car ready for their Sunday drive.

Then it was past the cliffs with the small houses nestled in at the foot, the larger houses just around the bend and the houses on top enjoying the view.

Some of the locks are tricky now as they are always right next to the weir. This one was approached with care then quickly around the buoys and into the safety of the lock.

We were just too late to get through the Namur lock so stayed just outside ready to set off at 6am.

Overnight = Namur, Belgium on the Meuse River

Day 7. Monday 20 June 64 kilometres Locks = 14 Weather = Raining
We were up and ready by 6am and went through the lock on our own. We are cruising past cliffs bordering the canal. We stopped in Dinant which has a citadel high up above the town and a very distinctive onion shaped dome on the Cathedral.

Dinant is also the birthplace of Adolphe de Saxe who invented the saxophone and there was a lovely display on the bridge. We did a bit of shopping here, admired the saxaphones then set off again

Leaving Dinant we passed by the Slate cliffs and factories

We have travelled 125 kilometres and 14 up locks and we have left Belgium

Next it was Givet the first lock in

France

where we bought our Vignette, a permit to use the VNF (Voies Navigables de France) French Inland waters. Just after Givet we went through the Ham Tunnel which is about 500m long and without lights. We couldn’t find the spotlight so went through with a torch shining on the wall although as you can see we could at last see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Our overnight stop was a small village of Vireux Wallerand and Kevin was quick to check if there was a Boulangerie in town. It was closed but the opening times were on the door so it was good news for tomorrows breakfast. The window display was delightful with small model figures..Img 103 0105

Overnight = Vireux Wallerand, France on the Meuse

Day 8 Tuesday 21 June 67 kilometres Locks = 12 Weather = Showers
Kevin had the joy of being able to wake up this morning and buy a real French baguette.

The river Meuse is now winding its way through the Ardennes

the weather is still cool. This storm just missed us as we cruised through the clouds and mist.

We have seen some hardy campers today and I am glad we are in our nice warm dry boat.

Overnight = Marina Charlesville Mezier on the Meuse

Day 9 Wednesday 22 June 37 kilometres Locks = 9 Weather = Showers

We went into town at Charleville Meziers to get a French sim card for the phone. We couldn’t find a cheap call one like Lyca or Lebara so settled for one from Orange. The first lock out of town would win hands down for the worst lockkeeper in France with the worst arrangements of bollards to tie up. We had been warned but couldn’t believe that he would start the water coming in before we tied up!! BUT HE DID!!!!

Then it was down to Pont a Bar and into the Canal Des Ardennes.
The canal is very narrow in sections

We pass through a small tunnel

And here in a wide section we pass a 13^th century church in a field . The village long gone.

We stopped the night alongside the lock.

Overnight = La Cassine Canal Des Ardennes

Day 10 Thursday 23 June 33 kilometres Locks = 46 Weather = Fine then storm
We were up early and started our descent down the staircase of 26 locks which are about 100 metres apart. No time for photos.

No time for photos of these as it was out of one and into the other.

On the way down to Rethel to start the lock doors to open we had to turn a pipe hanging down over the canal.

We reached Rethel exhausted, had dinner and off to bed experiencing a stormy night.

Overnight = Rethel Canal Des Ardennes

Day 11 Friday 24 June 68 kilometres Locks = 17 Weather = Fine
Up early again. My faith in Kevin’s calculations is waning just a bit, but we have always gone everywhere together so here we are!
The water in the locks is coming right to the top as there has been a lot of rain. Sometime we wonder if the overflow will be more than the sluice can get rid of.

You can tell we are in French locks by the lovely flowers coming out as the weather gets warmer but the huge log piles show that it is a very cold area in the winter.

We turn off at Berry au Bac into the Canal de l’Aisne a la Marne. Next stop Reims. We visited the Champagne Cellars here a couple of years ago on a much more leisurely trip. But at least the weather is fine.

Overnight = Reims on Canal de l’Aisne a la Marne

Day 12 Saturday 25 June 53 kilometres Locks = 18 Weather = Showers
We are now in Champagne country and an interesting mix of vineyards, Wheat fields and flowers.

We went through the Tunnel of Mont De Billy which is 2302 metres long and was built around 1880 and has good lights and is the pound for holding water. Then we had a good run of 8 down locks and through lock then the tunnel at Conde sur Marne

then turned into the Canal Lateral a La Marne and 2 up locks to finish the day.
Overnight = Marina Chalons en Champagne Canal lateral a la Marne

Day 13 Sunday 26 June 39 kilometres Locks = 10 Weather = Fine
Last night we stayed in the new marina being built next to the lock. It is not quite finished but when it is the facilities will be the best we have seen so far.

We found a great found a great outdoor café in the square and as there wasn’t a menu in english we watched the food being brought out from the kitchen and chose the two most popular dishes going by. They were a good choice and along with a bottle of red it was time to relax and enjoy ourselves and forget about
ALL THOSE LOCKS.

In the morning Kevin found the Boulangerie in one of the half wooden buildings.

Then a short day of travel but still plenty of locks.
Overnight = Canal Vitry le Francois

Day 14 Monday 27 June 49 kilometres Locks = 19 Weather = Fine

ARE WE THERE YET!!! Kevin’s calculations are way out and I am whinging!!!

We are now on a canal we havnt been on before it was the Canal Marne de la Saone but now has a more touristy name of Canal entre Champagne et Bourgogne as it goes from the River Marne in the champagne area to the River Saone in Burgundy. It is not a popular canal and although there are quite a few locks which have been reconditioned there are many which are very old and in bad repair.

Along the canal we have been experiencing very low flying fighter jet planes making a hell of a racket. Then just before St Dizier the canal was right alongside the aerodrome which had its runways parallel with the canal. We were happily driving along when we found out what it is like being in the path of a landing jet!! They touched down about 200 metres alongside us and I could see the pilots in the plane. The whole boat shook.

The Canal book showed diesel was available from a marina at St Dizier but it had closed a few years before. So we had to backtrack a few kilometres to where we had seen a garage up on the roadway. Off Kevin went with the cans and after a kilometre trudge there and back he was not in a good mood and had a few words to say about updating books as we had a recent edition.
Overnight = Canal Chevillon

Day 15 Tuesday 28 June 43 kilometres Locks = 18 Weather = Fine
Today it is very warm again we have had a hot spell with the lock keepers reporting it is 36 and tomorrow it will be 40 deg C. We are still working our way up the mountain 3 metres at a time. The weed is quite bad but thankfully the water is crystal clear. We slowed down to about 3 kph so it was time for a swim. We both had a swim when we stopped for the day and Kevin had to dive under to clear the propeller.

Overnight = Canal at Vieville.

Day 16 Wednesday 29 June 17 kilometres Locks = 8 Weather = Fine

The canal scenery is always changing and there are many lovely old bridges.

Along the way we passed a dredger clearing the canal.

It was very hot and Kevin had to break out his best hat.

We stopped around lunch time in Chaumont as Michael and Kay were arriving on the train to stay with us for a few days. It is very hot and we had a hard time getting a taxi from the port to the town which was 2 km up at the top of the hill. Once there we checked where the station was, bought some food and then tried to get a taxi back to the boat with our groceries. It was impossible to get one so we went for a coffee and the owner rang several companies for a taxi with no success and finally an ex resident visiting Chaumont offered to take us back to the boat.
In the evening we managed to got a lift back into town to the station. Michael and Kay had just finished a 27 day tour of Europe and arrived with a sad tale of having his wallet stolen at the Brussels station while boarding the train. So many people we know who have been travelling for years and are very careful have lost wallets this year.

We had trouble again trying to find a taxi as it seems they are owner driven and if they are busy already there is no luck, especially if you are trying to ask in very bad French. Finally we asked a hotel reception and after two calls we got back at the boat. A nightcap and off to bed.
Overnight = Marina in Chaumont

Day 17 Thursday 30 June 38 kilometres Locks = 23 Weather = Fine

Michael and Kay are with us for the section Chaumont to St Jean de Losne.

This morning we had a leisurely breakfast and started down the canal to Langres. We introduced Mike to the joys of Up Locking and for a first timer he was very good and I was glad of a new pair of hands and took it easy. He also took on the job of helping the lock keeper wind the doors.

I think he enjoyed helping!!!!

We crossed a canal bridge over the river as we came out of the lock

We could see Langres high up as we came closer.

We stopped for the night at Langres and took a taxi up to the city to look around and have lunch. Langres is a Fortified town overlooking the Marne Valley. It was originally a Gallo- Roman Fortress and you can still see the Triumphal area embedded in the ramparts. The ramparts are 3 kilometres long and we enjoyed a walk along the some of it before lunch in town.

Kevin taking time to smell the roses.

I am enjoying the French food, a change from the Dutch and German food we have experienced for the past three years.

We did a bit of shopping then started the trial of finding a taxi to take us back down to the Port.
Overnight = Langres

Day 18 Friday 1 July 41 kilometres Locks = 27 Weather = Fine
Great excitement this morning, today we go through the 4820 metre Balesmes Tunnel and start the descent down to the Saone.

NO MORE UP LOCKS!!

After the tunnel we were passed by a huge boat which was keeping all options of travel open, carrying a car and bikes on the back.

At the next lock a young girl travelling on a hire boat in front of us was going into town for baguettes. She asked if we would like some also and off she cycled. It was a good sight seeing her come back at the next locks with her bag of baguettes.

We stopped for another leisurely lunch just like old times and walked into the village of Dommarien. It is very nice acting as tourists again at a less frantic pace. We have to be careful with the drinks and food when picnicking as the European Wasps can smell food from kilometres away and always arrive once the food is out. We have bought caps to put over the cans and glasses as they get right into any liquid.

The village is very old but also very pretty. The river Aisne runs alongside the canal and has a stone bridge with arches and beautiful Lavoir (wash house) where the village women did there washing in the early days alongside the river.

The old stone buildings were great for photos

and we found a cherry tree in the street with ripe cherries low enough to pick.

Tonight after working our way down and trying to avoid the weed we saw a lock house ahead that had been turned into a café. It looked like a good stop for the night as there was a lot of activity going on. It was a problem as even though advertised as a stopping place it was full of weed. After carefully avoiding as much weed as possible we managed to tie up.

We called into the café and booked in then walked over the road as we could see a Goat Cheese factory which was advertising tasting. We tasted a few cheeses and made a purchase then went back to relax and wait for dinner time.

I like the photo of the old goats. Of course I mean the one on the advertising sign!!

Many yummy varieties of goats cheese we tried a lot of them and made purchases for future lunches.

Mike was really keen on taking this plant pot home but settled for a photo.

The meal at the restaurant was really good and all the produce was from local providers.

Overnight = St Maurice sur Vingeanne

Day 19 Saturday 2 July 39 kilometres Locks = 19 Weather = Fine
Up early today and managed to pole out to avoid the weed before starting the propeller.

Today we passed a pheasant farm. Separate areas alongside the canal were completely covered with netting.

The locks in this canal have been in very bad repair and there is a lot of weed, thankfully there is plenty of water. We have had to call out the VNF with doors not opening or closing or starting to fill. It is a big worry that we might get caught by a non working lock and not be able to go back or forward as once you leave Vitry le Francois there are no alternatives. They are trying to advertise the canal which is the most straight through route to the south but it is a bit of a gamble. We chose this one to travel instead of the Canal de Bourgogne ( only other canal in the mid to south of France we had not been on) as it has less locks. Canal entre Champagne et Bourgogne is 225k long with 114 locks, the Bourgogne is 200 and has 199 locks. We found out that this one was a good choice as although the other has a lot of weed is also running dry.
There are a lot of empty lock houses which would serve as holiday houses if restored.

When the locks have been automatic we use a radar control to open the lock gates and to start the filling process.

Some of the scenery along the way.

Lots of bales of hay.

A Village just off the canal

Old iron bridges

A crusader cross in the field

Sunflowers

With a sigh of relief we went through we went through the lock handed back our radar control and out onto the Saone River.

Overnight = Pontailer sur Saone

Day 20 Sunday 3 July 35 kilometres Locks = 2 Weather = Fine

We had a pleasant drive down the Saone with only two locks.

We stopped the night in Auxonne as we wanted to take Mike and Kay to see the Napoleon Bonapart museum. Auxonne is very tourist friendly and a young women meets each boat to help tie up and hand out information. The town pontoons are free only paying for power if needed they are just outside the town walls. There is also a larger marina just out of town a bit.

We caught up with a group of Austrians on a hire boat we had been speaking to earlier in the day and had a few drinks on the pontoon.

We visited the museum which is housed in an old tower of the barracks where the 18 year old Napoleon came to start his military career.

Inside the tower is display of an exquisite Sevre dinnerset which has the portrait of each person dining at the St Cloud reception with Napoleon.

There is also Napoleon’s campaign table and Tricorn hat. All of this is housed in an old stone tower with security in the person of two older women. Unbelievable anywhere else it would be humidified and security officers would be everywhere.

One goes from floor to floor climbing a very windy narrow staircase.

A few photos of Napoleons statue and it back to the boat.

Overnight = Auxonne

Day 21 Monday 4 July 18 kilometres Locks = 1 Weather = Fine
A leisurely breakfast then off down the to last lock

And into St Jean de Losne. What a welcome sight there were times I never thought we would get here.

We went around into H2O and found our place on the sales pontoon.

A walk through town and a drink by the river followed. Then dinner at our favourite restaurant the L’Amiral.

Overnight = St Jean de Losne

The next couple of days were spent cleaning the boat and Mike and Kay left to go back to Australia. After a very sad farewell to Courlis

we caught several trains back to the Netherlands to pick up Harry and start off once again. Our boating days are over, we had seven great years boating and now we are on to our new adventures in Harry our Motorhome.

If you would like to check out our motorhome adventures go to ykgilbertmotorhome.blogspot.com

TRAVELLING OUTBACK AUSTRALIA

2011-03-14T19:50:00.000+08:00

Have you ever wondered if you could travel Australia’s Outback?

Our Daughter Lisa and granddaughter Ashleigh say- YES YOU CAN!!!!

While we were travelling the waterways of beautiful green Netherlands Lisa and Ashleigh travelled dry , red outback Australia from Perth, north to Darwin then down south through the centre to Alice Springs then Uluru and across the desert west to Kalgoorlie and back to Perth.

This photo shows her trip and how big Australia is.

They travelled in a Mitsubishi Challenger four wheel drive with a roof podfor chairs, table etc and a 30 second Oz Tent on the roof rack. Inside the car Kevin had made pull out boxes for all the cooking gear and food in the back with the Engel Fridge on top then the bedding and clothes for two fitted in any spare space.

Their trip took 10 weeks and Lisa drove 14000 kilometres. 10 year old Ashleigh did school work which was emailed back to Perth and wrote a diary of her trip.

LISA AND ASHLEIGH (and Elwood who stayed home)

This is Lisa’s story from emails sent home to friends and family.

THE AUSSIE ANGELS AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE

Email 1

Hi all , Just a generic email to let you all know our whereabouts and what has happened so far.

We left Perth two hours behind schedule!

And changed our plans on the first day! Due to leaving late and not wanting to drive too far at night, we stayed at The Old Convent in Northampton rather than free camp at Murchison River.

On the way we had a very close call with an enormous emu (we were so close we actually eye-balled each other!)

Monkey Mia - Denham - Shark Bay

On the way into Shark Bay we visited the Stromatolites which are living fossils.

Modern stromatolites are mostly found in hypersaline lakes and marine lagoons where extreme conditions due to high saline levels exclude animal grazing. One such location is Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve, Shark Bay in Western Australia.

Monkey Mia is famous for the bottlenose dolphins that visit and interact with the humans at the beach. They are part of a pod of around 300 wild dolphins that live in the bay.

The weather is glorious, about 24c, but the water is freezing! We stayed here 4 days and have been to three dolphin viewing/feedings (just our luck though that for the next two weeks tourists aren't able to feed the dolphins, this is being done by the rangers only), this afternoon we visited Ocean Park open aquarium and tonight we went on a didgeridoo dreaming tour.

Ash has made friends with the kids next door - 3 year old girl, 5 year old girl and 7 year old boy. They have been travelling around Australia for 19 months already on their two year holiday.

Well I had better go and enjoy the day. I hope you are all enjoying work and the cold weather (ha ha).

Bye for now.

Email 2

Hi All, Once again another generic email to let you all know how we are going. If you don't want to receive anymore let me know and I will remove you from my email list - and won't talk to you ever again!!

On our last day of dolphin feeding before we left Monkey Mia the public were finally allowed to feed the dolphins. The problem being that there were about 100 people and only 10 fish to go around! As luck would have it, one of the staff had been on the didgeridoo dreaming tour we went on the night before and must have recognised Ash and chose her to feed one of the dolphins, yipeee!

After leaving Denham we stopped at Shell Beach where billions of tiny white sea shells form a 60km long beach. The shells are many metres deep and there are buildings in Denham built from blocks of the compacted shells.
CORAL BAY - SWIMMING WITH THE WHALE SHARKS

It was a long drive to Coral Bay (about 6 and a half hours). Hot, sunny Coral Bay... yeah right. I am convinced I am a rainman! We battened down the hatches and survived a night of thunder, lightening and torrential rain (which the tent didn't take a liking too mind you!)

But all was forgotten when we went on our long awaited Whale Shark tour. Apparently the whale sharks are only being sighted every three or four days at the moment so we were extremely excited when the spotter plane found one for us, although we still had the worry that it would dive down deep and we would still miss out. But all went well and Ash and I had the most awesome experience of swimming with a seven metre whale shark!

Words can't describe how I felt when I finally got to do something that I have been dreaming about for so long.

We also did three snorkels on the outer reef which was fantastic to see such abundant fish and vibrant coral. We also swam with some reef sharks! I was so proud of Ashleigh, who wasn't scared at all and who snorkelled better than many of the adults on the tour.

The next day was a lazy day spent snorkelling in Coral Bay and reminising about our fantastic experience.

The next day however wasn't as fun, spent packing up and another 6 hour drive to Karratha!

Today we went to the North West Shelf Project Visitor Centre which was interesting and to see the Aboriginal rock art on the Burrup Peninsula.

From now on it is going to get quite hectic as we only stop one or two nights at each place. We will have to wait and see how that goes!

Bye for now. Lisa and Ash

Email 3

Hi All, Now where did we leave off last time?? That's right we were in Karratha.

MILLSTREAM

After Karratha we headed to Millstream-Chichester National Park, about 2 hours south-east of Karratha and set up camp at Crossing Pool. It was actually really nice to be away from caravan parks and bush camping again. I was expecting Millstream to be similar to Karijini National Park with its amazing gorges, so although it was nice I was a bit disappointed, however, our campsite beside the pool was great

and we were greeted in the early morning with a chorus by the white corellas (white cockatoos)

Who would mind doing the dishes with a view like this.

The roads out here are wide and dusty and you have to be careful of crossing cattle as there are no fences.

PORT HEDLAND -IRONORE COUNTRY

What can I say about Port Hedland other than "don't bother". With all due respect to those people who live there, it is a big mining town and lots of dust!

The iron ore trains and ships in the port are huge.

The country out here is red and dry and it will be good to get back to the coast.

We are seeing quite a few interesting lizards who fit in well with the colours out here.

Next was Eighty Mile Beach. Ash had a ball collecting shells along the beach and when the tide went out walking out about 200 metres. This is the beach as the tide was coming in.

Although Cyclone Laurence hit Eighty Mile Beach just before Christmas last year, the caravan park has already been rebuilt and it is pretty green.

We had decided to stay at Port Smith, approximately 150 kms south of Broome, as the caravan park had a rehabilitation centre and I thought it would be nice to interact with the joeys. Unfortunately though, there were only a few kangaroos there and you could only look from a distance. There isn't much at Port Smith unless you are a fisherman, but Ash had a ball playing in the mud when the tide went out in the lagoon and playing with the tiny crazy crabs. Whilst we were trudging around in above ankle height mud in the mangroves, the sneaky sand flies were feasting on me (after counting 80 bites I gave up), but I can tell you this, they are still itching like crazy a week later. I have since discovered that the lagoon we were walking around in is prime crocodile territory, oops!

BROOME and CAPE LEVEQUE

We arrived at Broome and into the lap of luxury! We are staying at one of my best friend's friends place in Broome. They have a property just out of Broome on the hill overlooking Cable Beach. They have two Eco Tents which they do as a bed and breakfast and a studio for family and friends (a proper bed and space for a few nights, yippee!).

I tell you what this is my ultimate dream home. It is open plan using natural materials; e.g. rammed earth walls and floors, wood, corrugated iron and decorated tropical style. The gardens and view are amazing too. I have told Ash if she ever wins lotto, she has to buy me this place. Apart from enjoying the luxury, it has been really having the company of another adult, Lisa (yes, another one) and kids, Jacob and Amberley for Ash.

We did the Willie Creek Pearl Farm tour which was interesting learning all about pearls and then at the end I got to drool over all the beautiful pearls before leaving empty handed. One day, one day!

We drove up to Cape Leveque, about 230 kms north of Broome for a couple of nights. About 100 kms of the road in is gravel and can be quite badly corrugated and sandy. I didn't find it as bad as I had expected and actually quite enjoyed it (yes, I am a strange one!).

Cape Leveque is on aboriginal land and has a good caravan park and beach huts right on the beach. The colours of the rock and beaches are amazing.

Today we went to Malcom Douglas's Wildlife and Crocodile Park.

I tell you what, I wouldn't want to come across a croc in the wild! I am starting to get abit nervous actually about the crocs and camping in a tent!

Tomorrow we hit the Gibb River Road, yipee! I have spent time today checking all the oils etc in the car, so hopefully all will go okay.

Well bye for now. Lisa and Ash.

Email 4
Hi All , After leaving Broome we drove about 100 kms on the Gibb River Road before turning off to Windjana Gorge thankfully the rains have gone and all the roads are open.

Gibb River Road

There is always a reminder on signs out here to make sure you have enough fuel.

Windjana Gorge

At Windjana Gorge we bumped into friends of my parents, Mary and Don.They had been having tyre trouble as they had been along the entire Gibb River Road which is badly corrugated.

Tunnel Creek The next day we went to Tunnel Creek. Tunnel Creek is a 500 metre cave which is inhabited by bats and sometimes freshwater crocodiles! We donned our reef shoes and torches and managed to negotiate our way in the dark, only getting wet up to our shorts.

We are seeing the amazing Boab Trees, sometimes called Bottle trees.

Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater

After Fitzroy Crossing, where we did a boat tour of Geike Gorge, we headed for Halls Creek. As a last minute decision we decided to go into Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater, as we heard our friends might be there. The road into Wolfe Creek is the beginning of the Tanami Track which runs through to Alice Springs. Although mostly graded, it was a bit rough, which I quite enjoyed, but long, taking two hours to reach the crater. After a quick look into the crater, it was back into the car for the two hour drive back before it got dark.

On the way out we saw our friends who has stopped to help two ladies in a land-cruiser that had rolled in front of them. Fortunately the ladies weren't badly injured, though I can't say the same about the car. It does make one think of the dangers when driving on gravel roads.

This put us behind schedule and meant we had to drive out of Wolfe Creek in the dark! As we arrived back into Halls Creek late, we decided to stay at the Halls Creek Caravan Park. I must say that the caravan park was fine, even though it was just down the road from the hotel. Although I was expecting a horror night, it was actually pretty quiet, or else it could have been that after driving for eight hours I was too tired to notice anything!

Bungle Bungles - Purnalulu National Park

I woke the next morning, eagerly anticipating our drive into the Bungle Bungles. I had heard numerous times how bad the road in was and that it took about two and a half to three hours to drive the 53kms in. Well all I can say is that most people can be pretty soft! I took it pretty easy and made it in one and a half hours and that is after going back to do the creek crossing again! (water level just above the number plate).

We started to see the amazing giant ant hills also.

What an amazing place! The striped, sandstone bee-hive domes are so different to any other place in the world.

This toilet must be the most photographed in the bungles.

We even did a 30 minute helicopter ride (which I will be paying off for years to come!) Besides the awesome view, it was so exciting to see Ash having her first helicopter ride (with no doors on mind you). She wore a smile from ear to ear the whole time.

We also hiked to Echidna Chasm and Mini Palm Gorge both fabulous places.

Time to relax afer a hard days hiking.

Kununurra

Now we are in Kununurra. I must say that although we are having a fantastic time, it is a lot different to how I thought it would be in terms of having time to relax! We are on the go the whole time.

Here is a typical day:

1. Pack up camp

2. Drive to next spot (anywhere between 3 and 6 hours)

3. Set up camp

4. See the sights (which often involves hours of walking)

5. Cook dinner and do the dishes

6. Work out where to go next and what sights are to be seen there

7. Work out how long we will need to get there and how long we will need to stay there

8. Work out how much petrol we will need and where I can get it from

9. Work out what food we will need (taking into account whether we will have power or not, how much room we have in the fridge and containers and when I can buy it next)

10. Have a shower (if available) or wash

10. Go to bed exhausted.

Other things that also need thinking about and doing:

1. Car maintenance

2. Reorganising/packing the pod/car

3. Washing the clothes and towels

4. Charging lights, cameras etc

5. Working out if have enough water and gas

I think that is about all. Needless to say, this is why I haven't picked up a book to read or emailed everyone individually!

We hope everyone is going well back in Perth. Stay warm (lol) and don't work too hard (lol).

Love Lisa and Ash

Email 5

El Questro Wilderness Park.

Hi All, We left Kununurra after a well earned rest and headed for El Questro Wilderness Park.

We hiked into Emma Gorge

which ends in a beautiful refreshing (translates to freezing cold) pool,

We hiked El Questro Gorge to another awesome pool - the water is so clear it is amazing, and sat in the little thermal (warm) pools at Zeebedee Springs.

Next stop was Lake Argyle. The pool at the caravan park there is an infinity pool (has no visible edge and looks like it drops away to Lake Argyle) which is simply stunning.

Then finally it was across the border and into the Northern Territory, with the obligatory border sign photo of course.

Northern Territory

First stop in the NT was Katherine, where we went to Katherine Gorge, Katherine Hot Springs and hiked to the top of Edith Falls.

In Katherine we came across our first cane toad which are now coming over to western Australia. This one hopped into our tent bag outside the tent. I nearly had a fit when I picked the bag up and a gallant man came to my rescue to remove it. UUGH!!

Litchfield National Park

Next was Douglas Hot Springs. The water here comes out of the ground at around 60 degrees (too hot to swim) but cools abit further down stream where it is like a hot bath.

It was here that I had my first dreaded snake incident of the trip! Ash advises me, 'cool as a cucumber', that there was a snake. I on the other hand was anything but 'cool as a cucumber' and proceeded to have a full scale panic attack as I ran back along the creek bed trying to find my way out.

Then it was off to Litchfield National Park.

Here we passed the termite mounds reaching up into the sky

and the magnetic termite mounds which are oriented North South for natural airconditioning.

Being so hot we went to Florence Falls to have a swim (one of the few places you can swim at Litchfield due to crocodiles) and so did the rest of the NT I'm sure. I had to laugh as we climbed down the steps to the 'remote and tranquil' Florence Falls only to find about 200 people (no word of a lie) had done the same thing!

The next day Ash got really sick (bad stomach pains and vomiting) and we drove back out of Litchfield to the nearest town, where we went to the Community Health Clinic. She was diagnosed with dehydration and gastro but the appendix could not be ruled out. With this in mind we raced back into Litchfield, packed up camp and headed for Darwin early. As Murphy's Law would have it, on the way to Darwin she felt better and hasn't been sick since!

Darwin

In Darwin so far we have been for a tour on the amphibious craft (goes on land and in water), went to Crocosaurus Cove,

where we held a juvenile croc, went for a swim with the juvenile crocs (in a pool beside the enclosure) and Ash held a snake whilst I had another panic attack!

We went to Aquascene, where we fed the fish and visited the Mindl Beach Sunset Markets, where we spent lots of money.

That's all for now. I hope all is well with everyone.

Lisa and Ash

Email 6

Hi All

Wow, where do I start? It has been awhile since my last update. I had better finish off Darwin I guess.

As you can't really swim at Darwin (unless you wish to brave the crocs and stingers), they have built a wave pool at the Waterfront Precinct in the city. We spent nearly four hours 'surfing' the waves until we began to feel sea-sick! We also went to the Leanyer Recreation Park, which is free (who says you can't get something for nothing) and has water slides, water playground, pool, playground and skate park.

The Territory Wildlife Park at Berry Springs, just outside Darwin, was good too. It has different habitats (i.e. savannah, billabong, monsoon forest, woodlands) showcasing the diverse fauna and flora of the Northern Territory.

Kakudu National Park

Then it was off to Kakadu National Park, which is just awesome.

We saw Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr and Nourlangie Rocks (and nearly got carried away by swarms of gigantic mozzies at the campground there);

went on the Yellow Waters Cruise (at sunrise and sunset)

and saw the most amazing amount of birdlife and heaps of crocs (there were even some National Geographic moments); We 4-wheel drived into Twin and Jim Jim Falls (and negotiated a very deep water crossing)

and stayed at the beautiful Gunlom Falls (where Linda Kowalski in Crocodile Dundee got attacked by the croc).

Next was Mataranka, where we spent hours in the thermal hot springs at Mataranka Homestead and Bitter Springs. A bit of trivia for you - Mataranka was where I first learned to swim when I was three years old and was on a trip around Australia with Mum and Dad and my brother and sister. We also had a sleepless night experiencing an aboriginal community following 'pay-day'!

We are now heading south towards Alice Springs, on the way we passed the devils marbles near Tennant Creek.

On the drive to Tennant Creek, which was already a six hour drive, we were held up for a further two and a half to three hours following a fatal road accident on the Stuart Highway. A very sobering sight and a reminder that we were doing the right thing; i.e. living life whilst we can.

At Tennant Creek we did the Battery Hill Underground Gold Mine Tour and panned for gold - no gold nuggets but lots of gold ore.

At Gem Tree we went garnet fossicking. After four and a half hours of back breaking work we came away with six garnets that can be cut and about 200 garnets that are unable to be cut due to their size or fractures!
Alice Springs

Then we finally reached Alice Springs, the centre of Australia. The highlights here being: a hot air balloon flight (which was just awesome, drifting along just above the trees and then 1000 feet up within a matter of seconds);

a night time tour at Desert Park (where we saw some rare and endangered animals); and a didgeridoo sound and light show and didgeridoo lesson (it looks alot easier than it is let me tell you).

As for the weather, we have definitely left the sunny, humid 35 degree days and 25 degree nights behind. We are now experiencing days of 17 degrees and nights of 2 to 6 degrees! Yesterday there was a down pour and in the space of just over an hour, our tent was flooded up to ankle deep, not happy Jan!

Ash is collecting so many souvenirs they take up almost all the space we have in the car or the tent.

Next we head south for a few days at Kings Canyon then a few days at Uluru (aim to climb 'the rock' weather permitting), before the long, dreaded trek home along the Great Central Highway (and don't let the word Highway fool you). Provided that the road is still open and not too badly damaged, and if all goes well, we are expecting to be home late on Friday 13th (I didn't time that very well did I?)

Well bye for now. The next time I get to email we will probably be home, back at work and saying "what holiday"?!

Lisa and Ash

Email 7

Hi All , We did it! After ten weeks and 14 052 kms, we arrived home safely on Wednesday night.

But before that I guess I should fill you in on the last part of our journey.

When we left Alice Springs we went to Kings Canyon

Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park

and then to Uluru (Ayers Rock). I am not sure if it was because I have seen images of it so many times or if it was because I have wanted to go there for so many years, but it was an amazing feeling when you actually see it in the flesh I mean rock, it is a pretty awesome sight. The climb was opened on our first day there (it is quite often closed due to weather conditions) and you can't believe how excited I was to finally be able to climb 'The Rock'.

I went to Uluru when I was little but wasn't able to climb it as I was too young (something my brother and sister have never let me forget mind you) so after 37 years I finally made it to the top,

woo hoo!!

Coming down was harder than climbing up.

Sunset on the rock

We also did a camel ride to see and saw the sun rise over Uluru - was good fun even though it was only about 2 degrees!

Great Central Road

We left the rock and travelled west towads Kata Tjuta

The Great Central Road which wasn't as bad as I was expecting so that was a pleasant surprise. It was a long drive though (nearly 1200 km) and the road conditions changed quite abit; i.e. from loose gravel to sandy patches then corrugations, so you had to concentrate pretty hard, needless to say after two days of it we were pretty tired.

We saw 28 wild camels and hundreds of car wrecks (which is quite a discerning sight especially since it was so remote - in the 1200 kms we only saw about 20 other cars and sometimes you wouldn't see one for hours at a time).

We called into Giles Weather Station out in the desert where we saw the weather balloons go up and saw the piece of space junk which landed near here.

A few more kilometres of dirt road and we are back to the bitumen then Kalgoorlie.

At Kalgoorlie we did a tour of the Super Pit, which I think is one of, if not, the largest open cut gold mine in the world. They produce about three and a half million dollars worth of gold each day, although none of it fell into my lap!

The trucks are so big you need a staircase to climb in to the cab.

We were going to go gold prospecting but unfortunately the trip was cancelled due to lack of numbers, so our chance at finding ourselves a huge gold nugget were dashed.

So now we are home and trying to get everything organised for going back to work and school tomorrow, boo hoo.

We both had an absolutely awesome time and feel so lucky to have been able to see so many wonderful places and do so many fantastic things. We have definitely caught the travel bug and are already starting to think about when we can do another trip - this time we have Queensland in our sights.

Ash got her friends home safely and after being squashed in to any spare space in the car they are all in pride of place on her bed.

We hope you have enjoyed hearing all about our adventures and also hope that it may have given you the inspiration to go and explore this amazing country of ours!

Until next trip.

Lisa and Ash

TRAVELLING NORTH BACK TO KUIKHORNE

2010-09-20T14:47:00.003+08:00

On our way north we called into Joure to catch up with Irene and Jan in the marina, Irene’s brother lives in Perth so it was time to take photos for back home.

We arrived in time for the Yearly Collectors Fair which is partly collector’s stalls and partly antiques or upmarket stalls. It was really interesting to see what collectors collect.

There were the most amazing displays. This fellow had a display of toy poker machines.

There was even special poker loo paper

Andries Timmerman collects fire alarm sprinklers and shows them all over Europe. He said he would love to get in touch with anyone in Australia who collects them so he can swap.

The man on this stall made the most beautiful cutouts. I love the idea of the family tree.

Our friends Max and Geertje live in Joure and came over for drinks and Diane and John arrived in their boat Dijon and joined us.

One of the many ballooning companies around Joure lifted one of their balloons in the evening from the grassed campervan area beside the marina.

Next stop was Kuikhorne and Eibertsnest Marina where we will leave the boat until 2011.

Hans has a marvellous hydraulic lifter to take the boat out and transport it to the hardstand, it is so much better than having it wave in the breeze on straps.

Courlis is now back up on hardstand and all winterised ready to leave.

Edi and Otto were in the harbour so it was lovely to catch up with them. Edi cooked us some lovely german meals and were great company as we packed up and winterised the boat.

We said our goodbyes and caught the train to Ijmuiden to spend a few days with Liz before heading home, of course being Australian Liz had vegemite was on the table to remind us of home.

While there we visited Amsterdam travelling down the Nordzee canal by Hydrofoil ferry.

It was raining and everyone had raincoats on even the bicycles. I like the blue coat which is like a wearable umbrella.

We spent the day wandering around seeing the sights of Amsterdam.
A typical scenes along the canals.

Making use of every bit of outdoor space for summer gardens.

Sightseeing in Rembrandt Square.
On the way to the markets Kevin visited the boys room on the street. If only it was so easy for girls!!

In the markets we saw some interesting T Shirts and other things.

Foot is sporting a little black number now and going well.

Soon it was time to say goodbye to Liz and make our way to Schipol and the flight home.

Another wonderful year in the Netherlands.

TWENTE CANAL

2010-09-15T11:27:00.000+08:00

From Arnhem we have decided to take Courlis back to Eibertsnest Marina in Kuikhorne, Friesland to leave her for the Winter. We wintered here again last year when we returned from Germany and are very happy with the service there. Hans and Jitty live at the marina and both speak English which is a real bonus. Also Hans will take the boat out or put back in at any time which is much better than the take out in October and put in April that most places offer.

TWENTE CANAL
The river Ijssel is running fast and at our normal cruising of 10kph we were going about 16 kph. We decided to take a small set of canals on the way back north which start just north of Zupthen on the Ijssel.

We spent the night in Zupthen and took the Twente Canal east which went to Almelo then north to Gramsbergen across to Covorden and back through Hoogeveen to Meppel. This canal will become the southern route for the new connection canal through to Ter Appel and into Germany.

As we entered the Twente Canal and the 8 metre lock, the keeper gave us an information bag with advertising for the new campaign to educate skippers to keep out of the way of the barges on the narrow canals.

The usual blue board rules apply but some smaller boats still want to rush past as we head for the other side.

The new education of skippers is for the smaller boats to change to the other side of the canal when a barge comes from behind so it doesn’t have to drive around them. The cartoons are rather cute.

We arrived in Almelo on Sunday and made a trip into town after we had moored to look around as we wanted to leave next morning. While in town we broke one of our rules and decided to get some money out of the ATM in the square. Usually we only use ATM’s when we are in a bank and it is a weekday in case anything goes wrong.

As usual Murphy’s law came into play we used a machine which had been scammed. Our card disappeared and wouldn’t come back out, fortunately Kevin always keeps his hand over the keys when he puts the code in and this apparently saved us. While waiting to see if our card came back out the passing parade of bicycles was interesting.

The young lady has high heels and we wished we had seen her run alongside to pop onto the carrier, they always look so elegant riding side saddle.

Anyway after a trip back to town early next morning, the bank went and checked the machine for the card, couldn’t find it, found out that their machine had been out of action for a couple of hours, checked the cameras and saw someone interfering with the ATM. Thankfully we cancelled the card and nothing was taken out.

We set off late afternoon for the rest of out trip through this small but pleasant set of canals. On the way we are passing through large glasshouses which stretch as far as the eye can see away from the canal.

And of course we pass the seniors out for a picnic, no wonder people look so healthy over here they are always out getting exercise. No cars used here for going on a picnic, but of course the bicycle paths are fantastic.

We stayed in Gramsbergen which in the past was a smuggling town as it is only about a kilometre from the German border. The next morning brought the rain which stayed with us for days.

Thankfully we have good wet weather clothes so locking wasn’t a problem as we now had a fairly tight schedule to get back to Kuikhorne. The bridges are opened by travelling keepers who worked rain or shine. We thought our lady on one section was very good at riding her bike with one hand on the handlebars and the other holding up an umbrella as the rain poured down.

Coming into the last lock we came across a group of seniors out for a ride.

and had quite a conversation as to why we were travelling through the back blocks of the Netherlands on a rainy day and not back in Australia where they were sure the sun would be shining.

Soon we left the small canals and headed north again.As we passed through the lock onto the Tjeukemeer it was very windy and the waves were slopping us around, it always reminds me why I like the canals better than the ocean. This couple flying the German flag in his and hers dinghies packed to the hilt with their camping gear were in front of us. All I can say is she must really be in love to follow him anywhere, I bet he said they were going on a cruise of a lifetime and would have an outside cabin!!

ARNHEM

2010-08-25T04:32:00.031+08:00

We left Utrecht in the afternoon and went back to the lock out onto the Amsterdam Rhine canal then down 20 k to the Neder Rhine. We had a very good trip with hardly any big barges, what a relief as I still have the Maarsen exit in my mind. The harbour of Wijk ij Duurstede was just around the corner as we entered the Neder Rhine so we pulled in for the night. We had a pleasant drink in the café overlooking the harbour which sits high on the town wall. There were two passenger ships in the harbour so we went to look them over. The largest, the Prins Willem Alexander had 25 large windows along each side and as we looked in the windows we were surprised to see each cabin had a bed with equipment to help a person get out of bed. We understood why when we read the information board which said it was a Hospital Vacation Ship with rooms for 50 passengers and 50 volunteers. There were wheelchairs and walkers waiting for the guests. What a wonderful idea the guests can lay in bed and watch the scenery as they go by. Next morning we continued up the Neder Rhine with the current about 4kph against us. The ferry boats crossing the river are attached to little weighted boats anchored in the river so they don’t get swept down when crossing. Arnhem city has almost all modern buildings as the old city suffered when it was bombarded from both parties during the battle of Market Garden in WW2. We passed under the John Frost Bridge made famous in the film ‘A Bridge Too Far’ and drove into a side arm of the river which is out of the current. We stayed at the Jason Rowing and boating club which is about 2 k from the city. Arnhem is quite a meeting spot as there are only 2 small clubs so from the high wall it is easy to see who is in port. We met Jackie and Paul on their lovely barge ‘Kolibri’ called after the hummingbird. They have beautiful little hummingbirds all over the boat in various forms. Liz arrived to stay with us and each day we were kept busy seeing the sights around Arnhem. The old part of the city sits in beside newer buildings but it still has the beautiful squares lined with outdoor café’s that are as much a part of the Netherlands as windmills are. We visited the Battle of Arnhem information centre near the bridge and the man in attendance that day was a former paratrooper and explained all about the Battle of Market Garden. The fact and fiction recordings around the room tell the real story which is different to the film ‘Bridge Too Far’. Then we caught the bus out 10 k to Oosterbeek to visit the Airborne Museum which is housed in the ‘Hartenstein Hotel’ which was used as the Staff Headquarters of the British 1st Airborne Division during the battle. There is a plaque in the gardens commemorating the help given to the allies by the citizens of Oosterbeek. The museum is very good with an excellent film in english or dutch. The wall posters around the rooms are from actual photographs taken during the battle and the quotes are very poignant. The basement has been made like a walk through a battle zone, the equipment, sound and film make it scary as it is so realistic as you walk through. Video 1 arnhem
Today is Kevin’s 70th Birthday and he is receiving calls from home all day. Bob and Lois have arrived in ‘Anemoon’ now we have two Aussie boats in port. English friends Terry and Carol on Silver Star arrived also. We went a 100m to the next marina to the Restaurant Valkenburg to celebrate Kevin’s birthday. It is in a really cute boathouse which is filled with all sorts of treasures. Today was girls day out in town while Kevin did some more Battle stuff. Tonight we celebrated Terry and Carol’s new boat ‘Silver Star’ by washing down several bottles of red while we tried to decide which was the best buy and taste.
Next morning Carol and Terry left Arnhem

And Diane and John arrived in ‘Dijon’ from Maasbracht and Nimegen after braving the Waal, so the Australian Navy is growing.

After the sadness of the Airborne museum we spent another wonderful day by catching the bus out to part of a huge natural park to the
We came here especially to see a huge collection of Van Gogh paintings and drawings as well as many other famous artists. I was in heaven as the Café la Nuit and the Pont were both here and I have previously been to Arles to see where Van Gogh painted these and now I am seeing them in real life. What a Joy!!! While in the park you can use one of the free white bicycles to visit other areas. There is a large hunting museum here also.

On Friday, Penny and Russel in ‘Arcturis’ arrived in Arnhem via the Rhine from Germany where they have spent the last 3 months. Now we had four Aussie boats in Port.

After a great night out in the Jason Boat Club Restaurant we left Arnhem next morning for the Ijssel heading north.

UTRECHT

2010-08-24T00:16:00.037+08:00

UTRECHT
Four weeks after I fell off my bike and damaged my ankle we were back in Utrecht to have the strapping changed again.
We are moored in the Catherine Singel Gracht again and there are a lot more boats here as holiday time has started in the south.

The tourist bureau has walk around Utrecht printed in English and it was really good being able to read about the buildings we saw as usually there is a description in dutch on the wall but too difficult for us to understand.

At 112metres you can almost see the Dom Tower from any street in Utrecht.

This delightful garden is in the middle of Utrecht and was once the cloister garden of the 11th century St Mary’s Church. The friends of St Mary’s look after the garden with plantings of medicinal and kitchen herbs and traditional old fashioned flowers.

As we wandered along the lower level of the Oudegraght we read that these buildings were once the warehouses and businesses of Utrecht and the little sculptures near each door signified what the business was.

There are so many beautiful old building in Utrecht and many like this one are now used for the University faculties.

Soon it was time for a coffee and apple tart. “Which café shall we choose “says Margaret. “Not the coffee shop over there “ said I followed by some traveller education.

As we set off back to the boat we passed the flower stall where the roses were selling 40 stems for 5 euro, how I wish we could get flowers at these prices back home.

As we walked the world goes by on bicycles.

Margaret enjoyed the boat tour through Utrecht which had an english commentary.

Then we had a very pleasant lunch on the canal side. Utrecht is quite unique with the modern city and shopping on the upper level, built because the original 10th century city along the canal was prone to flooding. Now there are some private houses on the lower level but most are restaurants making it a pleasant waterside eating spot. The restaurants also have there main rooms under the road and buildings above which is great for colder weather.

This year is the start of a new walk around Utrecht at night to view many of the historic buildings. The pathway through the streets is lit by small lights in the pavement

One of the most enjoyable museums we have ever visited was The National Musical Clock and Organ Museum of Utrecht situated in an old church. There were the most amazing sounds from the organs which ranged from small hand turned organs to large street organs and huge organs which filled the stage in dance halls.

Our guide was a delightful girl who translated everything in English for us. The musical clocks were amazing in their range.

This painting allowed the very rich owner to have his own town hall chimes in his living room.

A singing nightingale

Cute little musical rabbits

There were a lot of beautiful Pianola, this one was accompanied by 3 Violins.

The organs ranged from small hand driven to the larger street organs and the ballroom organs which sounded like an orchestra.

If you are anywhere near Utrecht you must visit here.

Soon it was time to take Margaret back to the railway station and for me to get my ankle attended to and head off to our next destination which was Arnhem.

Bye Margaret, we had a great time.

Have been to the Zikkenhuis, the swelling has gone down a lot, the bandage is smaller and I can fit into my sneaker without the laces, it is much more comfortable than wearing one of Kevin’s sneakers as mine fit much better onto a stair tread. I don’t know how men climb stairs and fit their big shoes onto each step without falling.

Tomorrow we head for Arnhem.

Margaret’s Holiday -Den Bosch - Gorinchem - Gouda – Utrecht

2010-08-03T18:22:00.003+08:00

DEN BOSCH
When Margaret joined us we decided to backtrack as I needed to go back to Utrecht to have my ankle checked.
It rained very heavily all Sunday and we were in the town called s’-Hertogenbosch (Duke’s Wood) shortened to Den Bosch. The town received city rights in 1185 and built a fortified wall around the town. Moats were built on the two small rivers which flowed either side of the town then in the 14th century the second city wall was built which meant the river branches were enclosed in the city and the waterways were called the Binnendeize. The town harbour lies alongside the outer town wall.

On Monday, Margaret arrived from Australia to visit us, it was a convenient place to meet as the train from Schipol takes about 90 minutes and cost 14 euro.
In Den Bosch we took a cruise on the Binnendieze in small boats which took us along the old canal system through and under the town. It was a fantastic cruise which you must take when you come to Den Bosch.

In the 1500’s it was forbidden to build outside the city all so as the population increased people started to build across the water hence the tunnels and bridges. In 1964 the city council decided to close the 12 kilometres of waterways inside the town walls but fortunately a group of people recognised the historical value and prevented a total closure. In 1973 restoration started which took 25 years and a huge cost and now 3.5 kilometres remain of which 1/3 is covered and flows under the houses and the central city buildings.

The boat trips are organised by the Binnendeize Foundation and run by volunteers.

HEUSDEN
We decided to take a trip to Heusden by bus as we would be passing it by when we leave here and our first visit was just overnight. The bus arrives on the outskirts of Heusden and we had a lovely walk through the town taking our time wandering through the small streets.

We really like the plaques above the doors which represent either the profession or philosophy of the original or the new owners.

The town hall had a model of Heusden which is typical of the walled fortified towns. The new suburbs are located on the outside of the town. The model shows the tiny town harbour on the lower right.

We had a wine on the terrace of the harbour restaurant

but decided on the Pannekoeken Restaurant for lunch as it looked like rain. Right across from us was the restaurant ‘In den Verdwaalde Koogel’ which takes its name from a cannon ball lodged in the wall, a remnant from the French occupation in 1794.

Then it was back to the bus and on the way we couldn’t resist the cherries.

Next stop
GORINCHEM

Margaret’s first experience of large barges was in our first lock.

Coming out we passed a typical dutch scene of seniors bicycling along the dike enjoying a day out.

Then it was up the canal where we passed the horses living alongside the river.
and across the Waal dodging the barges.

And into Gorinchem which we entered through the small lock into the Lingehaven which was like a matchbox after the large 240 metre long locks.

The view when the lock door opened is spectacular.

As this is our second time in Gorinchem we caught up with some of the places we wanted to visit. We went by water ferry across the Waal to see Woudrichem and the Castle Loevestein with its history from the 13th century and the Fort Vuren which together with Gorinchem make up the old fortified towns of the 17th century old and new 19th century Holland .
The castle was interesting as it was mainly a defensive castle housing soldier regiments protecting Gorinchem and Woudriche from the French and the English .

Fort Vuren was mainly active as the New Holland Waterline defence in the 19th and 20th century and a very pleasant place to have lunch on the terrace.

Woudrichem was a lovely place to wander around looking at the plaques above the houses.

Then it was time to go back to Gorinchem to Umbrella Square in the centre of town and pursue our favourite pastime of people watching and sampling the wine of the day.

Next stop
Gouda.

NIJMEGEN FOR THE 4 DAAGSE

2010-08-02T00:59:00.046+08:00

We wanted to visit Nijmegen for the 4 Daagse March which is held in July each year where participants choose a 30,40 or 50 kilometre walk on each of four days.

It is the 94th year it has been organised and is said to be the biggest walk in the world as approx 45000 people take part. There is a lot of participation by military from the Netherlands as well as overseas contingents especially the Canadians. If a walker makes it to the end of the four days within the time they receive a medal. . Below is a photo taken from the newspaper handed out which shows the route for the first day.

Instead of making our way to Nijmegen and trying to find a mooring nearby we decided to travel to Den Bosch (shortened name for s’Hertgenbosch ) settle into the harbour and take a train each day. The main mooring area is really lovely and is beside the outer city wall.

On Wednesday we travelled by train to Nijmegen and along the way the train passed groups of walkers making their way back to Nijmegen. Many leave at 3am so they complete the walk in the time allowed..

After arriving we walked around seeing the town, this is the old town square ready for the festivities. There were bandstands and eating and drinking areas all over town.

then it was time to go to the place where the walkers would cross the finish line for the day. It is a great atmosphere with bands playing as the walkers come in. Many were still quite sprightly and others looked like today would be the only day they walked.

Wednesday was Pink Day when participants and walkers took to the Pink.

We saw these Australian marchers still looking good, if anyone knows who they are let them know we have a photo.

As we wandered about town we came across the seating area ready for the final march in.

Soon it was time for the marchers to go home and nurse their blisters and the party animals to come out for the night.It is tradition for the walkers to be given Gladioli as they come into the home stretch and there were stalls all over town selling thousands of them, unfortunately they were not in full flower.

We were fortunate to be given tickets to sit in the grandstand to watch the walkers do a final lap around town, they started coming in around 1.00pm and were still pouring in at 5.00pm. The atmosphere was electric with the bands playing and people cheering, the walkers seem to be refreshed by the crowd and were very sprightly.

On this final part of the walk a lot of people dress up.

The agony and the ecstasy. If you know the Australians let them know we have their photo.

The young, the middle age and the oldies.

Soon the gladiolis, the blisters and aching muscles are forgotten it was time for the walkers and spectators to kick back and talk over the day.

We took the comfortable option and shared a table with two delightful girls who translated the menu for us.

On the way back to the train we spoke to these walkers who were on the way home he said it had been his 10th walk and it has become a way of life.

GORINCHEM TO HEUSDEN

2010-07-25T00:39:00.000+08:00

In Gorinchem we visited the chandlery as we needed an extension for our ladder which needed a few more rungs in the water. We also bought a bracket for the lifebuoy ring so we could fit it permanently on the back of the boat as down the south of Holland we are travelling on more large rivers than we have in the past along with a lot of very big barges.

While we were here I visited the hospital to have my ankle checked and strapped again it seems to be improving as the swelling is slowly going down.

Diana made a lovely morning tea for my birthday with a great cherry pie washed down with Triple Sec and cream, a most enjoyable morning.

We stayed on the Lingehaven which is a beautiful little canal right in town. It’s a good mooring and when paying the nightly fees we got a card to mark off each night and the fifth night is free. We will get the free night when we return this way.

In the museum we saw a photo of a chart of Gorinchem in the 15th century and it is still easy to see where we are moored today. X marks the spot.

There is always something interesting when you live on the water. These geese are our early morning alarms.

Looking at the apartments alongside the Lingehaven you can pick out the avid gardeners.

Walking around town we spied the church with its leaning tower. The church was open for visiting so in we went and the guide told us the tower leans 1.5 metres. The Great Church of Gorinchem has been in this place since 1263 and the tower was built around 1480

I am always attracted to the church organs.
In the church were several marble statues, the tomb of Jan 111 van Arkel and his wife Mabelia was placed in the church in 1313 and the marble sculpture of Wilhelmina of Paffenrode in 1628, they were removed in 1850 and dumped in the sand beneath the floor and found again in 1916 and placed back in the church.

Next we cruised across the Waal and down through the quiet countryside of the Andelse Maas where we saw these lovely horses. We are not sure if they are wild like the ones in the Lowersmeer.

HEUSDEN
We turned down into the canal to the Bergse Maas and across into Heusden. Entering Heusden is entering into a picture postcard. The entrance to the old harbour is under a small bridge.

We were fortunate to get a mooring in the historic town harbour. In 1908 the old harbour was filled in and it wasn’t until 1965 that the town council voted for it to be restored and the harbour was dug out again. It is really lovely surrounded by high walls and backing on to the old fishmarket.

The sunset on the outside harbour at Heusden signalled the end of a lovely day.
Next morning we left Heusden to travel down to S’hertogenbosch.

This is foot he came to visit me 3 weeks ago.

2010-07-20T00:11:00.002+08:00

Sometimes he is a bit tiresome as he doesn’t want to do everything I want to do, a bit of a winger really especially here as he couldn’t get wet and everyone was swimming.

The first week or so he rested in the cabin, the view from the window kept him amused for a while seeing the passing parade and doing sudoku.

After a while he started to winge as he wanted to get out and about. Fortunately when we visited the hospital again he got a new flexi fibre strapping which could get wet, now things were starting to smell better as well.

He also got a little backpack so we could go walking.

Now nothing could stop him. Wally walkingstick came along on the walk to try it out.

On the way to Den Bosch we stopped along the Maas to go swimming. First I dipped my toes in.

and next thing she tried to drown me, I am some where under there. After a while we had a nice swim.

I survived and had a nice time in Heusden laying back enjoying the view looking at windmills and little bridges.

We stayed in the visitors club moorings in Den Bosch and took the train to Nijmegen to see the second day of the 4 day march. This was my try out on the bicycle to see how I would go. Thank goodness it has an electric motor so all went well. At the end of the day I was glad to get back and rest.

We went back into Nijmegen for the last day of the 4 day Nijmegen March. People do a 30,40 or 50k each day for 4 days. I now have some new footwear, a size 9 sneaker and Kevins size 11. A bit more cushioning on the bottom has made all the difference even if I do look funny.

The treatment I have been receiving at the hospitals has been exceptional, we also smile at their very appropriate name ‘Zuikenhuis’. I have now been to three Zuikenhuis’
I am hoping to get around soon without Wally so I rest as much as I can and Kevin has been a very good nurse and tomorrow is another day.

LINGE RIVER

2010-07-18T01:45:00.022+08:00

After leaving Utrecht we came out onto the Amsterdam Rhine Canal for the second time in 5 days and again there wasn’t a barge in sight. Pity it hadn’t been the same when we came out of the Maarsen exit. We cruised down to the Linge, a small river just north of Gorinchem. The Linge is navigable for 65 k and we would spend a few days here. We pulled into the small town of Heukelem which has a good mooring alongside a park opposite the town steps.

The town steps are crowded with kids swimming, the adults mostly pay the ferry fare and swim on the side we were on. It is bring your own ladder when you swim here and the people came prepared.

Late in the afternoon we had a huge thunderstorm which lasted for 3 hours with thunder lightning and hail. Kevin sat out in the cool until the hailstones came.

The next day we had another lazy day under the trees, it is quite hot and everybody is swimming, I put a plastic bag on my foot and Kevin got river water to soak my feet.

In the evening we were invited to watch the Soccer Grand Final at the local Community Club. They had a magic water slide to keep the kids entertained and some said it would be good after the soccer for skinnydipping.
We had drinks and nibbles surrounded by another sea of orange.

We were welcomed and given reserved seats up front.

Alas it was now time to put the orange away Netherlands Oranje were beaten by Spain and Kevin was disappointed not to see the water nymphs skinnydipping.

Next day we caught the local bus into Goringchem to the hospital to get my ankle strapped. . I handed the letter from Utrecht Hospital and it was arranged straightaway for me to go to the treatment centre. Here the nurse spoke english and as it was hot she strapped my foot with some new type of bandaging so I could get it wet and in 90 minutes it would dry. It looks a little like lightweight fibreglass.

It is a lovely cruise along the Linge . There 2 larger towns of Leerdam a Geldermalsen with harbours and two mooring places of Heukelum and Asperen. Along the way are very large houses, wilderness areas and private riverside holiday places with a lawned area and a place for a boat.

We stayed at the Geldermalsen harbour for one night and did the shopping as the supermarkets were right opposite. Then cruised back to Asperen where we stopped for the night and had a BBQ. The mooring is a lovely grassed area alongside the City Wall.
We stopped here to visit Fort Asperen which is one of the forts on the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie. The defence Waterline is 85k long and 3 to 5 k wide and runs from the former Zuiderzee near Muiden to the Biesbosch south of Dordrecht. Built from 1815 to 1885 it is a system of sluices, dikes and canals which formed a protective ring around cities in county of Holland and Utrecht. The idea of the waterline was to flood the shallow basin with a layer of water about 50cm deep which was enough to make the land difficult to pass for soldiers and wagons and horses and too shallow to navigate boats. The defence line was strengthened with forts and five fortified towns, so far we have visited Miuden, Weesp, Naarden and Gorinchem and will visit Woudrichem next week.

The dark blue on the photo is the Waterline.
The forts are all similar to Asperen; round and with very thick walls. Asperen now lies behind a lovely screen of trees and is used for art exhibitions and we found the guide could also speak English so we learnt a lot about its former glory.

We had a look around the lovely town of Asperen then left for our next stop in Gorinchem.

UTRECHT

2010-07-16T22:47:00.049+08:00

Our view when leaving Ouderwater was similar to many small towns, the Church in the background and the toll bridge which cost 4 euro to pass through.

As we followed the Holland Ijssel we passed this wilderness area where there were small huts to accommodate canoeists. The Dutch think of everyone using the waterways.

We passed this unusual building. The lower area used a method we have seen before on garden windbreaks, walls and fences which uses rocks layered in between building mesh. This is the first time we have seen it on such a large scale.

This lifting bridge is a little different..

Soon we turned onto the Merwade Canal then into the lock. I thought we had entered Garden Week, the whole length of this very large lock was lined with ornamental sculptures.

Entering Utrecht we pass this large water tower which is much more elegant than the ordinary looking ones we have in Perth. Nicky this one would look much nicer than the one you have.

Our mooring is in the Catharijne singel graght very close to the town centre, it has a good pontoon, electricity, and grass and trees alongside.
We spent the afternoon riding along the canal which runs through the main shopping and restaurant area to check the width of the bridges. One of the highlights of bringing your boat to Utrecht is to cruise through the town under the 15 arched bridges.

We also checked out McDonalds for the internet and on the way passed the market area, I was amazed at how cheap the roses were, 40 stems for 5euro about 8 dollars!

Arthur and Diana have good folding chairs which can recline back and while we were shopping in Action we saw some good strong ones. So through the checkout we went then wondered how we would get it back on the bike.

Next we tried Arthur’s bike, it looked more promising so back into the shop for some stretchies.

Early next morning Kevin and I went for a ride around town to get photos before the town was crowded. We were attracted to the early morning bells and rode along a small street and came across the Dom tower, it is 112m tall and can be seen from all parts of Utrecht.
It is part of a very large church, a freak tornado in 1674 destroyed the nave of the church and separated it from the choir section.

The carillon has a peel of 50 bells and plays every 15 minutes. The hour played while we were under the tower and was a truly remarkable experience. The street passes through the tower and you enter between where the Nave was and the Choir section which now has beautiful trees dotted around.
You can still see the crypt flag stones and marked areas in black bricks where the columns and walls were.

We had just left the church and were going back to the little street of antique shops when disaster struck!!!! I FELL OVER !!!! And what a fall, as I went down I heard a crack and thought OH NO!! I lay in a heap, my glasses were crumpled, my camera broken and my ankle HURT! Kevin helped me up, I took off my sneaker looked at the ankle which was growing fatter by the second , I limped to our bikes and turned on the electric and motored back to the boat. I managed to get in and put my foot up thinking it would get better when I rested it. However that was not to be, soon I realised I couldn’t stand on it or move and THE PAIN by then we were five steps down inside the boat.

We managed to get me to the back door steps but realised I would never be able to get up the embankment to the road. Kevin phoned 112 for an ambulance. They were marvellous, my leg was immobilised and they came onto the boat and got me off and up to the ambulance.

It was all a bit surreal and Diana was handy with the camera to take these photos.

Now I am newsworthy, a reporter from the local paper happened to be passing by, the next photo will tell the story if you can read Dutch.

Fortunately after Xrays it was not broken but very badly sprained so back to the boat I went all bandaged up. And the new chair came in handy.

The next night we donned our orange gear and went to watch the soccer half final. Fortunately the tavern was only 50 metres away so I managed to go too on my crutches. The side street was full of flags

And the tavern was full to the brim and people gathered outside to watch through the windows.
Of course the winning goal set off the night and everyone left very happy.

UNDER THE BRIDGES
Utrecht is built on two levels along the waterway with the first buildings built in the 10th century right on the canal, when constant flooding became a problem the street level was raised for the future buildings. Now it is split level with some housing and mainly restaurants fronting on to the canal and under the road and the newer building of houses and shops is on the level above.

The next night 8 of us gathered in the boat with the roof back and we cruised through Utrecht. It was fantastic. We left at 7.30pm and had dinner on the boat at the other end then cruised back around 10pm.

What a fantastic night!!!

We decided to leave Utrecht the next day as I really wanted to see the museums and it was not going to be possible to walk around for a while yet. We would return in a few weeks time.
It was back across the Amsterdam Rhine Canal and down to the Linge River near Gorinchem.

OUDERWATER - SOUTH HOLLAND

2010-07-09T19:51:00.032+08:00

We left Gouda on Wednesday heading for Utrecht but only got as far as Ouderwater which is 15km away. Diana had seen advertising for a BalloonFest (Hot Air Balloons) on Sunday so we decided to stay here. We stayed on the 3 day free mooring on the canal just before the town and hoped no one would say anything about staying longer. It was a great mooring with lawn alongside which was shaded in the afternoon, a bonus as the days have been warm, around 30 + c.

Staying without power for 5 days will be a good test for the 2 new large batteries Kevin bought while we were in Delft. We have a 1000 watt inverter so we can charge the computer, phones, ipod and camera battery.

The chargers for the bicycle batteries can only be done with shore power or while the motor is going so a lot more pedalling will be done over the next few days.

When we were in Germany I went for a swim in the lakes and couldn’t get back on the boat using our emergency ladder. This year we have a new ladder to put on the back of the boat and now the temperature is about 33c we have been swimming and thankfully the ladder is a success and I can exit the water looking less like a beached whale than last year.

We need to be frugal with the water as our tank only takes 200 litres. Over the years of cruising one becomes an expert on water management when it comes to having a shower.

The hot water for the shower on our boat is produced by a heat exchanger from the engine water. If we don’t travel far and the water doesn’t get hot then we use a 12volt shower and hot water from the kettle in a tall thin container. I have found that when you need, you can have a shower with around 6 litres of water and for the next few days we will need to.

On our first early morning walk we came across this delightful family enjoying the quiet and the sunshine.

Later in the day we felt a bit sorry for them as the town busied itself around them with market day.

Around town the shop windows had witch decorations and thought it was a strange theme when it was no where near October 31. Shopping here must be a little scary especially on a dark winters afternoon.

Looking around most of the shops had a witch theme and one caught my eye as it had the most delightful little witches on brooms, inside a customer who spoke very good English who told us the story of Ouderwater and the witches. Witchi Poo now lives on our boat.

In the Middle Ages when many people were tried and burned because people accused them of being a Witch. The accused had their hands and feet tied and thrown in the water, if you floated you were a witch, if you sank you were not a witch as you were too heavy, however you were drowned anyway so the verdict did not matter.

The belief was that witches had to hardly weigh anything so they could ride their broom. (although I have known some modern witches who have been very large). In the 1600’s Ouderwater became famous as they had special scales for weighing witches to see if they were really witches or not (Very smart councillors here).

The building where the scales were housed still stands and the weighing platforms and weights are still used today. People came from all over the surrounding countries to gain a certificate of proof of not being a witch.

Kevin passed the test no problem.

I passed also. What you don’t believe it!! I have a certificate to prove it.

On Soccer night we donned our orange gear and went over to the little bar near the boats and joined in the fun.

We didn’t arrive until around halftime and people were a bit glum then when they got winning goals they all said we brought them luck.

Witchi was overlooking the festivities

Down town and doing our shopping we saw a slight lady filling giant bags on her bicycle and a huge basket and bag on the handle bars with a trolley full of groceries. She said she hated shopping and got as much as she could when she came. We were laying bets as to whether she would fit it all in.

Sunday came and we rode out of town to a farmers field to see the balloons go up. The balloons were laid out waiting for the weather check.

It was windy and after much talking one balloon decided to go up. As the balloon was filling up it was being held back by a lot of straining men, and the people who had paid for their ride hopped into the basket.

Then it took off and headed towards Utrecht which meant the others called it off as it would be difficult to land near there.

We didn’t know it had been called off as the announcment was made in dutch but we twigged as the people packed up and started leaving and the balloons began to be packed up. We bicycled back home and packed the boat ready to leave next morning for Utrecht.
I hope the weather will be warm as I hope to wear my new soccer supporter outfit.

GOUDA

2010-06-30T18:47:00.079+08:00

The weather is still warm and sunny as we cruise to Gouda. In Dordrecht we saw advertising for a Water Festival so as we were going to visit Gouda anyway we have timed our visit for this week.

We were handed a booklet at the lock into the town with a map of places to moor and the price. What a pleasant surprise, the price to moor overnight was 8.80e or for 1 week only 30.20 e with free power so we decided to stay for a week and found a mooring in Katinsingel just around the corner from the shopping street leading into the square. The photo below is of Gouda in the 17th century, you can see by the white cross where we moored on the canal and the one in the square that even in 2010 we could easily find our way around.

It is a lovely city to walk around and has many historical buildings, the longest church in the Netherlands, a beautiful Gothic Town Hall and quaint small streets and canals. Cheese of course is the draw card and the street decorations are rounds of cheese, the lamp posts are adorned with flowers and a crown and the canals are decorated with flowers and cheese.

The cheese market was very different to the one we saw in Alkmaar, not so frantic and no barriers around it. The cheese is unloaded and carried away in carts drawn by black horses, young men unload and load the carts, young women carry the cheeses around for people to have photographs taken with them and the buyer and sellers of the cheese barter in the old traditional hand slap so it is a great performance.

The market takes place in the city square behind the Town Hall and in front of the old Cheese Warehouse.

While we were taking photos of the market I saw these two farmer participants discussing their own cheese for sale on the side, so modern business was taking place also.

The cheese stalls had all sorts of interesting hard cheeses.

During the next few days the town is in festival mode as we wandered through the town square, on different days there was an antique and bricbrac market, a day of clothes and everything market and a day of fresh vegetables, fruit and fish market with everything stalls also. Now I am all marketed out!!

Of course our favourite place was always a café to have a coffee and do some people watching.

It was difficult to take a photo without a stall in front of the town hall which is a lovely building.

Inside the town hall is the Marriage Room where the official marriages take place in a beautiful room with the walls covered in an exquisite tapestry.

And outside the smallest bridal car I have seen.

After the market days volley ball and soccer courts were set up for corporate games in several places around the square.

Wandering around the streets there is always something else that is a little different. In this street there is seating around the trees and the shops put out lovely cushions. How nice it is to have a little rest before spending more money. On one of our walks we came across this little bar, Football Fever is still going strong.

We are still having fun joining in the orange brigade watching the big screens.

While we have been travelling with Diana and Arthur we have all been finetuning things and Arthur has fitted an inverter so they can run a washing machine and the coffee machine. We had a nice time last night when we celebrated the commissioning of the inverter with a dinner and dress up.

Walking around the town we see so many unusual houses.

And probably the most unusual Subway Shop.

Gouda’s St John's Church of is 123 metres long and is the longest church in the Netherlands and famous for its stained glass windows. Many of the windows date from 1555, before 1572 it was a Catholic church and afterwards a Protestant church, the tradition of stained glass windows has carried on with some being added over the next 400 years, now it has about 60% of the stained glass windows seen in the Netherlands.
The windows are enormous with wonderful colours and detail , it is hard to believe they are over 400 years old.

The windows were removed during the 2nd world war in case of damage and a Liberation window added in 1948.

On one of our bike rides we went north of Gouda to the Reeuwijkse Lake and onto the small town of Bodegraven. The lower half of the lake is for boating

and the northern half for canoes, nature areas and the local beach. The temperature was around 30 deg and I don’t think there could have been a person left in Gouda, they were all at the beach. The parking area was full.

Riding towards Bodegraven we passed this house where a business made garden furniture and sculptures. There was every animal you can imagine it looked like a Noahs Ark.

Did you say you would like a cow? What size?

They even had a kangaroo

While on animals, back in Gouda and walking around the canal I saw the Man carrying a Donkey sculpture which is on the canal side. I haven’t found out the story yet, it will give you something to do.

One of our early morning sights was this little chick with its mum sitting on a lily leaf with mum close by.

While we were in Gouda we finally caught up with Phil and Sharlene from British Columbia. I first had contact with them when they read the blog and emailed for some information before buying their boat. Phil is on crutches and they are staying on their boat in Vollenhove. Diana and Arthur met them last year and they came by car from to visit us. It was lovely to catch up at last, thanks for coming guys.

Our last morning and we have a quick walk around town. The square looks quite lonely compared to the last week.

This time we managed to get good photos of the bells and tableau of the granting of city rights in on the side of the town hall.

Now it is time to leave, where we stop next? who knows?.

AARLSMEER - FLOWER MARKET - JUNE 2010

2010-06-26T23:51:00.040+08:00

AARLSMEER
Our next destination was Aarlsmeer. I have always wanted to see the Bloemenveiling where flowers are auctioned each day for transport around the world.

The cruise north was interesting as we passed the flower growing areas where you could see hectares of glass houses stretching out from the canal.

We stopped for the night on a side canal, the Aarkanal near the town of Alphen ad Rijn.
It is very good in Holland, the towns do a lot to provide places for holiday cruisers. This sidewall went for couple of kilometres with a bike path alongside, along a small canal to a lake area. Some parts of it also ran alongside larger open areas of trees and grass but one had to fight the every year cruisers to get these places.

We also passed under some interesting bridges which lifted up for us to go under or turned to go through.
The next one was interesting for us as we didn’t read the chart properly and had to wait as it only opened each half hour as it was on a very busy road. It may be a nuisance for us but we are only on holiday, it must be a real nuisance for the car drivers if they are running late for work and they get there at the wrong time.

The town of Aarlsmeer is situated at the north edge of the Westeinderplassen, a huge lake which has many small islands and about 35 marinas, boat clubs and boat yards. We cruised through the widest part of the lake then wound our way through a channel to come out right near our destination.

We chose the Nieuw Meer Marina as it was in town and suited us as we needed to be at the flower auction at 7am. We were on the town side and to get to the club across the small channel.
There was a cute little (thank goodness it was small) chain drive ferry which you had to wind vigorously. Sailors in this club must be very good arm wrestlers.

Our bike rides around towns are always interesting.
A new baby girl here.

Someone in these houses has just finished their school years as it is tradition to hang up your school bag on the flag pole.

This little canal has an interesting piece of art, I think it was modelled from one of my summer photographs.

The sky trails above us show how close we are to Schipol Airport.
The road system here in town shows how bicycles are the ruler of cars. The road has a bicycle lane each side with a single car lane in the centre. Bicycles have right of way and cars must wait behind until it is clear to move to the bicycle lane the other side and pass. If the other bicycle lane is occupied the cars and buses must wait behind.

A lot of market research must have been done to show having a coffee and the aroma of coffee relaxes customers and they buy more goods, when we visited the hardware shop they also had table and chairs and free coffee. There isn’t room in this supermarket so they have a small seat near the free coffee machine. If you don’t have time to sit the trolleys are equipped with a coffee cup holder.

FLORA HOLLAND
We were up at 6am next morning to ride out to the flower auction. What a morning we had!!!
The auctions are held on premises which cover the area of 250 soccer fields.

We paid our 5 euro and entered a bees’ paradise. 48 million flowers and plants are auctioned here daily then sent off all over the world.

We see the first of the flowers on trolleys waiting to be taken into the auction rooms.
The visitors walk along a walkway which runs the length of each side of the halls.

There are 6 auction rooms in this hall. The flowers are wheeled in for inspection and all relevant details are put up on the auction board.

The auction rooms had two or 3 screens working simultaneously keeping the buyers on their toes.
As the price drops on the computerised auction board the buyer presses a button on his desk for the containers he is bidding for. You can see the man at the front right with his finger on the button.

Some of the buyers were high tech working with laptops.
Buyer 1014 has just paid 22 cents a stem for these flowers you can just see the red ball at 22 on the screen.

For anyone interested below is the chart given to us to explain the auction screen. AA is the top quality grower.

The frenzy of activity is everywhere with little red electric cars racing around like bumber cars at the showground.

???????

There are patches of bright colour everywhere.

Thousands of the same shade of roses. Did you say you wanted orange ones!!

Soon the flowers are being packed away ready for delivery and it is time to go home.

SKIEDAM - DELFT - DEN HAAG JUNE 2010

2010-06-25T21:25:00.052+08:00

style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">SKIEDAM
Our next stay was in the town of Skiedam which is now a suburb of Rotterdam. On the way in the bridges are opened by the lock keeper and this lovely old one is worked manually by chains. Kevin and Arthur had fun trying to get it to work later.

We went sightseeing by bicycle around the old town which still has seven windmills which originally ground the grain to make the Jenever Gin for which the town is still famous. The museum is in the building of one of the original distilleries and of course we got to try some of the products of Skiedam.

There was a great display of bottles and historic labels. The labels were much more interesting than the modern ones although I don’t think the first one is a very good advertisement to drink Oude Jenever!!

Football fever has the Netherlands in its grip again and all over, orange is the colour. You will often see a whole row of houses decorated and shop windows full of orange.

On the day the Aussies played Germany in World Cup Soccer we went to the pub to see the match on the big screen.

We were almost the only ones there so we had the lounge seats to ourselves. The boys really enjoyed the game for the first half and the girls really enjoyed the soft seats but got a bit bored and left at half time.

Kevin and Arthur stayed to the bitter end and the publican felt sorry for them so he gave then some hats.

Next day they wore them for the match between Netherlands and Denmark which was at 1.30 pm and the pub was packed.

Enough of Soccer it is time to go, The bridge we go under is one of the widest lifting bridges I have seen so far. It consists of a foot path and a cycle way each side, a tram track on the right and two car lanes on the left.

DELFT
Next stop was Delft where we moored on the council jetties right at the edge of the old city.

While here we were entertained by the coots building their nests using the floating junk.

The walk in is past a mixture of old and modern buildings and we were intrigued by this balcony attached by wires to the building.

The town has the usual centre square with the church at one end and the Town Hall at the other.

I visited the Royal Delftware shop which had truly beautiful china but much too expensive for me and of course too difficult to get home on the plane.

The MacDonalds here has free WiFi so we spent a few trips having a coffee or a big Mac. What we do for free internet!

DEN HAAG

The tram to Den Haag left from Delft every 10 minutes so we travelled there a couple of times. First we went out to the beach of Schaveningen. The Promemade runs alongside the water for a couple of kilometres with the hotels and shops along one side

and the cafes on the other which open onto the beach.

People were enjoying the sunshine and there were shelters all over the beach not to keep the sun off as we do but just to keep the wind off. There doesn’t seem to be any worries about melanoma over here and the solariums are popular also.

In the late afternoon we went to The Hague

and were told the Queen would be coming soon to open a sculpture park near by so we walked to where this was going to happen. The sculptures were at the end of a park which had a book and antique market going on so we spent a bit of time looking around.

The band was playing

The motor bikes heralding the queen.
and the queen arrived, no barricades here for Royal visits

ESCHER MUSEUM

Our other day of visiting Den Haag was to visit the Escher Museum.

I have always loved his work and it was really great to see so much of it and to buy a print of my favourite ‘Night and Day’. I think this one will also become a favourite, look at the two perspectives, one long distance and one up the mountain.

I love the beetles and lizards seen here.

The other thing I wanted to see in Den Haag was the Vermeer painting of ‘The Girl with the Pearl Earring’ but that will have to wait for another day.

Back to Delft and then up the canal again to Aarlsmeer.

ROTTERDAM- BRIELLE- MAASFLOTTE - MID JUNE 2010

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The Great Rivers of the South.

The Rhine from Germany splits into the Waal and the Neder Rijn just east of Nijmemen.

The Neder Rijn splits into the Ijssel which continues North to Zwolle and continues West and just south of Utrecht it becomes the Lek as it crosses the Amsterdam Rijn Canal. The Lek continues on and becomes the Niewe Maas as it goes through the Rotterdam Harbours to the Hoek of Holland and into the North Sea.

The Waal the stronger of the two continues on West and crosses the bottom of the Amsterdam Rijn Canal then on to Goringchem, here it changes to the Merwade and at Dordrecht it crosses the bottom of the Noord Canal and becomes the Oude Mass which comes into the Niewe Mass on the Rotterdam Harbour just before the Hoek of Holland.

ROTTERDAM
All of these rivers carry huge barges as they go to or from Rotterdam whose harbour stretches about 30 kilometres. Huge container ships, fuel boats and other cargo ships come into the harbours making Rotterdam the third busiest harbour in the World.

With some trepidation, on my part, Kevin loves it! we travelled up the Noord Canal to Rotterdam. The canal is very busy with barges and at the top we joined the Lek River which then turns into the Niewe Mass. At Rotterdam we stayed close to the side passing many side harbours and dodging barges coming out into the Niewe Maas like this one that popped out in front of us.

Through the Parksluis we went off up a smaller canal to meet Diana and Arthur at their club in Blijdorp. We stayed for a few days here then left with them to go further up the harbour to the Oude Maas and then through the lock into the Brielle Lake.

What an exciting cruise. The harbour is very wide and as we cruised about 12km up the harbour keeping to the side, huge boats passed us sometimes 3 abreast.We feel like an ant trying to keep out of the way of the feet at a football final.

Arthur’s boat in the next photo looks like a toy.

The Queen Mary was in the harbour and was giagantic, look at the barge next to her.

The old Rotterdam ship is berthed and is now used as a hotel.

The name of this boat was a bit of a shock as it came towards us.

A few more boats and we had to cross the harbour to the other side to go up the Oude Maas to the Brielle lock. We waited for these to go past then we went as fast as our little motors would go.

BRIELLE LAKE
The Brielle is a long narrow freshwater lake. The water is crystal clear but unfortunately it is too cold to swim yet. The white dots show our journey down the harbour and into the Brielle Lake .

There are many small side harbours for about 8 boats situated along the edge of the lake sheltered in behind trees. We stayed in one for a few days it was only about 2 k from the town of Brielle. While we were moored here we heard a woodpecker pecking away at a tree right alongside of our boats, what a noise he made.

Kevin fired up the BBQ while we were here and it cooked really well. BBQ

The town is one of the old fortified towns which still has the walls and maots surrounding it. We even found a Jumbo supermarket and had our free coffee after shopping.

MAASVLAKTE 2

Brielle is close to the harbour entrance so we caught a bus from Brielle to see the new reclamation project the Maasvlakte 2 which will increase the size of the port and allow in ships with a 20 metre draught.

Holland is the Master of finding new land. You can see by the photo below the area of North Sea that been reclaimed. The light orange is the first reclamation area and the dark orange the new area, both reclaimed from the North Sea.

Below are the photos showing the new land about 4 km from the old reclamation area out into the sea. The sand is sucked up by six trailing hoppers on huge ships from the sea floor 12 km out in the North Sea. The ships work 24 hrs a day, and once the hold is full they come in and pump the sand out to make the land fill. You may just be able to see the ship in the distance out on the sea wall.

January 2008

January 2010

Enough of giant sandcastles soon it was time to go back up the harbour and turn off towards Delft.

DORDRECHT TOWN- KINDERDIJK-BEISBOSCH- SOUTH HOLLAND 2010 2

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Dordrecht Town
Dordrecht is at the confluence of the great waterways of the South, and has been important as a harbour and was granted City rights in 1220.

After the festival we had time to look around the town without all the crowds. It was here in the sixteenth century that the free Holland Cities chose independence and the House of Orange and the Netherlands was born.

A typical view of the town with a cruise ship and a barge right in front of the town which wraps around the harbours,

At the other end of the old town the Grote Kerk dominates the view.

This archway leads into the area which was once the Warehouses and Mansions of the English Traders. The Boat club where we stayed was the harbour for the ships to unload their goods.

Staying here has been a musical experience as the Grote Kerk with its 67 bells carillion is the largest in Europe and they chime in various sequences every 15 minutes all day until midnite, when the hour only is tolled until 6 in the morning when they start again.

video

Many of the old buildings around the larger harbours have been restored.

This is one of the original old bridges which is operated manually by swinging on the chains.

A walk through the old town between the harbours is a delight with many of the old buildings still standing among the new ones.

There are many shops in the inner city area and we found what we have been searching for, an eggshell mattress topping to make our beds a little softer. Of course the only way to take it back to the boat was by bike.

Outside of the Historic city is a large outer city where you can find any business you need. It was here we took the computer to be repaired as I couldn’t get the wireless connection to the internet. Thankfully it was just a simple problem with Explorer, as we had been changing to so many wireless connections, it got confused and we had just to take it back to default to get it working again.

KINDERDIJK
Just north of Dordrecht is the World Heritage area of the Kinderdijk and its many windmills which were used to pump water from the various polders into the creeks and eventually into the rivers from the early 1700’s. It was exciting, as we had read about the Kinderdijk in a book about Holland last year and wanted to see the area. To get there we caught the Waterferry which runs between Rotterdam and Dordrecht to Amblasserdam about 10k north and rode our bikes out to the Kinderdijk.

Soon it was time to leave Dordrecht and travel south down to the Beisbosch area.

BEISBOSCH
The National Park De Beisbosh is freshwater tidal area with willow forests and small meandering creeks, lovely clear water and many sandy banks just waiting for unwary boat travellers to get stuck on them.

We stayed a couple of days on a mooring in the middle of the Sleidrecht Beisbosch and went walking.

The pathways have been made through the bog area and you have to keep on them. While walking we kept getting raindrops on us even though it hadn’t been raining. This is Kevin trying to catch the drop to see what it was, eventually we found it was an insect infestation on the trees which gradually built up a tiny drop of water then dropped down.

We went through the lock and crossed the river to go down to the Brabant Beisbosch which has a very popular swimming area which was very nice but too cold for swimming. The waters in the Brabant are very tricky and after getting bogged a few times we decided the stress was not worth it and went back the next day to the Sleidrecht.
Here we came across a boat out collecting the willow and a group out fishing,

then it was time to go back out onto the Merwade, taking great care to check if any barges were coming, and sure enough one came past just as we were going out but this time we had a good view.

Now it was time to make our way up the Noord Canal to Rotterdam.

DORDRECHT STEAM FESTIVAL- SOUTH HOLLAND JUNE 2010

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DORDTRECHT STEAM FESTIVAL

We travelled down the wide Merwede River with the wind blowing about 30 kph with plenty of room to get out of the way of the barges. Dordrecht was a welcome sight and after battling the wind, the harbour master opened the bridge and we went through between the buildings into the calm of the Maartinsgat Boat Club, right in the centre of the old town of Dordrecht. The harbour was filling fast and we were squeezed in alongside another boat. Eventually you could walk from boat to boat so many came to see the festival. The arrow shows our boat. The other harbours were full also so we were glad we had booked. The largest steam power event in Europe takes place over three days and is held every two years. Steam machines enthusiasts bring all types of steam machines for display and are all working models. They range from model steam trains and boats to ride on trains and trucks, steam powered musical organs, huge tractors and trucks, a horse drawn fire engine, every type of steam barge and boats even huge steam driven dredges and cranes and a 75 year old war ship. The ships were moored in the picturesque small harbours of Dordrecht and the land machines lined the streets and edges of the harbours.

Diana and Arthur who told us the festival was on came down from Rotterdam by the Waterbus to stay a couple of days and join in the fun. The waterbuses are a great way to travel around it cost about 5 euro return to Rotterdam. Friday afternoon we walked around checking out the sites. The Rosalie from Enkhuizen, built in 1873 was the oldest steam boat in the parade. Kevin was invited to look over the ship and went down to see the engine room. People were tinkering with motors and boats all over the place getting ready for the big night parade and the following days. The harbours were decorated to look as it would have been in steam power era. The night naval parade was amazing with every type of watercraft imaginable taking place. The noise was deafening when all the steam sirens went off accompanied by a huge steam organ on a ferry boat. This tiny steam boat was dwarfed by the passenger steamer. Along with the ships were the most amazing huge steam machines from the 1930’s which still work and were towed or pushed by barges. They looked like something out of a Sci-fi movie. Saturday morning we wandered around listening to the Shanty Choirs at various venues around the harbours and looked at the large steam machinery There was even a steam powered fire engine drawn by magnificent horses. Arthur and Kevin went out by themselves and came home with a red rose each and a story to tell. We walked through this magnificent archway following the crowd to the next harbour. It was time to look over the big ships and sit down as we listened to more shanty tunes. These choirs certainly enjoy their singing and so do the crowd. Soon it was time to go back to the boat and rest the feet have a drink or two with our dinner and then back out to see the harbour at night with all the lights on. Will we last another day looking at Kevin with his red rose I am not too sure!!! Sunday we are up early and out again. We came across this miniature steam train being refuelled with coal ready to take passengers for rides. This steam powered bicycle was most unusual. Toys for the big boys, they were all really cute and came in various sizes and styles. Did it shrink or did he grow? Anyone for shopping, no problem parking. The rest of the day was filled with eating Lekker (delicious) custard filled donuts While having a coffee we came across this very strange group of folks who belonged to the Clay Pipe Club. Then it started to rain and it was time to head back to the boat, but it did not stop the crowd from listening. A good shanty song puts everyone in a good mood. What a great time we had at the Dordrecht Steam Festival

GELDERLAND - MAY 2010

2010-05-31T04:18:00.016+08:00

HARDERWIJK
We have travelled the lakes between the coast line of the old Zuider Zee and the new polder of Flevoland before so this time we were just making a stop in Harderwijk to pick up Diana and Arthur who came by train from Rotterdam to spend a few days with us. We caught up with Bob and Lois for coffee in the square.

It was a beautiful sunny day as we cruised down to Naarden and the sandy beaches along the way were very busy with lots of people soaking up the sun and getting all over suntans.How do we know?

Next stop was Naarden and we stayed for the night just off the Gooimeer in a huge harbour which holds 1250 boats.

NAARDEN

We had a great BBQ in the restaurant

and rode our bikes into Naarden the next day to visit the fortified town which is in the traditional star shape and surrounded by moats and high walls.

We visited the fort and had an interesting time wandering through and watching the cannons fire in the afternoon, then it was time for coffee and back to the boat.

We went into the canals past Muiden castle and onto Weesp.

WEESP

We stayed in a small boat club in Weesp with a beautiful garden with all sorts of flowers I had never seen before. The boat clubs are a great place to stay. Most of them make some extra money when their members are away and they hire out the pen. They are much cheaper than marina and usually about a euro per metre, have power provided with good showers for 50 cents.

What a small world it is. When we pulled into the club we saw a boat with an Australian and an American flag and met Rob and Terry, then as we were walking into town we stopped to talk to some Australians from Melbourne we had met a couple of years ago. While chatting, a young couple walked by and hearing us talking stopped to say hallo. Now we had four people and a baby from Melbourne and four from Perth plus two back on the boat in this tiny town.

Each year in Weesp art works are set up in the canal.

While walking through town back to the boat after seeing Diana and Arthur catch the train back to Rotterdam we stopped to speak with a man outside his house. He renovated the house which was built in 1625 and invited us in to see his handy work.It is always intersting to see the different styl houses.

We decided to leave for Dordrecht in the afternoon as we heard there was a big Steam Festival being held on the next weekend.

We consulted the chart and decided the quickest way was to travel was down towards Utrecht via Maarsen and take the Amsterdam Rhine canal down to the Merwede canal. It was a very pretty scenic cruise and we stopped overnight on the canal. In the morning we walked through a lovely park which was once the gardens of a large mansion and cruised through the lovely town of Maarsen.

Now a little warning to anyone interested. We have previously three times come out onto the Amsterdam Rhine Canal without any problem from different exits. BUT this time the exit was not all smooth sailing.

After Maarsen the canal carries onto Utrecht but we decided to take the Maarsen exit into the Amsterdam Rhine canal. Knowing the canal was very busy Kevin slowly approached the main canal and although we couldn’t see right or left as the exit is through a tunnel under the road. The canal ahead looked quite calm. However careful one is there is always !!!!!!!!!

As we came out, two barges on the opposite side were passing one another, because of this a barge on our side shifted across from the usual path of travel and was only about 10 metres from the side and 20 metres away from us. After lots of screaming from me, my trusty captain Kev quickly threw the boat into reverse and backed back into the exit with huge waves rolling us from side to side, it was like being in a washing machine.

At one time we bounced off the side wall while rolling around waiting for the 110metre barge to pass by the exit. All during this I was standing trying to hang on thinking of the next visit to the second hand shop to buy all new wine glasses. Every drawer and door came open and filled the floor looking like a nightmare day at a jumble sale. The trolley came off of the roof and was held on by the bike lock we put on in case someone likes it more than we do. Inside was our new little BBQ which Kevin had only just secured with a stretchy. The bikes moved out of their bike racks and were held there by the locks. Needless to say I was a gibbering mess and Kevin very white knuckled. However life on the canals goes on and out we ventured again and across to the other side without trouble.

The Amsterdam Rhine canal can be rough because of the steel shuttered sides, though once you are on it is usually easy to get out of the way of the barges. After gathering our wits and picking up the phones and the camera off of the floor we carried on to the Merwede canal in the midst of the jumble. After passing through the lock we found a quiet mooring, changed our undies, cleaned up the boat and had a drink or two.

GORINCHEM
We went through the next lock, passed by Noahs Ark and down to Gorinchem and a welcome rest. We got more provisions for the boat and had a red wine with an English couple and a dutch couple who live on their boats full time and winter in Roanne, France where we had been before and cught up with news of canal closures.
We spent two days in Gorinchem to regroup and convince ourselves we were having fun. I did some washing and thought how wonderful it is that the sock thief did not come with us. The socks are captured within our 9x3.5 m boat and have very few places to hide, consequently every wash day I am able to put the pairs back in the drawer without moaning about the sock thief.

We left Gorinchem through the lock onto the Merwede River keeping well out of the barges’ way, the wind was blowing about 30 kph as we made our way down to Dordrecht.

OVERIJSSEL MAY 2010

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May 13 to 24 Kuikhorne- Friesland to Ommen - Overijssel

May 13, we are now away and cruising down to Grou, we heard that yesterday was the coldest May 12 in the Netherlands since records were kept.

We got a mooring on the town quay. Behind the houses opposite is the church square which has a tuneful set of bells which played day and night.

In the evening we walked bout 20 metres across the road and had a very nice meal in the Italian restaurant with some very nice Italian Red which kept us warm all night.

From Grou we cruised down across the Sneekermeer then turned off to Joure to visit our friends Max and Geertsje. We had a lovely couple of days there then off again through the Tjeukemeer and out of Friesland and into the Province Overijssel. At the lock on the Linde the lockkeeper gave us an Overijssel flag for the front of the boat.

Two years ago we came down the same way and passed under a small bridge into the main canal at Ossenzijl with plenty of clearance. This time we thought the bridge looked a bit low but decided to give it a try, our measuring stick out front scraped and we had a few centimetres above the bimini. Obviously the water was higher than the last time.

South of Kalenberg we passed through the thatch growing and milling area. All the houses were thatched and along the canal we saw thatch in its various stages.

Our next stop was Ommen on the Overijssel vecht north of Zwolle. The weather is getting warmer and we are having some sunny days. We moored on the town moorings right opposite the Hotel Zon which had the sun bathing chairs we had seen on the German Island of Borkum out on the canal side waiting for Summer.

Ommen has the interesting National Tin Figurine Museum.

The brochure said a Diorama of the Battle of Waterloo was on display using 10 000 figurines. We went into the museum thinking of little lead soldiers from our childhood so were very surprised when we saw the dioramas with figurines which are 2cm high moulded from tin 2mm thick. The detail and painting of each figurine is very realistic.
This is a diorama of Roman Gladiators in the Colosseum. The gladiators and the first two rows are tiny 2 cm figurines with wonderful detail. If you can enlarge it you will see the audience with their thumbs pointed down.
This next photo are figurines by a Grand Master of Tin Figurines, an Englishman called Mike Taylor. The detail is fantastic.

The next diorama is from a 1226 battle between the farmers of Ommen and the Bishop’s men as he wanted more taxes. The Farmers met in a boggy area as they knew the horses would get stuck in the bog.
Look at the detail in the picture after as when we looked closely some of the farmers were giving the brown eye to the Bishop’s Men. I guess a modern interpretation.

Shopping in the Netherlands is very civilised. While searching the shelves and trying to read labels in the Ommen supermarket we took a welcome rest with a coffee from the free machine and sat down to drink it along with the free fruit buns. Shopping would not be such a chore at home if one could sit down to a free morning tea. The internet café was also offering free coffee.

From Ommen we travelled down to the Ijssel River and into the harbour in Kammpen. It is always interesting travelling on the rivers after the canals as the current was flowing about 3 kmh and the old harbour had a very small entrance. As always my trusty Captain Kev got us into a good mooring and off we went to check out the old city and spend some time soaking up the sun and having coffee and appleflappen.