NOTE: The images are not in chronological order!
SPRING/SUMMER CRUISE 2017
A Bridge too far!
PART ONE
An early start – Saturday 22nd April
It was a cold night and our alarm was set for 5am, for the 6am lock. It was overcast but with a calm sea and a North Easterly breeze. As we approached Dungy the sea and wind picked up, then the alarms down below started. First the Gas alarm went wrong and Eddie had to disconnect it, then the bilge alarm started, which was also faulty. But of course Eddie had to inspect for water first, luckily everything was dry. The tide turned against us after Dungy but fortunately that meant we then had wind with tide, as it had turned Easterly. Round that time we got ‘buzzed’ by Border Control as well, but they didn’t call us up. Arrived in Dover in the sunshine and calm seas, and had to go into the tidal basin as Granville was shut on berth 72, next door but one to a French Westerly Discus. Bonus – we got our SHYC discount!
On to Nieuwpoort – Sunday 23rd April
Up at 7am today, not so bad. After asking permission from Port Control we left by the East entrance at about 8am. The sea was beautifully calm and the sun shone most of the time. We had a good uneventful crossing through the shipping lanes and only had to wait for 2 ships, then decided to carry on from Dunkerque to Nieuwpoort as the weather was good and the forecast for tomorrow not! Reached Dunky at about 3pm and Nieuwpoort about 7.15pm. We had the tide against us for about 4 hours. The AIS played up – showing us colliding with ourselves, seemed to be just along the Dunky coastline which has happened in this area before. We phoned Nieuwpoort and said we would be late in and they said it was ok for us to tie up on the visitor pontoon. So there we stayed and enjoyed a nice calm evening but very chilly.
Monday 24th April
Breezy today. We eventually saw the HM and he said we could stay where we were, tied up on the visitors’ which they had extended since our last visit. We paid for two nights and filled out our Schengen form, then filled up with diesel. Had a nice hot welcome shower and Eddie had the idea of taking our dirty clothes off in the shower and washing them there! Save on water and having to boil up kettles on the boat, and they all dried nicely in the wind after using my mangle! In the afternoon we visited Colruyt the Cash & Carry place opposite the marina, and stocked up on beer and wine. We noticed that Aldi had re-opened again down the road too. We had planned to have dinner out, but after walking into town we didn’t find anywhere we fancied and it was all quite expensive, so we came back and ate on board. Hope to have lunch out tomorrow as the forecast looks like it will be a no-goer for moving on.
Tuesday 25th April
Rain and wind overnight, which hopefully washed the salt off the decks. Very cold wind so we had a late rise and hot showers. We walked along the river down to Nieuwpoort beach after paying for another night at the Secretariat office. It was very bracing, I even bought a warm hat to wear (non-sailing one that is). We found a hotel to have lunch with a reasonable set menu of 17 euros which included soup, pasta and prawns, coffee or dessert and also a help yourself salad bar with bread and butter. Excellent value. We had our first Grimbergen beer and the waiter recommended a new beer to us called Cornet which we will try next time. We sat and watched masses of schoolchildren coming and going – they must have been staying in the hotel as part of a school trip. Then a good walk back to work off lunch. A seal came to visit us on the next pontoon and stayed for a while. Had a lazy evening.
Unexpected visit to Ostend – Wednesday 26th April
Cold, wet and windy today, but in the Marina it didn’t seem too bad, so we got ready to leave at about 10.30, but had to wait for a hail storm first! We left about 11.30 and the sea was lumpy as we exited Nieuwpoort, and it continued to pick up, the wind increased too in excess of 22 knots. We decided to press on but only to Ostend, the nearest port, and about 10 miles which was far enough – we experienced a very big sea at the entrance of the harbour, and decided to lower the sails once inside. It was blowing a northerly and whipping up the waves, funnelling them into the entrance. We spoke to Port Control then headed up to the Royal Yacht Club after a quick look in the almanac – we haven’t been into Ostend before and as it wasn’t planned we weren’t sure where to go. As we arrived there were a few people to help us in (a very small pontoon!)but the place seemed strangely deserted of boats. They were moving the boats because the dredger was scheduled to come in and dredge, but the HM assured us it wouldn’t be along until after the weekend, as his brother worked on the dredger so he had insider information! They continued to move all the other boats around us, and we ended up as ‘Billy no mates’. Had another hailstorm as we tidied up the boat – happy days! Very glad to be safely tucked up in the marina though.
Thursday 27th April
We had a day’s rest, as it was still cold and windy, but as the day wore on it gradually died down. Decided to have a day out and explore, so we bought a day pass tram tickets for €8 each and went into Ostend. Very nice old city, we walked along the water front to the other Marina near the entrance, where the dredger was working, then had a couple of coffees in a nearby bar. We then caught the tram to De Haan and looked around there, it all looked very newly built and clean. Continued to Blankenberge and walked to the sea front and back to the centre where we paid a return visit to a bar near the tram station. We tried the new ‘Cornet’ beer and the owner/waitress gave us a free glass with it as part of a promotion! We returned to the marina on the tram (making the most of our day ticket) and visited a small Lidl nearby to stock up first. There was no rain whilst we were out and we hope to get away tomorrow if the weather is kind.
Breskens – Friday 28th April
Less windy today, though it was still blowing cold Northerly winds. We had a slow get ready and left about 12.30 after dropping our ‘facilities’ card off at the office. We squeezed out of our berth, a Fisher had come in next to us and taken up most of the space. We asked permission from port control to leave the harbour, and as we approached the entrance we could see white horses – here we go again. But it wasn’t as bad as Wednesday although still blowing 17 knots, with some big troughs. We put up with it until Zeebrugge then as we turned into the Westerschelde we got the Force 3-4 we had been promised by the Netherlands Coastguard! Engine off, Genoa out, and we had a good sail down to Breskens, even managed 9 knots under sail with a little help from the tide, which pushed us until the last 20 minutes or so. We went onto the visitor’s pontoon in Breskens marina, in the nick of time, as a group of French boats descended on us shortly after, filling it up. We couldn’t contact the HM office, which had closed for the night, so looked like we may have a freebie! No electric though, so it was going to be a cold night. We contacted our friend Crispin who berths in Middelburg and arranged to meet up tomorrow.
Into the Inland Waterways – Saturday 29th April
Alarm at 7am and left Breskens at 8am to get the ‘Blue Wave’ from Flushing to Middelburg. We arrived at the lock and had it to ourselves, we had to lower our fenders for the floating wooden plank, such a pain. We made our way to the first bridge on the Kanaal de Walcheren and we had missed the first Blue Wave as they had changed the times as stated in the Almanac, now 8.40, 10.40, etc… Nevertheless they opened the bridges quite quickly for us, perhaps seeing us on AIS helped. We arrived in Middelburg by 11am – not bad going.
Crept in behind ‘Magic’ on the long pontoon near the Rowing Club, Crispin didn’t see us coming! We filled up with water whilst there, and went to Jos Boone for a couple of books, then we all set off again for Kortgene. Crispin’s friends were having a meal there and he thought we could join them. Crispin stopped at Veere on our way there to collect some shopping and we carried on after the lock. Coming round a bend in the Veerse Meer we ‘bumped’ into Tjerk and Aafje on ‘Members Only’ another (Dutch) WOA member. What a coincidence, we had a chat mid-channel then carried on. Crispin had arranged berths for us D28 and D26. We went into D28, but D26 was taken, however D29 was empty so we asked the HM if Magic could go in there, and it was no problem. We managed the box mooring ok though there was little space to manoeuvre – our first box of the holiday. Magic arrived later and backed in nicely. We all (Crispin, Juliet, and ourselves) went for a meal at 8pm at De Loods restaurant which was just round the corner – a very nice meal and our first time in there. We chatted to Dave and Linda after our meal who were there with family and had eaten earlier. It was a very nice evening, and a late night – the food took ages to come but worth the wait.
Kortgene – Sunday 30th April
Very windy today, but we had already paid for another night here anyway. We got directions to the Camp Site Shop, as being a Sunday all the other shops are closed. It was basic and pricey, but ok in an emergency and I got all that I needed. We walked there and back and treated ourselves to an ice cream. Later we went out for a coffee (and a massive slice of apple cake) and ended up at the same restaurant as last night. Did a few jobs on board after, Eddie changed the diesel filter then in the evening had coffee with Crispin and Juliet. Off tomorrow.
Another freebie night – Monday 1st May
Overcast and breezy today. We left just before 10am a little while after Crispin. As we came out of the box it was fine, but very difficult to turn and go forward due to lack of space, we tried backing out but that was unsuccessful, in the end Eddie turned the boat round (20 point turn!) and we headed out forward. It was very windy on the Veerse Meer so we didn’t bother with the sails until after the first lock. The headsail was enough at first, then as we got the wind behind us got them both out. In the Volkerak the wind eased and we had a nice sail up there, we went through the last lock of the day and tied up on the pontoons at the lock for a free overnight stay. Magic was booked into Willemstad for the night, so we will catch up tomorrow. We emailed Gerard & Gina, Dutch Westerly owners to say we would be in Dordrecht tomorrow, to arrange a possible meet up there.
Dordrecht – Tuesday 2nd May
We left about 9.45am and saw Magic sailing ahead on the Hollands Diep. There wasn’t much wind at all today, drizzly and wet. We took some photos of them sailing then they motored as time was running away, we needed to get the Dordrecht Rail bridge at 13.12. Turned up the Dordtschkiel, which was very busy with barges, cargo boats, etc. One bunker barge was making way with a boat attached to it being fuelled! The tide was slightly against us but we made ‘The Bridge’ with a little time to spare. It opened on time too, and once through we headed for the Nieuwe Haven and waited on the side for the Engelenburger Brug. There is a button there to call up for the bridge, and Magic did the honours as they were in first. The HM put us together in one big box, which was very tight indeed. There was a pontoon one side, so Magic kindly let us in there first, then they reversed in – cosy! Gerard came round for coffee and brought cakes with him – lovely choccy concoctions, which he told us used to be called Negro’s heads, but not now of course! Crispin & Juliet joined us for a while and we all had some Sloe Gin. It was nice of Gerard to call round, unfortunately Gina couldn’t make it.
(Notes on Engelenburger Brug – VHF 74, call up about 10 mins before you need it)
Wednesday 3rd May
Lay in today. Gerard emailed us a link to the Russian diesel heater for the Boat (cheaper than most) as our heater isn’t working properly. Lots more rain again today, but I had to do some washing – €5 for the washer, and €1 for the dryer, really good price! Problem was I had to keep traipsing over the bridge to get to the laundry room each time. We also decided to roll up our tender and put it on deck to give us more space in moorings, etc. Visited Albert Heijn in the afternoon for shopping, and stopped off for coffee on the way back. We bumped into Crispin in town, on his way to meet Ros at the station, she will be joining them for a while now. When we returned to the boat I saw that I had left the hatch above the bed open, so I had nice wet bed sheets. However, the hairdryer worked a treat on them. We ate our tea on board then went onto Magic for a drink and to welcome Ros. We aren’t sure whether to leave tomorrow yet, all depends on weather.
Gouda Bridge – Thursday 4th May – freebie
Much brighter today, but breezy. We decided we would leave to catch the next bridge upstream at 11.45. Called up the Engelenburger which opened at 11am. We had some trouble coming out – the back wouldn’t stay in but after a few shunts Ed managed to do it. Two more boats came out with us but turned South. Magic is staying another day. We had to rush to the next bridge as the tide was against us, but luckily it was 15 minutes late opening. We had another yacht with us after that and the next bridge opened straight away, then it was Juliana Sluis. They opened both locks and loads of boats came out, but then closed them. We think we were meant to have entered the large ship lock, after a big barge, but were looking at the lights for the small one. But it opened up again soon after anyway. It is a horrible lock, with low set planks and wires along the side to grab, but it went ok. Then it was Gouda and the rail bridge, where we tied up to wait. Expected to wait until 8.28pm but it opened at 4.30pm unexpectedly, the Dutch boat in front missed it as they had gone below, and although we shouted they didn’t hear us. You can’t get off the boat there as it is just boards (staging) to tie up on to. So we went through and tied up for the night on the other side, where there was loads of staging – they have increased it since our last visit – and another free night!
Oude Wetering, and my birthday – Friday 5th May – freebie
Cold this morning and overcast. I opened a few cards and had a text from Adam. We left our moorings about 9.30 and did most of the journey on our own, apart from a barge for two bridges. Traversed through Alphen a/d Rijn and all the bridges went very well, then stopped for diesel at the start of the Braasemermeer at the Bunker Boat and bought some Gaz too – nicely stocked up. Tied up alongside in Oude Wetering opposite the Takeaway shop – we’ve been here before, and picked up a menu for later. We had a little walk and looked at the Marina on the corner which we thought looked quite nice and had a restaurant (JH de Brasem). We looked on Marine Traffic and noticed Magic was in the Braasemermeer in one of the marinas – they had come all the way from Dordrecht today – a long journey.
Haarlem – Saturday 6th May
Left at 9.15 in sunshine and went through our first bridge just round the corner. All followed well as we were with a couple of other boats including a barge which always helps. We arrived at the Sassenheim bridge early and waited 2 hours for 12.30 opening. Magic joined us and it was about 10 more bridges after that into Haarlem. We tied up just before the Catherinabrug on the quayside, with electric too. We found the shower by the bridge with the opaque window, but couldn’t get in as we needed a code which we wouldn’t be able to get until tomorrow as the office was closed. We did our ablutions on board, then went out for a meal with Magic’s crew at a nearby restaurant overlooking the canal. I had Lamb Rendang which was very nice. Then back for coffee and off tomorrow to Amsterdam, or that’s the plan.
Amsterdam – Sunday 7th May
Slow start today. We left at 9am and the Catherinabrug opened but the Spoorbrug didn’t open until 9.50, then all the other bridges through Haarlem were ok. We stopped off at the HM office to pay our dues, but it was still closed (being a Sunday) and the machine there only took Maestro cards, no cash, so we didn’t pay – there is no longer a clog lowered at the last bridge where they used to collect berthing fees. The lock at the end was empty when we entered; they closed the gate then opened it again to let a barge in that was being towed. We had to pay a toll here of €3.50, then afterwards had a long wait for the A9 bridge and had to tie up on piles. It was a 13.15 opening, the next bridge opened promptly then it was turn right and on to Amsterdam. We headed to the new marina there and I phoned up for a berth – N9 pontoon. It is a nice modern marina and a nice price €50 for two nights including electric, showers and water – not bad for staying in Amsterdam! I did some more washing, total €7, and we had a walk round. It is very industrial round the area, but only a short walk to the ferry into Amsterdam itself.
Monday 8th May
Cold grey morning and our mood matched. Our intentions were to carry on to the Baltic with Magic, but we both are now having doubts about it, as we feel it might be too far for us in one season, and we had not planned or wanted to stay there until next year. We decided to have a few days here to make a decision. Crispin and crew arrived about 13.30 today on M11, just up from us. Took the ferry into Amsterdam in the afternoon, about a 10 minute trip. We bought some chips and mayo (had to be done!) did a little shopping and had a beer in a bar near the red light district, on one of the canals. By the time we returned the wind had picked up to a Force 6, but the sun had come out. We had a chat with Magic crew before dinner, as we had made up our minds whilst in Amsterdam not to carry on with them. They were fine with it, and I also emailed Gill, Dave, Jill & Maurice to put them in the picture. We phoned the boys as well, and both feel better now, a weight has lifted.
Tuesday 9th May
Staying another day, and I tried out the famous bathroom in the ablutions block. It was lovely, lounging in the bath, looking out over the Amstel river through the picture window. It is opaque when you enter the bathroom, then you get in the bath, use your toe to flick a switch, and the window goes clear! I took a photo with my soapy foot in the foreground! We had a coffee with the Magic crew in the café in the marina, then I went into Amsterdam with Ros and Juliet for a foray whilst the boys got on with jobs. We had a coffee opposite the station and somehow strayed into the red light district. It was a good day out, and we popped into Albert Heijn on the way back, there is one just to the right of the station as you come out, and it is in a very old building, so in keeping with the rest of the area. There is no grocery shopping facilities near the marina, that’s the only drawback.
Eddie had his bath and I had a shower after dinner, then Magic crew came round for a coffee and chat. We needed to quiz Ros about here trip from Middelburg to Rosendaal and Brussels, as we intend to return home for a few days later on. We will need to find a print shop somewhere to print out tickets for Eurostar, but I booked the hotel in Ashford online for the return trip ok.
PART TWO
Return to Haarlem – Wednesday 10th May
Alarm at 7am today, as we set off for Haarlem. Left our berth about 8.15 and arrived for the A9 bridge with about ½ hour to spare after going through the first bridge. However, as the lights turned to ‘get ready’ and the traffic barriers were coming down, some twat in a car bashed into a barrier and broke it, immediately turning the lights to red again! All the traffic stopped and we heard sirens, then the police turned up and the barrier was mended. The traffic started up again, but they didn’t open the bridge. Eventually at 11.30 the opened it for us and one other boat. We had the lock all to ourselves, then carried on into Haarlem. We had to wait about 20 minutes for the Spoorbrug after paying at the HM office (open this time) for two nights (plus one free!) and we stopped at the same place as before. We found some nice moorings a little further up, and think they are the new ones that Crispin’s friend Dave told us about, but they were full up. Had a walk and found a print shop so we can print our e-tickets, and the VVV shop too. Had coffee in the square where we used the free Wi-fi.
Thursday 11th May
Lay in this morning, and a sunny warm day. We phoned Eurostar and booked our return trip to UK, with an all Dutch stations ticket too. We had an email confirmation, then had to go into town to print off the tickets. We logged on to Eddies email, then did 2 copies just in case, and they were very efficient in there. The afternoon was lovely and warm but thunderstorms forecast for later. We bought some lamp oil in town for the lamps on board, and a couple of DVDs to watch. We tried the TV channels last night but could only get 3, so watched an old Danielle Steel film which was pretty bad! This evening we watched local TV as they had the semi-finals of Eurovision – quite amusing.
Friday 12th May
Very wet today, rained hard all morning. We went out to AH for shopping but although we thought it was easing, it got worse! By the time we came out the shop it had eased a little, and after lunch the sun came out. We phoned the HM office to make sure we can stay on our mooring until tomorrow am, as it has a ‘reserved’ board for 13-14 May. Walked into town and visited the Teylers Museum – €29 for us both, not impressed and definitely not worth it. Went for a coffee after and used the wi-fi there then ate on board and no alcohol, as we are off early tomorrow.
Oude Wetering – Saturday 13th May – freebie
We left Haarlem at 8.30 and a young man came down on his bike to open the bridge for us. I counted them down and there is an extra bridge not on the map! We arrived at the Sassenheim early and they opened the bridge for North bound at 12.30 and let us go through too with another small yacht (instructions on the radio). We went through the next 2 with them, and tied up on the quay at Oude Wetering but nearer the end this time where they have put in new cleats. It started to rain hard just after we arrived, so we were just in time. In the evening we found a restaurant (Qualeteria), which we first thought was a take-away, but it had a large area at the back to sit down, and we had a good meal of ribs for Ed and burger for me, with a starter of unusual Tapas!
A bridge somewhere en route to Gouda – Sunday 14th May
Set off just before 10am as that is when the bridges on a Sunday start to open. Transited Alphen a/d Rijn nicely, but when we arrived at the Draaibrug to Gouwsluis it was broken. There were already quite a few boats tied up there, but we found a spot on the opposite bank on ‘staging’ just by the ‘Steekterport’ offices – this is where they control all the bridges in this area. A chap came down and explained to us that the bridge would be shut until tomorrow, so we had to stay the night there. Couldn’t get off the boat, so it was a long day doing nothing, but we managed to entertain ourselves watching boats arrive, and some turn round and go back.
Gouda – Monday 15th May
A disturbed night, as there was some unexpected boat movement. When Ed woke at 6am all the boats around us had gone and others had come through to our side heading North. There was a big barge in front of us which obstructed our view, but we could see that there was only one red light on the bridge – good news, it meant it wasn’t permanently shut anymore. It turned out that there had been an opening during the night when all the boats went through, but they just tied up on the other side, so I don’t see the point of that. We stayed put until the morning being unaware of all the midnight action!! We left at 8am when the bridge opened promptly, then all the others followed smoothly, they are quite efficient in this area. Arrived in Gouda about 10am and just waited ½ hour for the rail bridge to open, then turned to port into WVS Gouda where we visited about 6 years ago! A very nice HM helped us in and his wife took our money in the barge clubhouse. She gave us a map of the area and was very helpful and friendly. We intend to stay 2 nights here.
Had a walk into town later and found Lidl, then had a coffee or two and Gebaak in the square. Watched a DVD in the evening – Bridge of Spies (there’s a theme running here!) which was very good. Rain later.
Tuesday 16th May
Overcast and muggy today, but have cast off my socks at last! Busy here with boats coming and going, and we have noticed a lot of hire boats about, it must be the improved weather. There’s a noisy heron here that keeps flying past, and a cockerel crowing, plus all the industrial noises from the nearby warehouses, but apart from all that it’s very peaceful! We were watching the locals using a special ‘floating’ contraption to raise a boat out of the water. You drive your boat over the top, then they pump up the floats underneath and the whole apparatus comes up with the boat on top, so clever especially as they are short of space here. We paid a visit to Lidl and stocked up, I bought a nice colourful t shirt too for €3.99, the height of haute couture!
We stopped off at the Chippy van in the Praxis car park on the way back, and they were by far the best chips I’ve had for a while – made with ‘real’ potatoes! We had a lazy afternoon and planned the trip tomorrow to Willemstad, it will be quite a long day.
Willemstad – Wednesday 17th May
We left at 7.45am but had to wait a while for the Julianasluis, then they opened the big one for just us, which was nice as it doesn’t have the floating plank. Had a short wait at the first bridge, we tied up for about ½ hour and had to wait for a barge to come through. The next one we timed well, then we were about ½ hour early for the Dordrecht rail bridge so tied up on the shopping pontoon which is tucked in away from the disturbance of the river. No more bridges after that and we carried on down the Hollandse Diep – it was quite hot and muggy by then. Arriving at Willemstad the HM said there was plenty of room on the town quay, so we tied up there using our barge boards – there was only a couple of boats next to us. Found the showers which are in the marina round the corner, and very nice they are too. It is a lovely little town, I had forgotten how pretty it is. We had a beer in a restaurant overlooking the boat on the quayside and ate on board. Got out the mossy nets today, as they are out and about now.
Thursday 18th May
It rained during the night, so we had to quickly shut all the windows and hatches, except we left the mossy net in the companion way hatch – needed some air. Visited Jumbo the supermarket in the morning, and the boat behind us left (it was from Norway and they had a little daughter on board) then a Brit motor boat arrived. Quite a few more boats came in – all motor boats until a couple of yachts with lads who rafted up and went for a meal, then went off again to race. Then another young couple came in late and rafted on us overnight. We had a walk to De Batterij marina, just along from this one, to have a look then an ice cream on the way back. We didn’t think much of the marina, quite soul-less. We had a meal out at Jimmy’s, just off the quayside front, which was very quiet but reasonably priced. Good food, very predictably Ed had Ribs and I had pork saté. It rained hard overnight and the wind got up.
Willemstad lock – Friday 19th May
Wet this morning and chilly. We waited to see if it would improve before leaving, the couple rafted onto us left about 11am, and we left about 12 to get the 1pm bridge over the Haringvliet. When we arrived though, there were two red lights showing and a workboat there – not a good sign. We called them up on VHF and were told the bridge would open at 15.30 due to problems. We decided to go and moor up at the lock as it’s free and wait. We returned at 15.30 along with many other yachts on both sides and they still couldn’t open it. We asked on the VHF if they could answer in English, as we hadn’t a clue what was going on, then found out that the next planned opening was at 18.30 (no guarantees!) This we learned from another Dutch yacht, as they still didn’t respond to us on the radio. So back to the lock again, and we decided to stay the night and try in the morning. The lock keeper came on the tannoy to ask if we were with a party of Najad owners going to a meeting at Hellevoetsluis that evening, and suggested an alternative route via the Spui. But that would mean backtracking, and it’s a long way so we thanked him and said we would stay the night. That was the third bridge to go wrong, so as things come in threes perhaps that’s it for the holiday!
Hellevoetsluis – Saturday 20th May
I phoned up in the morning to check on the bridge and she said it would open at 10am, and they had managed to open it yesterday evening at 7pm. Yay! Quite breezy today and we Motorsailed down to Hellevoetsluis, passing Middelharnis on the way to have a look in at the entrance as we hope to visit there afterwards. We tied up on the quayside in Hellevoetsluis as it was almost empty. ‘Squiffy Again’ the motor boat we met in Willemstad was there and they invited us aboard for a drink before dinner, which was nice of them. When we saw the HM he said it had been very quiet so far that season, but later in the afternoon loads of boats came in. We had a long walk to a Shopping Mall and found Lidl, then had drinks with Rob and Catherine on their boat, very palatial and large! We got some chips to go with our lasagne later, and had a few rain showers, but it had been sunny in the afternoon.
Sunday 21st May
No wind today and quite hot. We had two long walks today. We heard from Ginger yesterday to say they had spotted us (on the AIS I expect) and were in another marina here for a BBQ, so walked round to see if they were still there in the afternoon, but they had left. The bar on the quay next to us had a birthday party with very loud (bad) music so we went out for dinner – walked back to the shopping mall and had a Chinese there which was very nice. By the time we returned all was quiet and most of the boats had left.
Middelharnis – Monday 22nd May
Not far to go today, just across the Haringvliet, so we had a slow start and left about 10.30. Lovely sunny day, Force 3, so we sailed there. It took quite a long time as we had to keep tacking, but good practice. Quite a few boats around, but much quieter than yesterday, when everybody seemed to be on the water including a few sailing barges. Middelharnis entrance is quite small and you enter through an open lock, and down a canal into the town. The ‘Passanten Steigers’ are on the left as you approach the end, and there was plenty of room with electric provided. We stopped by the shower block which also had a laundry room, so very convenient. The HM was a very jolly fellow, and was in no rush to take our money, but we eventually tracked him down to pay him about 5.30pm. He gave me a key to the laundry room so I could just go in and use it whenever I liked – I paid for two washes, but could have got away with paying for one! We had a wander into town to get our bearings, there were a lot of little shops all along the top of the dyke, but Monday seemed to be closing day.
Tuesday 23rd May
Sunny and warm again today but breezy. Finished off my washing then we went shopping after lunch and found the ‘Plus’ Supermarket which wasn’t far away. A few more boats came in today but still very quiet. I managed to pick up wi-fi but it was unsecured. We heard some awful news from England about a suicide bomber at a concert in Manchester where lots of young people were attending, 22 dead and 50+ injured – terrible.
The harbour here is very quaint, and forms the head of the canal, with all the local boats moored there, and the visitor’s pontoons line the canal at the entrance – a charming place and we shall probably come here again.
Bruinisse – Wednesday 24th May
We left soon after 8am today as we had to get the 10.30am bridge – it was a calm, cloudy morning and very quiet on the water. I had to call the bridge up as it didn’t open at 10.30, and he said he would open it – I think they had forgotten! We headed straight for the lock into the Volkerak then motored as the wind was on the nose. At the next lock we were instructed to go in, in order of arrival as there was quite a few of us and it was a small-ish lock. There’s a bridge over the locks here, a yacht entered the one next door and bashed his mast on it! They give you a height restriction, and if you are too high you can request the larger lock where the barges enter. He obviously misjudged his air draught. Next was the Grevelingen lock where we rafted up on the waiting pontoon – plenty of room in this lock though. We went straight into Bruinisse after to fill up with diesel, and spend one night. We bought a season ticket for the Grevelingenmeer and got a burgee to tie on the mast, so they can check to see if we have paid our dues. That was 150€ but Eddie has always fancied one! Our berth was I31 which had a pontoon and a pole – easy enough. We enquired about getting our rigging checked whilst here, at Van Swaays, and they said they would call us back to make an appointment.
Bommenede – Thursday 25th May
Sunny day today with clear skies. Had a shower and bumped into Tjerk on Members Only on the way there. He was on his way to a Westerly Rally with Gerard in the Volkerak, Willemstad and Numansdorp. He kindly invited us along, but we had just come from there, and had to hang around to have our rig checked anyway, nice of him to ask though. We visited the little shop on site which was doing a very brisk trade, then left about 10am and motored down to Bommenede in a beautiful morning. Surprisingly it was quite empty and we picked a nice spot – planning to stay here for a few days. They have put in a small private marina type area here before the public pontoons, it has a locked gate ashore but not sure who it’s for. Other than that nothing has changed. We had our first Cobb BBQ this year, on the grass area in amongst the ants! I also heard my first cuckoo of the season – perfick. Still quiet, but could be the calm before the storm as it’s a bank holiday weekend.
Friday 26th May
Beautiful day again, though not so quiet now! More boats arrived and little ones coming and going to the beach at the end of the inlet. We had a bike ride to a little hamlet called Zonnemaire, about 10 minutes away. We found a post box so I could send a card to our nephew Oscar, and found a little restaurant and had a coffee and snack lunch. Nothing else there, but somewhere to head for on our bikes. We put the Bimini up as it was getting very hot, and there were quite a few people in swimming – I was tempted (almost). Eddie had an eyeful on the boat behind us as she was topless most of the time, so I went for a walk on my own after dinner up to the ‘Point’ and back! You can walk along the top of the dyke and it is such a lovely view from up there over the Grevelingenmeer. The photos never do it justice though. No photos of the topless lady either!! Eddie phoned Van Swaay today and made an appointment for us to have our rig done at 8am on Tuesday.
Saturday 27th May
Another hot sunny day, but a breeze flowing. On Marine Traffic we saw that our friends had arrived in Middelburg today, so hope to meet up with them soon. It was too hot for a bike ride so we just relaxed on the boat, we had to be careful with the fridge as the batteries were starting to strain a little. I didn’t go swimming as my navel was a little infected and I was trying to keep it dry. We had an evening walk along the dyke again to cool down.
Bruinisse again – Sunday 28th May
Left about noon, and motored down to the marina in a warm, calm, sunny day. We were allocated berth H29, but when we got there it was occupied so went back to the office and they said we could go in the visitor’s area, which was a big mistake! The wind got up during the night and we were buffeted around and bucking like a bronco! We hardly slept, Eddie decided to try sleeping in the saloon but still bad. During the evening we had a meal at the Sailors Inn on site, very nice but sparse (or we are just greedy!), then walked round to Van Swaay to check out their quayside for when we have to moor there on Tuesday.
Monday 29th May
What a night, the wind changed direction and we ended up with all the waves coming directly at us. But the morning was beautiful. We walked along to Van Swaay again to check if we needed to take down our genoa, but they said it was unnecessary. Then walked down to a restaurant on the quayside by the locks, but they were shut on Mondays so no meal there tonight. It was very hot today, so we decided to go across to the island Mosselbank opposite until 5pm when we have to go and moor up at Van Swaay (free night). We both had a swim there and it was very refreshing. When we returned to Van Swaay’s there was no room on their quayside for us, we were just hanging around trying to work out where we could berth, and someone came out and said we could go on the end of D pontoon free of charge. That was handy as we had a short walk to the facility block ‘Badhuis’ and also had electric. They also said that the person doing our rigging would do it where we were so no need to move.
Brouwershaven – Tuesday 30th May
8.30 bright and early the rigger came and spent about an hour, he said the rigging was only tensioned to about a third of what it should be! Whilst Ed went to pay the bill (€115) I stocked up at the marina shop. Weather was dismal, chilly and very chilly so we motored to Brouwershaven and stayed there for a night. It wasn’t the weather for islands and Stampersplaat was pretty full when we passed. Entrance to Brouwershaven is through an open lock gate where the HM has his office and calls out on a loudspeaker as you enter, there was plenty of room on the town quay for us. We walked back to see him, pay our dues and get a ‘Sep’ key which gives us access to all the facilities. We had a beer in one of the restaurants then re-visited our favourite fish and chip shop on the quayside – kibbeling (little pieces of fish coated with flour and fried) and frites. A quiet evening after that lot.
Ossehoek Island – Wednesday 31st May
After showers and shopping we took off for our favourite island, Ossehoek, near the top of the Grevelingenmeer. Stopped off at the HM on the way out to return our Sep key and get the deposit back, then motored over to the island as the wind was dead on the nose and calm. We went back to the same spot as 2 years ago as it was sheltered from the Northerly wind, again it was quite empty. I had a walkabout visiting the two other little harbours on the island and almost got lost, but it’s not very big so I would have found by way back eventually. We spoke to our friends and arranged to meet up in Goes on Friday, so will only be spending one night here. Managed another Cobb BBQ this evening overlooking the ‘beach’, and a Seagull settled by us and watched every mouthful! Whenever we come to the Grevelingen a seagull perches on our outboard as we are going along, and is ringed on the claw, so it could be the same one!
St Annaland – Thursday 1st June
Another lovely day, sunny, calm and clear blue skies. We left Ossehoek at 9am and sailed down to Stampersplaat, hardly any wind, we were getting 2 knots over the ground, so we put the engine for the rest of the way. We approached the lock just as it was opening and there were only 4 of us. Then on to St Annaland, which was looking very spruce with all newly built holiday flats and freshly built surroundings. We managed to get on our usual space as it was empty of visitors. After paying HM we did some shopping at Jumbo supermarket, and the village has changed too, with more new houses. We did a bit of research in the evening about the bridges into Goes, and found that the last bridge opening is 11am then it shuts until 4pm, so we’ll have to get a move on tomorrow.
Goes – Friday 2nd June
Alarm at 6.30 today and we left just before 7am. Aiming for the 11am bridge but we had the tide with us most of the time and in the end just missed the 10am opening. There were plenty of spaces to tie up though, and the lock and first bridge were really quick. There were 4 of us going into the marina and the HM put us into a double box, but we took up most of it anyway. We had a nice spot, facing a grassy bank under some trees, it’s a while since we were here, but nothing has changed, just as lovely. We paid the HM in the clubhouse then hung around for the others to arrive, they had to wait for the 4pm opening, subsequently there were loads of other boats. Morning Mist had to raft up on another yacht, and Blue Diamond managed to get an alongside mooring but had to turn round in a very tight spot. There were plenty of willing hands available and we manhandled them round. Good to see them all, we had a welcome drink on Hurkur, then later a drink on BD. They had brought along Campari and Prosecco as a special treat, so we all got a bit noisy during the evening! J & M told us about their nasty incident in Nieuwpoort, where they crashed into the side of the entrance canal, but luckily no damage was done to the boat, just injured pride.
Saturday 3rd June
We had about a dozen spots of rain today and a thunderclap, and it felt fresher after yesterday when it was extremely hot. We went into town for the market in the big square, and had a coffee. Eddie had his favourite snack – bitterbollen, and I had a selection of little sweet treats with mine. I tried a few hairdressers to see if I could get a haircut, but they were all fully booked. We all went out for a meal in the evening to a steakhouse, and J & M treated us all, which was very kind of them. We are going out to celebrate their Anniversary soon, so decided to split the bill with G & D on the day.
Sunday 4th June
Cooler and breezier today. Had a walk into town hoping there may be a boot sale in the square, but there was nothing on. Mooched round the shops and stopped for lunch at the Bodega (2 Croque Madames!) All met on Hurkur in the afternoon for coffee and discussed where next. Thinking of going to Wemeldinge tomorrow, as it is looking very windy on Tuesday and we were planning on going to Zierekzee but it could get a bit bumpy in there. We had a couple of beers in the little clubhouse here later, they still have an honesty box and you help yourself to beer. Last time we came it was 1€ a bottle, but it had actually gone down in price! G & D joined us and we enjoyed a nice chat with the locals.
Wemeldinge – Monday 5th June
Jill & Maurice’s Anniversary today 46 yrs). Breezy and sunny. Prepared to leave on the 10am bridge opening, and I phoned Wemeldinge ahead for berths. He instructed us to go on hammerhead G, enough for two boats and he would allocate the third boat a berth when we arrived. The bridge was a little early opening but all the boats just got through, and all went into the lock together at the end of the canal. The wind was gusting and blew Misty off the starboard side but they managed to get tied up eventually. We had a brisk sail down to Wemeldinge on headsail only, and when we all arrived G pontoon was full, so we plonked ourselves on H, and BD came into a berth next to us. We can sit it out here for the storm tomorrow, as it’s quite sheltered. Then it was time for us to search out a restaurant for tonight’s celebration dinner! The restaurant at the marina was fully booked so we walked into town and found an old Hotel called Smits which we booked. On the way back to the marina we discovered a footbridge operated by pressing a button, which saved us a long walk round. Pre-dinner drinks on Hurkur later then all off to Smits, where we had very pleasant (if simple) meals, I had a lovely seafood fish dish in sauce – yum!
Tuesday 6th June
Blowing a hooli today, with rain showers coming and going quickly. We had a lazy day catching up with jobs, and just had a short walk to the bridge at the marina to stretch our legs. Drinks aboard BD before dinner, then afterwards on Misty – helps to while away a stormy day!
Wednesday 7th June
It was still blowing hard, so we paid for another night, and I did the washing. We had a walk into the little village and found the Spar, then on the way back called into a bakers that had a little coffee shop in the back. Very nice place and friendly staff – we each had a giant profiterole, they called it a ‘mosselbol’ – delicious! In the afternoon before the others came aboard for a cuppa, I gave Jill a quick ‘lesson’ on the Deel 2 Almanak which can be a bit hard to interpret but a very useful book to have. We decided we would leave late morning tomorrow with Jill & Maurice for Zierekzee, and Gill & Dave were heading north to Dordrecht.
Zierekzee – Thursday 8th June
We saw G & D off about 9.15am, and the HM came over for a chat as they left, he told us about a new marina at Cadzand near Breskens and just on the Dutch border. We might check it out on our way home. He also said Sunseeker had moved their HQ to Kamperland, which we intend to visit, so I hope there will be room for us. Left about 11am with J & M, pretty blowy, but we sailed for a bit, then kept the main up and motored. We just missed the 12.55 bridge across the Oosterschelde, so hung around for the 13.25, then it was straight into Zierekzee town quay where the HM directed us onto a spot just round the bend in the river. BD had to raft alongside us we were staying for 3 nights, and they get busy at weekends. We had a walk around before joining J & M for drinks, more Campari & Soda, then wine with our dinner – felt a bit squiffy when I went to bed!
Friday 9th June
Rained overnight and cloudy this morning, but it cleared as the wind picked up. More boats arrived today and started rafting up, there were also a load of Lissen motor boats here on a rally, which the HM berthed up nearer the town. Went shopping in town and had coffee, then went out for a late lunch, but it wasn’t very good, we should have returned to the place where we had coffee in the morning. We had coffee and cake with J & M before our meal in the evening, and we booked a table at De Proverij, the restaurant we went to with the WOA Rally last time we were here for tomorrow night. Election day at home yesterday – Conservatives got in without a majority.
Saturday 10th June
Sunny and warm today and the wind had died down at last. Mooched round the town and looked at the old Haven, the bridges and lovely old buildings dotted around, and stopped for coffee at our preferred place. I went to Albert Heijn in the afternoon for some shopping – quite a walk, and there was a brass band playing in the square which I stopped to enjoy. A marching band had passed the boat earlier so obviously that was where they were going. Lots more boats arrived today and we ended up rafted out by 4. We all had a lovely meal in the evening – I had the delicious fish platter. (All we seem to have done here is eat!)
Kortgene – Sunday 11th June
Hot sunny day today, we had a waiting game to extricate ourselves from our berth as surrounded by boats. Eventually got going about 10.45 and got the 11.25 bridge. J & M got some diesel on their way out but just made the bridge. Made our way to Zandkreeksluis which was pretty busy, we both the last space on the left of the lock and BD rafted up. Then a short hop to Kortgene where we both squeezed onto the visitors pontoon (or so we thought). A lady came out of her boat (after we had spent ages getting in) and said the spaces were taken! The HM said they were no longer visitor spots, and directed us to a couple of nice berths on the wall down the side of the marina with pontoons. Ours was 51, and BD was 58. We saw Dave and Linda on Monet, who berth here all the time, and are Crispin’s friends we met on our last visit here in April. Enjoyed a drink aboard and chat with them.
Monday 12th June
Lugged my washing over to the laundry room today, but it was broken, so had to take it all back again! Eddie changed the oil and fuel filter while I took a walk into town to get some rolls for lunch, then we later re-visited the town and walked along to the end of the village which we’ve never done before! Popped into De Loods on the way back for a beer and snack. Bid goodbye to Dave and Linda as they were going home, and later went round to BD for drinks. It was quite breezy today and chilly today, with just a few boats moving about.
Kamperland – Tuesday 13th June
Lovely, sunny calm day but with a Northerly blowing so a bit cooler. We decided to leave about 11.30 as our trip is only ‘down the road’ today. We went to the office to get our deposits back on our facility cards, then took a cup of tea up to the water front by the bbq, where there are a few seats – a lovely place to sit, relax and take in the view. J & M joined us, then we left as planned. We walked Hurkur back before reversing out as our pontoon was very long. Had a gently motor sail down the Veerse Meer, after trying just the headsail, but the wind was on the nose as always. We spotted Tjerk again berthed on one of the islands and waved to him, he saw us and waved back. Onto Kamperland – I had phoned yesterday to book berths, and HM told us to just go into any available berth on the first pontoon. So we did just that and picked two good-uns. The marina has been bought by Sunseekers now, so lots of Gin palaces everywhere, but it is still a nice quiet spot. J & M liked it too. We had a wander along to the shops in the afternoon and returned to the little coffee shop at the crossroads where they have free Wi-fi. The town is still pleasant, and not much changed at all.
Wednesday 14th June
Very warm today, almost too hot to walk to the supermarket. But we did, in the afternoon. Got some washing done in the morning (€5 in coins for washer, €2.50 for dryer but both nice and quick). My back was hurting today, so I dosed myself up and applied cream to stop it getting worse. There were lots of swallows swooping and diving around us and I noticed they had a nest just under the quay wall. We visited Eddie’s favourite Mexican restaurant with J & M in the evening – E had steak, which I should have done, but made the mistake of eating Mexican food which I didn’t enjoy. Last time we came we had the ribs and they were very good.
Middelburg – Thursday 15th June
Sunny and hot, but breezier. We left about 10am to avoid the higher winds forecast for the afternoon. Just had to cross the Veerse Meer for the lock at the top of the canal which we shared with BD and one other boat. Then stopped off at Jos Boon for some diesel when we arrived in Middelburg. Then tied up at the waiting pontoon just behind BD and went to see HM in the office. We had been in touch with them to request if we could use our friends Ros & Crispin’s berth no. 55 whilst they were away, and that was all fine, in fact they said both our boats could go into that harbour if we liked, but Crispins spot wouldn’t be available until Sunday. So we had no. 28 and BD had 30. They were boxes but we got in ok (nice and sheltered in there) and a neighbour took our bow line, then we helped BD in. After lunch we went along to the office and paid for 2 weeks stay as we are returning home during that time. They said there would be a Watersports day on Saturday, which will be very busy so we’re glad we have our nice quiet spot. We walked into town and had coffee in the square, I visited the loo there and wow, what a toilet! It had floor to ceiling windows in the cubicles, hopefully one way! Reminded me of the bathroom in Amsterdam. We joined for drinks with J & M before dinner on board in the evening.
Friday 16th June
Breezy but sunny. Wandered into town again where they were busy setting up a stadium/arena in the main square for sports and games. They had laid sand down, presumably for volleyball, etc. We managed to buy a Daily Mail, which we later passed on to J & M. We returned later in the day to the town, expecting to see some Jazz playing, but we had misread the poster and it was elsewhere, so just had dinner out instead.
Saturday 17th June
Hot and humid. We heard a boat moving about 8.15am and when we looked out the motor boat in Crispins berth had gone, so we moved there with the help of J & M, all before breakfast! We walked along the main quay and looked at all the old barges that had arrived there for the Sports weekend. There was a minesweeper there as well – massive. There was a ceremony of shooting the canon outside the HM office at 1.00pm followed by another on the corner of the harbour entrance at 1.30pm – very impressive! There were plenty of activities going on today, and the vertical jet-ski’s were all round the harbour, a sight to behold.
Sunday 18th June
Hot, hot, hot! Wandered into town just to try and get some air and had coffee and snacks, then flaked out on the boat in the afternoon. We prepared the boat to leave it, as we go home tomorrow then had dinner in the yacht club in the evening with J & M as it was our last night ‘together’!
Homeward bound – Monday 19th June
Another hot one. We saw friends Jenny and Coulter had arrived in the other harbour, they were on their way to the Ijselmeer but said we were off today unfortunately. J & M kindly walked us to the station in the morning at 10am where we got the train to Roosendaal. But we were held up there as there had been an accident on the line at Rotterdam. Our train was delayed, then cancelled so we all had to get off again, then the next one was delayed but luckily the Eurostar wasn’t until 16.56 and we had allowed all day to get there. Rest of the journey went smoothly, home now for a week.
Return trip begins – Monday 26th June
We took the train from Eastbourne to Ashford International where we had booked a B&B for the night, as our Eurostar train leaves early the next morning. When we arrived at the place, well, what a dive! Firstly his computer wasn’t working so he couldn’t book us in, then he said it was for one person not two and wanted to charge an extra £10! In the end he waived it and put us in a room in the ‘bungalow’ (more like a converted garage!) with shared bathroom. Things broken and not working, so we won’t be returning there again. It was cheap – £40.60 but you could get a room in Premier for that. We ate in town at Spoons which was very nice, and tried not to be in the room for any longer than we had to.
Middelburg again – Tuesday 27th June
We left our room at 6am and walked to the station, which took about 16 mins. The trip went smoothly this time, Eurostar, Brussels train to Roosendaal, Roosendaal to Middelburg. Though the ticket inspector on the Middelburg train queried our e-tickets, saying the bar code said we were travelling as babies!! We showed him our print out and he was happy with that but wanted to see our passports as well – was that to check we were over 18, ha ha! Walking from the station back to Hurkur, it was like we’d never been away.
We had an EM from J & M today, which said they were boarded by customs in Nieuwpoort yesterday and they tested their diesel in the fuel tank. Because there was a trace of red diesel in there, they fined them€500 – what a shock for them. Needless to say we won’t be going into Belgium on our way home now. We popped across to see another English boat in this harbour ‘Scandal’ with our paper for them to read. They said they would keep an eye on Hurkur whilst we were away – nice couple, but very chatty!
Wednesday 28th June
Overcast, chilly and drizzly today. What a change since we were here last. Had two trips today to Albert Heijn to stock up, as I had had to empty the fridge when we went home. We tried to get €600 out of the ABN machine near the square but nothing came out, so we went to the bank and they said €600 was too much, and our account hadn’t been debited. So we took out $400 from the machine in the bank and I phoned Halifax when we got back to the boat. They said the transaction had been declined so all was well. We wanted to fill up with water today so had to get a key off HM – €10 deposit. Quiet in the harbour today, with not much movement.
Thursday 29th June
Another drizzly day, but it brightened up later. We had planned to go to Veere for the night, but when E started the engine no water came out. So we paid for another night here and called out a local mechanic (name supplied by HM). Flipper Watersports came about 4.30pm (who happened to be the same chap Crispin had for his problem in April) and after an hour got the water going, think it was a blockage somewhere. Glad to get it sorted anyhow, we had a walk into town in the evening just to get out for a while.
Breskens – Friday 30th June
We had originally planned to return to the Veerse Meer for a few days, but decided to head homeward instead. Eddie wanted to give the engine a good run to make sure everything was ok after yesterday. We asked for the 11.15 bridge opening, which would give us time to run her before the 12.37 ‘blue wave’ bridge openings down the canal. We had to raft up against a lovely sailing barge to wait for the first bridge, then it all went very smoothly, 9 boats in total. When we arrived at the locks they opened up the big one, but it all went horribly wrong! We couldn’t get close enough to the side wall for me to get a line on, and we ended up facing the wrong way round! What a balls up! But there was plenty of room for us to turn around and exit after and no damage done so all was well. The sea was calm and we motored over to Breskens, I phoned for a berth (E20) which was on an end so a nice long pontoon to alight onto. We paid for one night, but will probably stay two.
Saturday 1st July
Wet and windy during the night and continued windy today. We both had to get up in the night as we’d left off the binnacle cover, and the sail bag was undone, and the flags were banging! Paid for another night here, and had coffee in town, then picked up some bottles of ‘Sailing’, a nice red wine from Plus, to take home. Had a nice walk after dinner along the front by the big blocks of flats here, and found a little beach round the corner, turned into a lovely evening.
Cadzand – Sunday 2nd July
Dull and wet this morning and a bit breezy. Decided to try the new marina at Cadzand so left about 10.45, it was a bit windier than we thought, especially in the squalls. But improved once we came out of the Westerschelde, it was 8 ½ miles to Cadzand so not far. The entrance to the marina is quite small and I was a bit worried, but it was ok in the end. I phoned ahead and we were given berth D7 which was nicely tucked in at the bottom. Wouldn’t like to be near the entrance as a swell works it’s way in. Very nice marina, with everything brand new, and good architectural effects all round. The toilets in the shower cubicles were a shock – they are flushed with rainwater collected on the roof, the water was brown and they smelt! The HM said there hadn’t been enough water, and it was a teething problem. When we arrived some local Dutchmen helped us in, and told us there had been a tragic accident off Zeebrugge. During a race from Breskens, one of the boats lost its keel and turned over, two people were lost, including the owner and his grandson. Shocking. We explored later and discovered a nice little seaside town, with shops, bars, etc. and we stopped for a coffee, before walking up to the beach.
Monday 3rd July
Windy today, so staying put. We plan to leave tomorrow for Dunkerque and decided to make it an early one so we have the tide at the start instead of the end of the sail – 5am! Went shopping in the morning and there was a market in the square, so it was very busy. Bought some Grimbergen to take home then returned in the afternoon for a late lunch (ribs again). We bought ice creams at the ice cream shop for dessert – lovely! A nap in the afternoon followed by a walk on the harbour wall and along the canal. Prepared the boat for an early start tomorrow.
Dunkerque – Tuesday 4th July
Alarm at 4.45am and left about 5.15 – the forecast was for a calm day but we were surprised that the sea was quite lumpy and a F4 blowing. But it eventually settled down after the clouds passed and we had a good sail past Belgium. Counted off the ports as we went past, and crossing the entrance to Ostend a boat shot out, they passed behind us and I noticed it had ‘Douane’ (Customs) on it, but didn’t tell Eddie until they had passed, as it would have worried him somewhat! Luckily they weren’t interested in us but were on their way to a ship further out. Nothing to see at Nieuwpoort thank goodness, and we got to Dunkerque about 2.15pm – Grand Large marina was full so we made our way to YMCN where we were welcomed by a very nice girl waving to us on the pontoon. She immediately sent us to a berth inside, very efficient. We ate on board in the evening and walked into town after – it’s industrial here, not a very pretty setting but nearer to town than Grand Large.
Dover – Wednesday 5th July
Another early start at 4.45am, and left our berth about 5.30. There were red lights at the port entrance and we had to wait a while for them to turn green, a big barge had just entered so assume that was the reason. Lovely sea today, very gentle breeze and we were so lucky to have a good crossing again. Not much shipping around this time, we only had to wait for one ship, and no call ups on the radio either. We entered Dover by the East entrance after calling up Port Control, and we didn’t have to wait there either – lucky or what! We berthed in Granville as there was still enough water to enter (arrived 2.30pm Dutch time) and down to the end berth E26. It was good to be back in British waters.
It was very busy in Dover with lots of boats arriving early evening, and all the building work going on around where they are re-structuring the whole marina. Visited town in the evening where we had a meal in Spoons – good old fish and chips.
Sovereign Harbour – Thursday 6th July
Yesterday we had decided we weren’t going to leave today as they forecast thunderstorms and strong winds, but it all went North and the forecast was good, so off we went at 11.30am. Had the tide against us for about 3-4 hours and there was a swell to start but that dropped off, although it picked up again later. A misty heat haze around, and we had to head out to avoid the firing ranges, so didn’t see much of the land except when passing Dungy and Fairlight. Turned hot and sunny with hardly any wind, so we motored in the end without the sail. Arrived Sovereign at 7.30pm and just missed the lock, so got the 8pm one and back onto our berth, which was empty as I had phoned ahead. Lots of empty spaces in the marina, I suppose they were all away on holiday. We finished off our trip with a nice meal in Pablo’s, I had Calamari followed by Tuna steak – delicious. Goodnight!
Note: The title of this is because there was a theme to this year’s trip – bridges. Firstly we had intended to head eventually for the Oresund bridge which links Sweden with Denmark and which is featured in ‘The Bridge’ TV series, but decided it would be ‘too far’ for us to go. Then we encountered several broken bridges on our travels through the Netherlands, so hence the title.