By 08:30 this morning, the phone call informing Bob the new starter motor had arrived came. Like a rocket, off Bob scampered, collected it and, upon his return, promptly installed the new part. It was at this point in time that he discovered the true source of the fault: a faulty soldered connector in the […]
What more could an explorer want than a sunny, warm summer’s day, what more could one ask for when planning a cycle across the heathlands of Germany to the inland waters of Grosser Meer. With a depth of one metre, surrounded by meadowlands and edged with tall reeds, this lake provides the right breeding conditions for the bird […]
Although a little windy, the weather seemingly cleared it was around mid – morning that Bob and I made the decision to go exploring by bike. Our destination, Norddeich, is situated on the North Sea coast and was approximately a two – hour cycle. One of the sights we love are the rail booms with […]
An explore of the township today. Emden is only a small town, so it didn’t take long to come across the interesting highlights. It wasn’t that many decades ago that lighthouse ships like this one below were stationed out in the North Sea. No matter the weather or height of the seas, the people that […]
A foggy start to the day! What an easy morning. 5km/hr permitted, we moseyed down the canal. Mostly surrounded by farmland, it was a most peaceful setting where an occasional person or two were to be seen. Bob and I had now truly entered Ost Friesland, home of the Frisian Cow! For the bird lovers, […]
Exiting the Dörpen lock, we moseyed down the last three kilometres of the Kustenkanal to its intersection with the Ems River. At first glance on approaching, it looked a little confusing with its four – way intersection. Fortunately, well sign posted by the authorities, the map and chart plotter at hand, our right turn went […]
A few quick snapshots of our mooring area, and we were off. Today the canal was tree lined with the occasional market garden, peat loading docks or waterway entering, to alter the landscape for a short while. This sight gave us a bit of a laugh. It was with a bit of disappointment, that we […]
This morning saw us undertake the short motor that took us beneath the Cäcilienbrücke and through the Oldenburg lock into the Kustenkanal. A peaceful mooring was found just past the lock opening and only 3km from the Altstadt. Work was being carried out on the opposite bank. At high water later in the day, it […]
After a delightful stay at YC Hansestadt in Bremen, it was time to move on. Tides checked: today it was crucial as we were to go from tidal river into another. Making use of the outward going tide on the Weser, our aim was to then enter the Hünte – some 27 or so kilometres […]
After a delightful few days in which we have made some wonderful new friends, and met with old, it is time to depart Bremen with the tide tomorrow morning.
Bob and I spent this day exploring Bremen and its surrounds. Throughout the historic centre, a pathway of some 2000 small silver domes have been inset within the pavement, enabling the visitor to not miss a thing. Famous for the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, ‘The Musicians of Bremen’, the question was, ‘How many statues can you find?’ […]
Another easy day. At one stage, the air became a mass of black as two massive flocks of black birds took flight. It appeared as though they were searching for thermals. Without success, the hoard unexpectedly dove into the trees. It was quite a sight! The river banks became the drink and play area for a […]
A day of gentle cruising, with a stop in the exquisite town of Nienburg. Originally Nygeborg (literally meaning ‘new castle’, this has led historians to believe there was originally an older one in the near vacinity), as with many of the towns here, its named altered over time. The houses were so quaint! We can’t […]
After refilling the fuel tanks at the Minden Boat Club (97km mark on the left hand bank of the Mittelland Kanal when heading in the direction of the Weser). It took a while to sight, as the bowser is set upon a small red trailer. At last it was time for our trip upon the Mittel […]
A misty morning that the rising sun soon cleared, what a delight it was motoring along in the fresh air. How different was this, our second visit to the township of Minden. Last year cold and wet, today warm and sunny. At the junction of the Weser and Mittelland Kanal, Minden has written history […]
This morning had Bob and riding into what remains of the Hannover Altstadt – unlike our last visit that took us to the modern centre of town. By the time we arrived at our destination, we believe our navigator had led us well over that distance, but it was well worth it. Exquisite farming country […]
A gentle relaxed fifty or so kilometres that has brought us to Yachthafen Seelze. Situated in the Hannover – Linden Stichkanal it’s a peaceful setting in which waterlilies grow and friendly people welcome the traveller. Nine kilometres from the Altstadt by bike, that will be tomorrow morning’s excursion. PS. As some of you may […]
A peaceful, lockfree day along the Mittelland Kanal with plenty of warmth. Bob and I love the small estuaries the Germans have incorporated within the canal structure. Look what we saw! Hohenstein is a town deliberately built around an old guesthouse in the 1950s. Oh, the barge in the top image is our European dream […]
A late start followed by a long, but relaxed, day of 67km as our hoped for stop came and went. Excitement? Yes. A wasp, a good 1½ inch in size buzzed through the door. From its markings, all screamed ‘European Wasp’. If it was, this was the biggest we have ever come I contact with. […]
A blowy day that whipped the waters to a slight chop, but nothing Gratis couldn’t handle. Two locks, 60km and plenty of bird song. This fella made good use of the wind as they tacked back and forth in front if the boat at our night’s mooring. A quick drink and stretch, then off he […]
