Resting on the shores of the Wadden Sea, Harlingen is an historical fishing/seaport, that is today a mecca for the tourists and a connection point for those wishing to visit the Frisian island of Terschelling. Some hours were spent exploring the tiny waterways of the township: quite different to those of Leeuwarden, these generally came […]
A short 8km motor brought took us to the outskirts of the port side town of Harlingen this morning. Just past the Konigsbrug, we exited the Van Harinxmakanaal and found ourselves winding past a multitude of moored boats – which Bob intently studied in passing. On arrival at Industriebrug, Bob phoned the bridge operator, who […]
Amidst heavy rain showers, squalls and wind Bob and I motored the short distance to Franeker, which is situated half – way between Leeuwarden and Harlingen on the Van Harinxmakanaal. Moored in a quiet channel on the doorstep of the township’s centre, Bob and his knees couldn’t have wanted for more. The highlight today was […]
Terry’s three week visit had rapidly come to a close. After dropping her at the railway station where she would depart, Bob and I headed out for a day of relaxing countryside exploration in Little G2. Narrow waterways that led to shallow waterlily clad lagoons. Farmhouses. A child’s playground delight! Travel came to an abrupt end […]
We experienced a rare day of exquisite sunshine as we explored the canals in and around Leeuwarden in Little G2. Narrow canals with low bridges and their rounded arches – beneath a few, were once signs of once used entrances – and where the occasional waterlily was to be found. Out of the town centre onto […]
Weather prediction. Morning: mostly cloudy with some rain; Afternoon: mostly cloudy with some sun. 11am, all looking good, off set we: destination, the church. What was that? A spot or two? It couldn’t be! Looked up; pretty clear, a drop or two won’t hurt. On to the church – yes, there was one on the […]
This was a day of exploration. Originally surrounded by a moat – some of which still survives – Blokhuispoort, was originally constructed as a fort – like structure by the Saxons. This enabled them to govern the Friesland region. From 1580 until 2007, the structure was used to house prisoners. The Frieslanders have looked outside […]
The weather not at all promising for Dokkum, the decision was made to continue to Leeuwarden rather than go on the planned bike ride up to Holwerd and other northern townships. Here, if the forecast proved correct, it would be possible for us to explore during the afternoon. Frisky cows, raunchy cows, Loved this one […]
This morning Gratis took us along the Dokkumer Dijp, followed a few kilometres later by the Dokkumer Grutdjip Canals. With the bridge operators taking time off for lunch, we dined on the canal bank for the midday break. Upon the canals today white swans dined on their culinary delight of water weeds and small critters, […]
This is the region of the Wadden Sea: a seascape of blue that turns to a grey – brown silty slush during the ebbing of the tide. Today, it’s a series of UNESCO World Heritage parks that cover the North Sea coastal regions of Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany. We have been informed that the best […]
This day’s journey took us upon the Zoutkamperril Canal. Today the landscape became significantly different to that of Germany’s Ost Friesland: so much so that it is difficult to comprehend. From what we are experiencing, the weather patterns and rainfall are dissimilar: maybe it’s effects created by land formations, ocean currents and so forth???? For […]
12:30pm and the time for us to depart had arrived. The kindly couple behind motored out so as to provide more room in which to manoeuvre Gratis as Bob backed her out of the marina berth. There are times set for boats to be led convoy style through the centre of the township. This particular […]
This superb museum led us through 1500 years of maritime history in a few short hours. Room 1 Covering the northwest European trade that took place between the 7th and 10th centuries, the ships most used at this time were the knar and hulk. There were also some interesting artifacts on display. Room 2/3 By […]
An exquisite morning of motoring took us along the Mast – up route to the University and Hanseatic town of Groningen. A bit of an interesting start to the day took place at the Grote Sluis and Kleine Sluis lock entrances. According to our book, each had their own radio channel, however, all sign posting stated the VHF […]
We went out looking for lunch today. Bob, intent on escaping the rain, with Greek on his mind, raced across the street faster than a hare. It was Sunday, and a lone Chinese restaurant was open. An hour later, having wandered the town, like water rats we arrived back at the marina: there in front […]
The weather cold and dreary, appearing ready to rain, we had departed our mooring in Emden by 09:00. Schleuse contacted, at that point, we were informed they would have it ready for us. On arrival at the gate, a quick radio call – it’s VHF 13 here – and the massive structure gradually slid open. […]
Well, here it is! With the aid of books by Tom Sommers (http://eurocanals.com/), the initial route planning options for our 2017 tour through northern Germany and the Netherlands is completed. By Car: Mecklenburg Lakes in first Gratis, then Little G2 Canal River Route Take 2 through the Netherlands. Take 3 Distances.
Preparing this year’s route from Spandau, Germany to Basel, Switzerland. We thought the mapping for last year was a bit tricky. Working out the best route through Holland and Belgium is even more difficult! It turns out, the shortest route is heading upstream via mostly rivers. Hmmmmmmm!!!!!!!! Maybe not the fastest after all. Need to […]
We arrived in Amsterdam yesterday in order to pick up our visitors today. Time is being spent visiting marine shops to find the books and charts required for touring the Netherlands.
