Over the last few days we had been discussing where to base ourselves for the summer of 2015. Our original plans to move the boat to Southern France (overland) had been scuppered, so we have been pretty much forced to remain in the Netherlands for the time being. Dismay rapidly turned to joy when we found out that the cruising possibilities in this country are huge and that there is so much to see.
There are 2137 km of navigable canals and rivers (or over 6000 kms if we include all the little canoe routes) with 84 locks. Just as a comparison, Le canal du Midi has 89 locks over a distance of 256 km from Toulouse to Sète. Neither is better than the other, just different.
Our decision for summer 2015 is to move into Friesland - Fryslân in Dutch - so for the remaining time on this trip we thought that a quick visit in the other direction - south west - would be a good idea. Hence our visit to Spakenburg with an overnight stop near Harderwijk.
We left Elburg at 1130 in a near flat calm. Once through the Elburgerbrug we were more exposed to the southwesterly breeze with about a Force 4 on the nose.
Our lunch stop was at another of the wonderful 'nature harbours'. This one is known as 'De Ral' [N52° 24.7; E5° 44.0].
It reminded me of Finland, but without the pine and birch trees. Also there was no sauna on the island…
The approach to the JH De Knar on the outskirts of Harderwijk was totally different from that shown on our 2014/15 chart but was so well buoyed that it was very clear where the channel lay. Extensive works are being carried out on the harbour.
Overnight fee was €1 per metre and we were rounded down from our 13.25m to €13 including free WiFi ("WeeFee'" here, as in France). Electricity 50c per 'unit'. 'Unit' not specified - our first 50c lasted about 20 minutes without any serious load so we disconnected from shore power and had the generator running for 90 minutes instead. The 'WeeFee' worked very well.
Met three friendly Dutch sailors who had noticed our Port of Registry - Cowes - and came over to say hello and that they had been in Cowes during Race Week some time ago. (They had also nicked our allocated berth on the hammerhead…) The skipper had sailed his 34' motor-sailor around most of the UK, including Shetland and Orkney, through the Caledonian Canal and down through the Irish Sea.
10 miles for the day. Pleasantly warm at 15°C with a very calm evening and night. Pressure 1024mb and falling slowly.
28 October 2014
Engine on at 1000. Wind still in the SW; thin cloud and warm again after a cool start. Pressure 1021 falling slowly.
Went through our first lock - the Nijkerksluis. Approached with some trepidation but the lights turned to green and we motored straight in. 10 meters wide and 90 meters long. We watched the gates close behind us and without us being aware of anything happening, we had dropped a bit less than a metre and the exit gates had opened. How easy was that? We gave a cheery wave to the lock office. No idea if anyone was there as the anti-glare glass prevented us from seeing in.
Arrived in the Old Harbour at Spakenburg at 1300. Hbr office closed but there was a number to ring and in due course the HM arrived for the dues. Again €1 per metre. Rounded up this time to €14 plus €2.50 per night for electricity. Free 'WeeFee' but a code was needed which we didn't have.
What a beautiful place:
/Rich.
Very special cruise and glorious weather.
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