The Netherlands
Leeuwarden to Oostmahorn
03/07/06 22:50
An impressively early start sees us underway at 09:20.
There are 7 bridges around Leeuwarden and once we leave the Lange Meer we are in a canal not used by commercial barge traffic. This means that there is a small local "Clog Tax" on each bridge/group of bridges that we pass through. The means of collection is a clog dangled at the end of a rod and line by the bridge keeper into which the required tax is deposited. This can lead to some interesting moments when approaching a bridge where wind is a factor.
The canal route doubles back through Leeuwarden (Clog Tax €6) and we were surprised to discover moorings alongside lovely grassy banks on the western side of the town centre.
After leaving Leeuwarden the canal winds through pretty countryside and we note occasional lay-by berths which can be used free of charge for overnight stops.
We then pass through the pretty town of Dokkum at 15:00 and proceed eastwards entering Dokkum Diep and onto Oostmahorn Jachthaven where we moor at 17:15.
This is quite a large and remote marina able to take quite large craft. We eat at the marina restaurant and check e-mails.
Tomorrow we will leave the inland waterway and proceed to sea.
Daily Run 28.3 Marina Cost €12.75 per day.
There are 7 bridges around Leeuwarden and once we leave the Lange Meer we are in a canal not used by commercial barge traffic. This means that there is a small local "Clog Tax" on each bridge/group of bridges that we pass through. The means of collection is a clog dangled at the end of a rod and line by the bridge keeper into which the required tax is deposited. This can lead to some interesting moments when approaching a bridge where wind is a factor.
The canal route doubles back through Leeuwarden (Clog Tax €6) and we were surprised to discover moorings alongside lovely grassy banks on the western side of the town centre.
After leaving Leeuwarden the canal winds through pretty countryside and we note occasional lay-by berths which can be used free of charge for overnight stops.
We then pass through the pretty town of Dokkum at 15:00 and proceed eastwards entering Dokkum Diep and onto Oostmahorn Jachthaven where we moor at 17:15.
This is quite a large and remote marina able to take quite large craft. We eat at the marina restaurant and check e-mails.
Tomorrow we will leave the inland waterway and proceed to sea.
Daily Run 28.3 Marina Cost €12.75 per day.
Leeuwarden
02/07/06 22:52
It is very hot day and after our late night last night I don't feel like going anywhere today.
We take a rest day and relax reading or generally idling.
We take a rest day and relax reading or generally idling.
Lemmer Anchorage to Leeuwarden
01/07/06 21:38
We weigh anchor at 10:30 and leave the Ijsselmeer via Princes Margretsluis at 1105.
It is quite a hot day and we make good progress towards Leeuwarden along the Staande Mastroute.
For about an hour around noon we are able to motorsail but the wind soon dies away.
As we approach Leeuwarden near the Altenbrug we kiss a soft mud bottom but reverse out without difficulty.
Leeuwarden Jachthaven staff are very helpful and we are berthed in our allocated box by 17:30.
While manoeuvering into our berth we notice a new whining noise from aft end. It's source is not clear but everything looks OK in the engine room.
It is Saturday evening and we walk to the town centre along the canal. There are many old cargo barges which are permanently moored and have been converted into homes.
There is a festival in full swing, the streets are packed with people and there are numerous food and drink stands doing a brisk trade. At regular intervals a variety of groups and musicians provide excellent entertainment.
Once darkness falls a large number of floating sculptures previously secured in the canal and complete with candles or torches are lit. The effect is quite spectacular.
It is quite a hot day and we make good progress towards Leeuwarden along the Staande Mastroute.
For about an hour around noon we are able to motorsail but the wind soon dies away.
As we approach Leeuwarden near the Altenbrug we kiss a soft mud bottom but reverse out without difficulty.
Leeuwarden Jachthaven staff are very helpful and we are berthed in our allocated box by 17:30.
While manoeuvering into our berth we notice a new whining noise from aft end. It's source is not clear but everything looks OK in the engine room.
It is Saturday evening and we walk to the town centre along the canal. There are many old cargo barges which are permanently moored and have been converted into homes.
There is a festival in full swing, the streets are packed with people and there are numerous food and drink stands doing a brisk trade. At regular intervals a variety of groups and musicians provide excellent entertainment.
Once darkness falls a large number of floating sculptures previously secured in the canal and complete with candles or torches are lit. The effect is quite spectacular.
The drink stands are rather easier to access than the food stands so we end up not eating until very late when we pickup a pizza on the way home.
Daily Run 27.80 Marina Cost €8.50