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Published: November 22nd 2014
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Sat 11
th Haringvreter Island – 13nm
Big yacht race started today – Breskens to Antwerp. There were heaps of boats involved so we let them all go before we took off about 1030. We crossed the channel (didn’t have too many ships to avoid this time, just a Ferry that had to pass us from behind) and then called up the lock master to open the lock. Once we got in, he called us back and told us that the rest of the locks were closed up to Middleburg until 1630. Wish he had told us this yesterday when we visited. Oh well, never mind...such is the cruising life. We tied up against a pontoon (that wasn’t connected to the shore) and sat back to mull over the day – with another coffee. Saw a ‘gig’ race start and figured that was why the rest of the canal was closed for the day. We werent’ going far today, so no problem. Phil started cooking up a nice omelette for lunch. Just as he was nearly finished, I heard someone calling us on the radio outside. It was the lock master. The lock was opening at
1240 after all. The time was 1220!! So now the scramble was on. Lunch was scoffed and we were ready to go through the lock when it opened soon after!!
We spent the rest of the day going through locks or opening bridges. There was a radio channel you could call on, but they must watch you going up the canal as each time we approached, we would either have to tie up on the ‘waiting pontoon’ for 5 mins, or the lights would be changing for us to go through. I think we went through 7 openings in all. By the end of the day, we had a good routine established for going through the locks!! We were going to stay in Veere for the night, but they wanted E17 for just one night on a very flimsy pontoon, so we kept going across the other side to another marina we could see. On approach there, we thought it was too shallow, so continued down the canal...Phil could see some masts down the way. As we approached the island, we could see pontoons and 2 small yachts tied up. We called out if we were allowed
to tie up. This Island is like a conservation park. Pontoons are provided and you can moor for free. It was just deep enough on the outside for us, but there would be no tidal or current influence so that was ok.
Once we were settled, we went for a walk to explore the island...not too far as the ground was wet and soggy from recent rains. However, we did come across a big stag just grazing in the bushes on the side of the track. He watched us warily, and we watched him back as we didnt’ know how stags reacted...especially when we could see the rest of his herd on the other side of the track. However he let me take a few photos and then went back to eating. That evening more deer came down to where the boats were moored and then again in the morning. We had a very pleasant stay here. Can imagine what it would be like in peak season, but for now, in winter...it was perfect!!
Sun 12
th Dinteloord – 35nm
After a lazy egg and
bacon breakfast we tootled off. Had a bit of a way to go today so didn’t leave too late. Glad of that in the end, as where we thought we would stay....we couldn’t. Much longer day than anticipated and ended up coming into a Marina well on dark. The channel in the canals were well lit though and the barges we had to avoid were easily seen. However, we don’t like coming into new places in the dark if we can avoid it....but this time we couldn’t. We were also hoping for more little tie up places, but there weren’t any. Apparently we could’ve anchored, but weren’t too keen for that. This time we had to go under a couple of bridges and the first time we were very worried that we wouldn’t fit...we slowly crept through, and all was fine. When we got to the marina we had to go through a lock..that wasn’t a lock...just a one way passage and we had to wait for the lights to change before we could go through. It was automatic, but we didn’t know that – so the guy we called on VHF must have thought we were stupid!! Anyhoo, the
light changed and we went through. Then to find a pontoon....in the dark. We found one, tied up and then noticed a sign saying...well in Dutch...it said No mooring.
I went ashore to ask at the yacht club where we could moor...only to find out it was just a restaurant. A guy leaving said to just stay there as it was late at night, out of season....and who would be coming in now?? Good point. Was about 8pm when we finally tied up and settled for the night.
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