'Meusing' on the Maas

After leaving Dordrecht we spent a peaceful few days in the Biesbosch, a large, tidal wetland area of creeks, reeds and willows. It is a national park but recreational boating is permitted and there are lovely, free mooring places provided along the channels and on the islands. We had been warned that it is very shallow in places so we took great care and didn't have any problems. The weather was great and being spring there was lots of birdsong all day; cuckoos first thing in the morning and what I'm sure must have been a nightingale which sang all night.

 Leaving Dordrectht

 Biesboch

Then it was onto the River Maas (Meuse in France and Belgium). The Maas is one of Europe's major rivers being over 900km long and running from France through Belgium and the Netherlands to the North Sea. I had viewed this part of the trip with some trepidation. Firstly it is included on the navigation chart called The Great Rivers and great rivers generally means great big ships. Secondly rivers have currents. Thirdly it is tidal. Fourthly it is winding and winding and big ships/barges combined conjure up one of my biggest worries (yes I know, I do seem to have a lot) and that is Blue Boarding. Simply explained, when a ship shows a blue board with a flashing light it means you need to cross to the other (wrong) side of the waterway quick smart so it can use your side. This normally happens on bends where the large vessel needs to take the outside of the bend. Rob kindly (or perhaps fed up with my worrying) worked out an alternative route which I was happy with and then we were told that to miss the Maas would be a shame as it's pretty. So, once again, I took a deep breath, and agreed to give it a go and so far, so good. And yes we have been blue boarded twice so another fear overcome!

Not only have my fears lessened in size the boat seems to have as well! L'Avenir at Heusden.

The Old Harbour at Heusden. This harbour was drained and filled in 1908 but after much of the town was destroyed by the retreating Germans in 1944 it was decided that instead of re building a modern town they would authentically reconstruct the old. The harbour was re excavated in 1965 at the same time as the moated star shaped fortifications.

Market Sqaure Heusden - a 600 year old town.