Cruising the Netherlands - Our Route So Far This Year

Oh to be clever enough to add a map. But I'm not, so pictures it is.

We left from Leimuiden (not far from Schiphol airport) where we had left our boat over the winter and went first to

Amsterdam

Six Haven Marina opposite Central Station and next to one of the free ferries - consequently very popular. The marina isn't very big but the harbourmaster makes the most of every inch of available space. As you motor in he appears on his bike, blowing a whistle and gesticulating wildly directing you to a spot. As the day progresses more and more boats are squeezed in around you. First thing next morning it's musical chairs as everyone needs to move to let others out and then it's gloves off and a mad dash for the best vacant berths.


Nemo building.

Taken from our boat as we approach Central Station Amsterdam. Ferries to the left, ferries to the right, very fast ferries to the rear, barges ploughing down the middle. For the first time this year - but not the last - I'm thinking 'what am I doing here?'

Then north to Monnickendam

and out onto the Ijsselmeer/Markermeer.

Around the island of Flevoland which was once under the sea and calling in at some of the historic Ijsselmeer fishing ports. As the open sea is now closed off the only fishing is for eels. Smoked eel is a very popular dish....

Amersfoort - scene of the body in the piano graveyard.



Amersfoort 750th celebrations. I've no idea of the significance of the overalls.......

Spakenburg - where the older women still wear traditional costumes.





Elburg

and through the lock at Blokzijl which we made a bit of mess of as our steering decided to play up big time (now fixed). The onlookers appreciated it as they got interesting photos.

Next stop Giethoorn which advertises itself as the Venice of the north (another one). Used to be a turf digging area and the excavations are now canals around the picturesque thatched houses. No roads so the locals get around on boats or cycles. Me with one of the locals.

And so on into Friesland. Land of lakes, cows horses and windmills

Sneek is the centre of the lakes area and famous for its Waterpoort. Most towns have a brass marching band and in the centre pic you can see Sneek's finest practising.

We spent a bit of time relaxing on the lakes

before cruising on to Leeuwarden and Dokkum

And then out of Friesland and into Groningen and Drenthe which isn't much visited except by boat.


The canal runs out at Delfzijl and then you have to take to the sea to go to Germany. Rob had some ambition to go this way but we went and had a look the other day and - no chance. Not at the moment anyway!