The Turf Route is a narrow, shallow canal in SE Friesland once used to transport turf from the peat diggings. There's only one peat excavation left now and it provides peat for pot plants rather than turf for heating houses.The canal, which is open for only 4 months a year, is a step back in time with its manually operated locks and bridges. You pay a small fee at the first lock to cruise this canal but moorings are free.
Many of the bridges are self operated which means someone has to jump off and swing them open.
However, as it's school holiday time most of them have a kid stationed there who will do it and then either swing out a clog on a line or hold out a hat for a tip of 50 cents (1 Aussie dollar). A lock keeper told me they have nearly 2500 boats through in a season so it's a nice little earner.
But you're out in all weathers and you have to guard your spot.
This boy in Appelscha spent so much time there his best friend is of the feathered variety.
Passing through the locks is a slow process which gives everyone a chance to socialise.
The lock keepers are friendly and knowledgeable and happy to chat whilst waitng for the lock to fill or empty.
Other boaters are also friendly. 'So you're the Australians! I've heard about you!'
I never dare ask what they've heard. There are, of course, a few other Aussies cruising around but we all seem to have morphed into the one boat as far as the waterways telegraph is concerned.
The Mythical Aussies! I like to think the myth is not one of those cautionary tales.
Moored just outside Gorredijk. Once you pass through the town lock you leave the Turf Route.
Finally, I have no idea what this means but it was one of lots of poems we found pinned to trees at the junctions of cycle paths in one of huge woods around Appelscha. (click to enlarge) I thought it was a nice idea -read a poem whilst you contemplate which path to take - although Dutch is not the most melodic of languages. One Dutch lady described it as 'pure abracadabra' for foreigners.
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