A hectic few days

Wednesday saw us back in the water, then back out again for a few hours Thursday for a quick repair on a rivet then back in again then full steam ahead. We had some time to make up because we had been out of the water longer than planned.
Weather cool, wet with the occasional ray of sunshine.

We headed towards Amsterdam , passing some stunning places got off the larger waterways and onto some gorgeous cana!s.
this special windmill also a water wheel

The hydrangeas breathtaking along this canal





These owners obviously into painting

Castle at Breukelen

So on we continued. skirting Amsterdam, passing yet more windmills, these thatched, how cute is that!


Passed through the last lock in Muiden then out to what appeared to be open sea!


Just after the lock was a stunning ship, the owners into fiddly bits glad it wasn't me painting





So for next day or so we made our way between the islands , keeping a close watch on the bouys. We have now passed onto canals and making our way towards the German border. Some beautiful areas and we look forward to returning to explore properly.
lots of tjalks out sailing, so beautiful

our mooring last night

At the moment I'm blogging from the pub, have cycled down to watch the Dutch , Chile match Orange fever is gripping the nation.

Back in the water ! ?dine

Well after a very busy week especially for Knud who was doing a minimum 12hour day it was time to go back into the water. The deal at the yard was that they did all the cleaning of the hull, any welding ,repairing then 2 coats of paint on the section below the water line. We could do painting above, and believe me there is a lot to paint. So after the preparation ( which takes ages if its done properly) it was time to paint. The luxury of being indoors away from the rain, dust blowing, baking sun etc was a blessing.
The grey walkways, grey front deck and back deck, black, white and green on hull , yellow on the bow , all dine
first coat on the bottom

finishing touch to the back

Looking all shiny

Doing a bit of fine paint work , painting in the original " number plate" and tonnage makings that were pressed into the iron in 1916



So into the water we went again yesterday







then we had to turn Linquenda






Back on the quay, just a few things to do before we were ready to go then!!!!!! what's that? water leaking in!!! one of the welded rivets letting in water. Thank goodness we found it then not down the river somewhere. Kept a check on it overnight but it didn't self seal so this morning out of the water again to get it repaired.

thats where it is!!

Did take a video of us coming out of water but won't try to attach it to this blog will try seperatly.

Orange Fever

World Cup Football ...............what can I say......The Netherlands are working themselves into an orange frenzy
if your wardrobe lacks anything orange, go no further

stuff to go on the celebratory table! orange of course

the main square in Gorinchem, large TV screen up here for the duration of the cup , screening all games.

These photos taken last Saturday when the Netherlands had a decisive win over Spain. Much excitement (understatement)

A few observations/ postcards

Can't get used to seeing tobacco and cigarettes for sale at the checkouts, just help yourself!!!

Kaj enjoying the Dutch specialty, fries and mayo

Knud and Kaj

No your eyes are not deceiving you, yes the tower does have a distinct lean. Built in the 1500's it began subsiding before it was a third built, it then stabilised and by about halfway they began building it a bit straighter (does that make sense?, not sure if I have explained myself well)



Great exhibition of school children's art work, recycling being the theme







Linquenda , first undercoat done. All below waterline work being done by the shipyard, Knud busy getting the deck painted while we are inside and out of the elements.

The Shipyard

Monday we left Arkel and made our way back down onto the Waal , had about 5km to cruise up till we found the opening to the shipyard.

not a large opening!

Tuesday morning bright and early it was time for the "old girl" to come out for a session of TLC

this is where she will spend her time


getting ready


up she comes







ready for work to begin!

This past week

Past week has wizzed by, left Heusden and made our way along to the end of the Maas River, then a short cruise on the Waal ( actually the Rhine but has a different name in Netherlands) this can be a tad nerve wracking as the ships are HUGE and fast, arrived to Gorinchem ( pronounced Khorekum , go figure) and made it up onto a canal, cruised 5 km up to Ariel and there we stayed for 5 days while waiting to go back to the shipyard
World Cup fever has hit the Netherlands




Kaj on the ropes, this an unusual lock, not much of a height difference in this one

Knud and I had a lovely cycle ( 80km round trip) down to Kerkdriel to visit our dear friends Lisbeth and Walter and to meet their new dog Rena. We met Lisbeth and Walter 7years ago when we wintered in Nevers and since then have shared a few winter ports.

How many semis are off the roads ?

Cycling along the tops of dijks one gets a great view of peoples gardens, a lot of work in this one !


Evening , looking out from the wheelhouse