A day on the boat


Uncharacteristically for Andrew and I

we decided on a 6am start from Nieuwpooort. The harbourmaster at Brugge, our destination, worried us with stories of delays on the waterways on Sundays, and we were trying to catch the remains of the east going stream.

Looking to smooth our passage I had phoned the Lock at Oostende, that being our only way into the waterways before lunchtime. The Lock manager was very helpful and told me not to arrive before 6am. Very little chance of that! What he didn’t tell me was that the lifting bridge after the lock wouldn’t lift until 08:30.

So after an amazingly smooth 10 nautical mile trip from Niewuwpoort to Ostend we entered the Demeysluis Lock around 0730, and then sat and had our breakfast there until the 0830 bridge opened.

Entering Ostend harbour
Derek passes his time in the lock
Briar keeps an eye on the fleet
The line astern
Lots of farms en route
And country pubs
And loads and loads of lifting bridge
The entry lock into Brugge is a strange circular affair. Unfortunately for us the two hire boats in front of us did not tie on properly, and ended up at right angles to the lock wall. Skilful fendering by TMYC members saved the day!
Once out of the Lock we get glimpses of the wonderful sights of Brugge

And after 6 hours travelling we are greeted warmly by the 9th boat on the cruise, Cartagena, and all moor up in our Coupure marina in the middle of Brugge. After a little relax, Cartagena treats us to a drinks Party. I was delighted to see both winter and summer Harbourmaster’s there and enjoying themselves with their wives. They had been instrumental in making this trip work.

 

 

 

 

 


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