Day 18 - Spakenburg

Saturday 20^th June 2015 – Spakenburg – Day 18

In the winter, I had fitted a new wind instrument to the top of the mast, of late it had been reading erratically.  On deck, I found the socket plug loose; it was removed, cleaned and secured, everything now working fine.  At least, it saved a trip up the mast.

Dutch Botters

We left Almere Haven at 11.30 and quickly back into the Randmeren, it was here we encountered a lot of these traditional Dutch botters (work horses), these are only used as leisure craft now.

Previously, utilised for fishing and carrying cargoes round the then Zuiderzee.

De Kalkovers Restaurant

We were alongside in Huizen, which is on the south side of the Randmeren, on the mainland.  The ‘De Kalkovers’ restaurant is an imposing building with its conical chimneys.

It was an open day here with lots of people milling about, going out on the botters, we watched many loading and unloading their passengers, all enjoying themselves.

On the quayside, there was a band playing with an excellent lady singer, belting out blues/jazz, it was very relaxing, while we sat in the cockpit having our lunch.

Botter's workshop

We could not resist and went ashore to see part of the action, a walk up to the band, who were playing outside the botters workshop, which was holding an exhibition of local art.

Next door, we were fascinated by a blacksmith’s shop, watching for a while, as this robust lady, beat the living daylights out of a red hot piece of metal.

Botter's Racing

We could only stay in Huizen for an hour, when back in the Randmeren, there were more botters.

 This time, they were racing , as we passed by, watched them jockeying for position on the start line, a grand sight.

Stichtse Brug

At 14.00, we were at the next fixed Stichtse brug, which had an air draught of 13.5 metres, no problem for ‘Selene’, though I did notice a chip out of the concrete in the middle, so someone had made contact.

The line on two bladed windmills on the other side of the bridge, did nothing to enhance the landscape.

James Bond

At 14.45, we were entering the channel to the town of Spakenburg; the harbour was bustling with the unusual sight of a man standing on the end of water spout. (James bond style). 

here were lots of youngsters messing about in canoes, who kindly made an opening, so we could enter the marina and find ourselves a box, unfortunately the wrong one. Settling for one on the other side, where all of the action was taking place.

Stalls all the way down the quayside; most of them, selling smoked eels, a delicacy in these parts, not to my liking.

Eventually, we found the harbour master looking hassled pushing his bicycle, he informed, the festivities was for the opening of the new marina housing complex, we thought it was for us.  Apart from the man walking on the water, kids messing about in boats, a male voice choir and ladies in the town’s local costumes.

 

Seemingly, there are now only about sixty ladies left in the town who carry on the tradition of wearing these costumes.

We made our way to the yacht club bar which was in full swing, found ourselves a corner table and watched the enjoyable proceedings.  By 18.00 things were beginning to quieten down, some of the members related what had been happening, it was nice to be part of it.  They also recommended a restaurant for the night.

When we got there, no more tables left, but we were directed to a nearby pub and returned half an hour later.  Fish soup, followed by steak with a bottle of red wine, it was expensive but very enjoyable.

Back on board for midnight and a few night caps.  It had been an amazing day, wonderful sights, pleasure to see so many people enjoying themselves.