Day 19 - Harderwijk

Sunday 21^st June 2015 – Harderwijk – Day 19

In the morning, we had a walk around the town but it was gesloten (closed), even though it was Sunday and just before midday, tipping with rain, it looked as though nothing would be opening today.

Botters' Yard

Found our way along the river to the botters’ repair yard which was wide open, had a good look round.  Good to see they are still looking after these fine vessels, many of which are over 100 years old.

   

In the square; a fine statute of a lady in her traditional costume, smiling and glistening in the rain.

With botters, looking forlorn, wanting to be away.

We left  Spakenburg at 13.30 with nobody about to see us off, an hour later we were at the Nijkerker sluis lay-by berth.

   

We were on the lay-by for 15 minutes before being allowed through and continued our voyage up the Randmeren, in a strong northerly breeze.

Arriving at Harderwijk, in a box next to the dolphinarium at 17.15.  We could hear the seals honking loudly, hoping they would not carry on with the noise into the night.

Harerwijk Marina

We had problems plugging into the electrical shore supply but a friendly Dutch cruiser allowed us to plug into their on-board connection. 

We needed it, as we were still using the heater at night.

Ashore by 20.00; a couple of beers in Nick’s Inn, before moving onto the many restaurants, which overlooked the large lake on the Randmeren.  In the ‘Hotel Monpole’ had an excellent meal of onion soup, pork satay, with red wine, finished off the night on, oude genever (snapps).

Back on board for midnight, another day’s adventure, pity about the weather, it is so cold.