Day 21 - Ketelmond

Tuesday 23^rd June 2015 – Ketelmond – Day 21

During the night, relentless rain, extremely heavy at times and with Dave snoring like a troop, not much sleep (need ear defenders, not plugs).

In the morning the rain had not given up and still using the heater in the cabin.

Vispoortbrug

Early afternoon, the rain began to relent and walked around the town, to take in some of the history.

You enter the town through the impressive Vispoortbrug (town gate), after crossing the moat, part of the fortifications.

Part of the Moat

Elburg was built as a fortress in a rectangular pattern with an encircling wall in the 14^th century.  The moat and ramparts were added soon after and not much has changed since.

Church enclosed by town wall

   

Main Street

Of course, most of the dwellings have been modernised, but it has an enchantment about it, in the square pattern of the narrow streets.

In Holland, this historic place is very well preserved and one for the visitors, who I am sure flock here in the times of fine weather.

Roggerbotsluis

We left at 14.00 and returned to the Randmeren, an hour later, we were waiting at Roggerbotsluis, clear of the lock and bridge half an hour later.

Now the waterway was beginning to open out, as we were passing numerous small islands with trees in abundance, reed beds running along the shore.  Along the banks, an abundance of bird life with for the first time, flocks of cormorants.

At 16.30, we entered the Ketelmeer with a north westerly wind,force 4/5, choppy sea and making little progress, as we came into the main shipping lane, with large barges coming into play.

Ketelmond Marina

The harbour master at Elburg had told me there was nothing at Ketelmond, but it looked very inviting, as a place of shelter, so we headed in, and very grateful to be alongside the pontoon at 17.00.

The harbour master here, gave me very good information on the forthcoming weather and the operation of the next large bridge, our challenge for tomorrow.

At 19.00, ashore to the end of the marina and the bar restaurant ‘Land’s End’, at the top of Flevoland, with a fine view over the Ketelmond and bridge beyond.

We dined on a very nice rack of lamb in peaceful surroundings; it was good, to be in such a delightful port of refuge.