We are continuing to love the Netherlands and at Bas and Agnes’ (Tisento) recommendation, decided to take the Standing Mast Route south through Amsterdam and Gouda to Dordrecht. We’re currently in Gouda.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The route through Amsterdam is a convoy at night – so that they only have to open the countless bridges once. We were in a small convoy of 3 boats – following Cayos, a Dutch boat that had done the route many times.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was quite challenging keeping close enough to the boat in front so that the bridge keepers could limit the time the bridges were open. I think there were 14 bridges or locks – and we arrived at about 3 am after a late 1:30am departure.

The following day, we followed Cayos south to their home area – but having ‘left’ us, they came rush back to us – to stop me going over a really shallow area!! Thanks Cayos! We anchored in a big shallow lake and slept!

There are free moorings available all along – you can typically tie up for 3 days. It’s been really nice to be able to get off the boat and explore the local surroundings wherever we are.

At one spot we managed to arrive during their festival week and enjoyed an interesting flower parade through town.

Unfortunately, our chosen mooring in the center of Gouda was not available – as the bridge was broken! So we’re in a little marina on the outskirts – but an easy walk in to town – which is much like a mini Amsterdam. We were very lucky that Baudine from s/v Bojangles (currently sailing down past New York) was at home in her lovely house near Gouder and she came and gave us a tour of the place and out to a farmers cheese maker where we sampled and purchased the goodies! She then provided an excellent evening meal for us – thanks Baudine!

Tomorrow we’ll move on again – to Dordrecht – another marina, but right in the center of town…