24th June
We awoke to blue skies and warmer air and before we knew it we were bidding goodbye to the harbourmaster who had come out to see us off. We can certainly recommend this small happy marina for anyone passing this way.
We set off in company with two British motor boats which had also stayed at Braassemermeer. We had a number of bridges to pass through on our way to Gouda and found they were opening up quite promptly for us. That’s what happens when you are in convoy with a large commercial barge. Once the waterway widened a little he overtook us and was gone. Just before Gouda we had to pass through a mainline rail bridge which only opens every couple of hours. We had missed the 12.20 opening by about half an hour and had to wait for the 14.27. Oh well, we had plenty of time for a leisurely lunch and for Carole to sponge and wash out the fridge. By 14.27 quite a few boats had gathered for the bridge’s opening and through we all went, some also heading for Gouda.
We took the turn into Gouda and had decided that we would moor up in town. However, to do so, we would have to pass another bridge, a small lock and one more bridge. All went well and then we were on the hunt for a suitable mooring. We decided that the box moorings were not wide enough for us, but straight after there was room. The only problem was the overhanging trees.
Like the sailing boat ahead of us, we turned the boat round so that we were facing into the wind. This would also make it easier for us when we leave, as the waterway is quite narrow here and if it got busier, it could be a pain. Chris had to manoeuvre the boat into a tight space between the trees and ensure that we came to a stop so that neither our mast nor our spreaders were touching anything. And then the wind got up! We failed the first attempt as Carole was unable to leap to shore without going swimming. Carole explained to Chris that she is no longer 20! Then fortunately, our kind Dutch neighbours came and helped by taking our lines and soon we were tied up and wondering what the fuss was all about (as usual).
After we had sorted ourselves out and had a cuppa, we took a walk into the town and Chris enquired again about buying pay as you go data for his devices for work, etc. Carole took a look at one of the Gouda cheese gift shops and the sat in the sunshine to wait for Chris to finalise his purchase. We then returned to the boat to cook supper and have a quiet evening. Chris was unable to activate his new data sim card, so would have to return to the shop in the morning.
Thursday, 25th June
We made sure we were up and dressed by 8 am, as one of our Dutch neighbours told us to expect a visit by the Harbour Master collecting his dues around that time. He called soon after 8 am and we paid our dues, which turned out to be the cheapest of our trip so far (17.05 Euros for up to 3 nights). Chris then took a walk to locate the showers and loos the Harbour Master had told him about. Half an hour later, he returned none the wiser. We then had breakfast and while Carole tidied up, Chris returned to the shop to sort out the problem with his sim card. Carole then took a walk and after a good 15 minutes found the loos and showers.
We headed into the market place where Gouda’s famous Cheese Market was taking place. We walked round the market and stopped to listen to what was going on. We met again one of the lovely Dutch couples we have bumped into before, Bob and Joke, who spend their summers sailing different waters.
Everything seemed relaxed and happy. We paid our entrance fees to look around the Gouda Cheese Museum. We love cheese, so it was fascinating to see how the Dutch make their cheese. We haven’t found one supermarket that stocks any type of cheddar cheese. The Dutch obviously love their own cheeses and the ones we have tried so far have been good. For lunch we shared a portion of fresh fried fish with mayonnaise from one of the market stalls. Chris then bought a freshly cooked syrup waffle from another stall, which he had to eat on his own as it was too sweet for Carole. We then bought some fresh salad and fruit and returned to the boat. We had a light supper. We then studied the charts for tomorrow’s journey to Dordrecht.