Now we’re cruising

After a week staying in Weesp and taking the train into Amsterdam, we are on the move again. The week in Amsterdam was great and as the weather was mediocre it was a good time to do it. We had one lousy, rainy day so we stayed on the boat and read books.

Tuesday we set off up the Vetch river which was always one of our goals. The weather was great and we have a beautiful cruise past grand old homes, ultra modern designs and classic little houses backing on to the river. Some rural spots with horses playing and ducks watching and, of course, windmills. Maarsen had very pleasant moorings in the town right next to another grand old home.

Wednesday we had lunch in town and set off around 1pm. We left the Vecht and did a stretch on the Amsterdam-Rhine canal which is a major waterway with lots of big commercial barges and, it seem, we were very lucky as it was uneventful. Everyone else we have spoken to had horror stories of getting tossed about as multiple large barges passed them on either side. We made our way through rural countryside to this little town of Montfort where the grassy mooring in the town is free, and they have a washing machine. Yahoo! We will amble on down to Oudewater this afternoon and then aim to get to Gouda before the weekend rush.

Now the weather is good we are beginning to really enjoy Holland and have met many Aussies and English who have been doing this for many years and prefer it here over France. We are considering not heading south before we leave and, instead, leaving Amida near Amsterdam and then heading south when after we return. Those of you considering visits, bear that in mind. We will let you know.

It seems that there is a secret society of cruisers from Perth, Australia, who are slowly taking over the Dutch Canals. We have met three couples so far, and they all know each other. Apparently there are 30 or more couples from Perth who are doing this regularly and all keep in touch. The Canaliers. They are also a great source of information.

We'll post some pictures when we get a good Internet connection. Don't hold your breath.