25 August
Gorinchem

Another HOT HOT HOT day. It was an unpleasant night - airless and sticky - and the boat retained its heat until well after midnight. The coolest spot was on the foredeck, so we put our TWO camp chairs up there and read for hours until the aft cabin was sleep-able.

We decided to leave the boat for the hottest part of the day, so plotted a cycle route which took in 4 ferries, a medieval walled town, a castle, a fishing museum (I know, but it was air-conditioned), dikes, a river or two, lots of air-conditioned cafeterias, as well as a half-hour on a bench under a tree.

Today's ferries:

A BIG one...

A medium one (I know, THE HAT!) ...

A small one ....

A cute little itty-bitty one.

The first ferry took us to Woudrichem, a charming little village, once the center of fishing in these parts, til the closure of the big sea dikes put an end to that.

The village was preparing for their annual fisherman's festa at the weekend, festooned with fish themed flags & bunting. There were also fish nets draped wherever it was possible to drape one.

A couple of km's and one small ferry later, we came across the kasteel Slot Loevenstein. Very picturesque and a nice air-conditioned cafeteria where we had lunch.

The kasteel cost 12,50 to go around, and after I had peeked in the souvenir guide book, I decided we would'nt bother. The grounds were free, and probably the best bit.

Back aboard at 5.30, just as the sun dipped behind the building across the canal leaving the boat in the shade. All very well, but as last night, the boat was still 33 inside and 35 on the aft deck. Camp chairs on the bow again.

Tomorrow is predicted to be a little cooler with maximums of 28 instead of 32, so here's hoping.

All in all we did 45 km on the bikes, with frequent stops.