Blokzijl to Lemmer

For a change we got an early-ish start and headed out of Blokzijl at 9:30. We knew we would have a long day - 42 km. It will be all short distances from here on, so figured we would get this lot out of the way. The first 3 hours were just wonderful. The day has been sunny and clear, if cold (it got down to 2.6C last night!). 

We turned left at the Giethoornse Meer up the Wetering/De Riet canal which was just so pretty. Narrow, winding, flat calm and with lovely small cottages and farms along the route. Some gorgeous gardens too. 

We are now back in Friesland, where "Bruggeld" is frequently requested. Usually a couple of euros which one places in the wooden shoe that the bridgemeester hangs out of his window.

By the time we reach Ossenzijl, we felt like a break so tied up for an hour for lunch, a walk and for Skip to scrub the side of the boat. For a change we had tied up on our starboard side, something we almost never do. "Oh my!!" said Skip. "We're pretty grubby this side!" So out came the brushes and the Mr Proper and he gave it a good go over while I took a walk.

A barge full of reeds. We saw many of these, as well as people re-thatching roofs.

From Ossenzijl to Echtenerbrug it gets less interesting - more nature, less villages & gardens - but still pleasant. We passed through a 3km long stretch of dead straight canal, with small platforms every 15m along one bank. At every other one was a fisherman with PILES of gear. There was obviously a fishing competition going on. Skip estimated there were about 150 of them.

Part of the charter fleet at Echtenerbrug. 

"Phew", said Skip "I'm glad they're all tied up and not cruising around!"

We pulled into Echtenerbrug to refuel. We hadn't topped up tanks since last summer.  290 Euros. Gulp. Anyhow, back into the Tjukkermeer which was a bit improved from the last time we passed through here 2 years ago. Then it was blowing a gale and pouring buckets. Still choppy today, but vastly better. 

Turned left into the Grutte Brekken and down to Lemmer which we have never visited before and which I had marked on the chart as a good spot on Jim's recommendation years ago. We are now tucked up on a great spot on the wall in the binnehaven and Skip informs me it's Date Night, so no need to think about dinner. Yay.

Relaxing 'cos tonight is Date Night and I don't have to cook. Actually, I have to be honest, Skip does most of the cooking on the BBQ.