3 September. Sixhaven to Almere Haven.

Our search for a second-hand outboard motor led us, via markplaats.nl to Almere Haven which is not that far (ie 29km) up the meer so after a quick shopping trip we headed out into the Ij. It was Sunday so thankfully no commercials were out on the water but, my goodness, there were a lot of pleasure craft about enjoying the gorgeous day which was sunny with a light breeze. The sailboats would probably have preferred a bit more wind, but we were happy. 

Before we left the centre of Amsterdam, though, we decided to try and find the botel barge belonging to a Dutch couple, Eugene & Joke, we met on the island last year. They had stayed with Piet and Jelka for a couple of weeks looking at houses and had come over to us for dinner one night. We had a vague idea where their barge was and to my great surprise, considering how many barges there are in Amsterdam, we found it straight off. We tied up alongside and had a quick coffee and tour of the boat with them.

Having a coffee with Eugene and Joke who we met on Faial last year. Their botel business is called "Captain's Place". They had five young welsh guests but Eugene still managed to give us a quick tour. 

Once through the lock and into the Markermeer it was sails for as far as the eye could see. I reckon just about every sailboat in every haven was out on the water. Thousands and thousands of them - very pretty. 

There were lots of pretty boats like these out sailing today. That is Durgerdam in the background - just outside Amsterdam. There was also the occasional odd sight out on the meer today ...

... I wouldn't have liked to be aboard this in a chop.

Our route took us past Pampus Eiland which had been recommended to us a number of times and as we were in no hurry we decided to stop and take a look. A nice young man directed us to a great spot right in front of the restaurant terrace where a hundred or more people were enjoying the sunshine and a coffee and applegebak. "We better not F--k this up with everyone watching", urged Skip and I am happy to report we did not. He eased into the spot as if on a greased track. Phew.

 The landing stage in front of Pampus Eiland.

Pampus Eiland is one of the main forts which used to protect Amsterdam's sea approaches. The place had been left to ruin after the war but once Amsterdam's Waterlijn (series of water and fort defences) were declared a Unesco World Heritage it has since been preserved and is now a popular place for Dutch day trippers. I can report that it was most interesting and we are pleased we finally got to stop and visit.

We set off again up the meer and just before making the turn into Almere haven we came across another lovely island with nice protected moorings inside. Skip decided he would rather spend the night out on the island than in the marina, so we found ourselves a good spot on a lovely grassy bank surrounded by trees and it is just a shot hop across to Almere in the morning.