2018, Ready to start a new adventure.

May 18th.

So we are back in Wessem, Holland, having packed the car to the gunnels yet again…..How do people flying in from overseas manage with only wheelie Bags?? There were some helpful comments about strapping Lucy to the roof, but even so, we managed to buy a few more cases of wine on our way through Calais. The little Yaris is now under strain.

STORY, So , bad paint work coming through on the original 18yr old paintwork was why    

During this last winter we have had Kiwi Rose repainted. We needed to repaint Kiwi Rose,, and nothing to do with inflicted damage.   The Van Kessel Family have been remarkably patient with us and The Dutch certainly are thorough. Half the boat needed to be sanded back to the bare metal as the original base coats were so bad.

We really quite liked the silver look!!! but not the brown. The whole exhaust pipe had to be rebuilt due to rust as well…bloody steel boats.!!.

BUT after 8 months locked in the work shed, she looks beautiful. Plus she has a new look with the colour change of canopies and a flexiteek deck..

Max just wants to say  ‘’this is not my dog!!’’

In the mean time, while waiting for final work to be done, we have been enjoying the 32,000kms of cycle paths Holland has to offer,,,

A  little ferry boat that takes cyclists across the  strips of water between Belgium and Holland..

The Dutch certainly have their cycle ways sorted with maps everywhere, and the blue line indicates the boarder with Belgium.

We are still trying to find out what this sign we found in Belgium means.                   

While the boat was getting the final touches, we stayed here for 6 nights in this lovely B&B went to the local cafe most nights for a well earned beer, and then Thorn for 3,   where the church bells go all night!!!.

And as all good boaties, sewing sunshades & driving Max mad with the pins left about.

As with all boating things, we had a great meal out with old friends. Austin & Susie (from Sydney) and then a few days later Jayne and Peter (from Perth) and Jan & Bill (drove up from Toul) and arrived in Maasbracht for a couple of days of laughter.

And an impromtu picnic on the boat.

Finally after a total change of diesel to GLT diesel newly manufactured by Shell, for the ‘older engine’ ( to see if that solves our problem and put Max’s mind at rest !!))     we will take off tomorrow, FINALLY  for Maastricht and onwards to Paris.

Sunday markets, old metals pails, and wonderful old prams.

Again showing the sensitivity of the Dutch.

And so starts our holiday.