2. Wessem to Namur.

Finally we say goodbye to Simone and Guil Van Kessel, but unfortunately the boys, Victor & Guido were not there.

We had temporarily forgotten the reasons they built these huge canals, but were quickly reminded. Heading down the Julianna and the Albert Canals down through Maastricht to Namur. Firstly the heavy work that’s goes into maintaining these waterways, the dredging and rebuilding of the banks. But it leaves the water a bit hazardous!!!

                       Then the big commercial companies that line the waterways.

And we get to share a lock with these boys. Luckily we are heading towards the smaller canals that these buggers don’t fit into.    

We actually managed to see the Beautiful square in Maastricht this time, as last year we come though during The Andre Rieu concerts in July, where he takes over the whole square. Of course had to have a quiet beer.

On to Namur, on the confluence of The Sambre Canal and The Meuse. Our plans to get to Paris have changed again as we realise that the way we wanted to go had been closed for a few years……..So after much collaboration with fellow boaties, Dave and Patricia (Applejack) we have decided to head down to Givet and down The Ardennes to Berry-au-Bac and onto the River Aisne to Paris.

THIS is Belgium so NOT France and the TV stations didn’t rate the rugby, so ended up watching on the ipad, with Dunedinites, Robin & Rob (Echo).Great result, await next Sat.  

Bart and Lia visit us for the night from Brussels and we enjoy the night lights of the Citadel of Namur.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Just to say, 2 years ago this flood gate on The Julianna Canal had collapsed on one side and blocked the waterway. We had to do a long loop through Belgium to get from Maastricht to Wessem.      How they mended it ??, huge cranes on land and barges.

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.