Lemmer to Amsterdam
After leaving Lemmer we had a cracking sail accross the Issjlemeer to Lelystad. Although it is an enclosed sea it was quite windy and developed a sharp chop which sent spray over the boat as we beat to windward. The passage took 7 hours, including locking thru into the Markemeer before making our way into harbour. We couldn't find any free spaces so we tied up on the wall outside the restaurant and I went off to find the harbourmaster, who said it was fine to stay there. Also, when he came to collect our dues a little later, he adised us that Sixhaven in Amserdam (our planned next stop) was often full and he suggested an alternative harbour called "Aoelis" which was very near, but less well known.
The next day we set off for Amsterdam and, again, the wind was against us. This time, however, the sea was smoother and the wind lighter and we entertained ourselves singing as we tacked upwind.
Through a bridge and an overcrowded lock and we were in the city. Next task was to find a harbour and we decided to go straight to Aeolis as it sounded more likely to have spaces. As we motored in, the harbourmater cycled along the pontoon to direct us to a space and even took our lines for us - great service & friendly too.
So here we are in Amsterdam. We seem to be in the middle of a ghetto (!) but we are only 15 mins from a free ferry which takes us to the centre of town.
We did all the touristy things the first evening: Walked around, had a beer at a canalside cafe and had a joint in a coffeeshop. The joint was ok, but we're both glad it's done now and we don't have to do it again!.
We were supposed to meet up with Dug yesterday, but he stood us up (I'm sure he has a good reason).
Today we have stitched our damaged sail-cover and will soon do some provisioning0 so that we are ready to leave tomorrow. We shall have to go thru Harlem first, but I am looking forward to getting back to the countryside after that.
P.S. Jackie Brown: It was good to have a chat yesterday - thanks for calling and don"t work too hard! We shall keep in touch & see you in Blighty.
The next day we set off for Amsterdam and, again, the wind was against us. This time, however, the sea was smoother and the wind lighter and we entertained ourselves singing as we tacked upwind.
Through a bridge and an overcrowded lock and we were in the city. Next task was to find a harbour and we decided to go straight to Aeolis as it sounded more likely to have spaces. As we motored in, the harbourmater cycled along the pontoon to direct us to a space and even took our lines for us - great service & friendly too.
So here we are in Amsterdam. We seem to be in the middle of a ghetto (!) but we are only 15 mins from a free ferry which takes us to the centre of town.
We did all the touristy things the first evening: Walked around, had a beer at a canalside cafe and had a joint in a coffeeshop. The joint was ok, but we're both glad it's done now and we don't have to do it again!.
We were supposed to meet up with Dug yesterday, but he stood us up (I'm sure he has a good reason).
Today we have stitched our damaged sail-cover and will soon do some provisioning0 so that we are ready to leave tomorrow. We shall have to go thru Harlem first, but I am looking forward to getting back to the countryside after that.
P.S. Jackie Brown: It was good to have a chat yesterday - thanks for calling and don"t work too hard! We shall keep in touch & see you in Blighty.
posted by cinnamon at 5:33 AM
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