Independence Day - and how independent is this?

All the way to the horizon

Middelburg to Zierikzee is a passage of about 20 nm, with a speed limit of 8kn, and with 2 major locks, so we  had reckoned on about 5 hours, which turned out to be more like 6, but what a great day it was! The morning wascool, but fine, and the forecast was fine. We started on engine hours 852, fuel 1/4-7/16 and with a full tank of water.

0930 Exit Middelburg haven after a longish wait—last out due to having been blocked in by a very impatient skipper of a large motorboat. Moving up the canal, dodging some rowers, at 5kn (700/1200 rpm), creating virtually no wash. Breathtaking scenery, and waves from the crew of a convoy coming from the opposite direction.

0955   Passing Walcheren canal 12 km marker.  Very little traffic, and not a soul in sight. Clouding over somewhat, still dry and mild.

1000 Arrive at Sluis Veere. Hang about (sorry, hold station) for about 20 minutes, then tie up on waiting rail. Chat with Dutch neighbours who were very enthusiastic about their solar panel (Should we get one?)

1001 Into a very congested lock, made worse by the last-minute arrival of a monster pleasure barge.



A congested lock

 1100 Exit lock into Veerse Meer. Sea calm, and rippled. Overcast a little, with a bit of a breeze (F3?). 1300/1600, giving a speed of 7kn. Lots of dinghys, and the occasional pedalo! Lots of campsites on the shore.

1       1130  Off Speering Plaat. Fantastic open scenery Views to the horizon all around. Not much traffic now, and what there is is mixed, moving along sedately. GPS dongle for PC giving no fix, which is surprising, with the unrestricted view of the skies. Restart PC and Imray software, and OK. (There is no detail on the chart, but it confirms position when compared to the paper chartsmentiond earlier.) Navigation is a doddle -  large buoys every couple of hundred metres.

1200  Passing Geersdijk.  Loads of yachts and dinghys enjoying the fabulous day. AOK

1230  Approaching Zandkreeksluis. Tie up straight away for lunch.

1300 Finally into  large lock, which seemed almost empty even with 10 vessels.

1330 Leave lock. 1300/1500 7kn. Now in the tidal Ooosterschelde, which is flat calm.

Approach to Zierikzee

The spectacular Zeeland Bridge

1400 At Buoy no O8. Fantastic cruising grounds being enjoyed by dozens of yachts. Approaching the awesome Zeeland bridge.

14  1430  Under the bridge and at the entrance of the Zieriksee canal.  AOK.

1500 Tie up , in the town centre, practically, on the last available  berth (otherwise it would have been another box mooring  more distant). Marina fee Eur 15.50 per night, including shower, electricity, and on-board internet.

Strolling around Zierikzee

Explore the beautiful town, sunbathe, relax. Ice-creams in the Square.  First-class dinner in nice restaurant. Friendly people .  According to Gill, who “loves everything”, this is “the best holiday ever”.