We wanted to let you know that we had a very interesting and memorable experience on our yacht, Sonata last summer 2013.
Our floating home took us on many types of waterways, this was in our opinion the best way to explore the Netherlands. Writing about our trip is our way of remembering the charming and interesting places we have visited so far. Our trip started in Zwartsluis on the canal, Meppler Diep and our first stop was in the quaint town of Giethorn.
The waterways of Friesland are formed by a series of large meers (lakes) which are again joined together by canals – large and small. Wherever we stopped or stayed in a visitor harbour (Passanten) we had a wealth of boating facilities and maritime traditions. Many towns have a network of waterways surrounding them, quay tie ups are very common and affordable. The towns are charming with old houses and buildings from the Golden Age, we were a step away from super or outdoor markets, restaurants and first class museums. Cities like Haarlem, Gouda, Utrecht, Leewarden, Groningen, Amerstfort and Delft are a tourists paradise with lively markets, shopping streets galore and a network of easy transportation.
The Dutch were helpful and friendly and we enjoyed their tidy marinas, cities and network.
The last 2 weeks of our trip we floated from Rotterdam to Maasbracht on the river Maas, calm and wide with huge trees along the water’s edge and with limited barge traffic. We had gone upstream 18 meters above sea level.
Hans and I have become members of the “rivertribe” we are caught in the challenge of the waterways breathing in its life and enjoyments.
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