Day 22. Sailing to Dokkum in Freisland.

Up bright and early as Els was to join us today to help Mark and Deb sail out, through sluices(locks) and under bridges that we ask to lift up, in Dutch!!! Mark did a superb job reversing out and down we went to where all the commercial barges met to go through the first sluice. We had to wait with lots of huge barges and little boats. We all got in the sluice and the water drained out but only a metre. Then off we went. Through little towns, past cows, sheep and agricultural land, flat as a tack. Across a big lake and lunch as we sailed along. Deb has to throw the mooring rope over, like a lasoo and Mark does a great job holding the barge as we get into the sluices. They work very well as a team and Els teaches them all the time. I stay out of the way as they learn. I had to come in from my favourite spot at the front as very hot. Even the cattle were in the water and a few people swimming!!!
Into Dokkum and moored. Els left to go by bus back to Harlingan. She will join us again tomorrow. Deb and I went off to do some shopping. A lovely old town. Just the sort of town you see when on a locaboat. Back to our barge and as they were both so exhausted I booked us into the nearby pub. Beautiful meal. Deb and Mark had a delicious steak and I had a rack of lamb. We are now all ready to have an early night.