Smith's Away

Up early again in the hope of getting through the sluice early as it is a main thoroughfare for barges. Unfortunately  us and another boat had to wait for the big barges full of products to go through first. Finally in and a slight rise in the water as the locks closed then out again. Then across the Ijesslmer we went. Very misty and a tad cold. Huge expanse of water that was originally sea, drained, dyked and now full of fresh water from the rain. Did it back in 1940. Lots of wind farms, in the sea and on land. Sailed into Urk, which was once an island until they joined it to the mainland as they reclaimed land from the sea. We moored in time as lots of boats came in. Had lunch, then Deb and I walked into town. A delightful fishing village. A lovely town to walk around and we made our way past the working lighthouse to the museum where we discovered life on Urk. Pace is the main fish, with cod as well. We checked out a place

Up bright and early to get going to Lemmer. Big cruise ship from yesterday left around 6, so off we set by 9 and headed for petrol. A beautiful  day. Sun shining and no wind. Then off we went. Birds chirping and flying around and again I sit up the front and watch the world go by. Love it. Big barges raced us and smaller boats came the other way. We sailed on the Queen Margarette canal, one of the main cargo canals. No sailing boats allowed.... bit like no bikes on the Monash!! We arrived at Lemmer about midday and Mark reversed into our mooring. We then connected power and filled up the water tanks. Did a load of washing and Deb and I headed into town for a shop. We walked back via the beach... no sea but very big lake. Canals everywhere  and again reminded me of our canal boating in France. Back on Melba for delicious chicken curry. A game of Rummikub  and now in bed. We head out again tomorrow  for Ukt, I think. Who cares  I just love being on

Lovely sleep in after a delightful night's sleep. Love my little cabin and own ensuite. Up for breaky then off for a walk around Sneek, pronounced snake. Beautiful old town and canals everywhere. A very old town that used to have a wall and moat around it. Now only one waterport left. Wandered over to a restaurant  for a coffee but decided on lunch. Only customers and it was a Texan steak house with mementos  of Route 66, Texas, cowboys, Monument valley etc. Great food. Walked back and Deb and I checked out the local museum. Lots of silverware and many, many boats. Back on Melba and suddenly  a huge river boat came down to moor near us, the Avalon Visionary.  Wow. Deb and I have just wandered down to check it out. Finally stopped raining, sun out and no wind. Lovely checking out very quiet Sneek.