Braassamermeer to Gouda

Well we had a really windy night Sunday night. You know things are bad when you get up in the night to add more ropes and fenders. However the extra rope made the boat much more steady and we had a good sleep after that. Although before we went to bed we had made the decision to stay at Braassamermeer the wind had dropped bit so we thought we would go for it. Getting ready to leave was military precision ( remembering the 5 ps). On this occasion we sprung off the front sending the back out and John would then reverse out of the marina. It would have been more hassle to have done a three point turn. I'm pleased to say it went perfectly though it was really windy once on the lake.

Today's journey was one of many bridges - thirteen in all. The last one was vital to arrive on time as it was a railway bridge that opened at 14.27 - if we missed that we would have to wait till 1912. We went through many different bridges - bascule, lifting, swing and drawbridge to name but four. On this journey we also learnt why you never try to jump the light and only go on green. We were at a big bridge that once we were through, the canal did a T junction. I went to the front to check nothing was coming - the lights were still on red and green ( be prepared) and John was inching forward - as many do. Then I spied the bow  of the most enormous barge every peeping around the corner and about to come though the bridge. Reverse was my immediate instruction and reverse John did - quickly. All was well but it was a scary moment.

Waiting at the bridge - the signpost amused me. At least it confirmed we were going in the right direction.

The barge after we had backed up and it had rounded the corner.

Trying to show the size of the barges - they carry their cars and boats on the back!

I am pleased to say my throwing skills have improved immensely. By each bridge we have to moore up whilst waiting for the bridge to open. It was far to windy to jill around. My job is to throw the ropes over a little bollard and make fast. (We aren't being sexist, John behind the wheel, but I prefer not manoeuvring the boat at close quarters.) Anyhow with all the practise I'm getting I usual achieve the lassoing at first throw.

At one bridge lack of available mooring meant we had to raft up with a Dutch boat. We learn some interesting information from him, the most important being when we went under a lifting bridge let them know how high out mast is. Apparently a yacht had gone through a bridge that hadn't lifted high enough, there was some discussion about whose responsibility it was - so I now double check each time.

The whole journey was super especially if you are nosey like me, Although we went through a lot of countryside, when we went through the small towns and villages a lot of the houses and gardens backed onto the canal. I loved seeing all the different gardens and the different style of houses. Lots of people were sat out on their patios so we got lots of waves. The biggest wave of the day was when we went past an old peoples home.

I don't think I would have chosen to eat here!

We arrived at the last railway bridge with an hour to spare so I was able to make lunch while we waited. It was also time for us to decided whether to go right into the centre of Gouda or go to a marina on the out skirts. We really couldn't be bothered doing another three bridges and a lock so the marina it was.

Although it is a very basic marina and we were rafted up as it is not deep enough for us at the sides it is very pleasant and only a twenty minute walk into town.


The following are pictures show one of the lift bridges we passed underneath today. Going up!

Gouda is another lovely old town with a fantastic market square. Sadly we will miss the cheese market as that is held on Thursdays. Once again we enjoyed mooching around but will visit again Tuesday as we are staying for two nights. However, our walk confirmed that we did the right thing staying where we were. There is not a marina in town but allocated places where you could stay. In fact we could see only three free berths - one of which was not suitable for a yacht as it was too near trees. It would have been so frustrating to go all that way into town only to find there was no room.

We were amazed how full the marina got after the railway bridge opening for the last time at 21.00hrs. Some boats were rafted four deep - the harbour master is very busy running up and down making sure everyone is in the right place.

Boaty notes

Shallow depth - at 1.7m we cannot get into the side and need to raft alongside
Very secure
Free wifi - quite good wifi as well.
13.80 euros per night
We didn't elect to have electricity but you can - pump out also available.
20 minutes max walk to town.
Aldi - 10 mins walk.
Basic showers and toilets.