A very warm day turning hot this afternoon. A little breezy if lounging on the deck.
A full day of cruising leaving Rotterdam at 4.30 am sailing through the Holland's Dieps to the Kreekak and Volkerak locks before crossing the border into Belgium. By early this afternoon we reached the city of Antwerp where we enjoyed some sightseeing. Antwerp was buzzing as was such a beautiful day. Did visit the Cathedral and a few of the side streets but everywhere was just so busy it was a pleasure actually to be back on board the cruiser!
Was the final night on board and the superb crew entertained us to a show after dinner. A brilliant finish to a brilliant cruise.
Images 1 & 2 - View from our apartment in Rotterdam.
" 3 - 13 - Cruise along the Holland's Dieps.
" 14 - 20 - Antwerp.
" 21 - Showtime.
A very warm but breezy day, in fact rather hot this afternoon.
This morning we cruised towards Utrecht with morning coffee and lunch served on board. From Utrecht we travelled by coach to the world famous Keukenhof Gardens near Lisse. The gardens were created as a showpiece for the Dutch flower industry and features millions of colourful flowers. Did not see any butterflies but the gardens were swarming with bees.
Can't deny the gardens were stunning but I preferred the streams, rivers and more natural areas of the gardens.
After this visit it was a drive to the cruiser now moored in Rotterdam.
Images 1 - 12 - Cruise from Amsterdam to Utrecht.
" 13 - 24 - Keukenhof gardens.
Mild, breezy and overcast most of the day.
Amsterdam this morning for a 90 minute boat tour on the network of canals that criss-cross the city. There was an on-board commentary giving information on the bridges and houses and churches as we sailed by.
This afternoon we visited a cheese and clog making factory at a farm in Rembrandt Hoeve. The chap that owned the farm was a character at its best, eighth generation of the family with machinery used being over 800 years old. It was the most amazing farm, hard to believe so much was being produced in such a small building. A most interesting afternoon.
Back on board for the short drive to Amsterdam to board the cruiser ready for the welcome party by the 27 crew.
A good start to the holiday.
Images 1 - 7 - Boat trip on the canal.
" 8 & 9 - Cheese making.
" 10 - 18 - Clog making.
" 19 - Welcome drink.
