Informed by the harbourmaster that the bridge out of the marina would be closed Sunday, our departure was moved forward to this morning. We had to take a snapshot of this. Locks, how you love and hate them! No matter where you are, no two locks are the same, which means the cruiser must prepared […]
A 10km ride took us from Antwerp to the edge of the Peerdsbos, a delightful nature area that was created when the land forming a number of manors once owned by the nobility was taken over the by the state. Once an area of woods, field and meadows, polders and dikes were created to provide […]
We discovered a secret. On the last Wednesday of every month, entry to Antwerp’s museums is free and we made the most of it. MAS Museum Each floor dealt with a different display. That showcasing items from various cultures held our interest most. From the top floor, there was quite a view. Can you find […]
All museums are closed on Mondays, so today was church day: Cathedral of Our Lady, St James, St Charles Barromeo and St Pauls. It was a study in art for us, as each contained paintings by Rubens and other famous Belgian artists. Descent of Man 1611 – 1614 Resurrection of Christ 1611 – 1612 In addition, […]
This day saw us re – entering Belgium, via the Schelde – Rijn Canal. One easy lock, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slUTOMf5Sro&feature=youtu.be One of the reasons why a boat must be secured. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r43zKDSKF_s&feature=youtu.be and a lifting bridge or two made for an easy 40km or so motor. Large ships were towed in by tug. The building at the bridge […]
First thing this morning, the water came alive with the sound of the young as they prepared the steel dinghies and took to the water. Our last day in Bergen op Zoom finally presented us with one of sunshine and we made the most of it. At the Ravelijn Op den Zoom, Bob and I […]
On entering the church (how was this for a doorknob!), Bob and I had the opportunity to climb the 150+ steps of the spiral staircase to partake in the panoramic view. It was well worth the effort, as we found ourselves espying Antwerp far in the distance from the top of the fourteenth century tower. […]
Situated just 42km from Antwerp, the town Bergen op Zoom is in the perfect position for sightseeing. From the marina, it is a short four minute bike ride, or fifteen for the walker, into the town centre. Despite its canal network being filled in during the nineteenth century in conjunction with the growth of the […]
In conversations with locals regarding entry to marinas via the locks of the tidal Westerschelde, we were informed it was only possible at set times so two other options were left to us. Returning to Ghent then heading east, or retracing our steps north to Bergen op Zoom then head south to Antwerp. Surprisingly, the […]
With the fuel barge not open to customers on Sundays and the Netherlands proving to have the best price, to Terneuzen Bob and I have returned, and shall remain for a few additional unexpected days. It seems that this is the year for items to break down. Late Saturday evening, the fridge had a hissy […]
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As crowds poured into the township, it was bedlam: a case a kamikaze for those on bikes, as they avoided the pedestrians who, without looking, stepped off curbs and suddenly appeared in front of them. If one prefers a quieter visit, Monday to Thursday is the key we decided. It was to an older […]
One of the oldest parishes in the town of Ghent, St Jacob was named after St James the greater, the patron saint of pilgrims. People still depart from here on their pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. We found the image of the woman being led to her hanging an interesting one in the […]
It was time to visit the museums today. First on the rank was the Design Museum. It certainly wasn’t what we expected, which was the changing of design and innovation in the region over the centuries. This was really a modern art exhibition showing the works of a few successful minimalist artists, through a variety […]
Bordering the southern edge of Mariakerke, once a small township roughly five kilometres north west of Ghent, is the Bourgoyen – Ossemeeresen nature reserve of 600+ hectares. This was our destination for the day, and a pleasant change to the hustle and bustle of Ghent. Cycling – or walking – through the landscapes, listening to […]
Castle of the Counts, St Nicholas’ Church, the Belfry, Roeland’s Bell, and St Bavo’s Cathedral It may sound a lot, but Bob and took our time. The Castle of the Counts is the last remaining bastion from the 10th century medieval period that still retains much of its defence structure. This section of land on […]
Today was the day! By day’s end Gratis would be in Belgium. What excitement! The land of Belgian chocolate, Flanders Fields, Belgian beer and more!!!!!!! It was a pleasant 40km motor upon a waterway that was practically empty of commercial barges: it was Sunday and most – including the fuelling station just outside Terneuzen – […]
Today, the 9th June, found Bob and I arising to yet another foggy morning – last year it was rain, this year it’s fog: not that we are complaining. We will take fog over rain any day! Having lost a week, and already being a little behind in the itinerary, the decision was made to […]
28th May to 2nd June, 2018 Kapelle, Nisse Our ride today, took us along the banks of the Zuid Beveland Canal, before the bike way turned to lead us through beautiful farming country, the roadsides of which were bordered by masses of tiny flowers in bloom. Kapelle Upon passing through a cooling woods, the township […]
