Oostmahorn - Zoutkamp: 5 hrs
National Park Lauwersmeer (http://www.lauwersmeer.org/) is a beautiful area. Until 1969 it had open connection with the Waddenzee, and hence a tidal area until than with dry-falling sandbanks like the Waddenzee. In order to protect the lands behind, a dike was constructed and Lauwersmeer became an inland lake, but continued to be a birds paradise with other and additional species.(http://www.lauwersmeer.com/)
We have heard and read a lot about this area, we were going to discover today. One has to take care to the buoys and stay between, as the former sandbanks do not fall dry anymore, but are still there!
From Oostmahorn, first going north-east a few miles to Lauwersoog, just for curiousity. Feeling tempted to take the lock
there an going out on the Waddenzee to the island Schiermonnikoog (and watch the seals). Though just one hour by ship, we had no map and didn't make preparations to be informed about the tide, so better not this time (but next when we are here, we definitely will!). Lauwersoog has a recreational mooring but as such doesn't look very fancy, could be just a stop-over. It looks like a rather fisherman-industrial area as a home base for the trawlers that go out for the Waddenzee day & night. With lots of large sailing ships in addition, of course.
Zoutkamp old fisherman harbour (recreational currently)
Going south, the area with the large slicks and (former, now flooded) sandbanks start. Once again, take care of the buoys and have (tele) camera ready for the birds. Marvelous! Having lunch on a secluded and sheltered place, at a jetty on the side of one of the (flooded) sandbanks. No other ships around, we are on our own with nature. Taking our time!
When leaving Lauwersmeer into the Reitdiep, a thunderstorm and rain burst explodes. We decide to make a stop for shelter at the little (real) old fisherman village Zoutkamp. But as we do, we discover this place has a very cute mooring in the old fisher-boat harbour, surrounded by nice restaurants. Lets stay for the night, we feel at home!
Walking around, later on that night, we discover the Zoutkamp fisherman history, with all kinds of monuments to remember the not returning fisherman centuries ago, as well as the floods that came before the dike at Lauwersmeer prevented. And we see the gold fish on top of the church tower, taking the place of the usual bird.
Noteworthy
- Route between the slicks from Lauwersoog to Zoutkamp (eastside Lauwersmeer)
- Zoutkamp old fisherman harbour (currently recreational municipal harbour) with fisherman museum and several restaurants around. Supermarkt on walking distance
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