Crossing cattle

August 17, 2007

Terheijden-Beneden Sas: 5 hrs

We experienced the route over the Mark kanaal between Geertruidenberg and Terheijden not very worthwhile, because it leads through a rather industrialized area. The environment - further going west, as we did today - between Terheijden and the connection with the Volkerak at Dintelsas is nicer. Unfortunately however, also on this stretch, from almost every perspective the horizon shows the chimneys of either the refinaries at Moerdijk or the power plant at Geertruidenberg. Furthermore, apart from Terheijden, we did not discover attractive mooring on other locations.

This might change when the new inner harbour of Breda town will be ready. Like in some more Dutch cities some decades ago it was decided to fill up the canals in the inner city and build parking garages; currently the water is brought back again, and bring back the "original" state to make the inner cities more attractive for recreational/touristic purposes. I must admit: we have not tried the little detours from the Mark & Dintel, for instance to Oudenbosch and Etten-Leur - partly because we weren't sure about depth.

Entering the Volkerak via the lock at Dintelsas ("sas" is dialect for lock), provided quite some difference. From the rather sheltered river, to the wide & bumpy open water. In the lock a 40ft sailing ship experienced quite some difficulties - ending with a completely turned ship, bow to the wrong side. It had to exit the lock going backwards. We don't know how come. It is said that when fresh water meets salt water (like is the case in some other locks in Zeeland), it creates unexpected turmoil. However, the Volkerak hasn't salt water but "blended" at the most.

Harbour of WSV Volkerak

Aiming today for the WSV ("yachtsclub") Volkerak, recommend by the owners of the Oostvaarderskotter we met in Gennep. It is just before the lock Beneden Sas, on portside. There is a harbour after the lock as well, but not as nice. The latter one with the disadvantage one has to pass this nasty lock. Nasty because it doesn't have the possibility to fix the ship onto the quay inside the lock, but offers poles instead - at a too large distance for less that 40ft yachts.

But the WSV Volkerak before the lock has a cosy little harbour, adjacent to the most beautiful nature park "Dintelse Gorzen". Nice walking tracks with marking to be taken - and so we did for a few hours. Do not forget to put on your boots, as some places can be muddy, and to take the camera and binoculars with you, spotting the numerous birds. And also be ready to encounter water crossing cattle, like we did.