Crossroads

August 21, 2007

Biesbosch-Rhoon: 4 1/2 hours

As we calculated to have one extra day, before turning for our route back home again, we had a decision to make which way to go further west. Rotterdam Veerhaven proved to be attractive last year, but we already had been there. So we made the choice upon exiting the Biesbosch to take the Oude Maas southwards at Dordrecht and going further west at crossing of Oude Maas, Dordtse Kil and Krabbengat. This specific riverstretch and - crossing is by far the most busiest in Europe. For barges as a link between the Rhine and Schelde it provides the most important/direct connection between Rotterdam Europort, Antwerp and the German Ruhrgebiet. No traffic lights here and all traffic on the same level (unlike the motorways!). Instead a series of marine radio channels, subsequently to be switched to(coming from north direction 71, 79, 74, 79, 71, 4) every few kilometers in other to be aware of the directions the barges take. In between a speeding waterbus (catamarans) which alternately take starboard or portside route depending on the stops they take. Because of the numerous barges the water is rather rough.

Definitely an exciting adventure with all eyes and ears needed for experienced crew only, but do-able. We think the Oude Maas going westward from the crossing with Dordtse Kil not specifically charming, with on certain places industry sites, like south of Zwijndrecht and the sugar factory at Puttershoek. The river as the route to Europort also quite busy. All rivers around Dordrecht are tidal, with about 2 meters difference between high and low tide. Selecting the right time for going westward(which means just after the change from high to low tide) or going eastward (the other way around) pays off with a high speed and fuel-usage difference.

Today our route ends at Rhoon club harbour, which is next to another specific nature area Rhoonse Grienden. This is still cultivated willow land, with nice footpaths trough the willows, and little creeks that fall dry or are flooded depending on the 2 meters differing tide. When mooring, be sure your lines are flexible enough to follow this large tide difference. Of course the floating jetties follow the tide, but as has to be moored here in boxes, your lines only follow in one side. On the other side the lines slip via iron bars on the fixed poles, but easily can get stuck. So at night, have a quick check if such not occurs.

For a decent meal, the famous restaurant Kasteel Rhoon http://www.hetkasteelvanrhoon.nl/ is very recommendable (and expensive), but a 5 kilometer walk or bike. However, we decided to have our dinner on home base, with increasing wind at the end of this day.