Day-off

October 13, 2007

Ravenstein-Leukermeer: 5 hrs

Today is easy day. Not only the distance we wish to do and the locks with only two is half of. In addition, I also have a day off. My son Arjen will be the skipper of the day and his partner Mariette his first mate - so I have all time 'to be the Admiral of the threesome Linssen fleet' as Dirk's skipper says. Well, it doesn't feel very different, and it doesn't pay more, but I like it. And by the way, it offers the opportunity to the ordinary crew to sit on the front deck now and than, which is a nice position to relax and have a view on the mirroring Maas ahead of us.

Hardly any traffic on the first part, till the Maas-Waalkanaal meets the Maas. Quite different from August, when we were on our way and back to Venlo, to pick up our Bimini. By that time, because of high water and current on the Waal, quite some barges made the choice for the Maas instead, causing hours delay at the rather small lock of Grave. Not this time, upon our arrival at lock Grave it immediately opened for (only) the three of us. By the way, looking at the 'Scheepsberichten' (the messages for river traffic) when preparing for this tour, I noticed that lock Grave next year will be complete closed between March 1 and April 15 for maintenance, which means our early Spring return has to be a different route. Should you have planned to do the same route, consult NOS teletext page 721 which is also obtainable via internet http://teletekst.nos.nl/

Audit from the river side

At Cuijk, at the connection between Maas and Waal the river traffic increases, with quite some barges passing with high speed. As always, looking back is even (and on the rivers even more) important, than looking forward. How important shows an accident that happened two years ago on the Maas-Waalkanaal, very close to this connection, when a barge collided with a yacht which immediately sunk with two men killed. The barge skipper never noticed! At Cuijk we also pass one of the factories of Royal Numico, a global specialized nutrition company, our son works for in the corporate finance department. So pictures to be taken, 'to proof he has done the operational audit from the river side as well'.

Consultation at Sambeek lock - may I have your attention please?

At lock Sambeek I take my responsibility as the Admiral to discuss our destination for today. Until Venlo there are not many choices that qualify: either Leukermeer or Wanssum. We feel a bit tempted to have a look at Wanssum, because of its promotions. Admitted: its entrance with the container harbour is not very fancy - but our experience with other moorings show that one never knows what is behind, until one has seen it. We decide that we will have a quick look at Wanssum, also dropping our skipper & mate for today, whilst Sarantina and Dirk will go to Leukermeer to see if places are available there.

Guest mooring at Leukermeer

The bet on two horses proofs to be a good bet. Wanssum is not what it promotes to be, and has no place available for the three of us. Leukermeer only has three places left, so good we occupied them immediately, one - until our arrival there - defended by the British skippers with their lives!


Only one disappointment today. Despite all attempts and questioning around, in this secluded area nowhere a TV to be found for watching the rugby match England-France this night! After all, the English team managed the victory without our English crews watching. But how to explain the shouting to the other neighbouring skippers?