Staande mastroute

[DanTribe]

In case any body is planning on using this route, allow plenty of extra time this year We were turned back at Haarlem because of the Spaarndam bridge problem, now fixed. But we were blocked on our way back at Gouda from 14/7 until today. Because of these problems there are very few yachts travelling, we saw 4 heading North at Gouda but no others between Haarlem and Dordrecht. Because of the lack of traffic we had to phone every bridge so there were long delays, I got better response to phone than a VHF call. We managed 30 miles in 11 hours today!
I've just been told of a problem at Willemstad Voleraksluis, more fun!

 

[johnalison]

What a nightmare. I trust that you will escape eventually. In the meantime it’s just a load of Bols perhaps.

 

[[70521]]

Will you be claiming compensation for being trapped?

 

[MoodySabre]

Worse places to get stuck Dan. Such a contrast to the usual situation.

 

[DanTribe]

Worse places to get stuck Dan. Such a contrast to the usual situation.

Oh yes! Enforced idleness laying at anchor on some beautiful lakes, an occasional visit to town, it's been heaven. I'm just surprised that it's so deserted. Many motorboats but almost no yachts. We were generally the only boat to need bridges raised in the whole trip.

 

[johnalison]

Sometimes having one’s plans dictated by outside forces can make for a rewarding experience. I have not been in your position, unless you count a half-day stuck in Gouda by a broken bridge, when we were offered a free night that we were never able to take up. There are occasions when weather, engine problems, indisposition or other factors intrude and it becomes a salutary lesson in acceptance of one’s fate.