August 2015–Muiden and Amsterdam Take 2

1st August – Saturday – To Muiden

There was absolutely no wind today, so we motored the 19.5 miles which took 4.5 hours.  We had phoned ahead and had no trouble finding our berth in the KNZRV marina on the entrance channel to Muiden, which is just after the wrecked ship and virtually opposite the castle.

The ship is owned by a local and much controversy lies in whom should be responsible for its removal.  I think it adds something to the castle surrounds.

Castle Muidenslot is the 13th century defensive structure on the river bank half a mile from the centre of town.

Muiden is only 14km from Amsterdam and a really lovely location, just off the lake.  Less than 5 minutes walks takes you into the centre of Muiden, which is a very small picturesque town.  The lock above is the main centre of entertainment as boats flow through here constantly to and from Weesp and the surrounding lakes.

Sailors Info: KNZRV – The Royal Netherlands Sailing and Rowing Club is the first marina you see on the river into Muiden on the West bank, so we did not really choose it, it chose us.  Euros 47 for 2 nights everything included.  There is a terrace bar restaurant, bar downstairs and chandlers just outside the car park.  The facilities are very good.  Fuel pontoon on the East bank. 5 minute walk to town.  Small supermarket in the town centre, an up-market bakery and excellent Ice Cream shop (both facing the lock).  Large shopping complex 50 minutes walk (more of which later A.H., Lidl etc).

The Sailing Club

The Sailing club in relation to the castle, just across the river.

Sunset in Muiden

The Royal Yacht ‘De Groene Draeck’ was presented to the Queen by the people of Holland on her 18th Birthday, apparently she still sails it at the age of 79.  Most boats passing by on the river point out the boat to their friends, very entertaining.

We moored next to the yacht ‘Balans’ and chatted to Hans and Margraat who gave us some excellent information about the town and its surroundings.

3rd August – Monday

On Hans and Margraats advice we walked to Weesp today.  It is currently over an hours walk to Weesp as there are major road-works taking place.  However the efficient Dutch have provided a cycle/walking path around the works so only a slight detour, then on down the river bank.  It was a blistering hot day and we did not set off until 3.00pm but arrived in time for Ice-creams before the shops closed.

Weesp centre.  We walked back on the main road and it was 15 minutes quicker.

4th August – Tuesday

We had been told there was a supermarket nearby which turned out to be a 50 minute walk up the side of a major road, thank goodness for cycle paths.  It is probably only 20 minutes on a bike. 

One man and his trolley.  It turned out to be a large and comprehensive retail park.  We had a good stock up at Lidl, there is also an Albert Heijn and most of the major Dutch chain stores.  I think the small supermarket in town has removed all signs to this place for his profit margin.  Really glad we were told about it.

5th August – Wednesday – Back To Amsterdam

We had been told about a small marina just outside Amsterdam so off we went.  A very slow sail just over 7 miles, taking in a big bridge and a big lock, out of the Markermere and into the North Sea Canal.

Through the large lock, which was very busy, a totally different place to the one we passed on the way out.  Boats were rafted 3 and 4 abreast encouraged into place by 2 summer lock keepers.

On the narrow channel off the main canal we passed several ‘Grand Design’ houseboats, a bit like House Boat Beverley Hills, each one out-doing the next.

The end of the channel opens up a little and you are presented by 2 marinas.

‘Twellegea’, above, which we chose.

And ‘Het Jacht’ which we should have chosen.

Sailors Info:  Twellegea Jachthaven has a larger club house/office.  Sadly it has a very small and very old toilet and shower, singular.  At 28.50 euros per night it was expensive for the facilities provided.  There is however a bar on site and a well used boat yard.  There is a small ring of shops 5 minutes walk away. (Turn left, right, right and keep going on the main road a short distance).  30 minutes walk to the Dirk supermarket near ‘Aeolus’ marina.

‘Het Jacht’ above had a new set of toilets and showers in a porta-cabin, which were much better and they charge 15 euros per night.  No prizes for guessing which one we will visit next time.

However, ‘Twellegea’ is located on Nieuwendammerdijk.  By good fortune we stumbled on a beautifully preserved street of houses, pub, shops and a church

It was a separate municipality until it merged with Amsterdam in 1921.  A late medieval settlement, found after the dike burst in 1514 and a new dike and sluis were built.  The houses were originally ships captains houses.  Many people cycle here from Amsterdam to view the houses.

7th August – Friday – Moved Marinas

During a walk from Twellegea we took a look at ‘Aeolus’ marina and decided to move after our 2 days were up.  Only 1.6 miles.

The pilot guide says to look for the ‘Stork’ sign and turn in.  Stork is now a restaurant on the canal side and the sign is not very big.

The entrance is only 8 metres wide so take it easy.  The harbourmaster rides his/her bike (the members take turns to be in charge) to the reporting pontoon and then advises where to go.

Again by chance we pulled up next to ‘White Haze’ and met Ada and Akko.  It is a beautiful British Designed and Dutch built steel hulled yacht.  During preliminary chats he asked where we had come from and we found out he was from Harlingen, so we chatted about that.  Admiring his obviously ocean going boat we asked what his longest trip had been, 24 days he said, ooh where was that we asked, I’m not sure if it was the Pacific or the Atlantic was his reply.  We then said WOW alot as he told of of their 6 year circumnavigation, which we found out later had ended with a parade through Amsterdam.  After being put securely back in our box we gazed with nothing but awe and admiration for this unassuming couple.  What a privilege.

White Haze with Akko at the helm.  We pretended to help them leave the next day, but they didn’t need any help!  They have a book but sadly it is only available in Dutch.

Sailors Info:  Aeolus Marina, Amsterdam.  A members club which accepts visitors.  Friendly and well run.  13 euros per night including electricity and water.  Showers 50cents.  Tip-use the shower in the club building as the porta-cabin ones are hot in warm weather.  The most convenient supermarket yet, a ‘Dirk’ at the marina entrance.  A convenient 10 minute walk to the Central Station Ferry across the North Sea Canal.

We recommend a look in the ‘Foodmarkt Amsterdam’ on the road to the east of the marina, you can’t miss it.  A fashionable food destination which is actually a Jumbo supermarket in trendy surroundings.  Complete which Pizzeria and Asian fusion takeaway.  The food can be eaten in the cafe or taken back to the boat.  The pizzas were excellent and only 5euros each.

8th August – Saturday

We walked to Vondelpark.  Approx 1 hour walk inc. ferry ride.  The park is far larger than it first appears and took 40 minutes to walk to the furthest point.  Many euros have been spent to upgrade the park and its facilities.  Cafes, Band Stands and event spaces make it a beautiful oasis in the city centre.

Even though it is well used it did not feel overcrowded and gave welcome shade on a hot day.

10th August – Monday

Our 3rd Wedding Anniversary.  We went to the Rijksmuseum which is worth the 17.50 euros entrance fee.  Millions have been spent to update the museum and it is hugely improved from my last visit 20 years ago.  Be sure to download the museum App which provides lots of different on-line tours to cater for every taste.

We ended the day in a Tibetan/Indonesian restaurant at 65 Utrechtsestraat ‘Tashi Deleg’ where we had a Tibetan inspired Riceplate.

Its a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds, and the waiter could not have been more helpful.

Finally a picture of my latest device.  To stop Mick banging his head on the Perspex sliding door.  He sets off up the stairs out of the boat with such purpose and is stopped abruptly in his tracks when his head makes contact with the door.

A red ribbon tied to the door handle.  It is working so far. 

12th August – To Sixhaven Marina – our shortest journey yet.

Legendary marina amongst Yachty types.  We are staying for the ‘SAIL Amsterdam’ event.  m.sail.nl/en for the English version.

It is busy already and the event does not start until the 19th!!