Middelburg, Netherlands – June 2020

21st June – Tuesday

After delaying for a day due to high winds we left Breskens at 08.20am, to cross the estuary to Vlissingen.  Again many large ships crossing, so steady away.

We entered into the Sport Lock, which is smaller than the commercial lock, but still impressive.

Then we proceeded along the canal and moored up before the first bridge.  The ‘Blue Wave’ is still in operation as a way of navigating through the first 5 bridges before Middelburg.  It makes sense to hold everyone and take us all through at the same time.  Much less disruption for the locals, as the roads are closed (or rather, up in the air) when the bridges are up.

There were 8 boats in total.  The electronic sign said the bridges would open between 11 and 12.00, we had been told 10.47 the day before, but we actually went through at 11.47.  Time for a brew and a chat to another British boat which rafted onto us while we waited.

Stationsbrug outside the train station.  With large commercial barge heading the opposite way.

The five bridges open as the flotilla arrives.

We moored in Middelburg at 13.00.

Fleur in the middle.

Time for a shower and a nice meal at ZanziBar in the town square.

22nd to 27th June – Middelburg

It is lovely to sit on the back of the boat and watch the world go by.

Middelburg is a university town, so student high jinx are the norm.

9 rowing boats full of students enjoying themselves on the water.

The man who runs Rondvaart boat tours is doing very well thank you.  The boat passes several times a day with up to 48 people per trip.

Thursday is Big Market day which includes a Bric-a-brac market too.

Near the cathedral.

On Saturday there is another Bric-a-brac market in the main square.

We also decided to go up the Lange Jan (Tall John) tower, located at the Abbey and Church.

View from pretty street.

View from the tower.  4 euro each to climb the 207 steps.

The viewing gallery is enclosed by windows with markers detailing significant landmarks.

It is a narrow spiral staircase with few passing places and no rest stops.  A large man approached at speed as we were going up.  He had momentum and was not stopping.

The reward after was Kebbeling (fried Fish bites) and chips with special sauce.  Mayo, Curry and Onions.

Sorry poor photo due to impatience.

Middelburg has 1200 historically notable buildings.  They are obviously very proud of them and their marker stones are worth looking out for.

Above a door near the marina.

Above a door near the marina Restaurant, which is very good with reasonable prices.

We have noticed the prices are increasing here too.

Three cats playing on a windowsill.

Keep looking up.

Another in the occasional series of amusing findings.

Made me splutter in the supermarket.

Sailors Info

Middelburg marina is excellent.  The harbourmasters are very friendly.  Facilities are very clean, and free, with plug sockets.  Wifi is OK.  Obtain a keyfob from the harbourmaster to put rubbish in the communal ‘Restafel’ bins.

Albert Hein supermarket is at the opposite end of town, there is a Spar in the town centre, which has lots of shops and restaurants.

7 nights for the price of 6,  163 Euros. 

There are more Brits arriving now.  Glad people are coming back.