Weather forecast is not good. Cloudy with brief spells of sunshine this morning, 13C. More rain in late afternoon.
Hardly moved today, Kathleen reading, me, playing on internet.
A day of rain, with occasional dry spells, when it was windy!
Thursday, 26th September 2019
Raining again! It does eventually stop, when we reach Roermond, but, I am jumping ahead.
I choose three potential Stellplatz (or, what ever thy are called in Netherlands), from the SearchForSites website, the reason for choosing three is our experience of the Maastricht Marina being full.
An easy drive along, mostly, excellent, but busy Motorway.
First choice is Roermond Marina (N51.183439, E5.964565). This a very smart Marina development just outside of Roermond. Barriered entrance, with intercom to gain admittance.
Motorhome bays are clearly marked on a large block paved area. Each bay has EHU point. Facilities are in an adjacent building, and, are of an excellent standard.
Now the bad news, it is 30Euro per night!
There are no other Motorhomes here, I wonder why?
Second choice is Resort Marina Oolderhuuske (N51.192169, 5.94933). This is another very smart Marina development (does everyone in Netherlands have a boat?), with barrier controlled entrance. We do not even get as far as checking the price, it is pouring with rain, and the Marina is a fairly long bicycle ride from any "civilisation", probably a beautiful and very suitable place, in summer weather, but, not practical, given the weather forecast for the next few days.
We are left with our third choice Helenawerf (N51.19377, 5.979741). I am beginning to think I am going to have to drive on to Utrect!
First impressions are not good, access is poorly signed, and, we have to drive through a rather untidy boat yard to gain entry.
Given that it is a very drab day, with rain falling heavily now, we both think the photographs on the website flatter the place. However, at 11:30 on a wet Thursday in late September, the place is half full, we reason that perhaps, people know something we don't?
We decide to book in, for one night, rather than drive on in the rain.
Accordingly, we find the Harbour Masters Office/Shop, and book in.
Things begin to brighten up. The Receptionist speaks excellent English, is very helpful and very efficient. It is 15.25Euro/night, including EHU and Taxes. We also get (good) Wifi, free. We are give a city map.
The sun comes out.
There are dozens of places to eat and drink.
There are at least two churches (with Mass at 18:30 Saturday or 11:00) Sunday, for Kathleen.
There are streets and streets of Shops, and, a Designer Outlet Centre with 200 shops in it, for Kathleen.
This being Netherlands, there are Cycle routes everywhere.
A brief wander around the shops.
A stop for coffee and cake, then, we return to Harbour Master's Office and book in for a further three nights, so, we leave here Monday, morning (30th September).
Friday, 27th September 2019
Torrential overnight rain, but, sunny with a bit of cloud, and 20C.
The plan today, among other things, is to visit the Designer Outlet Centre today, can't wait.
After a lengthy walk in the morning, we head for the Designer Outlet Centre in the afternoon. It is only a short walk from the Stellplatz, and, it is HUGE! There are Designer Brands there I have never even heard of.
The good news is, Kathleen is tired out after about an hour!, so, we retire to a pavement bar in the market square to drink beer and watch the world go by.
