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Monday, 30th September 2019
Last night was extreme weather! Blowing a gale, and, raining at the same time all night. But, we wake to "cloud with sun", still windy, and a cool 12C.
The weather has been beginning to be a problem, as regular readers may have deduced. But, Netflix came to the rescue last night. I had previously checked with "3" (Mobile data provider) if the "Go Binge" package, included "free" with my Data Plan, could be used when "roaming" in the EU. Last night, I decided to check again, to be sure, didn't want any nasty surprises with the charges!. Either, only one support person works there (Uday), or, they all use the same login ID, not sure which. Anyway, for the second time, I exchange "chats" with Uday, who again assures me, yes, I could use "GoBinge" whilst roaming in EU, provided I had not used up all of my "inclusive" data allowance.
Sure enough, it worked superbly well, no data used from my allowance to watch a 2.5 hour film.
In the five or six weeks we have been away, this is the first time we have been inclined to watch TV.
The plan today is to stay at Camperplaats Oirschot (N51.500518, E5.3219) another Stellplatz, or, Camperplaats as they appear to be called, here, in the Netherlands, obtained from the very useful SearchForSites website.
About 50 miles, mostly on free, but, extremely busy motorway, particularly busy around Eindhoven.
Things do not start well. There is a road closure, and, we are directed off the SatNav selected route. SatNavs do not understand diversions, and, it keeps on telling me to turn around and head back for the road closure. Eventually, it gives up, and we get the "recalculating route" routine.
The good news is, we chance upon a Lidl, to buy more wine etc, AND, they have my favourite Danish Pastries!
This place (Camperplaats Oirschot), is superbly well done.
The "site" is neatly landscaped, with marked out spaces for about 60 vans, although, there are only five vans here, including us.
Each space has EHU (optional) and water point. There are toilets, showers, dish washing sinks, and a Motorhome Service point which would put most "full price" sites to shame.
It is 13.50Euro/Night (without EHU), or, 16Euro/night with EHU. Hot Water for showers (1Euro),
Dish Washing Hot water (0.20Euro).
Wifi is included, and, it is FAST!
You check-in and pay via an "honesty box" system.
The place is located alongside a canal, with cycle track running in both directions.
The small town of Oirschot, with supermarkets, including a Lidl, about 7 minutes walk away, (less than 5 minutes on a bicycle).
According to the literature in the "information Hut" there are also Restaurants, although, we have not found any, so far.
Once "settled", and lunch eaten, (including my Danish Pastry), we cycle along the canal to the towards Eindhoven, mostly dedicated traffic free cycle track, for 14 miles in total.
Later in the afternoon, while "catching a few rays", Kathleen declares she would like to stay another night here.
Isn't it amazing how a little sunshine makes everything appear fine?
Incidentally, I went to the trouble (well, typed the question into Google) as to what the difference is between Holland, and The Netherlands. It turns out, it is rather similar to our sloppy use of the terms UK, Great Britain, Britain, and even England. Although "Holland"
is often used to mean the whole Country, strictly speaking, it refers only to the two provinces Holland actually only means the two of Noord-Holland and Zuid-Holland, whereas the term Netherlands refers to the whole Kingdom of The Netherlands.
While sitting in the sun, we fall into conversation with one of our neighbours, a German. It isn't exactly a flowing conversation, since he does not speak very much English, but, Kathleen does know a smattering of German. We gather he has travelled from Venlo, where it is raining heavily, and, that they have come away in their motorhome, because, their house in Germany is flooded! Although, he appears, fairly laid back about it.
Tuesday, 1st October 2019
15C, pouring rain, with thunder and lightening is the start to the day.
Today, we were undecided as to if we should head to Utrecht, which, I have been told, is very nice, or, stay here for another day and explore on our bicycles. The thinking now is, if we are to be confined to the van by the rain, we may as well be confined here, as somewhere else?
Rain stops, and it brightens up at 11:00am.
We take a walk into Oirschot, it is a very pleasant little town, there is a street market, sadly(?) just packing up as we get there.
Coffee and cake, well, apple pie with cream (Kathleen) and waffles with cherries (me), in a pavement cafe.
Mid-afternoon, the sun emerges!
We set off for a "5 miles there, 5 miles back" cycle ride along the River/canal, and, end up doing 14.75 miles.
This area is exactly what I imagined Dutch Countryside would be like, ie, flat, open, mainly farmland.
Saturday, 28th September 2019
I thought UK weather could be changeable, but, woke to pouring rain, while having breakfast, rain stopped, sunshine, now only 10:15am and blowing a gale, with grey cloudy sky! A brief spell of sunshine in mid afternoon, with 18C, but, it all ends in a downpour.
I think this may be only the third day of our trip when we are confined to the van by by the weather. This is not good news, it is like sharing the van with a caged lined, as Kathleen prowls around looking for "things to do", which usually means disrupting me as I quietly amuse myself, reading, on computer etc etc.
By shortly after lunch time, there are brief sunny spells, it is surprisingly warm, and, it has not rained for an hour or so.
We take a walk into town, to visit the shops. After only about six shops, Kathleen is able to buy what she is looking for.
It gets better(?), there is a market taking place in the market square, I am able to buy some bulbs (crocus, snowdrop, hyacinths), where better than Netherlands, to buy bulbs, although, I suppose, I should have bought tulips?
Divine intervention saves the day, there is a sudden heavy downpour, we dive into a pavement bar (with cover). Kathleen is in good humour, after successful shopping and buys the beer and snacks. All is well with the world!
Sunday, 29th September 2019
Today begins looking bad, it is raining, and windy at the same time, but, the good news is, it is mild at 20C.
It being Sunday, Kathleen is off to church. By the time of the Mass (11:30), the rain has stopped, and, I am able to explore and ramble around the town, whilst Kathleen lights candles etc.
It is amazing what you find, just browsing around, for example, it would appear this church, Sint Christofell Kathederal, is one of the many start points in Europe for the Pilgrims to walk the Camino (Santiago de Compostella).
Although it is lunch time, on a rather damp and windy Sunday, the restaurants and bars around the market square still have their sun shades out, and, their outside seating in place.
Once Kathleen emerges from Church, we get ourselves a table (inside) at the Brasserie Entree, for a very enjoyable lunch.
This is Kathleen, lecturing me on drinking too much, because I had two glasses of wine, whilst she sinks a Cointreau after her dessert!
Wednesday, 25th September 2019
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.
All three Stellplatz are around the town of Roermond, on the rivers Muese and Roer, approximately 30 miles North East of Maastrict.
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.
After lunch, the rain stops, we venture into town., which is only a pleasant five minute walk away.
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.
OK, so, it is not perfect, too many shops, (for me), but, we decide we can spend a few days here.
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.
