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Wednesday, 2nd October 2019.
Torrential overnight rain, but, this morning, we have sunshine, although, it is rather cool at 13C.
We leave Camperplaats Oirschot (N51.500518, E5.3219) and head for Utrecht area, Jachthaven Marnemoende, Ijsselstein, (52.04693, 5.01971), approximately 50 miles of mostly very busy motorway.
How on earth you pronounce either Marnemoende or Ijsselstein, I have no idea, I hope we do not get lost, and have to ask for directions!
Jachthaven Marnemoende, Ijsselstein, (52.04693, 5.01971) is another SeachForSites find.
Entrance is not that easy to spot.
First impressions are 50/50, it appears to be a bit remote, and, when we arrive, there is only one other Motorhome here, they subsequently leave, so, we are the only Motorhome here, although, there are three boats moored.
The spaces are clearly marked out, with EHU points nearby.
It is clean and tidy.
It appears peaceful.
As is often the case, Kathleen warms to it, after a coffee, some lunch, and, a survey of the "facilities", she is particularly excited by the washing machines (we have quite a lot of "laundry" to do).
We are only approximately 6.5 miles from Utrecht, and, there is, we are told, a cycle route.
Facilities are good quality. Price (17Euro/night) includes EHU, waste disposal, water, use of toilets/showers, and, there is a bar/restaurant onsite.
There are two black swans wandering the Marina, I knew black swans existed, but, have never actually seen one.
The weather is "changeable" ie, sunshine one minute, raining the next. Much to my surprise, Kathleen suggests we go exploring on our bikes.
We cycle in the, what we think, is the general direction of Utrecht, the cycling infrastructure is an eye opener. Cyclist actually have right of way at roundabouts, and, have dedicated, light controlled crossing points at busy junctions. We have difficulty getting used to this, we are not used to car drivers actually seeing us, and, actually GIVING WAY!
We cycling through some very pleasant suburbs of Utrecht, inevitably, following a canal.
We go slightly wrong, and, do not actually find our way to central Utrecht, but, have an enjoyable 12 mile ride, and, we know where we went wrong, and, can try again tomorrow. Kathleen is a start, not a word of complaint, despite getting rained on, by a couple of heavy showers.
Thursday, 3rd October 2019
Plain to see it is October, autumn is here. Only 10C this morning, but, some blue sky, it eventually warms to 14C, but, some really heavy showers too.
We make the decision to stay another day, and, much to my amazement, Kathleen is keen to have another go at cycling to "old" Utrecht.
We are fairly confident of the first 3-4 miles, and (I) have a little study of the map, to attempt to orientate myself to which way we go, after we cross the river.
A little further along this canal, we turn and cross a river, that much was right, after that, we are in new territory.
A sudden downpour, so, we dive under the nearest shelter, and, discuss our next move, ask directions is Kathleen's conclusion. The easy way out, in my humble opinion, I always prefer to relay on my personal sense of direction.
It so happens, the young man we ask, is not sure himself, which way to go, but, he does point us in the right general direction, which, was where I was going to go anyway (honestly), and, tells us, "once you have gone through the tunnel, watch on your right for the 'old' part of town".
It is apparent, from the volume of traffic (both bicycles and motor traffic) that we are nearing the centre, so, keeping a watch, on the right, as
instructed, we do, as promised, come to the "old" town, and, very quaint it is.
So far, it has rained, but, we have managed to stay reasonably dry. Kathleen has been uncharacteristically good natured about getting wet.
A stroke of luck follows. Having parked our bicycles, we decide to have lunch in one of the many pavement cafes, choosing one with substantial awning coverage of the eating area.
Not only do we get a very good lunch, but, we avoid the tropical downpour which happens as we eat.
All we have to do now, is find our way back to the Van!
The cycling infrastructure is impressive, they even have traffic lights for cyclists!
The fact I am writing this, tells you, we got back, in one piece. It did not even rain any more.
Full marks to Kathleen, for coping superbly well, not only with the weather, but, the
extremely busy and crowded cycling, not what we are used to at all!
Sorry, if some of the photographs are a bit blurred, it is rain on the lens, not our speed!
Friday, 4th October 2019.
For the first time, this trip, we have morning temperature in single figures, 9C. To add to the joy, it is pouring with rain.
Fortunately, I packed bicycles etc away yesterday, so, this morning, I have the minimum to pack up, ie EHU cable, levelling blocks, door mat.
We have only fifty miles approximately, so, a leisurely start.
It is almost all motorway, but, quite busy motorway, and, for most of the way, it is pouring with rain, with poor visibility. Just like in the UK, this does not appear to mean a reduction in speed!
There are numerous messages flashing on the motorway overhead signs, all in Dutch of course. I can honestly say, this is one of the few places I have driven where I cannot read/understand most of the signs, Dutch appears to be like no other European Language.
Even with the Sat-Nav, actually finding our way into this site is not straightforward, requiring, in our case, one extra "circuit". Kathleen claims to have spotted the error we made, first time around. First, the wrong turn. Second time around, the correct turn!
Delftse Hout (N52.01813 E4.37919) is an ACSI site. It is about 15 minutes walk from the centre of Delft (old town).
For the second time, this trip, we are told, they have no spaces! There are clearly too many "baby boomers" buying Motorhomes/caravans and enjoying themselves.
We are given the option of a "Camping car" area, just outside the gate. It has EHU, Water, Waste disposal, and, we can use the main site facilities.
First impressions are that this a typical "city site", ie a bit frayed at the edges, with its saving grace being access to the town/city. But, to be fair, it is a miserable day when we arrive, and, almost everything looks better in the sunshine!
By 14:00, we are rewarded with some sunshine, and, we are able to explore Delft, a little, establishing whereabouts of the Church (Sunday looms), and, the Aldi/Lidl supermarkets.
Our evening meal tonight has an Italian flair, a quick Lasagne and Garlic Bread I rustled up, well, to be more precise, Aldi rustled up, and I put it in the oven, plus, I poured the wine, AND, washed the dishes.
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.
Sunday, 22nd September 2019
13C when we wake up. 25C by lunch time, but, rain, indeed, thunder forecast for this evening.
It being Sunday, Kathleen is away to church, an hour without supervision for me.
It is still cool and dull, when Kathleen returns from Church, but, undeterred we set off in the direction of Piesport, another dedicated traffic free cycle route.
The more observant among you may notice, newly purchased back pack is not in evidence, so, when there is something to be carried, ie cycling jacket because it is too hot, then, it will be me carrying it!
We cycle on to just beyond Wintrich then, turn back and begin looking for a suitable lunch venue.
At Piesport, we find Weingut Lehnet-Viet, a beautiful spot.
The waitress is very helpful, translating the menu for use, and, even suggesting a German White Wine, which turned out to be very drinkable!, much to my surprise.
Listen to me, wine expert! the truth is, I will drink almost anything, in terms of wine!
Monday, 23rd September 2019
The forecast for last night was spot on, it started raining at 21:00, and continued until 12:00 this morning. There was thunder, but, clearly a long way off, since all we could hear was a distant rumble. So, damp, cloudy, but mild (19C) this morning.
A few chores (rubbish bin emptying etc) and book reading morning for me, and hair washing for Kathleen, she is away to commandeer the shower block as I type.
Although the weather has been a bit damp today, we have noticed even more people arriving, including new German neighbours, who are parked on a bit of spare gravel area, not an actual pitch. The reason become clear, read on.
This evening, as I was packing the bicycles etc ready to be away, tomorrow, the lady of our new German neighbours came and asked, are we leaving tomorrow?, can she have our pitch?, and, can she leave her bicycle trailer to "reserve" it for her?.
She explains that in a few days time, or perhaps tomorrow for all I know, there is a Fete or Festival of some kind starting in the village, and, many people will be coming.
All of this is told to me in German, of which I know the words for "beer", "Wine", "one", "two", "large", :small", and, "vegetables", not particularly helpful in this particular "conversation"!
It is amazing how a woman can get her point across, when she wants something!
Tuesday, 24th September 2019
Thick fog when we wake up, but a mild 13C. As we move on to Maastrict, things do not improve, steady rain by 18:00.
I have Maastrict (of treaty fame), in the Sat-Nav, as a destination for today, not sure if that is where we will actually end up, but, it is in the right general direction, and, you cannot set a route, without having a destination!
It turns our I got the conversation in German slightly wrong yesterday, it is not our German neighbour who wants our pitch, but, her friend, so they can be next to each other. So, they are ready and waiting to move, just as soon as we drive off our pitch, to the Motorhome Service point.
Our route takes us back up the winding road which depends into the Mosel valley, a bit scary in this dense fog.
Approximately 116 miles of mostly excellent quality roads, smooth and well surfaced.
Ashamed to admit this, but, I did not actually know which country Maastrict, is in, although, the spelling made me suspect it was Netherlands. Sure enough, it is Netherlands, so, we pass through three countries today, Germany, Belgium and Netherlands
Disappointment at our first choice, Maastrict Marina (N50.823977, E5.699564), it is full, although it does look very nice, and, is almost in the town.
The Sat-Nav malfunctions as we leave Maastrict Marina, it is not displaying the map, just issuing verbal instructions. This is not much good in Maastrict's complicated traffic system, with cyclist whizzing about, exercising their right of way. We have quite a tour of the central road system, before the sat-nav sorts itself out, and takes us to Camping Oriental, Berg en Terblijt (N50.86005, E5.77258), an ACSI site, a short distance outside Maastrict.
All seems well, we are allocated a good size pitch, facilities are close by, and, good quality. All we need now is for the weather to improve! The ACSI rate is 18Euro/night, but, there is a dreaded tourist tax, making it 23Euro/Night (two people).
It would appear we have chosen a Campsite which is at the top of the only hill in The Netherlands! Great when you are going somewhere, but, not so good when you are coming back.
