Away we go

Well what a mad do that was. Tracy got here by trains, ferry (mini-cruise including show and an all you can eat buffet) and coastal tram. Where as I was travelling with the truck carrying the boat and was stuck in a cab with a chain smoking Elmer Fudd. Not sure if he ran out of matches as he always had one lit. By the time we got to Belgium I had a twenty a day habit.

And special thanks to our special friend Gennie for this fantastic video of us cruising down Hilperton's driveway.

But all said and done, we made it to Nieuwpoort on Friday, 26 July and judging by the size of their ships, we’re not in Kansas any more (see video taken from our side hatch). I’ve heard a rumor that if you get too close they suck you up in the current sticking you to their side and can drag you for quite a way or at least until they notice you are attached. Oh my.

Nieuwpoort marina is huge (one thousand yachts and one narrowboat) and the town seems like a very nice middle class suburb (of where I am not too sure).  

We ventured out on our first evening and there was a choice of lots of very nice restaurants, as usual we couldn’t decide and kept walking and walking until Tracy plonked herself down at one and refused to go a step further on her blistered feet.  As we were both tired, hungry and a little bit grumpy we both went for the spag bol as the only option we could decipher on the menu. After the meal and a Leffe Blond beer, spirits were lifted somewhat and we headed back.

When we got back to the boat someone had thought it was a good idea to pump their toilet into the marina, not only was it pungent, but it triggered a reaction with the algae creating a bubble fest that collected under the boat only to be released in big burpy belches.

On Saturday I went to buy a two week license, to take us across to France, but the computer said “non”. I had to buy a three month license as a minimum, although it only cost us 80 euros!

Next stop Ostend.

Moorings in Nieuwpoort

Cost: 40 euros per night

Facilities: Electricity and water – free

Location: 5 minute walk into Nieuwpoort, coastal tram stop and also lots of restaurants and bars

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Looking forward to hearing from you all.