Marker Wadden

A leisurely start as we set off from Amsterdam at about 11am. Passing slickly through the Oranjesluizen and the lifting bridge Schellingwouderbrug we followed the channel leading us into open waters of the Markemeer. The flat landscape view, just trees and buildings giving changing outlines seemed even more noticeable today, also don't think I've ever seen a pylon in the water. So with sails hoisted we started to fly. The waves were picking up. As I reached 13.8knots in just 2.9m depth we both looked at each other - eek! The wind was gusting and still gaining force OMG .. Ron and I exchanged position with him on 14.8knots and 29knots wind speed I think the depth was about 3m. After the recent North Sea we'd wondered what the fuss was about with talk of big waves but we began to get a taste of things. It didn't last too long and we soon had Marker Wadden in sight. Starkly different after the buzz of Amsterdam. The nature reserve is mainly inhabited by birds and for the first time since arriving in the Netherlands, not a single bike. Well there was one apparently that the harbour master was trying to fish out after it got blown off the pontoon! She was in her swimsuit ready to go in if they couldn't pull it out.... Brrrrh.
Feeling lucky to be able to stay as only visitors by boat can stay or just a handful of houses can be rented. An initial explore was welcome to stretch the legs. The bike had been recovered and was drying off on the pontoon. Hoping for less wind to enjoy the rest of the island walk tomorrow.

Chatting to one of the locals about what the future might bring it was good to hear that they plan to keep it as it is in so much as no further housing will be created etc. Obviously nature will be largely allowed to develop, but no future structures (such as houses, /marina infrastructure is expected)Læs mere