Balls go Baltic

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)Leia mais

Saying goodbye to beautiful Norderney was eased by the closeup view of the seals at the far eastern end as we moved across the 'Gat' - the channel gates to the North Sea. We got as close as we dared to the bathing beauties although they weren't bothered by us - more by the humans on the beach.
With the wind on the nose today progress was slower than expected but as the mainland and islands geographically aren't so far apart it gave us an ever changing view. Our arrival at Langeoog at 3.20pm meant we had plenty of time for a good run ashore.
The warmest of welcomes from Ulla the harbour master who recruited the other patient yachties gathering in her office to help with communication. One question from me in German & immediately she thought I was fluent, but with a team effort we got there or at least we all felt we knew what was happening . A quick bite to eat at the harbour restaurant with its very own 'Bella bot' robot that arrived at our table with our food just as you'd expect!!! . I'm sorry neither of us got a photo but we were just laughing so much as was everyone else in the restaurant.

We headed for the train, realising it was the last one into town (as per normal)..... but only about a 40 minute walk back - I'm sure we could do with the leg stretch.

Langeoogs laid back pace with no cars on the island was infectious, even the train was slow. Cycles, tractors & horses( & carts) are the only ways to get around on the island if not on foot which added to the islands charm. Peaceful yet interactive with lots of buzz in the town both evening and early morning. Certainly the Germans are up earlier than the Dutch 😏!
After the walk back from town with evening sun we found Whisper tickling the mud at low tide and we were ready for our onboard supper.
Next day we managed to squeeze in a bike ride to explore. Our attire didn't seem to put off the little luxury island hotel staff as we rocked up for breakfast who gave us the full low down of every item available from the extensive buffet. Ron didn't hesitate to get stuck in 😋and I had a taste of pampered life. The tide was calling so we headed back gently. Langeoog had worked some magic and feeling relaxed & recharged we set off.Leia mais