Netherlands inland waterway trip – On down the Geldersche Ijssel and Doesburg

Shangri La moored in Doesburg

18th and 19th September 2014

A late start on Thursday as we only had about 12 kms to go to the next town of Doesburg.

We did a last load of washing at the marina facilities then left our mooring and made a slow scenic tour of the beaches and bays of the Rhederlaag. (see previous post).

Doesburg mustard factory

Back into the Geldersche Ijssel, and with the strong current, it was only 30 minutes till we were tied up in the tiny Doesburg marina.

Our Waterway Guide had told us that the harbour master here had won the the ‘Harbour Master of the Year’ award in about 2002.

Well it was still the same harbour master!

Doesburg mustard museum

And I don’t think a lot has changed since then.

He was indeed friendly, but the facilities are still pretty basic.

Cost per night was Euro 13, for our 12.6 metre boat, but electricity was metered, and there was no wifi available.

We took a wander round the town and returned to the boat for supper.

Inside the mustard museum

Minor disaster!

Turned on the tap and no water.

Tanks were completely empty.

After some investigation, it turned out that a pipe had come detached, all the water from our fresh water tanks had dropped down into the bilge, and my automatic bilge pump had pumped it all out over the side.

Reconnected the pipes and took a couple of hundred litres of water on board – and all well again.

Doesburg architecture

While taking water, we got chatting to and old German couple in a boat across the way.

They had recently bought a beautiful Super Van Craft motor cruiser – but were absolutely miserable!

They had been yachties, and simply could not get used to power boats, going through locks and dealing with commercial traffic.

What a shame.

Modern art piece in Doesburg

The next day we did the walking tour of Doesburg using a guide we had bought the previous day, which was in English for a change.

A thoroughly enjoyable walk, the highlight being the Mustard Museum. Doesburg is the Dijon of Holland and famous for it’s mustard.

There was also some interesting architecture and buildings, as well as modern art pieces.

Seriously leaning wall!

Statistics:

Distance 12 kms
Locks 0
Bridges 0
Motoring time 1.5 hrs

For Karen’s take on our travels go to her blog