Getting out of our box berth in gusts of 30 knots of wind and turning around in a tight marina with no bow thruster, when we only had a few feet either end, gave us a few interesting moments. As did getting through the little bridge that opens up to give us what seems like a foot to spare either side!
However, we managed it and we left Dordrecht at 11am and caught the 11:15 bridge heading west on the back route to Rotterdam. Our destination is a little harbour at Oud Beijerland.
The trip took us down the Oude Maas in 30 knots of wind with the weather alternating between sun and squalls of rain and even hail stones. We turned off into the Spui canal and just a mile south came to the town of Oud Beijerland.
We came here in 2006 but took one look and thought that it was too small for us. The ‘marina’ is far too small to turn any of our boats around in, which is why we literally reversed back out when we were here last time! Since then though they have put a pontoon on the outside of the harbour where bigger boats can moor. There is even electricity on the pontoon, so happy days! No water here but as long as we have full tanks we are good for a few days. To get to the harbourmasters office you have to walk all the way round the harbour which is not a big problem however you have to do the same thing with the rubbish which is a bit of a problem.
The harbour is a delightful place with plenty of shops and restaurants, one of which we will try tomorrow – probably the Chinese.
The restaurant choice is pretty varied and includes
- a Chinese restaurant and takeaway
- a Greek restaurant
- a Thai takeaway
- a sushi restaurant
- a tapas bar
- and many more….
There are a couple of big supermarkets aswell, including Albert Heijn. Bas, which is the closest supermarket to the boat, is just as big as Albert Heijns tend to be, and also has a wine shop inside it, so perfect for stocking up. Haven’t tried filling a trolley and pushing it back to the boat yet but may have to soon!
There is a bus that runs from here to Rotterdam. It takes 20 minutes and means this is a possible option to leave the boat here when I come home this time.
We’re going to stay here a couple of days so that we can explore a bit.
Cost 13€ inc electric, no wifi.
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