The ‘t Zand-mooring-spot was ideal for the dog. He could walk free most of the time, us trying to learn him something about obedience. Here he’s seen lying on his cooling-mat, exhausted after playing with his new-found friend.

He loves his master and mistress. That’s definitely a mutual feeling!

On the 4th of July (when in the US ‘enjoyed’ an untraditional military parade) we planned to let the dog get used to a dog-cart. Not to walk underneath it, no, to be transported by it while comfortably sitting or lying inside. To be able to do that the bike-tires had to be inflated. After having completed this the valve of the rear-tire literally exploded with a considerable bang. Well, what’s to expect after 12,5 years. Anyway, this bike was temporarily useless. The protruding part, by the way, is where the dog-cart is being connected to the bike.

There is, however, a second -and similar- bike available, likewise fitted with the same protruding part. The result is shown here. There was no protest or resistance on the dog’s side. He just entered the cart and underwent this new experience in a, gradually familiar to us, unflappable mood. New opportunities for the three of us!

On Friday the 5th of July, after having been at ‘t Zand for 6 nights (naughty, naughty!) we left at 9:45AM and followed in the first instance the Noordhollandsch Kanaal south-/south-westbound. After some 3,5 kilometres (amply over 2 miles) we took the Kanaal Stolpen-Schagen to the south/south-east and reached the Schagen-marina at 11:00AM. Yes, another rather short cruise. Here we are seen at the east-quay of the marina, the area for the bigger ships, not fitting inside the marina-boxes.

This is what it looks like from the opposite side. It is a clear illustration of the reason we’re not inside a box. The boxes are mainly designed for cruiser up to, say, 12 metres.

A last picture this week of Schagen, to give you an impression of the loveliness of this charming little town, situated between Den Helder and Alkmaar in the province of Noord-Holland.