Jutphaas (north Nieuwegein) was finally left behind on Wednesday the 8th of September at 9:55AM after 7(!!) nights. We are reflected here in the windows of a building next to the first bridge (‘Doorslagbrug’) – when we had to wait for its opening. There’s a display attached to this bridge, informing approaching boats about the waiting time. Very convenient. The second bridge we approached, on the Merwedekanaal, showed ‘out of use’ (double red). After informing by telephone we learned that the closure was only temporarily, because of a road-accident. We had to wait only for some 10 minutes.

This charming little bridge connects the river Vecht with the small waterways of ‘Goudestein’. The explanatory board mentions: ‘The little bridge was high enough to pass’. Tiny boats at that time!

Bolenstein’s current theehuis (tea house). Just lovely.

The little river Vecht within Maarssen’s centre – as seen from the Evert Stokbrug (brug = bridge). The explanatory text on the sign, which you see on the left of the photo, reads: "Flooding of the Vecht in 1928". 'The Vecht flows peacefully beneath you. But it used to be different and there were frequent floods. The last major flood can be seen in this photo from November 1928. The entire Vecht region was flooded. In Maarssen, too, the water reached the front doors and streets and sidewalks were no longer visible. Until the 12th century there were many floods because the Vecht was still in open connection with the Rhine . There was also potential for flooding from the Zuiderzee. Western storms could push the water up to Utrecht. The construction of locks at Utrecht and Muiden, at the beginning and end of the Vecht, did improve the situation, but this was not always sufficient. Only after the construction of the Afsluitdijk, in 1932, the danger of flooding had really passed. Nowadays the water level of the Vecht is regulated by a pumping station at IJmuiden (!!, ed.). This pumps the water into the North Sea via the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal.'

We had planned to leave on Saturday the 11th. But it was brought to our attention that in the evening, after being canceled for the two previous years, the Vechtse Vaarparade (a giant boat-parade) would take place. An event that we certainly wouldn't want to miss. So we decided to stay. The popularity of the parade is evident from this photo. All available mooring spaces were occupied by the end of the afternoon by spectators-to-be.

Our view to the front of our little ship. Most (moored) boats were festively lit.

Illuminated balloons - and a multitude of passengers.

Romantic light.

Even the FC Utrecht supporters' association had set up its own boat. See the giant ball. The noise was almost equal to a full stadium! (FC Utrecht, our favourite!!) The boat behind FC Utrecht’s even transported a full live band.