Already slightly visible with the video we started with, Jay lives inside his bench when we cruise. The most important reason being the perfect view outside. Apart from that he is of no use when departing, arriving, tackling a lock etc. - highly curious, thus permanent obstructing our intended actions. By the way he’s lovely, and we mean this from the bottoms of our hearts.

The first overnight stop, Wednesday, was next to the Ocrieteiland at Eembrugge/Baarn. We have been there before, see Week 14 – 2017, last picture. The next day, Thursday the 28th we cruised towards the mouth of the Eem-river. That was not the first time either, so search for the second-last picture in Week 36 – 2018. After entering the Eemmeer on Friday the 29th of March the weather was stunningly gorgeous, not a cloud in sight – only sun, sun and sun again. That offered the possibility to make this picture, just after passing ‘De Eemhof’ opposite Bunschoten-Spakenburg. The marina of ‘De Eemhof’ (not visible here, we mean the one on the other side of the buildings) accommodates yachts that need a professional crew to handle them. In short, some yachts of sheik-like proportions. Having said this, what a view!!

Friday the 29th we arrived at the mouth of the Arkervaart, a canal leading into Nijkerk’s centre. We decided immediately to stay here for three nights because there’s (paid-for) electricity, the harbour-master is possibly still skiing somewhere in central Europe and it’s an exquisite spot for the dog.

Jay, discovering the possibilities of playing in/with water for the first time.

The dog, looking scruffy after his water-escapades.