It was a grey misty morning as we pushed out onto the Waal – immediately having to hold fast and let a barge roar by heading downstream. It was quite interesting, with so much current pushing up our speed, and a stream of two or three thousand tonners racing past or pushing up the other way. Fortunately it didn't last too long, though the turn-off into the short connecting canal between the Waal and the Maas was also challenging: darting behind one barge going our way, and ahead of another coming the other way. It was a relief to get into the waiting area, out of the current, even if we had to wait almost an hour to lock through.
The Maas, three metres or so below the level of the Waal, was a complete contrast. Sunshine, hardly any current, and plenty of pleasure boats rather than enormous commercial barges. I always like the elegant simplicity of these arched bridges:
Speaking of bridges, someone has found a way to recycle the bridge from an old barge – fine views of the river:
It was a warm, sunny Saturday in July, and families were out on the river banks enjoying the good weather:
As we came to the turn-off to go into Den Bosch, this little towed flotilla emerged. Going sailing somewhere!
Although we reached the Den Bosch port in time for a late lunch, it was already crowded. Rafting up is the norm here, and that's what we ended up doing, alongside a pleasant couple who say they will be leaving in the morning – but not too early.
We strolled into town to renew acquaintance with the man himself:
Tonight is the light show, so we won't be posting this until we get back, I hope with some excellent photos!
[LATER]
The show was good, and well attended. Lots of young people and children standing in the square patiently waiting for it to start at about 10.15. Not easy to photograph, however, but here are some pix that may give a flavour. One of the highlights was an animation of characters from the Garden of Earthly Delights, but I don't think we captured that!
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