Our nice free mooring on the quayside at Hattem didn't last long. Shortly after posting last night, we were informed that the quay was for work boats only, and that if we didn't move into the marina, we would be fined 90 euros. So we moved, and paid the marina 17 euros instead for berth, though that did include electricity and water and free WiFi, so I suppose it wasn't bad value.
This morning we set off punctually, swanning rapidly down the river for a couple of miles or so before turning off towards Meppel. There was a lock to negotiate, with a 25-minute wait, and rather surprisingly it dropped us about a metre, rather than lifting us up. I remember being similarly surprised once on the Rhine a few years ago. Anyway, we decided to stop at Zwolle to look around, since it was also one of the important Hanseatic cities. We negotiated a couple of lifting bridges and found a convenient mooring. The city was worth the visit. Here's the former watchmen's guard house in the main market square:
We ventured into the church behind, and found it no longer functions as such but was setting up the exhibits for an art competition. We looked around but were not enormously impressed.
The streets were bustling with many, many bars, cafes and restaurants, including, apparently, a 3-star Michelin place that sets you back about 160 euro a head. We didn't bother looking for it!
We passed this fountain with the basin full of foam, as if someone had emptied a packet of detergent into it. Curious:
Outside the City Hall there is a magnificent bronze of Adam by Rodin, which we greatly admired.
A wedding party was emerging and we were amused to see everyone blowing bubbles rather than throwing confetti or rice. Charming, and cleaner too.
After all that excitement, we made our way to the edge of town to see the well-preserved south gate:
We enjoyed a refreshing beer in the market square before returning to the boat and then decided to have an early lunch before setting off. We had just finished when we heard the bells going for the lifting bridge so we made a rapid exit, and cleared both bridges without any delay. Then it was an easy run up to Meppel, which was a distinct disappointment. Though its absence from the tourist guide book should perhaps have warned us. Very industrial, lots of barges, factories and silos. We pressed on though the town to where the map said there was a marina: there was, but virtually deserted. Only about three boats, though place for hundreds.
We located an office where they explained that the port was officially closed: They had only bought it two weeks ago and had not had time to put it in order, but it was OK for us to stay, though no water and electricity, of course. So here's Saskia in solitary splendour at the end of the harbour:
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