After the scorching and benign start to the cruise, this morning's livelier breeze called for a few moments of consideration before crossing the tidal Oosterschelde from the Veersemeer to the Grevelingenmeer.
After the scorching and benign start to the cruise, this morning’s livelier breeze called for a few moments of consideration before crossing the tidal Oosterschelde from the Veersemeer to the Grevelingenmeer.
In the end the easterly dropped a little and the sun even popped out of an overcast sky to give all 26 motorboats in the fleet a flat run between the meers. One has to be cautious of the Oosterschelde – the tidal flow and mostly shallow water can bring a short sharp sea in minutes that is more than capable of causing some grief, so it was good to see that this area was in good humour as we locked through the Zandkreeksluis.
Being out on open water again was a bit of a culture shock after quiet days around the islands and harbours of the Veersemeer. Quiet that was, except for those boats who discovered that the town clock still chimes every half hour through the night right by the pretty harbour of Veere.
Prior to leaving our base at Delta Marina near Kortgene, the MBM control boat crews ram-raided the village for enough supplies to feed 80 at an impromptu barbecue this evening. Butchers and bakers thought their luck was in as the orders were placed and the aft cabin of our control boat, True Blue, now has a pleasant smell of freshly-baked bread while the saloon is the scene of frantic preparations involving much garlic, amongst many other things.
The only thing that remains uncertain this evening is whether the rain will hold off long enough to allow the feast to take place, but we are hopeful.
Low pressure systems are also leaving the weather of the next few days in doubt, but our plans are all based around the 14nm long Grevelingenmeer and so, whilst we would like the sunshine, we can at least not worry too much about wind strength for the time being.
More news soon, after a barbecued morsel or two.