Rembrant and more

 Last month we took Antiope into Amsterdam. Annie and I took time out to expand our cultural knowledge with a visit to the Rijksmuseum. On my must see list, there among the art classics, was Rembrandt's masterpiece 'The Night Watch'. However, it is in the midst of a six year restoration programme, with the process continuing in full public view. A full digital scan is just part of the process. 

'The Night Watch' measures 3.6m x 4.4m

                                    

                                                  This copy is on display alongside 
 

I spent a long time in the museum's boat room where these minutely detailed models of Dutch vessels through the centuries were displayed.

This is just one small section of the model boat room in the museum.

Under way once more, we had family aboard for a few days, as we head North via Muiden and Enkhuizen to Lelystad and a convenient rail station.

Muiden lock, Toby and Becks on deck.

Departing for the long haul back to New Zealand

From Lelystad with a high winds and rain forecast, we headed inland via the Southern Polder navigation to Zwolle, dropping down below sea level once more. With us this time we had another couple of guests aboard, Jack Nazer and his sister Carol. Despite the weather, cruising is still possible with care through the sheltered inland waters of the Netherlands.

Navigating with care.

We did find a delightful waterway off the busy commercial route and cruised the Overijsselse Vecht river all the way to Ommen, the practical head of navigation for Antiope.

A quiet backwater and off the commercial waterway.

Vechterweerd lock, much like an English Thames setting 

One of the fully automated ferries that cross the river

A break in the rain, on the Overijsselse Vecht river

An enterprising Zwolle flower shop advert.

The 'Zespri' stall on Zwolle market day.

The old Zwolle city walls remain partly preserved.

 

Twilight at 9.50 The days are beginning to draw in! Zwartsluis August 10th