It's a Wrap

 The daylight hours are shortening. BBQs on deck less frequent.

It is time to head back home and try to behave like grown ups.

 Autumn evening, alongside at our winter base in Scheerwolde 

A historic map of the Netherlands shows that the settlement of Muggebeet (now Muggenbeet, which translates as Mosquito bite)  Muggenbeet is close to our winter base and was once close to the sea coast. The nearby fortified seaport of 'Blokzyl' is now more than 100km from the open sea. 

  

On a cool and rare sunny day, we walked the 10 kms round trip to the remote settlement of 'Nederland' The signpost is a tourist attraction and the old spelling for the 'Low Countries'. It has a population of 15.   

On a cold, wet morning, Antiope is hauled out for her winter sleep.

We decided to head over to England for our final couple of weeks in the Northern hemisphere, to visit friends. 

 

The 'Andelucia' in St Katherine's dock, London.

While in London we visited St Katherine's dock close by Tower Bridge. Alongside was the replica of the 17th century galleon 'Andelucia' on the final leg of a world voyage. Thiss ship has sailed over 70,000 miles.    

St Katherine's is also home to these Thames sailing barges.

The wooden barge 'Gladys' in the foreground has been completely rebuilt for private owners and no expense has been spared. On deck, she looks as she was in her working days; below, a comfortable home.   

Also alongside was the royal barge 'Gloriana' 

The rowbarge Gloriana, built for Queen Elizabeth's jubilee, was the first royal barge to be built in England for 250 years 

The Butt and Oyster, at Pin Mill, Suffolk

One of my boating destinations as a young lad was this little known pub. I am pleased to report that the bar area itself has changed little. The addition of a dining area has enabled its survival. It was a cool autumn Sunday when we rolled up for our final English Fish and Chip lunch.

 

Cheers until the Spring, Charles and Annie