June 14

eco-houses along the river near Zoutkamp

fish boats at Zoutkamp

a cruising sailboat on the Lauwersmeer

We’ve made a serious stab at cruising through the more northern parts of the Netherlands. After Groningen, we made our way along the Rietdiep to Zoutkamp, where we stayed in a very secluded marina mooring. Zoutkamp was the first evidence of a connection to the North Sea and fishing. We then made our way across the Lauwersmeer (a large lake) to Lauwersoog, the port connection to the Waddenzee. A quick lunch and then back across the lake to a small cove on an island where we were fortunate to moor before the wildest thunderstorm I’ve experienced in a long time arrived. We were snug and safe, but found where water can enter if blown hard enough.

canal side relaxation in Dokkum

small canal in Dokkum

Then, back onto the canal and to Dokkum, where we found a delightful mooring under a windmill, in the most boat-visitor-friendly town so far.