Week 16 One and a half metres

Week 16

Needless to say, not much happening...

Janny does the shopping, Ben does the cooking, I'm keeping busy with pumpkins, workshop, loading the van and trailer, bookkeeping and painting!

I'm not allowed out... Janny and Ben couldn't even find a cup of coffee in Drachten yesterday (Saturday).

And we're all doing a fitness program of one sort or another!

There are long queues at the rubbish tip (recycling centre -  all items are sorted as they are thrown into the various containers). Only 5 cars at one time are allowed in.

The Op Shop in Drachten is also busy as people are taking the opportunity to do a big cleanup!

The 28th of April is the date for the Government to decide the next steps....

Walking the dog...

Still painting...

One good thing...I listen to my audio books whilst doing this - currently "Paris" by Edward Rutherford (38 hours long!). I've finished the last (15th) of my Cliff Hardy novels (lightweight, but a nice bit of Australiana as they are set in Sydney). (I also listen as I walk).

Ben's lemon meringue pie (meringue to come)

Pumpkins

The "Sweet Grey" seeds almost looked like they were painted...(They may well have been to distinguish them from the others - I don't remember the colour from last year).

Some into planter boxes...

Some direct in the soil...

More nesting boxes...

Unloading the bus at the Op Shop...

So much more to go...

Janny even found an old photo of me (and Dianne) from ...pre 1970??

One and a half metres

Can we use the boat?

Translated from a Weekly Boating Newsletter

Boring summer

It is likely to be a boring summer. Only if they do not take place do you notice how many events, parties, reunions, tours, competitions, markets and other kinds of activities are organized annually in the countries. Often organized by many volunteers who often do this for many years in a row. Often with all their soul and bliss. Every now and then we receive messages from organizations that have unfortunately had to decide to cancel their event this year. All logical and right decisions. Even if activities are allowed again in a few months, the time is too short to organize something beautiful. These organizations also deal with sick or volunteers who are now busy with their regular care jobs.

In this way, applause for all volunteers who spoil us all these years with all those fun, exciting and fun activities. We hope that we will all have a full agenda again next year.

One and a half meters of water sports

In recent days, much has been said about the one and a half meter economy and society. One and a half, of course, refers to RIVM's advice to keep at least a meter and a half away when we go out and meet others. Is it possible to return to work if you have to keep at least a meter and a half away from colleagues? Can a café or cinema run rashly if far fewer customers are allowed to enter? We wondered what a meter and a half of water sports can look like.

Keeping a distance of one and a half meters on board most pleasure yachts is out of the question. With a little organization, keeping more distance than usual is still possible, but really fun and practical probably not. And what if you have to help a fellow passenger quickly during a tacking maneuver. Not to do, unless you have a yacht in the superyacht category. It is therefore better to sail alone with your own family members and from each other again that you are certainly not infected. On the water itself, there is of course automatically enough distance to other ships. But when passing locks, it is important to pay attention. Mooring alongside is no longer a matter of course and we may no longer have to take a line for someone else.

It will also be difficult in ports. After all, many jetties are dead ends, so one-way traffic is not possible. Pay close attention and wait on a side jetty until the oncoming vehicle has passed. Measures are also being taken at the other facilities. For example, only one person can use the sanitary at a time and it is then immediately cleaned. That does mean that a port will have to have extra cleaners.

If a mechanic has to come on board, he will actually have to be instructed on shore and have to do the job on board himself. Not impossible and it is best to have a cup of coffee together afterwards as long as we keep our distance. The consequences for passenger shipping, canal cruises and charter ships are already dramatic. If they will soon be able to sail with guests again, that will be much less and only if it is also possible to organize on board that they can stay at a sufficient distance. Not really a basis for healthy operation and we do not expect these ships to get off the ground again soon. It will be different with the rental of yachts. As long as the ships are cleaned extra thoroughly and care is taken when the keys are handed over and instructions are kept away, the rental can probably start. But of course all this only makes sense if you can also sail freely and bridges and locks work according to normal (summer) operation. And that sailing and staying on board are allowed everywhere again.

Sailing schools and, for example, classroom lessons for the small boat license will also prove to be difficult. If you are alone in a sailing boat during the lesson, it is still going, but the fun of a sailing camp is of course just being together with peers. Also during the activities ashore. And taking lessons in a room with a group is also difficult. As with most activities, organizing it is no longer profitable with fewer participants.

Of course, the above is not a complete picture, but our cautious conclusion is that the one and a half meter of water sports is partly possible. Especially on your own ship or with a rented vessel. But that there are still quite a few practical hurdles to overcome to keep it workable.