Cruise to Dokkum Pt 2: Pottle on tour. Dinner with friends. Farewell Dokkum; Hello Lauwersmeer.

The skipper was keen to launch Pottle and tour the inner canal through the middle of Dokkum itself. Crew insisted on waiting till the rain had stopped. These photos were taken between 1900 and 2000 hours one evening - it was warmer than perhaps it looks and a little further along, there were quite a few folk out in their little dinghies enjoying the break in the weather. Unfortunately, the camera on the phone struggled with these shots - either too much motion or looking straight into the sun. Or a combination of both issues. But it's a pretty little town and we like it very much. 

On the final night in Dokkum for this visit, we were delighted Petra and Klaus could join us onboard for dinner. Sheila and Paul joined us for apéros and helped to make it a very enjoyable evening. Lots of laughter and a lot of fun. The galley slave prepared a delicious meal of Lemon and Thyme Chicken, roast potatoes, Spicy Asian Coleslaw and a mixed salad. Dessert of luscious local strawberries, blueberries and raspberries with clotted cream and whipped cream. Coffee with liqueurs, stroopwafels and chocolates rounded the evening off. 

Petra and Klaus had kindly given us a bottle of Beerenburg, made by the local Dokkum distiller, Sonnema. Beerenburg is a Dutch drink made by adding herbs and spices to jenever. It's about 30% proof. The drink apparently originated in Amsterdam (North Holland) but became most popular in Friesland, Groningen and Drenthe. It's related to Italian amaro and Petra told us that it's wonderful alternative in Irish Coffee. Just use the same recipe, substituting Beerenburg for the Irish Whiskey. We're all trying a sample of this delicious drink - I have absolutely no idea what I was laughing at but clearly something amused me! 

The next morning, we were up early and took a walk around the haven to find out which of the water points had space for us as we needed to refill our fresh water tank. Then a final walk around this lovely town and the skipper took the opportunity for some more photos. We said our farewells to Sheila and Paul and hope we will catch up with them before the cruising season is finished for this year. We let go our lines and motored away around the corner to take on water. 

Looking back at 'our' windmill, Zeldenrust…

And the second windmill in Dokkum, just ahead of us…

The crew waits by the water tap…

Taken from same position as one above, but the view to the left…

The clouds disappeared as we let go the lines and motored off to make our way past the two remaining brug in the Dokkum town system and onto the waterway known as the Dokkumer Grootdiep. The open countryside was lovely and completely different to that on the western approaches to the town. Richard commented that it reminded him of the upper reaches of the Thames. The sunshine and warmth made a wonderful change to recent weather. 

We motored happily along this pretty waterway, making our way through two more brug, then locked down into the Willem Lorèsluis. Soon after this, we turned north onto the Dokkum Djip and made our way into the Lauwersmeer. The scenery changed and then changed again. We were entranced.

Our original intention was to make our way to the top of the Lauwersmeer and find a berth in the Lauwersoog jachthaven. However, Paul and Sheila, having heard good reports, mentioned another haven on the western side of the Lauwersmeer and we made our way there instead.  The jachthaven Lauwersmeer at Oostmahoorn is a lovely little place, tranquil and pretty. We found a nice spot on the inside of the passentensteiger, made fast our lines and at 1500 hours, switched off the engine. We'd come just 10.8 miles from Dokkum and entered another world.  We checked ourselves in at the havenkantoor for one night. €15.45 for the berth, tourist tax for 2, and wi-fi. Water, electricity extra. There's a good and spotlessly clean shower block plus the usual rubbish and recycling facilities. The havenkantoor is on a small 'hill' overlooking the jachthaven. It has a small chandlery and access to good mechanics should repairs be needed. There's a bar and restaurant in the same complex. 

Our view aft, soon after arrival at Oostmahoorn…

By the time we'd returned from checking in at the havenkantoor and taking a wander around the jachthaven, the sun had come out again and we sat on deck with a cold glass of water for the crew and a refreshing biertje for the skipper. Skipper caught up with the ship's log and the crew caught up with…  umm… the crew's log.

… and took another photo of Pirramimma…

Meanwhile, the galley slave decided the option of a drink followed by a meal at the restaurant was a better idea than cooking that night. Thus, as the sun slid over the yardarm, we found ourselves seated at an outside table with a view of Pirramimma and the rest of the jachthaven. Crew managed to place the order in Dutch and the waiter, bless him, managed to understand her.

The view from our table. Pirramimma is the dark blue blob in the middle of the picture.

And looking south east…

The name of the restaurant is 'The Riddle of the Sands' and indeed, the Lauwersmeer is not too far away from where the book is set. If you take a fairly large pinch of salt, that is.  Skipper took a photo of the place 'mats' and I'm including it here because it gives you a good look at the area the Lauwersmeer covers. 

We had a lovely meal: sliptongetje for the crew and the skipper enjoyed 'butter fish'. The waiter was unable to tell us what type of fish that was in English but it was delicious. Meaty texture, similar to tuna, but the meat was white and sweet tasting. If anyone knows what it might be in English, I'd be grateful to learn it.

Petra had told us about Dokkumer Koffie and we were unable to resist when the waiter told us it came with this dessert. Honest, we only ordered the dessert because the Dokkumer Koffie was part of it.  *cough*

Two happy and relaxed people wandered back to their boat to sit on the aft deck and enjoy the warm evening. 

Vxx