The Lauwersmeer: Pottle investigates. A Change of Plans.

This morning we've decided to whizz over to Lauwersoog in Pottle. We want to check out the huge sluis system that locks boats in and out of the Waddenzee and we also want to take a peek at the jachthaven over there. It's hot enough and sunny enough to worry about sunburn; so orders for the day include hats, water and sunscreen plus camera and iPhone. 

It was a glorious trip over to the other side of the Lauwersmeer. Even as Pottle poked her nose out of our little jachthaven, we could smell the salty tang of the sea. When we arrived at the sluis, it was very busy. There were a lot of boats tied to the wachtplaats at the side of the entrance, and a flotilla of boats jilling around in the water, waiting for their turn. A flurry as the sluis opened and boats poured out and headed south. It's a huge sluis but when you're in a little boat like Pottle, it seems absolutely monstrous! We got out of everyones way and headed over the jachthaven. It was busy with a lot of transiting boats of every description, and from many European and Scandinavian ports.

There was quite a smart looking clubhouse or bar/restaurant with a view to the south over the Lauwersmeer. We rather fancied a nice cold fruit juice  and perhaps a snack. The jachthaven was full of yachts and we managed to find a sneaky little spot to park Pottle safely. We clambered ashore - actually, the crew sort of crawled ashore in a rather untidy fashion - and made our way to the restaurant. There didn't appear to be anyone to serve us, so we retraced our steps back to Pottle. Happily, the crew managed to maintain professional standards when getting back into Pottle. So that was a relief. 

Our little expedition had taken a couple of hours and as we were hungry, we headed back to Pirramimma and lunch. Over lunch, we decided to stay another evening. We also decided to take Pottle out again and head south to a little river that winds its way inland through a wildlife sanctuary. 

Off we go. Heading south.

Looking back towards the Waddenzee.

The riverbanks are heavily reeded. Sanctuary indeed for the wildlife.

Quick; hide!

No access to the left but the right takes us...

…to this sweet little haven and an old sluis guarding the village.

Skipper climbed the bank and took pics whilst crew kept Pottle secure.

Looking back to the Lauwersmeer. Pottle and crew are down there somewhere.

So pretty and so friendly. They kept the crew company whilst the skipper explored.

 Our original plan was to cruise to Groningen and spend some time there. However. And backing up a little. Between our June cruise and this one, Richard had ordered some new oil filters for the Kubota engine in the generator. We'd been looking for them in every chandlery we'd been in since we purchased Pirramimma; to no avail. The UK main dealer had sent 3 to us whilst we were in the UK at the beginning of July. And advised us that these were 'definitely' the correct filters. 'No question about it!' Whilst we were in Dokkum, Richard had changed the oil in the generator and also tried to fit one of the aforementioned new oil filters. Only the new, very 'definitely' correct oil filters didn't fit. They were about an inch too large in diameter. 

So we decided to go 'back to source' as it were, and contacted De Boarnstream.  Could they get them for us? Yes, was the answer. They'd have them in the office in by the end of the week. Consequently, we abandoned our trip to Groningen; instead we would continue our cruise along the Reitdiep. But once at the Van Starkenborgh Kanal, we would turn to starboard and slowly make our way south to Jirnsum so Richard could change the filters. Why, you ask? Well, because we were concerned that the filters had never been changed and were overdue. Way overdue. Pirramimma comes first. Simple as that.

Tomorrow morning we will leave for the Reitdiep and will find a wild mooring for the night. Then back into Friesland and another couple of nights at a Marrekrite mooring before returning to Jirnsum in time for the filters to arrive.

Vxx