Main and Main Donau canal.

On the way to Moldova, I had to go upstream the Main and Main-donau canal to reach the Donau.

Over 70 locks I did pass. Sometimes with help from the lockmaster and the lock. Later on i had to take the kayak out on my wheels and walk around. This last is very tiresome.

The lock with most difference in waterlevel was Erlangen, Germany.

Over 20 meters.

Take a break

COBBER had a fight with a boulder

The Rhine...to strong to go upstream.

The people from Wannheim Kayak Club near Duisburg in Germany did look after my like a prodigal son...I did have a good homestay their for a few days. They also helped me to get a lift upstream the river Rhine with a ship. The stream was to strong to paddle all up to the Main canal.

The m.v. Waldhof did bring me in two days from Duisburg to the Maincanal. It's was a good learning experience to see from a ship the movements on the water.

COBBER is having a break and getting a suntan on the deck from the m.v. Waldhof.

One of the first damages along the way...hitting a boulder near a lock.

Many more would follow...

Images along the way..from holland to moldova

Images along the way

Above the pumpstation from Termunterzijl.

At the moment I am still busy with….ahh many things and don't know where to start with my story about paddling from Holland to Moldova.
So it's better to put some photo's on the blog and then hopefull it will come back.

The small fishing village of Ditsum, Germany. during the trip I was doing report for the dutch newspaper "De volkskrant''. Overall I did write over 60 artickles.




After crossing the Dollard I have to upstream the river Ems. In the background the port of Emden. This was all during my first days of the trip (april 2008)

German Wadden Islands

Last year we did join the Saltz Wasser Union. They organized a one-week camp together with the Dutch instructors.
The first week we did spend time inland, the weather was terrible with storms and gales. Our plan to start at the Eemshaven and go East to Spiekeroog did not work. Instead we drove to the Grosses Mer. We spend a few days over here. A nice cottage was offered to us for cooking, while the waters made excellent daytrips.

nueharlingersiel
We all gathered in Nueharlingersiel and soon we were on the way to Spiekeroog. This tiny Island has a superb camping spot. Close to the beach. We were the only group that was not mixed with the Germans. But after the "office hours" at sea, we could practice our German tongue. Big Fun!
everybody happy

German approach
During the week we visited other Islands like; Wangerooge, Langeoog and Baltrum. We have been focusing on trip planning and leadership. And at the same time enjoy the cold, rainy weather. Some groups had to go ashore, while others did have a good time in big waves.
Lianna (my sister)was going home with the diploma Zeevaardigheid(BCU4*). So congratulations.

4 Star of the day
While all the people went home after the Camp, we still had another week of exploring the German waters.
We went as far as Norderney and had a good time. We went home with a nice feeling. Three weeks paddling in Germany.
Spass in Spiekeroog! One day I will return!