Barging in Europe

Cruising in Friesland

2010-07-08T04:59:00.000-07:00

It is now 8th July and we have been cruising for a month and loving it. Whilst we were in Aarlsmeer we loaded our barge with supplies, flowers and herbs and prepared to set out on this summer's adventures. Whilst in Aarlsmeer we visited the Blumen Auction which is the largest flower auction in the world. We were just amazed at the size of and the organisation required to get these beautiful flowers sold and distributed around the world within 12 hours.

Yavanna in Holland

2010-06-01T00:11:00.000-07:00

This photo was taken in Maarssen on the beautiful Lecht River. We were waiting for Zanna and David to arrive by train so that they could spend a week with us. Our dutch bikes are leaning against each other on the grass. They are wonderful to ride and so much better for our backs.

Entertaining on the deck

2010-06-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

We entertain and eat our meals on our wooden deck which can take quite a few people.
Our outdoor furniture folds down and extra chairs can be stored in the front hold.
This happy group on The Midi came for drinks at 5pm and left at midnight.

The wheelhouse

2010-05-31T23:22:00.000-07:00

Our wheelhouse is completely demountable and our maximum height including the solar collectors is 3.85 metres. We have done all the famously low bridges in France and have yet to have reason to demount it. There is a fold down wooden table and seats if we wish to eat indoors and the front large window folds down easily to allow cool air on hot summer days. We just pop the old cushion underneath it. Two large tools boxes can be seen underneath it.

Our bathroom

2010-05-31T23:16:00.000-07:00

It is wonderful to travel with your own loo and ours is electric and very modern.
The bathroom also has a basin with a cupboard and mirror above it and a terrific shower. The two portholes have a stained glass peacock on each one for privacy.

Carved wooden insert

2010-05-31T23:14:00.000-07:00

This carved design is like a vent between our bedroom and the saloon and is near the pot belly. Maybe it is there to allow the heat into the bedroom.

Newel Post

2010-05-31T23:05:00.000-07:00

It's the interesting and quality features and finishing off that makes Yavanna so special. This newel post is at the bottom of the stairs and the etched glass door and large window of the bathroom on the right are another lovely addition. My linen cupboard is on the left of the bathroom door.

Our bedroom cabin

2010-05-31T22:48:00.000-07:00

Our bedroom is in the bow and is spacious with masses of cupboards and a wardrobe that have a copper heating pipe running through them for winter and even a light in the wardrobe. Wooden steps lead to a hatch which has two doors which open out and then pulls back across the roof. Its wonderful to lie in bed at night and look at the stairs and enjoy the breeze. Our bed is a cherry wood, four poster and also made by the original owner and very comfy.

Saloon

2010-05-31T22:43:00.000-07:00

Our cupboards are beautiful and the glass is bevelled. It's amazing how much storage we have on board. The furniture is free standing as there are no waves on the canals. The wine glasses have been known to 'tinkle' on the odd time a commercial barge comes too close to us. Fresh flowers in Holland are very cheap at the markets and so tempting to buy.

Our Saloon

2010-05-31T22:39:00.000-07:00

Our saloon is very cosy and comfortable and seats five, six at a push. We did have a television but never watched it once in five years so last year we disposed of it.
Now we have more bookshelves. We swop books with others as we go along and this year we have both bought E-Readers. We have a antique pot belly (not ours) that works but we have never needed to light it. A skylight and hatch in the ceiling brings in light and fresh air.

Our Galley

2010-05-31T22:33:00.000-07:00

Our Galley is well equiped with all and sundry and has a gas stove top, oven and a small washing machine underneath the sink. We love coming home from the markets and filling our baskets with fresh fruit, eggs and vegetables and our shelves with good wine. Our fridge is just a bar fridge but it holds all we need. The steps lead to the wheelhouse. Sometimes Vicki prepares the evening meal as we cruise along the canals during the day.