Once again Meryl was allowing Rex a four week pass out. In a short timespan before our proposed departure date a simple, multi-option plan was devised, featuring visiting a few places we had never ventured before. Sad to say, Mr Sod's nefarious laws drummed up a constant stream of strong winds and storms from the east, which delayed our departure date by 10 days. Our multi-option plan would need complete options to be dropped.
    Our entry into Europe via Belgium was not as smooth as via the Netherlands, but all part of the learning curve to climb regarding procedures and contacts to get our passports stamped.
    Inevitably we succumbed to visiting places and sailing waters we had been to on earlier trips, but we still got as much joy returning to these venues. However, we did take in some new, interesting places which provided our culture fix.
    We had been advised before we left the UK that the Dutch waterways infrastructure was undergoing a major makeover, with many locks and bridges being out of commission; some for several months. This proved to be a pain at times, requiring extensive detours, but the upside was we discovered the joys of traveling along the ultra-busy Oude Maas immediately followed by a serene glide down the peaceful Spui.
    As always, we met many interesting people on our adventure. What was really amazing was bumping into Pieter and Miriam again, a Dutch couple we had met in Willemstad last year. And once we were in Friesland, particularly Harlingen, restaurant and bar owners recognised us from earlier trips.
    It was during our stay in Friesland that Rex was scanning weather forecasts for the potential trip back across the North Sea. He had a deadline to meet, and forecasts were rather daunting indicating either an earlier than intended departure from Holland, or a gamble that the weather may change for the better and we get back just in time to meet the deadline. After a lot of soul searching, we opted for a lull in foul weather about 6 days earlier than our intended return date. Once the decision was made, we wasted no time in rushing to meet the window of opportunity across the North Sea. The early crossing was not wasted, we made the most of our remaining time left on the trip exploring East Anglian waters.
    Summing up, this was yet another excellent trip, expanding our knowledge of continental waters, towns and cities once again.
    Long may these adventures continue.