Netherlands Trip - Willemstad      10th June:

    The anticipated rains appeared and drenched the region overnight. They did not ease up in the morning; I suffered one soaking heading up to the shower block. Then it was another soaking as I washed and dried clothing. Rex nearly endured a confrontation with two other British sailors who tried to squeeze in front of him to use the single washing/drying facility. He won the battle of wills.
    The excitement of the day was a walk to the supermarket.

At Least Some Fellows are Enjoying the Rain

    By 5pm, a 35-knot wind howled through the marina, and boats were rocking crazily. Barely a soul stirred. Out on the Hollands Diep, which was very choppy, barges still kept the life blood of the country flowing. No yachts were crazy enough to venture out in the maelstrom.
    Cooped up in our cabin, we took chance to take stock of our options. Our initial plan to head up the North Sea to Ijmuiden, pass through Amsterdam and make our way up to Friesland via the Ijsselmeer and Waddenzee was melting away. Predicted strong winds and foul weather would be very unpleasant, and considering the string of lows passing through over the weeks to come, were rendering such long trips untenable.
    We committed to dropping that plan, and drew up a new plan to sail up to Dordrecht in two days' time. It had been a long time since we were last there. The town would also serve as a base to travel to Rotterdam and Antwerp. On our return we could weave our way back, possibly calling call in at Brouwershaven, Bruinisse, Goes, Yerseke and Middelburg. Then we would be looking for a window of opportunity to cross back over the North Sea.
    I managed to fend off Rex's promised complete series of lectures on accountancy, followed by a crash course on how to play bridge.
    It was a day to be grateful we were safe and warm. Checks on water levels below the floors did not raise any alarms. Catching up on reading and emails with family and friends was much appreciated.
    Evening was spent at the Bienvenue French Bistro by the town harbour; it did us good to grab some time from the marina.