Ghent to Drongen, Leie River

We left Ghent behind without much of a backward glance.  We loved Antwerp but somehow Ghent didn't live up to expectations.  Culture it has in abundance and if we had been there earlier in the season we may have appreciated it more, but there were too many tourists. And crowds of people (like me) taking photos detract from the scenery and ambience.  That's why we prefer to travel out of season, even if it is freezing cold!

So, we made our way back down the Leie to the 2 yacht clubs near the junction with the Ringvaart.  I hopped ashore (well, that's a misnomer if ever there was one, "scrambled" more like) and went in search of some information about staying, not only for the night, but it is time to start looking for a place to leave the boat in June when we go back home.  At the first one the havenmeester was not there and the lady who ran the bar/cafe said we could stay the night but had no idea about prices, etc.  The second one looked deserted.

So we crossed over the Ringvaart into the Leie River that goes all the way to France where it is called the Lys.

What a stunning river! Narrow and deep with magnificent homes on one side and fields/forest on the other.

It is a sinuous river which winds thorough 180 degree bends.  The houses in the background are right on the banks of the river.

We passed many houses with private docks

slipways

boat houses

jetties

Idyllic settings

This statue among the topiary is mooning the river, square on from the river all you see is a big backside -  actually, not a pretty site!

Then came to this spot, no idea what it is called but it is near Drongen, where there is a long line of docks, some marked "private", others not.  We tied up at one of the unmarked docks, prepared to move off if told to, but 6 hours later we are still here. 

No internet signal though. A few private homes, which might be holiday homes, and a cafe.

There were a lot of boats out on the river today, including this lovely British narrowboat.

I did a load of laundry, still long sleeved t-shirts - can't wait to get into thin cotton summer clothes, they are so much easier to wash.

Ian is still chipping away at rust spots.

Lynn and Shaun are staying a second night in Ghent and we expect them to catch up with us tomorrow then we will continue up the Leie River.  Can't wait, it is lovely.

Chicken on the braai tonight.