Deinze toGhent

Quite unexpectedly, after planning to continue up the Leie River to Kortrijk, we decide to do a detour into Ghent.  As members of the VPF (Vlaamse Pleziervaart Federatie) we get a discount of 2 days for the price of 1, at the Linderleie Yacht Club in Ghent.  We love the route on the “Krommeleie”, the old Leie River.

But, before we set off, we went in search of a crafts shop where we bought a roll of transparent plastic film and double sided tape to “double glaze” our windows.  This is not to stop heat loss in the winter but primarily to stop condensation forming on the window panes.  If you want to know how it’s done follow this link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IYuEI6mLRw

We did this many years ago when we lived on a baot on the canals in England and it really does work.

It was heavily overcast in the morning but cleared into yet another lovely warm day.  The trip down the Krommeleie was a delight as always.

As we approached the low bridge at Astene, the bridge keeper appeared in the middle of the bridge and asked if we wanted to go through.  Now that's good service.

The bridge is hand operated

Magnificent waterside properties. 

Many of them have robot lawnmowers

We were just saying what a great setting for a party with a marquee then round the next corner we found this huge marquee under construction.

And their boats aren't too small either

Just another mansion.  I have heard that this stretch of water has the most valuable real estate in all Belgium.

So pretty

They do like their statues:  a herd of sheep, lifesize

Red dog - more than lifesize, about 2.5m high

Ian appreciating the artwork

Approaching the centre of Ghent

I particularly like this one

The Linderlei Yacht Club right in the middle of Ghent

And here we are