Oudenburg to Diksmuide

37 kms, 1 lock, 6 mobile bridges

Our last day of cruising.  We filled up with water (seeing it is free at the pontoon in OUdenburg) and set off at 10.00.  There are 5 opening bridges in the 18km to Nieuwpoort and opening times are strictly controlled.  Boats traversing the canal must form into convoys which depart from the Passendale lock at 10.00 (and 12.00, 14.00, 16.00 and 18.00).  It takes about 15 min to get from the lock to the first bridge where we would join the convoy.  I called at about 10.05 but got no answer (left a message) but at 10.15 when no other boats arrived from the lock I called again and got an answer.  

Waiting for service at the first bridge

The bridge opened a few minutes later and we were a convoy of one!  From then on I didn’t have to call at each bridge, they were prepared as we approached with no hold-ups.

We saw a total of 3  pleasure cruisers on the canal

The cow on the roof - this means we are only 3 hours from home

Each village is decorated with flowers

Unfortunately we caused long tail-backs at the opening bridges

Even the bridges have flowers

At 12.30 we entered Sint Joris Sluis leaving the canal and entering the Ijzer River – our home river.  We always compete to see who will catch the first sight of the Ijzertoren, the 84m high tower at Diksmuide that dominates this flat countryside.  Ian won today but only because I was making lunch!

The lovely Ijzer River

Diksmuide

At 14.45 we turned into our slot at the marina.  Our neighbour, Gilbert, jumped off his boat to greet us.  It’s good to be home.