This page contains our tour reports
We unload the trailer on the Borneokade. On an icy jetty we mess around with the boats, lights and (triple) clothing. Then we get in. Just a little more careful, due to the high entry and the threat of the cold water.
Our boats sneak into the misty Entrepot harbor. You immediately get a different picture of the houseboats that are moored here; somewhat closed from the shore, but beautifully illuminated and open from the water. This will be a beautiful trip, with or without light artworks.
On our left a ghost ship, it is the floating garden The Ocean.
Under the houses of the Entrepotbrug towards the Nieuwe vaart. There, turn right to the De Gooyer mill, with Brouwerij het IJ next to it. In the Kop van Oost restaurant, people are enjoying a nice, warm meal indoors. A lady on the side is proud of us, let her know, she would immediately die from the cold...
Further on we pass the 't Kromhout shipyard with the characteristic steel arches that were built in 1887, a nice trivial pursuit fact: the arches were used for the 1883 World Exhibition on Museumplein. Suddenly canoes came from the other direction, an association from Deventer that also visited the canals.
Under the Kattenburger Bridge and then into the open space of the Oosterdok with a view of the Maritime Museum, VOC ship 'Amsterdam' and the copper-green NEMO building. It will be a bit busier here with boat trips and other boats because we are at the light festival!
At the former naval site we see "Light Bulb" by Theo Botschuiver and on the other side of NEMO the "Inversion waterfall" by UxU Studio, a waterfall of light that flows onto the building. Nicely integrated into the building.
Together with tour boats and two rowing boats, double fours with steering wheel, under the "Light gate" of Edwin Baruch. A large entrance gate made of light-lit mesh-like material, the gate seems to float a bit.
At the Kikkerbilsluis, I see on the map, under the Prins Hendrikkade over the Oudeschans towards Montelbaanstoren. The site of a bridge and flood defense for centuries. We see "Rays of light" by Tamar Frank. The Montelbaanstoren was once part of the defense by offering a view over the city and the water, but now paths of thin wires illuminated with black light run in three directions from the tower. The lines of wires themselves seem to glow.
A small loop in the route via the Recht- en Krom Boomssloot and the Snoekjesgracht, named after Jan Pieters Snoeck, who had a house built here in 1595 with a pike in the facade. It is quiet and narrow here, with the occasional chilly cyclist on the quay. Really old Amsterdam, you expect a horse and carriage at any moment.
The fog has disappeared. At the café De Sluyswacht on the corner of the Sint Antoniesluis we find "Tube display" by Lambert Kamps. Luminous tubes that slide in and out of tubes with air pressure form letters and words that are erased by the next word. Just after the Waterlooplein "Flying with the light", a 36 meter long row of wings that seem to want to fly away, made by Group B.
Over the Amstel via fireflies (Fireflies from Studio Toer) under the Blauwbrug to "Bridge 242" by Peter Vink, which we know better as the Magere Brug. An interplay of lines on and under the bridge that changes both the bridge itself and the normal lines of the counterweights. Along Carré to the Amstelhotel. The work is called "Sign", we thought more of "Revolution" or "Molotov", from the water it looks as if the hotel is on fire. Vendel & De Wolf started a fire with light.
In front of the Toronto Bridge and Mauritskade onto the Singelgracht, in a garden in front of the Weesperpoort Bridge a white statue, a Buddha-like baby with an adult face of which, funnily enough, I cannot find out what, how or who. Past Moof electric bicycle repair shop, Muiderpoort, Tropenmuseum. There's the mill again! Behind us under the Zeeburgerpad along the Funenkade, we are back on the Nieuwe vaart.
There is no wind in the city, we float, carried by smooth water back to the Borneokade. Where we squeeze out of the boats, which is not easy after sitting in the cold for a long time. There is even ice on the deck.
Charge and go. It was beautiful again.
Jasper van Ewijk
Canoe trip through the gardens and mud ditches of Nieuw West...
On Sunday, June 26, we crossed the Lake with 12 members and 1 guest on our way to the Gardens of West. The weather was mild, the water rocking. We sailed smoothly to the jetty on the Ma Braunpad. Here we carried our ships along the cycle path to the slightly hidden jetty on the other side. The renovated jetty provided good access to the water in the Binnenpolder. The water above the peat bubbled here and there. The ladies shouted “Ajakkes!”, because the clean ships and the paddles became smeared by the mud that was just below the water surface. was grinning and waiting for us to happily grab hold. My initially grey-white new Freestyle changed rapidly
in a zebra with black stripes.
This kick-off was clear. It would become an adventurer's route. Yet we quickly left the sucking mud bath behind us, paddling lightly. On the right the tall green reeds between which sturdy Cuban cigars full of regalia grew. Behind this the powerful Hogweeds towered above. On the left the meadow, with geese, behind which in the distance the human hand signed farm buildings. And above us a calm, benevolent sky. We took it all in, calmed down, and sailed on.
Under the bridge, Buddha or Efteling had not only planted fairytale pink (lotus) water lilies, but also alternated them with fields of small buttercup yellow water gentians. Be quiet...the nymphs live under these water plants.
Dreamily we arrived at the 2nd portage. This was a rusty iron beam over which it was better not to pull the new canoes, but to lift it lightly, otherwise we would end up with a scratch, a scratch! Ron gave careful directions. I think it went well. This became our break spot. Marcel generously handed out cookies. On the bridge, people fished for iron treasures with magnets. A cheerful farmer (O wonder) from the 'last' farm as he called it, chatted cheerfully and laughed across the jetty, next to the rusty beam, where we had been scared off by jungle nettles. Yes, he said jokingly, you won't get through that, and it won't be kept track of either.
Get back on the water. Furthermore.... Oof a tree in the water that blocked the passage. So we continued via another ditch. It became narrower and came to a dead end. We had a lot of practice turning and turning, because the waterway under the highway also turned out to be closed. But once again, between twists and turns, we suddenly sail through a picturesque lane. The trees on either side formed a gate under which we passed.
Silence...................until
a cuckoo called out to us incessantly. Ron immediately joined in, cuckooing. Because we could not find the remainder of the route, despite a lot of help from and outside the group, we returned via the outward route. Carol still had to carry 20,000 garbage bags from 3hg and crossed the Lake like a rocket. We didn't have to do that and arrived a little later, satisfied and tired.
Once at the club, cleaning and scrubbing took place.
The black mud off and the new canoes arrived – thank the gods! – emerges shiny again. It ended up being 15 wonderful, adventurous kilometers.
Thanks also touring committee!
PS Last but not least.
Later I went to Het Boothuys for dinner with my son. We were suddenly terribly hungry. It was a beautiful and very tasty pizza, delicious artichoke, grilled vegetables, grilled sardines and of course fries and Hibiscus tea. There is much more. !Recommendation!
Lucia
Amsterdam Light Festival
It was a cold, windless, clear Saturday evening in January when 10 canoeists entered the dark night from a jetty in Zeeburg on our way to the works of art of the 10th light festival. We first sailed through the waters of Amsterdam east past the mill of Brouwerij 't IJ to see the first light installation at the Kromhoutwerf. A beautiful work by Van Gogh!
It became increasingly busy with walkers on the quay, because yes, with the lockdown a walk is the only outing possible. Fortunately it is quiet on the water. No tour boats and only a single boat and we also encounter Suppers.
The works of art look much more impressive on the water than from shore. The ghost ship next to the maritime museum in particular reveals itself beautifully when we sail past it. We dive into a canal again and enjoy the many houseboats and illuminated canal houses on the inside. Guide us past the yellow spheres for the cordon. You can get anywhere with a canoe! Looking at the illuminated laundry hanging to dry and sailing towards the Stopera.
The works of art on the Amstel are in fantastic condition. Also at the end past the Amstel Hotel we encounter the Jedi under the bridge and we return to the city to be drawn through a black hole by the white strobe lights.
It remains busy along the side. Thousands of people walk behind each other as a herd and we get a lot of attention. We are slowly approaching the end of the journey. We are starting to get a bit cold and our Lucia really just wants to paddle home very quickly. That's what we do. A beautiful trip through dark Amsterdam remains something magical.
The return trip to the club ends in deception for Martin and Nathalie. The car has run out of energy and they still have to wait a long time for the roadside assistance to tow them home. Luckily I can hang the canoe cart with the canoes behind the car and everyone comes home tired, cold but satisfied to sit at the stove. and warm up a hot chocolate. On to our next canoeing adventure!
Erwin Lubberding
Sunday, July 4, a Rembrandt Park home tour
About 10 canoes sailed left from the jetty, passed behind 2 islands, under 2 bridges at the East Bank, and immediately turned sharply right under a much lower bridge, which determined the course towards Rembrandt Park.
Upon departure, the rain gods had postponed their 2:00 PM appointment by an hour. We hoped for more, so that the BBQ wouldn't fall into the water around 6:00 PM.
After all, most of them had brought their snacks and put them in the refrigerator with the footballs. (mystery)
The 8-10 km long tour was characterized by a cloudy sky, where the sun sometimes winked softly.
The high water level indicated which weather gods had given their blessing in recent days.
The voluptuous greenery reminded us that pruning shears, scythes and machetes would have been welcome in an almost overgrown passage. This was not the reason why I was tied up in the reeds, but because I cleverly tangled the paddle in it and ended up laughingly stuck. A clearly wrong example.
We were also mercilessly reminded of the maintenance of the water. A cleaning route is definitely in order. No details about this because.......oh and woe. But a NECESSARY contribution for water lovers.
By the way, the carp mortality seems to be over. Does this mean they are all dead? Waternet is fully informed. I think this is also part of her duties.
Meanwhile, the group sailed across the calm water, chatting and greeting.
In the Rembrandt Park, which offers both conviviality and quiet oases, we stopped near the Nachtwachtlaantje, where an ugly business block box rose from the water.
While Koen continued to eskimote happily, our tour operator was able to have his late lunch and the other canoeists hoped that Koen did NOT move from the terrace or higher ......... he sometimes does ......... Fortunately he stayed it here.
At Heemstede metro station, we saw how you could pass under a very low bridge in different ways:
With your nose on your knees, or upright, lightly touching the bottom of the bridge, or emerging from under the cobwebs, or groaning anxiously, or like Martin - after pushing off - in a straight line when a fish darted under it.
After this 'exercise' everyone's head was still in good condition, which for the time being does not justify my name for it: the “guillotine” bridge.
It was a very nice trip home again.
I did not spot the Kingfisher this time, perhaps because I had to sprint to the BBQ after the guillotine bridge.
Thank you again to the tour committee, but also to the core team who warmly supported this activity!
Lucia Loupias
Canoe tour June 13, 2021 through Utrecht and surrounding areas
With 11 people, 9 canoes and a Canadian, we left for Utrecht, drenched in sun.
It promised to be a wonderful day and this promise came true.
Upon arrival at the Kromme Rijn we were greeted by beautiful, slender and sturdy blue and green dragonflies with wings of black tulle, it seemed.
Many people looked for the water just like us. It was a pleasant, almost old-fashioned, friendly Sunday gathering. Everyone go outside. The terraces were not yet full, but that would undoubtedly change.
In addition to terraces on the Oude Gracht, we also sailed past mysterious houses and storage spaces right on the water, with small doors and windows, where you could sometimes peek inside. We sailed past imaginative large gardens, only one of which was hidden from view by unsatisfactory paneling. "The Horse Cathedral!" it was explained to us, by other paddlers, "My mother used to work here!" she shouted as they passed us.
There was a cozy, friendly atmosphere. The people were happy.
The journey continued between a guard of honor that the trees on either side formed especially for us.
And then suddenly that narrow Minstroom... away from the hustle and bustle.
The pleasant chatter was often silenced by the wonderful impressions we gained. While Koen eskimoted and hung very crookedly in his kayak, scaring the ladies, and one of the Ericas took a nice shower under a water fountain, Martin held our course.
Seen so much, enjoyed, laughed, felt peaceful...........
It was about 5:30 or later when we arrived at the association. The canoes were quickly put away again. Ultimately, a remaining group of 6 members settled at Jetty 4. Tapas!!
All tours were beautiful and so different. And I keep thinking: this was the most beautiful trip.
Hooray again soon!
Thanks Tour Committee,
Lucia Loupias
Tour the Gardens of West - Storks, wandering cows, hogweed and reeds.
On a sunny Sunday morning, May 30, 2021, we sail across the Sloterplas. Sixteen kayakers, including quite a few new members. A monster score that exceeds the thirteen participants of the previous tour.
Via the Osdorpergracht and Hoekenesgracht we pass 'de 1100 roe', a polder mill from 1674 that stood on the Haarlemmerweg until 1965. A little further on follows the first 'portage' of the "2x there, 2x back" that we will do. We cross the Ma Braunpad while the first storks sail over.
Now we're really 'out of town'. How beautiful it is here! Only the water is less... we sail a short distance through what you could call thick or sporty water. You can't paddle too deep, because then you end up in the mud. It smells a little less pleasant for a while, and the number of dead fish floating here won't help. Maybe they died due to lack of oxygen? This can occur in water if there is an overflow from the city sewers after heavy rainfall. Hopefully not something more serious. One bend further it becomes easier again. On our right, behind the reeds, we have a cycle path and allotment parks De Eendracht and TIGENO, short for: 'Gardening is Pleasure and Useful Relaxation'. To the left we look out over grassland, geese and storks in flight with the 'skyline' of Amsterdam West as a background.
The buildings are decreasing further and nature is increasing. We are now sailing through what has been called Tuinen van West since 2007; four polders that have been developed into a multifunctional urban agricultural and recreational area. We go along the edge of the Lutkemeerpolder, which has been the subject of a lot of activity lately; activists oppose the construction of an industrial estate with a large distribution center for Albert Heijn. A little further on we turn right at an alternative interchange. Hogweed has completely enclosed the intended jetty. After a short lunch (with traditional stroopwafels from Jaap! and Napoleon sours from Lucia!) we go back into the water. We sail past the Bee Park, and are surrounded by banks with large hogweed and walls of young reeds. We see storks on the nest and a kingfisher! We make our way through the country in a line of kayaks.
The environment changes a bit again, we see more of the recreational function of this area. Playing cows that run with us and playing people who cross the water with a rope bridge. The fruit trees of the West Fruit Garden, alternated with somewhat shabby Christmas trees. They stay there until they are picked up by their owners before Christmas. We pass the edge of the Polderheuvel event site and the modern wooden holiday homes of the Free Lodge Village.
A short extra lap, because it is so beautiful, and then we are back at our lunch spot. After portaging twice, we leave the part through Geuzenveld and sail the same, more direct, route back to the Sloterplas. It has now become a bit busier there; Amsterdam is looking for the afternoon sun! The new students have just returned safely back on shore. We wipe the boats clean and put them back in the shed. Until the next sunny trip!
Greeting,
Jasper & Marjolein
Club tour KvS Nieuwkoopse Plassen (16-5-2021)
Endless reedlands under Dutch skies
On a rainy Sunday morning we drop in on the Christoffel Plantijngracht and wander around the grounds. New members look for boats, paddles and get spray sails to borrow. Veterans grab their regular belongings from the warehouse and prepare everything for departure. Thirteen boats are eventually lifted onto the trailer and roof of Martin's car. We can hit the road!
When we arrive at the Kievit work shed, the storm says goodbye with a final bang. We hope. Because we want to get on the water and that is easier, more fun and safer without thunder and lightning. Fortunately, the weather apps indicate that things should get better. By the time everything is unloaded, laid out and put on, that seems to be correct, the wind and rain decrease.
Everyone into the boat. We start the route across the Meije river with farmland, cows, sheep and the houses of the ribbon village of the same name along the side. The water tower 'Het Penlood' slowly comes into view. At a very low swing bridge, Martin smoothly steps out of his kayak to operate the bridge and loses his phone. iPhone in water! Fortunately, the bottom is just accessible while lying on the side and after some other interesting finds the phone surfaces. And it even still works. So we can continue the journey without damage.
We won't be sailing for long, because now that we have already covered at least 3 kilometers, some participants cannot resist a very tempting offer of coffee and homemade apple pie at Buitenplaats de Blauwe Meije. A short pleasant stop after which we get back in and secure our sails with the help of Jaap, who can do this very conveniently from his boat. A little further and then we turn into the nature reserve towards Nieuwkoop.
Narrower waters, we sail between the reeds. It also becomes a bit quieter. We occasionally slide through the water. Did we see the purple heron there? Yes! A spoonbill, geese, herons, grebes, birds of prey, and there... a snipe, which some still remember from the 100 guilder note. Or was it a godwit? Or a curlew? But doesn't it have a curved beak? There is more than enough to see; when there are no animals there is the water, the vast surroundings and the typical Dutch air above. Very nice.
Martin seems to be everywhere as a tour guide and Koen occasionally passes by using almost every canoeing position imaginable, his kayak occasionally hanging dangerously diagonally in the water. We continue sailing quietly to our second stop, in the middle of nature, where we can really feel the peat soil of this area. We eat our meal and Jaap's syrup waffles on a springy floor where your feet gently sink into a small layer of water.
One last stretch of sailing through the beautiful nature and a last look towards a lake closed to all people. Then we return to the Meije, which takes us back to the beginning. Now back home and looking forward to our next trip.
Jasper and Marjolein
Bulb tour
On May 2, 2021 we sailed the second club tour of this year.
This tour also had a botanical character, just like the first.
After finding a good boarding point and solving a logistical problem, we could start the tour.
A trip over a canal and various ditches and past villages, so nice and varied.
It was a cool trip, with the sun regularly warming the 10 participants, including a number of new members, enough to feel comfortable.
In short, it was, as always, a pleasure to sail in this company.
The colorful splendor of the bulbs was beautiful, but it was a strange sensation to see the Keukenhof without visitors.
No tourists taking photographs at the drawbridge and the mill.
Because there were people present at the Lisse canoe club, we were able to get out there and that was a lot easier than at the Marina.
This tour is also an invitation to participate in the following tours.
Until then,
Henny IJzerman.
Through the Amsterdam forest
April 11, 2021 we left as a select group of 5 people, with a car PUS trailer and a bicycle. FINALLY the FIRST canoe trip of the season, and also to the Amsterdamse Bos!
As the sun suddenly winked at us, we were in great spirits.
That mood was entirely justified. Although it was cold, it was often so sunny that you forgot about the cold.
The water carried us through the Amsterdamse Bos, where we transferred the canoes/kayak twice. First to De Poel, where Martin led us to the JP Thijssepark. A beautiful native garden that heralded Spring. The care for and good view of the flora is lovingly depicted here.
Because the weather and nature were so beautiful in this capricious beginning of spring, Erica wanted to know if she was dreaming. So she specially scooped up a lot of water when she left, got half of it wet... and noticed; yes the water was very cold.
Nathalie's jacket ensured that the water cold did not turn Erica completely blue, so she did not have to interrupt the trip. Her tip is: Take your extra drying clothes IN the boat. Very handy. ;)
After the Park, we took a little adventure tour around the 'poor' KLM building. The rotting water plants warned us; Go back. Of course we did not respond to this and made a note that this route is a dead end.
The sun was shining, Erica looked alive, so we just sailed back and on through the Forest.
It was a nice full route. I enjoyed a lot: the canoeing weather (I was so stiff when I left), the water, the Forest, the Heemtuin and the many chats on the water. Very cozy. If nature continues to unfold, we could definitely go back. Completely satisfied with this excellent 14 km, kick-off of the season, we arrived at the club at 4:00 PM.
Thanks Martin, Henny and tour committee!!!!!
Lucia Loupias
Weekend September 25-27 2020 sailing on the Linge!
A calm, beautiful river. 2 days of sailing over 30 km.
19 Canoeists enthusiastically shouted YES!
Ultimately, 11 men and mainly women set up their tent at Camping Betuwestrand between two showers, under 8 watchful eyes from a camper and a mobile home.
On Saturday the weather gods gave us a radiant approval.
Very happy, we drove with a trailer and 4 cars to Beesd where we were allowed to sail from a private garden with a jetty.
For beginners: enter from the high side. The experienced canoeists demonstrated and helped from flexible prone positions. Alphons, cheerful as ever, had helped ensure a smooth sailing and watched with a big grin from the jetty and with applause as his canoe sailed away without him.
Eric put his canoe in front of it, and soon we were all on the Linge.
What an unexpected sunny delight! The forecasts had been more gloomy.
Have lunch in the grass and continue to Heukelum. We sailed more than 16 km that day. Delicious.
The evening BBQ turned into a nice meal together and everyone then quickly crawled into their sleeping bags, refreshed by a few raindrops.
Unfortunately, the weather gods showed their Dutch Calvinist side the next day. 1 day turned out to be enough.
- Enjoy in moderation. -
Beaufort became higher and the rain forecast wetter.
Fortunately, we were still able to break down our camp in a dry place.
We consoled ourselves with coffee and apple pie and beautiful memories of the previous day.
The canoes were unloaded at the association with the same enthusiasm as they were loaded 2 days earlier.
When are we doing it again?!
Lucia Loupias
Here are a few photos of the canoe trip on 25-7-2020 along the edges of Nieuw-West without portaging.
We look forward to receiving a report on this trip.
Participants can request the entire unedited series via website@kanoverenigingsloterplas.amsterdam.
