High Water fun and games – The Bookshelf Cafe News

It’s hard not to feel that what happens in our lives right now is insignificant when compared to what’s going on in Ukraine. Indeed, our own ups and downs seem very minor, but even so, the last week has been one of ‘firsts’.

For instance it’s the first time ever the Netherlands (and probably all Europe) has experienced three severe storms in succession. It’s also the first time I can remember that even when the storms passed, we’ve still had gales and heavy rain showers for the rest of the week.

It’s also the first time the river on which the Vereeniging is now moored has overflowed the bank, an event that had us in a state of alarm on Monday while storm three was raging.

The photo below was sent to Koos by a kind neighbour who lives in the flats opposite the mooring. We’d only been at the crumbly cottage for a day, having sat out storms Dudley and Eunice on the barge, but to be honest, we weren’t expecting Franklin. When we left my lovely barge, all was well apart from the loss of my steering wheel cover (which has since been retrieved from the water). By Sunday evening, though, the wind was howling again and Franklin had arrived. However, he had a sting in his tail, and brought torrential rain and hail in his wake, the result being the river rose and overflowed for the first time anyone can remember. The consequence of such an unexpected overstrooming as the Dutch call it, was that the ropes were too tight and the Vereeniging was listing. There was also a risk of damage to the hull because the fenders were no longer protecting her from the concrete sides of the quay. Lastly, we were both worried that if it rose any higher, there was a risk she might tip too far over, allowing water to enter our wastewater outlet pipe

The photo taken from our neighbour’s balcony.

The photo above was the one the neighbour took. As you can see, the path along which we normally walk was under water, but the interesting angle at which the Vereeniging was lying was not so apparent then. It’s a pity I didn’t take a photo when we arrived but it was getting dark and we had other priorities.

Fortunately, the water hadn’t risen too high above the quayside and we could paddle to the barge. Anyway, we released the ropes and she righted herself with a sigh of relief. A neighbour helped us out with old car tires to protect the hull (they fill with water so they sink below the surface, rather than float, which is what the fenders do), and we weighted another large fender to keep us from the wall. Our electricity cable had also got submerged, so we had no power and by this time, it was completely dark.

But, as always, we have torches. I also have a good supply of LED lights and with the oil stove, we could cook, but the main problem was water. No power, no pump! Fortunately, we had a bottle of water in the car, so could at least make coffee. And the next day, I bought more from the local supermarket. Climbing on and off the boat was more of a task, though. I must say I’m glad we both still have our hips and knees and could haul ourselves up and down the extra height! Even so, the following day we put a step in place to make it easier, which we’ve now left in place – after all, we’re not so young that we don’t enjoy a bit of help.

As for the high water, it lasted the whole of the next day and then it started to drop. By the time we left this last Saturday, we were completely back to normal although it continued to blow hard and rain for most of the week. We also had the power back again on Tuesday afternoon, thanks to the harbour master’s timely arrival. The poor man doesn’t have good knees so negotiating the bank was impossible for him. He didn’t have Wellies and it was still paddling time along the path, so he had to pick his way along very carefully.

For us, this has been a lesson. Despite the locks at each end of the river, the water level can’t be relied on. We have, you might say, taken note. Another thing we’ve been reminded of is that good neighbours are gold. I am so very grateful to them for their help, so Serge and Marcel, if you see this heel hartelijk bedankt!

Saturday morning and back to normal, but the tyres and fat fender remain
just in case!

Just a nice view from the town end of the harbour about 500 metres on
from the Vereeniging

So that was our excitement for the week. As I said, it seems paltry in comparison to what is happening in eastern Europe now, but it was quite a challenge for us and we felt it wise to stay on board until the weather had stabilised completely. It is now bright, sunny and very cold, but at least it’s not blowing a hoolie, as we say.

Have a good week, allemaal!