The fireworks have started, so cheers everybody!


Oliebollen (donuts with sultanas), a Dutch New Year tradition.

Yesterday some friends from IJmuiden, Inge and Mireille, came up for a surprise visit. We had tea and cake and then checked out the local bar. They serve hot chocolate with various alcoholic additions, good food, and they have a dartboard. What more could one want of the local?

The fog cleared overnight, so Jan + Rina set off at first light this morning.
We were just about awake enough to wave goodbye - from inside.

There’s broken ice all over the harbour, which I assume has floated in from outside. If that lot freezes together it will be a tad thicker than Saturdays attempt.

Jan + Rina were telling us stories about the times they have been frozen in, to the extent that people could walk across the ice and knock on their windows. So we know the boat will be alright.

There's been a significant improvement in the temperature, thank goodness. It was almost warm when we woke up this morning. And the sun is shining.

Hoorn is in festive mood, and most places were open for Sunday Christmas shopping.

A superb lunch on Alderia, before they set off back. They've got to pick up the turkey tomorrow, for the family Christmas lunch. We were just about to say goodbye when Jan noticed the fog billowing in - oh oh! So they're still here. You can't make too many plans when you're cruising.