It has been pouring rain all day here in Queensland as I endure the throes of a ghastly cold with copious amounts of tea, coffee and hot, garlicky soup whilst watching Miss Fisher Murder Mysteries.
On such a stormy day I always think of the Netherlands, so I thought we’d take a visual jaunt to the canals outside Amsterdam while we stay warm and dry indoors.
We were a jolly party gathered on the shores of Broek in Waterland, jostling drinks, blankets, raincoats and other paraphernalia as we clambered aboard our whisper boats for a cruise through quiet villages out into the marshes.
We had such a splendid time motoring along, dreaming of buying homes along the canal, tidy yards overflowing with cheery nasturtiums and giant hydrangeas, colorful boats parked out front.
I especially liked the seating areas set up right on the water, quiet places surrounded by flowers with uninterrupted views of birds, lily pads and whoever motored past.
As we left the shelter of the watery neighborhood, we were assaulted with fierce winds. Casting a wary eye at dark clouds billowing overhead, we puttered along cautiously.
Within moments we were in the middle of a full-fledged storm, sleety rain pelting us with icy ferocity, white-capped waves dashing against the boats.
All those blankets we had tossed in merely out of habit were hastily rummaged from under our seats. We swathed ourselves as warmly as we would and huddled close for protection from the elements.
Sensible people would’ve turned around, but we were having far too much fun, feeling rather brave and adventurous out on the tossing waters. So on we went, backs against the wind and rain, laughing and shouting to be heard over the gale.
I loved it.
When we were sufficiently drenched and cold and ravenously hungry we headed back, encountering a few adventures along the way. Weeds tangled around our motor so my sis-in-law punted while my brother messed about under water getting rid of the foliage. We were chased by a rather ferocious swan and nearly got stuck when we veered too close to shore to look at something.
It was marvelously fun.
Finally we made it back to calm waters, the winds blocked by towering trees and sturdy brick buildings. We had the canals to ourselves, everyone else kept indoors by the inclement weather.
We motored back to the dock, shaking out dripping blankets and jackets before heading home to dry clothes, a hearty meal, and numerous cups of steaming Dutch coffee topped with thick froth.
It was a wonderful way to spend a stormy day.
What is the best adventure you’ve had in the rain?
Such a memorable day Krista. I remember visiting my pen pal in Holland and staying on their houseboat on a canal in the middle of a tulip of field. As an 18 ear old I don’t know if I really appreciated the thrill.
Oh how fun, Val!!! I can’t imagine how amazing it was to LIVE in a tulip field. 🙂 Fantastic! 🙂
The water along that lush coast…just gorgeous!
Isn’t it wonderful, Joanne?!! I love it so much. 🙂
This looks like so much fun! You know for all the times I’ve been to Amsterdam, I’ve never gotten out on the water…
I hope you can change that next time, Andrea! 🙂 It’s my favorite thing to do there. 🙂 Perhaps one day we can meet up and go adventuring with my bro and sis-in-law. 🙂
Oh wow Krista… I can never get over your photos because you have such an eye for taking beautiful shots! This looks like such a fun day and what gorgeous homes & gardens, I must visit Holland… thank you for this 🙂
Thank you so very much, dear Tuula! 🙂 I’m so glad you like them. 🙂 Yes!! You must visit Holland one day. I will come see you in France and then we can take a train to Holland. 🙂
Beautiful photos! What a fun adventure and a fantastic memory of a rainy day. I must get to the Netherlands and explore some of those canals.
Thank you, @twitter-286462118:disqus 🙂 It was so much fun. Sometimes it really is worth it to go out in inclement weather. I hope you get to explore the Netherlands very soon. 🙂
I love this post! I love the photos and the romance of this wild boat ride. But two things: first, the 2 times I have been lucky enough to visit Holland I have wanted to buy almost every single gorgeous house we saw. Aren’t they lovely? And those gardens are amazing! Second: Garlicky soup, lots of tea and murder mysteries is just the best way to fight off a cold. Feel better! xo
I’m with you, @71eb07213759ab4e5611e1dd9f1df8a7:disqus !!! I absolutely love the houses there and had so much fun staying with my brother and getting to see the insides of the homes of his friends. Beautiful. 🙂 I’m doing a bit better today and am so grateful. It’s been a doozy! 🙂
OMG I need to live here!!! And your story reminded me of the canoe trip we took on honeymoon which also ended up with us in a storm in a narrow river valley with little mini tornadoes everywhere and the boat rental guy coming to look for us in a motorboat because he was so worried!
Oh my gosh!! What an adventure to have on your honeymoon!! So glad you made it through safely. 🙂