Week 34 In Dokkum
Week 34
In the very early days Dokkum was still by the sea. The Dokkumerdiep was then a slender arm of the Lauwerszee that ran through Dokkum. A lock (the Zijl) was later built in the center of Dokkum. It is still clearly visible on the quays east of the Zijl, which are high and designed for high water levels as a result of ebb and flow. West of the Zijl the quays are much lower. Here lay the skippers who transported people and goods with their ships to the surrounding towns and villages. When in 1597 a port was sought from which to base the fleet to defend the northern Netherlands, Dokkum was designated as Admiralty City. The Admiralty House (Museum Dokkum) is the only remaining admiralty building in the Netherlands. In 1646 the fleet was moved to Harlingen because of the silting up of the Dokkumerdiep.
The next Admiralty Days will take place on 7, 8, 9 and 10 September 2023. The Admiralty Days are an annual maritime event that takes place in Dokkum. The event is named after the Admiralty of Friesland and Groningen, which used to be located here. During the Admiralty Days, the waters around Dokkum are filled with beautiful tallships, historic ships and modern boats. Visitors can enjoy spectacular nautical shows, live music, culinary delights, fairs and many other activities. It is a festive and vibrant occasion where the rich maritime history of Dokkum comes to life.
Fortress city
At the end of the 16th century, after it was largely destroyed during the Walloon fury with many fatalities, Dokkum was protected by building a fortress around the city. Anyone who walks around the Bolwerken today will see that the contours of this fortress are still completely intact. (Our 0700hrs walk)
At the end of the 16th century, after it was largely destroyed during the Walloon fury with many fatalities, Dokkum was protected by building a fortress around the city. Anyone who walks around the Bolwerken today will see that the contours of this fortress are still completely intact. (Our 0700hrs walk)
dock on the sea
In the very early days Dokkum was still by the sea. The Dokkumerdiep was then a slender arm of the Lauwerszee that ran through Dokkum. A lock (the Zijl) was later built in the center of Dokkum. It is still clearly visible on the quays east of the Zijl, which are high and designed for high water levels as a result of ebb and flow. West of the Zijl the quays are much lower. Here lay the skippers who transported people and goods with their ships to the surrounding towns and villages. When in 1597 a port was sought from which to base the fleet to defend the northern Netherlands, Dokkum was designated as Admiralty City. The Admiralty House (Museum Dokkum) is the only remaining admiralty building in the Netherlands. In 1646 the fleet was moved to Harlingen because of the silting up of the Dokkumerdiep.
I went up on Thursday afternoon with Boeke - Janny had a few days at the local Music Festival in Bakkeveen.
This windmill houses a pet shop - Boeke heads for it every time we go for a walk :)
(my photos to Janny)
Our 2200hrs walk
"Our" Lucas with his brother Wico at the music festival
Janny had a shift of serving drinks with 2 sisters and a brother-in-law
Rewarded with a meal afterwards...and then more music.
So, not much to report... we tried to get as much done before we left; mowing, paperwork and preparation for Ankie (Janny's sister) who is holding the fort with the clients.
Tjeerd is also having 2 weeks off, but we have done some planning for when we get back into it...
...we're going to put a wall and two doors into one of the apartments - so creating an inner "cell" or smaller area which should be easier (cheaper!) to keep warm over the winter months.
We have the framing timber already and Tjeerd had a couple of doors at home which are probably suitable if we smarten them up a bit.
...we'll also start the demolition (inside) of our house - using one of the panels of our sliding door as a panel of the new wall - letting the light in.
...the boat is also booked in for it's almost yearly paint job - and winterising - all water out, anti-freeze and new oil in.
It looks like Janny and I will be moving into apartment # 2 - so we'll put all our furniture in the front room and put a lock on it. The rest of the (3 bedroom) apartment could then still be used if someone needs it badly enough - Janny and I would then move further to the back - near where the kids sleep.
Even though Global Warming occupies a lot of my thoughts, it is also true that it is getting noticeably colder as we near September - we have the chimney sweep booked for next week, as we usually start lighting the fires in September.
Meanwhile, I have some cooking challenges on board - we've been saving the "boat suitable" recipes from Hello Fresh. We also have a few day trips planned and then the Admiraliteitsdagen Festival and then take the boat back to Heerenveen.
Thanks for the update as always.....although I find myself disappointed when I dont get the latest plumbing action. For some reason I have come to think of you as quite the master plumber given the diverse plumbing fixes you have used over the years. I will ask elsewhere about some questions about the coming changes to the house.
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