22-28 May 's Hertogenbosch We were moored in Den Bosch harbour for a week so we had a few days to set up before the DBA (Barge Association Rally) which started on Friday. Our first major job was to put up our new canopy which we had picked up at Heusden, and our bunting. As well as all the jobs on Moondance, Howard had the job of attaching the canvas printed boat signs onto all the barges so that they would be consistent. The last one on the first day he dropped in the water. It was ours. After trying to fish it out, we ended up getting one printed and laminated at the local copy shop. Here is the file of our rally sign.
The final barges arrived through the 11am lock on Friday (it only opens three times a week). Friday night the official program began, although there had already been a lot of socialising and visiting amongst the members. We cycled to the Welcome Reception with a bunch of others. To our surprise many brought their dogs along. It was Jean-Marie's birthday, so we had pizza and an appeltaart birthday cake. It was a bit cool on the back deck so I snuggled up in my new rug (thanks Rachel), and Howard and Jean-Marie shared a rug. Saturday was a fine day, and (after I went out fr some early morning photos of the barges), we had breakfast delivered to the boat - Bosch Ball, croissant and brioche. The tables and chairs for the dinner arrived early so it was all hands on deck. We decided to do the organised walking tour, even though we'd done one on a previous visit to Den Bosch. We were happy we did as they covered the area closer to the harbour that wasn't covered on our previous tour. Lunch was BYO on the quayside, followed by a Boules competition. We were viewing a barge so missed the competition. The evening meal was a BBQ on the quayside. We hosted salad preparation in our boat. Green salad and tomato salad for 80 people. I borrowed many salad bowls, salad servers, cutting boards and knives from neighbours and carefully labelled them all. I roped in Tony, Collette and Rob as well as Jean-Marie and Leona to help. Howard was part of the BBQers team, and got his own apron. I am glad, judging by the state of his socks. It was a fun evening with plenty opportunity to mingle. At the end we went to Soraya for more drinks. A nice way to end a great day. In the morning on Sunday was a forum to discuss issues, tips and questions from members. Being the official photographer, I arranged a group photo just before lunch, which I took from the roof of Moondance. After another BYO lunch, we had a rope throwing contest. I think I got photos of every contestant except the winner. Oh well. The Rally finished on Sunday afternoon, but we didn't leave until Tuesday morning, giving me time to process and submit my photos for use in the Blue Flag (the DBA magazine). We did have Chris and Diana Grant over for dinner in the evening, which was really nice, and an opportunity to discuss mooring and cruising on the route we plan to take this year. On Tuesday we took the 10am bridge out of the harbour, with 5 other barges. We all were heading in a similar direction so we took both locks together. Then we said goodbye because they all travel faster than us. Thanks to Sid Eschenbach who took a couple of these photos as we were leaving the harbour. Shell V, Shensi, t' Majeur, Daffodil, Soraya, then Moondance It ended up being our longest sailing day - 8 hours, as we reached Keizersveer just after 5pm. Wednesday we come out of the water.
8 Comments
Margaret and Neil
30/5/2019 01:39:28 pm
We love these photos Deb and Howard - what a wonderful time this rally was. Also, why is the barge coming out of the water now?
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Neil
30/5/2019 01:40:02 pm
What a wonderful experience to have participated in the barge rally.
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hilary
30/5/2019 03:22:01 pm
Brought back some great memories of being with you on Moondance in Den Bosch. And the bosch balls! So impressed to see what a community you have found on the canals...
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Suzanne Jessup
31/5/2019 03:57:18 am
Hi Deb,
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2/6/2019 08:37:22 am
Lovely photos and story Deb, thanks again for all your attention to detail and coverage of just about every aspect of the rally. Hope the docking is working out OK.
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Karen M
4/6/2019 05:45:35 pm
Deb and Howard, What a delightful event! Your comments and photos bring it to life for us land-locked folks. Enjoy!
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Dawn Stanmore
5/6/2019 08:44:05 am
Oh nice. You are having fun. Lovely to see everything. Xxx
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