9-15 April We have been in Diksmuide for almost a week and plan to leave for Ypres tomorrow morning. The week has been filled with work on the boat and some touristing. Firstly the boat: We had Davy and his team on board on Tuesday and Friday to finalise a few jobs from the list we left him when we left and also do few more. We now have 2 extra bollards on the back deck and a small bollard on each side near the wheel house door. Our central heating was still regularly cutting out which was fixed with a fuel filter change. And Claudio gave me a lesson on how to light out diesel stove/heater in the salon. Soon after we got back on board the drinking water pump stopped shutting off so we had to replace that, and then we found a leaking valve in our hot water that also had to be replaced. That meant some bailing in the bilge too. Davy also worked with Howard to change the engine fuel filters, and Howard has changed the oil. We also washed the boat (mostly Howard), charged up the batteries and generally made sure everything was ship shape. Howard also got a flagpole ready to replace the one we lost on our last day of sailing last year. We took our opportunities to also look around the local area. Firstly on Wednesday afternoon we visited the Ijzertoren, and Ijzer Museum. It is a war memorial, tower and museum, which did a pretty good job of explaining WWI to us, especially as it related to Diksmuide and the local area. On Thursday afternoon we followed the little brass plaques in the pavement to do a tour of Diksmuide. When we were here in October last year they were digging up the main square and it is still not fully finished. On Saturday we decided to ride to Nieuwpoort to get the vignette for boat – the license to use locks and rivers in Flanders. While we were there we went to the museum which explained about the flooding of the area between the Ijzer River and the railway embankment and how it stopped the German advance in WWI. There was also a good view of the lock complex named after a goose foot. We cycled to Nieuwpoort via the river so we decided to ride back along the old railway embankment which was now a cycle path. After a bit of cross country to avoid a missing bridge it was a fairly straight run back to Diksmuide. There were a few interesting stops along the way with relics or information about the war. By the time we got to Diksmuide I was pretty tired and unfortunately my bike wheel slipped in a gutter and I fell heavily. I was able to walk home, but I hurt in quite a few places. As the night wore on it was clear that I had hurt my upper arm or shoulder as I was unable to raise my arms. I had a pretty poor sleep due to not being able to get comfortable in bed. So instead of going to “The trench of death” on Sunday, we decided to visit the hospital in Gent. The expedition took most of the day – but good news – no broken bones, but I over extended my bicep and they say it will take a week or two to return to normal. In the mean time I cannot drive the boat. So we have asked for help from some people we were planning to meet up with in Ypres tomorrow. They will come over and help us move the boat – about a 5 hour trip. Which should be quite fun.
9 Comments
Wendy & Oete
15/4/2018 11:35:45 pm
Honestly we thought we said no more accidents. We just about died when we saw Deb in a sling!!!!
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Johanna Hersey
16/4/2018 12:50:12 am
Oh NO! not another accident!!! I hope you have a good travel/medical insurance...
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Rachel
16/4/2018 01:10:04 am
Again!!!! We really will have to wrap you in cotton wool!
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pamela Dalgliesh
16/4/2018 04:09:54 am
OMG -- another incident
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Veronica
16/4/2018 05:41:32 pm
Oh No! Please look after yourself. Though thank goodness there were no broken bones. Hugs, Vxxx
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Hazel
16/4/2018 09:38:31 pm
Glad no broken bones!!! Those bikes are dangerous!!!
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Robyn Coates
17/4/2018 02:36:32 am
Enjoy Ieper - it is one of my favorite Belgian places -try to get to a Menin Gate Ceremony - such a moving event.
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Margaret
17/4/2018 10:36:12 am
Was going to say pleased to see you arrived safety back at the barge and then see Deb has hurt herself, that will slow you down.Look forward to following your travels on your blog
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Deb
18/4/2018 07:37:47 am
My arm is slowly improving although I do have a spectacular bruise. Thanks for all the good wishes.
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