After a quick walk about with the dogs we leave and head off for Gent. The river continues to be picturesque and the weather changes from sunshine to rain then back again. I give thanks that we have a pram hood to keep us dry.
Upon entering Gent it quickly becomes apparent that we are in for a treat. We take the boat right around the twisting canels of the city waving at the passers by. It’s all very exciting as I take photos of the architecture.
We misunderstood a direction of Grahams and ended up stuck next to some tourist boats. However, all was good because I got to photograph this beauty while we were turning.
We had one lock to go through. The lock keeper was small and looked cross … I think we interrupted his lunch … we needed water so I plucked up the courage to approach him. Yes he said and by the end Jill and I managed to get a smile out of him.
Just around the corner Graham had discovered some perfect moorings alongside a park. Lovely!
Next day and we explore. One bus and one tram and we’re in the centre. Its buzzing and there’s lots to see. I buy some egg poachers and Kev buys a set of rather nice kitchen knives. I also buy a replacement Kong for Herbie as he dropped the last one in the river. I stumble upon one of my favourite labels, Desigual, and emerge triumphant with a rather lovely shirt, albeit a little poorer!
The men are bored so we have a quick beer then spy a boat trip. You have to, don’t you?! It meant we could see the parts we couldn’t get to in Avalon.
The next day was a chore day so I did some food shopping and housework but did find the time to take Herbie for a looooong walk with Jill and Mutley. (Teddy and Baxter are too old for long walks now) we took a detour when we spied an interesting graveyard.
I love this last one – I can’t imagine it being allowed in the UK!
Last full day in Gent we spent cruising into the centre and having a picnic in the sunshine on the city moorings. Jill and I took a walk and discovered we were in the Greek/Cypriat quarter … very interesting but not quite what we were expecting! Kevin got the dinghy out and he and Jill took turns having a go while me and Graham watched.
We returned to our park side mooring for the night. The men were eager to go into the centre for the evening but Jill and I were too tired, so we gave them a pass and off they went ‘to photograph Gent at night’. To drink lots of beer methinks!
Backtracking a bit here’s a sweet photo of Herbie meeting a donkey in St Martens-Latem. Cute eh?
So this morning it was time to leave Gent. We chose the pretty route out of course so I got to take more photos.
I spied some friend’s names …
… and some interesting buildings
The angels are watching over us it seems.
I tried to get the last shot on the way in so was really pleased to get it on the way out (albeit a bit crooked).
Avalon Abroad 