Boat Travel in Europe #1of5

This is in order by the country from where we sailed. There were 43 different “routes” in 18 countries, plus 4 or 5 ferries in Denmark, and 6 or 8 more in Norway. During our seven visits to Venice, we must have ridden in gondolas, vaporettos, and motor boats 30 to 40 times, visiting many canals, and several islands in the lagoon that surrounds Venice.

Three of our trips were over-night. Four were round trips, within a few hours. Five of the ferries we rode two times, in different days or even different years. Three of our boat trips were on cruise or passenger ships, where we spent 4 nights on one ship, and 7 and 10 nights on the other two.

Belgium - Oostende, to New Haven, England: This ship was supposed to sail from France to Dover, but because of a strike, is leaving from Belgium. Lot of trucks, not many vacationers.

Denmark - Helsingor, to Helsingborg, Sweden, Twice: Denmark’s customs officers did not ask for passports, but did ask if we had anything to declare. We haven’t the slightest idea what answer we should give, or what they wanted to know.

Denmark- Several Ferryboats here and there in Denmark: Among others, we took the ferryboat from Bojden to Fynshav for $10. Much more expensive than in Norway.

England - Dover, to Zeebrugge, Belgium: From the ferryboat we could see the pink (!!) cliffs of Dover shining in the dawn’s early light.

England - Harwick, to Hook de Holland, The Netherlands: We were the first vehicle on the ferryboat from England to Holland this morning. There are first and second class areas,

Finland - Vasa, to Sundsvall, Sweden: The ferryboat ride was six or seven hours, and it was dark when we arrived in Sweden. We ate smorgasbord in the ferry boat’s restaurant, cost was about $7 or $8 each. Spent the night in a hotel parking lot.

France - Bonifacio, Corsica, to S. Teresa Gallura, Sardinia: A glorious 30 minute ferryboat ride to Sardinia. The view back to Corsica and Bonifacio, with the colors of the cliff and the buildings, was outstanding. A wonderful way to spend $28.

France - Calais, to Ramsgate, England: We arrived at the English Channel and decided to take the Hovercraft to England. Room for 35 cars and VW campers, and maybe a 100 people.

France - Pedal boat at Grand Canyon of the Verdun: There are hundreds of people in pedal boats. Most ladies were “barefoot from the waist up.” I pedaled the boat as hard as I could, but Emmy did the steering.

France - Seine River in Paris: The tourist boat on the Seine River had bright lights to light up the buildings on both sides of the river.