Jos' Boat Trip October 4 2025

 Jos; Boat Trip

Port Zelande

October 04, 2025

Atlantic storm Amie is hitting the UK and the Netherlands this weekend.  As a result we are experiencing winds of 70 km/hr and gusting to 85 kms/hr.  In the harbour where we are staying there is an incredible calliope as the wind whistles through  the rigging of all the boats.  

All the whistling and banging didn't stop us from sleeping in.  However we did get rolling and completed a few chores like cleaning the boat and walking over to the grocery store to pick up a few supplies. Included in the supplies was a very nice rye loaf and the lunch sandwiches were great.

After lunch we headed over to a local train museum.  It is the heritage museum which houses the RTM line which started in 1878 running horse drawn trams in Rotterdam.  It quickly expanded to the other islands of the Zeland province, running trams, and ferries.  As the operation expanded steam trains and steam ferries were added.  Later on buses replace trams and diesel replaced steam.  However the 1953 flood destroyed much of RTM's infrastructure.  When the new dykes were built roads and highways replaced the tram lines.  RTM struggled on with buses but the end was near and 1966 was the end of the line.  Jos tried out for a RTM delivery position with one of their delivery bikes, but unfortunately there was no electric motor. 

From the museum we headed off to the huge tower which is built on one of the dykes as a marine life observation tower.   It was a little to misty to see much, but the views were pretty impressive never the less.  Even though we were inside the tower the wind was enough to knock you off your feet.  

It is so cozy on the boat watching the rain pelt down and listening to the wind.  

Terry