Boating is a major component significant part of Dutch culture, as much as are bicycles. There are hundreds of thousands of pleasure craft who share the main waterways with 100 meter barges and service ships. But the small canals which crisscross the country belong to the small. Mostly.
The Province of Friesland is one of the most popular destinations, with thousands of free moorings and many historic small towns. We moored near Grou with some Dutch friends whom we have known for many years. We were endlessly entertained by a wide variety of boats. Some were filled with just young men out with perhaps a dozen friends for a beer or three, cheering as they passed.
The canal we were on is just 50 meters wide. The large ships loomed over us, its bow wave pressing us into the docks.
There were stag and wedding parties, day and dinner cruises. The Dutch love their watery land.
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