Nathan's PAW 37: Sailing around Friesland with a fellow LUGger

Earlier this year, after I had posted some photographs from Friesland, LUGger Michiel Fokkema kindly invited me to experience his native region from the water. After some schedule juggling we finally were able to make it this month. So on a Sunday morning we met in the harbour of the town of Heeg, climbed on board a beautiful wooden sailboat and set out. Michiel was doing all the work, so I was free to look and take pictures.

Here is Michiel:
http://www.nathanfoto.com/paw/2005/2005_37.jpg
...and the boat:
http://www.nathanfoto.com/paw/2005/2005_37alt1.jpg
Michiel explained to me that this kind of traditional boat is becoming quite rare since they are expensive to buy and maintain. They are built especially for the shallow waters of the inland seas. The one we were using dates from the 1920s. It has many beautiful details, like this:
http://www.nathanfoto.com/paw/2005/2005_37alt2.jpg

The weather was decidedly iffy...
http://www.nathanfoto.com/paw/2005/2005_37alt3.jpg
but we set out anyway:
http://www.nathanfoto.com/paw/2005/2005_37alt4.jpg

It was obvious that Michiel is a very experienced sailor--a good thing, since sailing such a boat involves a lot of work:
http://www.nathanfoto.com/paw/2005/2005_37alt5.jpg
For example, lowering the mast is a rather delicate operation which requires some dexterity and balance:
http://www.nathanfoto.com/paw/2005/2005_37alt6.jpg
But it is handy to lower the mast when you want to pass under a bridge like this, instead of waiting for it to be raised:
http://www.nathanfoto.com/paw/2005/2005_37alt7.jpg
(this is my son, who came along for the trip)

Despite the rather ugly weather, many people were out and about, although Michiel told me that on a nice summer day the waters in Friesland are much more crowded. Here is one family enjoying the day:
http://www.nathanfoto.com/paw/2005/2005_37alt8.jpg

And finally, in a shop/boat gas station where Michiel filled up I saw this safety equipment on display:
http://www.nathanfoto.com/paw/2005/2005_37alt9.jpg

The complete PAW index is at:
http://www.nathanfoto.com/indexpaw2005.html
and comments/critique are always welcome and appreciated.

Nathan
--
Nathan Wajsman
Almere, The Netherlands

General photography: http://www.nathanfoto.com
Seville photography: http://www.fotosevilla.com
Stock photography: http://www.alamy.com/search-results.asp?qt=wajsman
http://myloupe.com/home/found_photographer.php?photographer=507
Prints for sale: http://www.photodeluge.com



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