Almost running a ground ! | Step 27

Step 1: From Ameland to Vlieland: the W of Willem Distance sailed: 40 miles Wind: N-NW, 6-11 kts Weather: ?? 24 degrees Engine hours: 5 After (unfortunately) some more work for Patty, we set sail at high tide at 10.30am. Robin and Gaffel did some final shopping. So we sail out with the current and can take the short route this time because of the high tide. It's a lovely sail, unfortunately because of the sails we don't do much yet. At Ameland, we want to sail a little further out to the 10-metre line, so that we then have a nice sailed high-wind course to Vlie. The depth on the (very recently updated) navionics indicates that we have between 8 and later 4 metres of water under the keel (with low tide and it is not). However..... Patty reports that the depth gauge indicates some 3.5-4 metres less than on the chart. We are not amused. We had put out the keel a bit and we pull it back in. Eventually the depth gauge diverges further and then the shallowest is yet to come. We decide not to risk it and learn to turn around. Back, around the shallows that do show on the chart and an hour later we are back to square one ??. Anyway. 'Tis nice weather and we are in no hurry. The rest of the trip is top-notch. Aft current on the sail to Vlie, sunshine, low waves and with current also around 18.00 the 'path' through to Vlie. We put the WJ at anchor and what an amazing spot and tranquillity. A real treat. A quick dinghy ride to shore for Gaffer and then chicken with salad. Top day Step 2: From salt to sweet Weather: partly cloudy Wind: SW 12 kts Distance: 22 miles Bunkered: 300 litres We raise anchor at 7.00 and sail away from Vlieland with a nice current with us, our destination being Franeker. We want to go in for a bit as the wind will be quite strong for 2 days and we would like to be on a quiet and peaceful silent island in the Alde Faenen near Grou. Since tomorrow also looks like a rainy day, this sounds like a nice place to sail on to after Franeker. Besides, Franeker is cute and we can replenish some supplies there. We can pass through the narrow lock at Harlingen immediately, bunker some diesel again afterwards and are in Franeker by lunchtime. There we do a tour, drink a cup of coffee (the first drizzle reports) and come across an electric folding bike on offer. We buy it...although picking it up is a bit of a hassle, as they broke a cable at the maintenance/enrichment service and now the bike has to be sent away. Anyway.... An otherwise lovely quiet day and a lovely quiet evening. Step 3: Continuing with island hopping Weather: Rain and very occasionally dry Distance: 17 miles Engine hours: 5/6 We leave Franeker at 10.30 am after getting fresh bread and soon the rain falls mega enthusiastically on Robin's lovely new Musto suit ???. Patty gets to work inside on household chores (mentally assisted by Gaffer) and makes a new YouTube video va the past few days. We keep in touch with Angelique and Bert as they will also be around for the weekend. Who knows, maybe we can meet up. We are heading for an island in the Alde Faenen. After all, our theme has now become island hopping this holiday. The Marrekrite islands are so beautiful and quiet. That does appeal to us for the next 2 days of bad weather and strong winds. We moor at 15.00 and after walking around the island with Gaffel, we take it easy. #Ameland #aldefeanen #Vlieland