In 1923 Opa and Oma were on leave in the Netherlands and Opa decided to hire a boat so his sons and cousins could make a 14 day trip over some Dutch lakes and canals. He had promised Hans this for some time.
From the book I quote:
“The long awaited motorboat trip started on 21st July from Amsterdam. There were 10 Participants in total who each in turn at the end of the day had to record the events in the logbook. The reports were illustrated with photographs. I should to mention too that they could finally telegraph Piet that he had a new granddaughter on 26th July ( 2nd one ), when the travellers were already on the return trip to Deventer.
In Gouda Muis and Milly came on board as passengers and the last day on the Kager lake mother Carey and myself were also invited to be present and ask to come around midday to the hotel “De Leeda” in Warmond.
The journey to the Kager lake we did in the car of Frits Collard. In hotel Leeda Johan treated us in his well known royal manner, to a delicious lunch, after which the trip on the Kager lake began.
Meanwhile it got a lot cooler with more wind. In view of possible problems a few extra boats were hired, whilst the “Harlekijn” was anchored and left behind in Warmond. The boats proved to be usefull as tugboats as a saiingyacht had been stranded. They all arrived back in Warmond shivering and steamed on to Leiden, from where they turned home by train satisfied.”
I do have the copy of the logbook used in this event, typed out by someone and printed for all who sailed on her.
So I have the copy of my father’s. Opa, Oom Piet Hendriks, Hans, Ernst and 4 cousins plus friend took this trip.
“21st July 1923.
The journey started off somberly. Hans Kerlen, who had been looking forward to this trip, was ill, Sore throat and fever: doctor gave him at least one day bed arrest, so Hans couldn’t come along.
Uncle Piet ( Hendriks ) however was going to wait a day in order to see if Hans’ situation would change and they could race after them by train and meet them in Arnhem.
At 11 am we departed from the quay. In beautiful, cool summerweather we left Amsterdam.
Crew consisted of:
Schipper Gerrit Schaperen and his mate Eric.
Passengers:
Jaap Hennequin ( owner of the boat )
Joop Campioni
Hans Waller
Miel Campioni
Gerard van Heel
Frits van Heel
Ernst Kerlen
J.G. Kerlen.
Ma van Zanten Jut had taken care of the fourage at grocery Neys and had ordered three crates with all kinds of delicacies. These were unwrapped and packed away. We bought extra bread in Amsterdam. The aim of the day was to reach the Rhine before sunset, in which we succeeded famously. Joop suggested to sail via Loosdrecht, but as we had organised with Piet to at least be in Arnhe, on 22nd of July in case Piet and Hans couldn’t be there we would phone with The Hague to enquire about the situation. So I decided not to side track and stick to our arangement and steer straight to our destination. Therefor we stopped going along the Vecht and took the Merwede canal. We reached Vreeswijk at 5.30 in the afternoon and half an hour later we were on the Rhine. After discussion we decided to sail on to Wijk bij Duurstede, where we would camp.
We didnt have a hot meal that day, nor did we get very hungry. With a real Dutch appetite now we enjoyed our slices of bread with sardines and calf ragout, fruitloaf, the neccessary cups of coffee, chocolate and a portion of cherries for each, which we ate in Utrecht whilst going through sluices.”
And so it goes on. First entry was Opa’s and of course Piet and Hans came to meet them in Arnhem.
I will translate the sections written by Hans and Ernst and any anecdotes that happened on the way.
Like Ernst getting up early in the morning next day to do some fishing, catching a fish and landing it on the face of Frits van Heel. There was swearing around….
Sunday 29 July.
Father got already up at 6 am this morning, because we had to leave early. At 7.30 we left with the intention to go to Zwolle in one hit. The weather has been very bad and father wants to get to the Hague as quickly as possible. We have had good sailing on the Beulakerweide and that was nice.
At Echtten we had to wait nearly 2 hours for the bridge, because it was Sunday and because it it was churchtime.
Today I was allowed to steer the Harlekijn.
Right now we are in the yachting harbour of Zwolle and tomorrow morning we leave at 7.
Hans Kerlen.
Monday 30 July.
I was only allowed to sit in the Harlekijn for one hour, but Hans has been sick and that is why he was allowed to have a long turn at it. I have badly torn pants and my shoes are also broken. Sunday’s “pants”. Father says that I am a messy boy. I have dropped a duster overboard and Joop has dropped his pyama’s.
Now, I don’t know what to say and I have to go to bed.
Ernst Kerlen.