River Scenes | Viking Cruise

by Elouise

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There’s nothing so serene as gliding through calm water in the late afternoon and overnight into the early morning. Especially when you know you’re on time. D took the photo above when we got to the Amsterdam harbor on time in early afternoon. He took the two photos below as we left on time in late afternoon. Getting out of the harbor for a two-week cruise is one thing. Then there are more than 60 locks to navigate before completing the cruise. The Rhine, Main and Danube rivers aren’t very wide, and reservations for lock passage are set in concrete two years out. Be in line on time or be sorry! And no butting in.

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Serenity

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Rounding a corner; campground and village in the distance.

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Sunset, taken from the top deck.
Do you see the small campground in the third photo below?

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Early the next morning —
Notice the  water level and houses with the river dike between.
Also note the walking/biking path along the dike.
Imagine living below the river line
and looking up over the dike from an attic window or rooftop.

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Breakfast time!
Note the rising sun reflected in the river.

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Until we left Amsterdam, I can’t say I felt very serene. Just exhausted, hungry and in need of downtime for body, soul, mind and emotions. The cruise was a priceless gift. I’ve always been drawn to rivers, oceans, ponds, lakes, creeks and waterfalls. It felt like coming home, even though it wasn’t. Hoping you find some serenity this weekend.

To be continued….

© Elouise Renich Fraser, 10 February 2017
Photo credit: DAFraser, July 2016