"Patatje met tocht" aka "french fries and a paddle" to Rotterdam centrum

This photo really captures the essence of this paddle!

As I pack my bags for a paddling trip tomorrow, I realize I've forgotten to finish this post about a recent trip to Rotterdam centrum. A couple weeks ago Joachim organized a relaxing/low-key trip from the kayaking club on Kralingse Plas to the center of Rotterdam. We took a different route into Rotterdam than in previous trips. We saw a number of iconic Rotterdam sites, and ended up in the heart of the city during the peak of the Saturday market. â€‹Read on for a short post with plenty of photos from a wintery urban paddle!

Joachim and Henk getting their gear together at the clubhouse.

Birds-eye view of my new water bottle (and kayak!). I somehow lose a Nalgene once a year, usually on an airplane...

Everyone making their way down to the dock.

We were a pretty big group! The trip was organized by Joachim and joined by Marianne, Erik, Caroline, Emile, Elsbeth, Elika, Paula, another gentleman whose name I'm forgetting..., Henk, and I. 

It was a cool, calm morning on the lake.

The lock connecting the Kralingse Plas to the canal system of Rotterdam is not operational in winter. However, they sometimes take appointments. Joachim called ahead, and there was a friendly gentleman at-the-ready when we paddled up to the lock. No need to portage on the way to the center! It's always fun to ride the lock :)

Entering the lock that connects Kralingse Plas with the canal system of Rotterdam. Up we go!

Since the previous week had been extremely cold, we were met with big sheets of ice drifting around in the lock. It was also full of debris and garbage (the whole city, really). I guess the canal cleaners haven't done spring cleaning yet... 

We all piled in, and the doors closed behind us. We tried to avoid chunks of ice floating in the lock.

After the lift, the doors opened and we were on our way!

The sun came out for a few minutes!

I really liked the stretch from Crooswijk to the center. There are plenty of interesting buildings, parks, and people to spot. I've biked these streets many times, so it was fun to see them from the water's perspective.

Coming up to a bend in the canal in Crooswijk, called the "Crooswijksebocht"

Paddling under a bridge as the tram glides over it.

Paddling along some iconic houses jutting into the river in the centrum.

Modern architecture next to old churches, seen from a canoe.

Henk was curious about what was behind these round windows. But even he was a bit too short...

The old church!

When you paddle through city centers, you often get photographed. People always seem surprised when you turn around and do the same thing!

This arm of the river ends abruptly at this dam in the center. The Markthal is on the right.

In the city center, we helped each other climb out of our boats onto the high dock - getting in/out can be tricky when your boat starts to drift under the dock. Paula stayed by the boats and ate some snacks while the rest of us headed to the Saturday market and ate fresh fish (Dutch raw herring!) and french fries + mayo (pictured at the beginning). Mmmmmm... I must say, part of what the Netherlands lacks in natural waterways is made up for by the accessibility to delicious snacks/drinks. 

We made it to our destination: the city center, just steps away from the Saturday market and tasty fish, fries, and veggies.

Henk and I left a bit earlier than everyone else because I had to catch a flight to Germany in the evening. 10 minutes later I realized I didn't have my key to the club, and quickly paddled back to ask whether I could borrow one from the group. Luckily Caroline had an extra one! I made it to my flight with plenty of time to spare :) 

Tomorrow is another day on the water. Destination: the North Sea! ...assuming the forecast stays favorable! 

Date: Saturday, March 10th, 2018
Distance: 9.5 km (5.9 miles)
Duration: 3 hrs, including stop at the market for fries!
Weather: Unusually warm and sunny/cloudy