as always. I try to make the day. I'm excited though, for the situations will come, that are hard to judge. Crossing locks, arriving at harbors. As the wind is on my side for the first ten days, I don't need much of the petrol I took with me. My top speed is 9.1 knots, in spite of the food on board. Looking on it from a car on the highway bridge, the Kiel Canal looks like a small, sleepy river with its tiny container ships…. Looking on it from my boat, this view is quite different!
A swimming ship displaces water, there are waves being produced… waves? Yes, waves. Goodness! Every cargo boat got his own tsunami on board! The worst thing was this big paddle steamer "Freya" Though it was smaller than the really really big steams, it made massive waves! I'm getting soaked, but I can manage. I'm on tour now for two weeks, but I'm still strong. I know what a blessing it is to be still in Germany. My day begins at 5 - 6 a.m. and ends at 9 - 10 p.m. It's not an easy job.
I still got food and folks keep giving me money from now and then.

Highlights so far: 9:20 I'm losing my fuel cap. I talk to Sabrina on the phone, she phones the guy who is responsible for the outboard motor. I phone with my Dad, and then Sabrina does. At high noon the spare part is on the way to Lingen by mail. I got fantastic guys at home. My camcorder is broken, too. The outboard motor vibration killed him. Though this is really sad, I can tape films with my photo camera and I still got my mobile in all cases.
I really enjoyed meeting Horst and Uschi.
Horst asked: "Anything you need? I'll come again tomorrow in the morning".
I replied: "I'd like two onions and two apples".
Uschi asked: "What can he need that for? I'll take care of it."

The next morning, both returned with an overloaded bag. Moreover, I even was allowed to take the petrol out of Horst's car.
In Lingen I met Heinz. Again, I got petrol for the tank and beer for my belly.
The Weser brought wind countercurrent. I was being controlled twice, the water police even had a gift for me and best wishes.
Dear Alex, I couldn't take time for fishing so far and I also am afraid to do so, as I have no license ;-)
There's so much more to tell, even after just 2 weeks.

It's Tuesday, 17th May 2011, I'm heading towards the Rhine. I'm nervous, but determined.

Nils and Torge, a thousand kisses for you. You are always on my mind. I'm very proud of you. You are really fantastic!