The tidal river Scheldt in Belgium

This is about the Belgian river Scheldt around Rupelmonde, upstream from famous Antwerp.
Rupelmonde and its surroundings along the river used to be the home to a series of shipyards, that had to close their doors one after the other.
Now that the issue of barge restoration is taking off in Belgium, a new life was found for the old CNR shipyard in Rupelmonde.

Saturday September 9 was the great day when the first completed project was shown to the public. This is a traditional fishing boat of the region.

The boat was in such a state that much new material had to replace the rotten bits. The result: the boat looks like new.

Here's a view across the river. For ages I've been aware of a castle-type building there, hidden behind the trees.

Always seen in sailing past, no place to moor up. So this was the opportunity to go and explore, as I was using the motorscooter.

It turned out the area is of a stunning beauty, with old river branches almost overgrown by the woods. Note: wild woods are very rare in this part of Europe. When viewed from the sky, the woods here give away there true nature. They are arranged in neat rows.

Not for the first time this summer, the view was enhanced by a light that adds beauty to every single item it touches, like here in the garden behind the castle-like building.

NEW!!!! To view the complete photo album of this day please click on the bottom left of the filmstrip.