kpnut

Wayward! Last year I thought maybe the paths were due to no mow May, but then they never got round to it in June or July either for most of them. The lady at Stracey Arms told me they are scheduled for twice a season but it doesn’t happen.

How does everyone else manage these beautiful sunset photos? I never get a good one and it’s the same sun and more or less the same place.

That’s wierd, I thought all my fenders were set at the same height. Thanks Neil.

Well Jean, you won’t be after today’s tale! Thursday 25th May Why can I not get going early, even though I wake at the crack of dawn? I do like the lazy breakfasts though Grendel went past on his way to Yarmouth as I was sort of getting ready to set off. First stop was a water fill at Russell Marine on South Walsham Broad. It’s so easy to get into and very smartly kept. Then a pootle down towards Stokesby, hoping for the wild mooring on the last opposite bend before Stokesby. It was free and I moored up the other way round to what I wanted due to the tide direction. The weather was dull this morning so I had a quiet morning catching up on paperwork and finances. By 1.30 the sun was out, just as the forecast had promised and I planned a partly new walk. I set off towards Tunstall Dyke along the flood bank. Omg, totally overgrown. Always the optimist, I presumed it’d get better. No chance! Finlay’s in there somewhere. He was being very thoughtful, running to and fro in front of me to make some sort of a path. Temporary relief as I went past Lavender Walk where the owner had cut the grass. Then over the stile into this!! There’s even a beautiful Norfolk County Council public footpath sign on the stile to rub salt into the wound. With the signpost saying Acle 2.5 miles and G.Yarmouth 8.5, I have no idea what the council think you should do when confronted by that lot! I batted my way along to Stracey Arms where the lady in the cafe told me lots of folk have been complaining and someone from the Windmill Trust is trying to get the council to cut it. So that walk was actually less than 2 miles, but totally exhausting. I had a cup of tea and bakewell tart to revive myself - well, good excuse. I couldn’t face going back the same way, so crossed the very busy Acle Straight and walked along what turned out to be a rather fast and fairly narrow dead straight Branch Road to Halvergate. I stopped at Tunstall church which is partly a ruin but I was too late to look in the church. The Weavers Way footpath along field margins was very enjoyable, and then along the lane where a deer shot out across in front of Finlay and he responded superbly to my stop whistle. I found the footpath that leads across the railway and then the A47 again to Tunstall Dyke. I’ve done this walk before a couple of times in the other direction and it’s never in particularly good condition but this was taking the mick. Either end of it. Probably 3/4 mile of that! I’m not going to keep banging on all summer about the footpaths and am not going to reinstate the ‘state of footpaths’ thread as it’ll just be a repeat of last year, but I am going to send a letter to the leader of Norfolk county council, and copy in my MP and ask him to forward it to the relevant MP for the area. Upkeep of public footpaths is a statutory obligation, much like streetlights, highways etc. if it’s marked on the map it needs to be accessible as it can put people in an unsafe situation. Crossing the Acle Straight was no fun, neither was walking along the road to Halvergate. I ended up walking 8 miles instead of the 3.5 I was expecting. Not being able to see where I was putting my feet, I slipped and fell a few times, into a patch of stinging nettles just after taking my jumper off of course! I had to drop down the flood bank a few times not knowing if I was walking into boggy ground nearer the dyke and the flood bank slope itself is extremely steep when you can’t see the ground. If I’d had children with me, like the family I was told about at Stracey Arms, and had to carry them, that extra effort would have not been good. As it was Finlay cut his tongue and front legs on the long grasses. Let alone the impression it gives to holidaymakers who might have come to Norfolk for a walking holiday. And bringing money into the local economy. Anyway, nuff said. Finlay enjoyed himself on the last leg, standing stock still when he flushed each of three pheasants and not one bark -perhaps he’s growing out of that at last, it’s frowned on in a working spaniel. Once I got back, the evening was so calm I decided to turn the boat round on the ropes, partly to practice and partly so I can lie in bed in the morning and look out at the river! I spotted Rambling Rosie going past going downstream, but don’t know if Neil had spotted me and found no sign of life! Sorry if you waved and I didn’t acknowledge you Neil. And now, sitting here writing this, I realise my knees and hands are tingling with all the nettle stings of the day. Lol.

And I’m very much looking forward to reading it. Many thanks. ❤️

Confirmation of the ladder issue. When I was down there in the car last autumn, I went in to speak to the staff about best practice mooring up down there. Nathan said they quite often moor people up across the ladders for getting on and off.

Where are you off to this fine evening Neil? I was washing my hair, looked out of the window and recognised a smart dinghy going by. You were too far past to call you!!! It’s a stunning evening for a cruise.

In my dreams, when we move here, I buy a house with the best access to both dog walking from the door and the water. One day, maybe?

Wednesday 24th May These light mornings mean earlier wake-ups, but I managed to put my head under the covers and sleep a bit more. Finlay had had another undisturbed night. Being moored at the river end wild mooring along Fleet Dyke spurred me into starting out walking nice and early too, but not until I’d learnt how to adjust the cut in/cut-out pressure on the water pump. It seems if you increase one, the other one increases too. I’d hoped there were two separate screws to turn. So a compromise was reached and the pump is now not ‘juddering’ as it comes to a stop. And not staying on quite as long after the tap is turned off. My plan was a lovely long walk and not moving the boat for another night. I did a walk I’ve done many times, with just an added bit of exploration towards the end. 6.5 miles in total. Around the river bank path to Upton Dyke, the notable thing being that it again is getting quite overgrown as far as the ‘2 dead trees’ pumping station and then beautifully cut from then on. I walked in the longer uncut bit on the first section rather than in the side bit that people trample to try to start discouraging the vegetation from growing (it’d take many hundreds of pairs of feet to do that really, but thought I’d make a start!) so was relieved to hit the shorter grass later. At Thurne mouth Before the black mill I came across a man on a ride-on mower coming towards me. I hoped he’d stop to chat, as I wanted to ask why it gets half done (I suspect up to the pumping station is Upton parish, with South Walsham further round) but I didn’t have the heart to ask him to turn his engine and ear defenders off, so with a cheery wave he went past. I chatted to Trevor the window man along Upton Dyke, where he was replacing a boat window. He’d replaced a Perspex window for me last year. His dog came out to greet Finlay. A hire boat came into moor at the end but was having trouble getting in close enough, so I gave them a hand. The couple seemed to be very much enjoying their first experience of boating. Then onto the community shop for a large cup of tea and scone, total cost £1.90, no rip-off prices here!!! They even had a large lump of ginger root in stock for 50p. After going back down towards the marsh, turning left along the lane and following the woodland path from Upton towards Pilson Green I did a slight detour. The woodland path was surprisingly dry apart from a few spots, but my trainers managed OK. This was my first venture out this year without wellies on. Some late primroses were hanging on but the canopy cover is now fully in leaf do it was quite shady. At the end of Low Road there was a sign directing to K9 unleashed, dog walking field, so I realised I’d never walked down that lane before. There are some beautiful cottages down there. I walked down Low Road, past the NWT carpark to the house at the dead end where the field is, took a few photos for a friend and then retraced my steps as far as a footpath along a hedge boundary, skirting a grass field then a barley field (out in ear rather early I thought, but perhaps varieties are now being bred to reach that stage in May rather than June). The path came out next to a little pond that I know I’ve sat beside before, it’s on Marsh Road leading down from Pilson Green, so I knew where I was. Back along the field footpath to the carpark near Kingfisher Lane and past the public staithe etc round to the moorings. I’d spoken to someone on my way past Russell marine to ask how much the water cost, it’s £1 so I decided I’d pop down there and then get on my way. But then I got that phone call from Catherine with the baby news, so decided I’d stay put for the night and have a video call with her when I got back to the boat. Grendel came down Fleet Dyke in Water Rail upstream of the ‘bend’ moorings and we exchanged a greeting. The rest of the day passed in a blur, ringing family etc. I couldn’t ring Tony at home until Catherine had confirmed she’d rung him to tell him he was now a grandad/Grampi or whatever and when I caught up with him later, he was on cloud9. I couldn’t get a word in, very unusual for me!!

It’s just your mind working overtime Biker.

One was heard on Upton marshes last week.

Yep, very considerate! Nan for me, Mouldy. Not sure for Tony yet. When I said one of the possibilities over the phone, he said it sounded like Grumpy, which would be very apt😂

No, but plenty of it, pea-soup like down Fleet Dyke on Saturday morning and again this morning. Finlay’s not allowed in. Probably nearer 32ft as I fit in there, at 35ft.

For those either reading Water Rail’s thread, or were at the meet or wondering if I’d actually get to the meet last weekend, I’ve just been told my granddaughter (baby no name) was born on Monday evening, a healthy (hefty) 8lb12oz and both mum and baby fine, mum already knackered😂

Sorry I didn’t get a photo of you Grendel. Too far for my phone. It seems to be getting busier down Fleet Dyke now.

I was eyeing that one up Grendel. I was going to go down, fill with water and snuck in there. Then my daughter rang and wants me to ring back (baby news maybe?????) so now I’m staying put till the morning.

So now we have Womankind Island and Muddywoman Staithe.

Tuesday 23rd May On my way at 4pm for over a week on the rivers. And the forecast is set fair so far. I had an interesting day of exploring. Grendel’s post yesterday of Castle staithe at Wroxham reminded me I had promised myself to find the access from the road, assuming it must be accessible, going by all the families etc who use Caen Meadow in the summer. I duly found the right road, (Castle street or Church lane will take you there). Parked up and walked down to the staithe which was blazed in beautiful sunshine and deserted. Finlay had a good run around in Caen meadow before we set off for a road walk. Up Church Lane, across the main road into the Avenue. Some big houses up there. I followed Staitheway Road down to the moorings opposite Barnes Brinkcraft. I’d always wondered how you got to them. I don’t know who owns the moorings as there were no signs. Back up to the Avenue, with a detour down another dead end road (Hartwell Rd) leading to Barton House Railway. And then along to the sailing club at Wroxham Broad. There’s a useful little slipway there, open to the public. Back to the Avenue again and s as long to Salhouse Road, following it round to the mini roundabout by Roys garage, along the main road and back down Castle Street to my car. It was a very relaxing walk although the Avenue was a surprisingly busy road. No idea why I didn’t take any photos. Although my best days are on the river, I do enjoy finding out about more of the area, so don’t really mind having to wait for my boat an extra day. But now moored up following a stunning day weather-wise, I can feel relaxation mode kicking in.

My absolute pleasure Helen. Loved having you all.

I presumed it was some subtle pun that I couldn’t work out!

Friday 19th May Getting ready for the meet. Washing sheets and changing the bed for Helen and Graham, refitting the old vinyl to protect the new flooring from 3 dogs, food shopping. Then the hour I’d been looking forward to arrived, with a car plus trailer full of 3 adults and 2 dogs arriving. Helen and family settled in, dogs were introduced to each other and the boat. And after a leisurely lunch we set off for Fleet Dyke. The dogs were very excited on setting off, but soon settled into the pattern of Pozzick chilling and Seren on look-out. Finlay just sleeping as always once underway. By evening, the bend moorings at Fleet Dyke were about half full, so the season is still young. Going for a dog walk confirmed Finlay had an issue. He’d unusually wanted to go out early that morning. And when trying to ‘empty’ himself of undigested food (I’m trying to be polite here!) nothing doing except a few drops of liquid. This continued in the afternoon. I decided that part of the piece of wood I’d taken away from him on Thursday afternoon because he was chewing it, had been ingested and now he had a blockage. Hmm, see how it goes. Saturday 20th May NBN Meet day had arrived. Graham and Harry had decorated the boat with bunting the previous afternoon so we were well qualified to join the CinC at Malthouse for 11am. We timed it just right, joining the flotilla as they left the moorings. The rest of the cruisers arrived halfway down the Dam and we must have made an impressive sight, 12 boats in all, wending our way past two yachts and a wherry. Last year I hadn’t dared join the CinC so was fairly nervous of a mistake, but Helen did the first half to cockshoot and then I took over, really enjoying the whole thing. Being in the middle, there was plenty of space on arrival at Salhouse so I didn’t have to squeeze in between two boats. I won’t relate stuff about the meet as it’s on another thread, apart from saying that Helen did a super job baking some buns and Nigel’s quiz had some superb questions. Many thanks to them, and to everyone else involved with organisation and leading the cruise. And thanks for having us. Finlay was still ‘poo-less’ but seemed very happy racing around all day, eating and drinking as normal. Overnight though, he woke me at 2am and I spent half an hour wandering the grass area with my torch, trying to keep up with him as I needed to inspect every ‘squatting venue’. Unsettled once back on board with what sounded like gulping, and at 3.30am he was sick. I couldn’t sleep from then on and at 5.30am when he whined to go out again, we went for a long walk for the next 2 hours. A rather surreal experience wandering around in jimjams, bedsocks and wellies. No luck for Finlay and I rang the emergency vet as soon as I thought was polite, at 6.30am. Considering he was bright and breezy in himself, she said ‘no need to panic, see how it goes’. My gut feeling was by Monday he’d be having surgery. After our goodbyes, we set off back to Stalham, witnessing an incident at Ludham Bridge when the boat in front seemed to having an issue with helm changeover from below to upper. It reversed into two boats moored on the private moorings opposite LBBY. We took photos and further to that I contacted the hireyard this morning and also passed the details to LBBY to pass on to the private owners. I was well pleased to get past this errant boat soon after the public moorings as it was all over the place and seemed totally oblivious of any other boats around it, including us. On passing, I noticed that rather than the one person we’d seen running between down and up a number of times, there were actually 4 people on board. A stop at Paddy’s Lane to drop Harry off to paddle board back to Stalham, and as the sun got stronger and hotter, we arrived back home to reverse the process of packing up. A final buffet lunch and Graham then collected me from dropping the car off at LBBY. I would certainly need it down there if I have to get to get to the vet in a hurry. After saying our goodbyes, and Finlay trying out Seren’s bed in the car, the boat then had to be taken down to Ludham Bridge again for one more day of finishing off. The broken night caught up with me, it was a struggle getting down there but after a bit of a fright, I woke up, gave myself a good talking to and focused a bit more, spotting Griff and BA on the Ludham side moorings, tooting a ‘hello’ to him on my way past, I slotted into the space that had been left for me at the yard. A very early night with the worry about how the dog would get on. Monday 22nd May Completely relieved to announce that Finlay finally did something resembling a poo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Excellent start. I’ve never been so happy to have to find a poo bin😂 And another later, so hopefully the worst is over. 🤞🤞 My apologies to those of a delicate disposition who didn’t want to know quite so much detail! Tomorrow I will be moving the car back to Stalham, getting back down to the boat and going on my jolly way for a week or so. And I haven’t forgotten my daughter in amongst all this worry; she’s still intact, baby now overdue.

That was Helen (Ynys Mon) Simon, and a fine job she did too, especially seeing as my oven is a bit temperamental.

Best wishes Ian. You can only ‘go with the flow’ so to speak and by doing so it hopefully takes away some of the anxiety.

I’ve kept the old vinyl so will lay that back down for the weekend. Then you can relax and not worry about him.

You’ve certainly done plenty of miles this trip. Will make Salhouse and back at the weekend a bit of a pootle!