[Taking A Gander At Goosander]

This is the more recognisable view of Somerleyton 

This one still not guessed. The inscription is a clue to where it might be

[Taking A Gander At Goosander]

They used to berth the Calypsos stern on in that little basin. I can remember arriving there one evening on another boat looking for a mooring. I had planned what I was going to do, and went in bow first to the space in front of their slip. Then tied the front rope tight and let the engine swing the stern out at 90 degrees so i could reverse down the line of Calypsos to the one remaining space. I had to get off the boat at that point and pull it into the space by hand. God knows why I chose to make it so difficult for myself. The bravado of youth I think. I certainly wouldn't try that now. 

One of their boats still exists and I think is still hired out by King Line Cottages. It's moored on the front next to one of the cottages. Malibu King?

[Taking A Gander At Goosander]

16 minutes ago, Mouldy said:

No, it’s along the dyke between Ferry Marina and Horning Pleasurecraft.  If you look at Google Maps (satellite view), it almost backs onto Clive’s.

I don't think that's right Malcolm. The location is correct and I believe it is the old King Line yard. I hired from King Line a couple of times, and unless my mind is playing tricks, it was from there. 

[Taking A Gander At Goosander]

59 minutes ago, petersjoy said:

No4 Somerleyton moorings, is no3 at womack.

Yes and No! 

[Taking A Gander At Goosander]

1 hour ago, Lulu said:

First one, the back of the Malsters

Damn. That was the one i thought would last the longest! Yes - correct (begrudgingly)

[Taking A Gander At Goosander]

13 minutes ago, Broads01 said:

Is the first one the Dukes Head at Somerleyton?

No Simon
 

6 minutes ago, LizG said:

Railway Score I suspect is Beccles where the old line went to cross the Waveney

Correct Liz

[Taking A Gander At Goosander]

Saturday 26th March

I was up at 7am and straight on with preparing the boat for my departure. Breakfast was a bowl of cereal because I wasn't going to mess the cooker up after cleaning it yesterday evening. I had called Boulters yesterday to book Goosander in for it's "service", and could only get 9.30am - someone had already pre-booked 8.30am! So at 9.15am, I started the engine and made my way slowly around to the next dyke, where Boulters reside. You need to reverse into their yard, which makes it a slightly taxing manoevre. Having said that, I always enjoy the experience (assuming I don't hit a moored boat on the way in). The pump out and diesel for the week came to a total of £103. Ouch! That's around £25 more than I've ever paid before. Thanks Vlad. Suitable refreshed, Goosander was ready to be delivered (eventually) to her next owner. I restarted the engine and took a very long slow cruise back to our home berth. Once in place, it was all hands on deck (well two actually), to get the boat looking as sparkling outside as it did inside. Goosander is full of windows, and it's how pristine they look when first stepping aboard, that you notice first. No runs, no smears. They take ages to clean, but the results do look good. I was ready to vacate by 11am. The car had been re-packed and I was shortly on my way. 

I always have a midday meal before I set off home, and this used to be at The Yare in Brundall. For the moment at least, this is no more, so I decided to try The Rising Sun in Coltishall. It was another warm day, and having arrived at around 11.45am, the outside terrace had very few tables left. I still managed to get one next to the river though, thanks to a friendly waitress.... result!  I ordered the "Rising Sun 6oz Swannington Beef Burger with Maple Bacon, and Caramelised Onion". It was delicious, and accompanied by a cold pint of lager shandy, while overlooking the canoeists coming and going. A great last meal from the holiday. I went inside on the way to the car park, and was impressed with how smart the place looked. Definitely a last lunch location for future trips. Lunch being over, I climbed back into the car, and made my way, rather reluctantly, back home. 

I've realised that I missed out telling of a new boat handling skill I seem to have learned these last few days. Many years ago, when starting from Swancraft in Brundall, I can remember the guy who handed Swan Rapture over, demonstrated how to move the boat sideways with just bow thrusters. I never understood how this was done, but decided to investigate it, as the rivers were so quiet. So to get into a tight mooring say on the left hand side of the river, the idea is to stop opposite the space, give the throttle a short burst to kick the stern in towards the bank. At the same time, use the left operating bow thruster to move the bow in the same direction. To my amazement, it worked on the few occasions I tried it. I'm sure there are many on here who will already know and use this method, but for those who haven't come across it yet, give it a try, it works! That's all folks (until June that is)

No description necessary

As I don't have other images from my last day, I thought I would include some mystery shots..... you need to say where they are taken/what they are of:
1. What pub is this?

2. Where would I see this street sign?

3. A monument... but where?

4. Where wsa this taken?

[Taking A Gander At Goosander]

Friday 25th March
Potter Heigham to Ranworth to Horning

It had been another cold night, but it seemed that was the price to pay for a glorious sunny morning. There was no rush to move on, as Ranworth was not that far away. Purely in the interests of avoiding waste, I got the frying pan out again and made myself a sausage sandwich. Did I mention how good fried sausages taste on a boat? I wanted to buy a newspaper, so I returned to Lathams and managed to check-out with just one copy of The "I" before having a wander around the Herberts Woods boatyard. Wow, they have a lot of boats don't they? Their entrance, under the footbridge, must be like Clapham Junction on a Saturday afternoon. 

Back at the boat, I disconnected the electric charging cable, untied the ropes, and made my way back down the Thurne. The northern rivers were a little busier than the south, and as I was cruising sedately along, I wondered if Ranworth, normally a basket case job for getting a mooring, might be difficult even at this time of the year. I turned down the dyke leading to Ranworth, resisting the urge to cruise faster than the virtual tick-over I was currently at. In the distance, I could see lots of room at the staithe. I chose to moor at the first space down the right hand side, so as to be able to overlook the Broad and not have the view obscured by another arriving craft. (So not what I've seen described as "the taxi rank" end). All tied up, I put the kettle on and made myself a sandwich with what was still remaining in the fridge. By the time the kettle had boiled, three more cruisers had arrived and moored stern on at the front(?) of the staithe. 

After lunch, I walked down to the visitor centre, which was still closed at this time of the year. It was warm and sunny, and all manner of flying insects were milling around with confused expressions on their faces, probably just as surprised as me that it was still March. I noticed the grebes, normally quite shy, were more evident. Maybe they were entertaining their prospective partners in the Spring sunshine. It was a joy to be out and about. I returned to the moorings, purchased a mint-choc-chip ice cream from the Granary Stores and sat idly on the picnic tables watching the comings and goings. 

Back on Goosander, I set off across Malthouse Broad, and was soon out onto the Bure. From there it's only a short cruise up to Horning where Goosander lives, so enjoying cruising with the canopy wide open, I took it slow. You wouldn't be able to get away with that on a summer Saturday afternoon. Those behind would be cursing my perceived blocking maneuvres. I didn't want to turn down the Ferry Marina dyke, back to the home mooring while the weather was so good, so I opted to continue on, to see if I could get in at Horning Staithe, where I could perhaps do some disembarkation preparation. Even on a late March afternoon, the staithe was full. I remembered that there's one or two moorings just past where Southern Comfort lives, so cruised on and was surprised to see a space. I did a 180 degree turn, and came in to moor a few feet behind the (pretend) paddle steamer. A couple of years ago, I had filmed the area around The Ferry Inn, but hadn't got as far up as this end of Horning. So I literally just stepped ashore and launched the drone to get the shots I needed. Within 30 minutes, I had cast off and was making my way back to Goosander's moorings. Turning down the dyke, I felt sad it was all coming to an end, but satisfied myself that it wouldn't be the last cruise this holiday, as I would need to get the boat out and around to Boulters tomorrow morning for a refuel and pump out. It's a little tricky getting to our home mooring, involving reversing in to a tight space, alongside a finger pontoon, but I've done it a few times now, and I arrived without mishap. 

I started preparing for my departure in the morning. By around 6.30pm, I was ready for food. I had visited The Ferry Inn on my way in, and wanted to try the The New Inn this time, both of which had seen a change of management for the new season. I walked down to the pub, with my little key ring torch in hand, as it was getting dark. On entering, the place was already quite busy, as were the moorings. I sat in the extension overlooking the river, but not actually on the terrace, so it was warm. I had an 8oz rump steak with chunky chips, onion rings, mushrooms and tomato. There was a lot on the plate, it was well cooked, and I thought it was good value. This was followed by a cherry brownie cheesecake, which was OK, but not quite to my liking. I thought it  was more of a brownie than a cheesecake. This is no detriment to the dish, just my personal taste. The previous management had a "gratuities included unless declined" policy. I noticed when paying by card that there is now an option to include or decline gratuities by pressing a button on the PDQ machine. I declined but left a small cash tip.  The service was friendly throughout, and I would return again. A torch is a necessity if you're not moored outside the New Inn.  It's a long walk back on a pitch black moonless night!

More tomorrow, as I take Goosander for her morning stroll, suffer a mugging at the diesel pump, and describe a new boating skill I'd acquired over the holiday.

My position on Ranworth Staithe i was trying to describe

The walk down to the visitor centre

He looks poorly, but he was as lively as all the other butterflies

Dinner for two?

Horning from the Swan Inn end

[Taking A Gander At Goosander]

1 hour ago, Karizma said:

The uk body thats helping define the rules for drones is the British Model Flying Association (BMFA), you can google their website for more info.

 

1 hour ago, Mouldy said:

There is also FPVUK:  https://fpvuk.org

Thanks both. I'm already a member of FPVUK. I just wasn't aware that there was a potential hiccup to the new implementation. 

[Taking A Gander At Goosander]

2 hours ago, Mouldy said:

 I was going to quote your post and edit out all of the unnecessary stuff, but it would have taken too long!  The classification of the drone rules has yet to be resolved.  EASA (the European equivalent of the CAA) has already deferred the intro the new drone categories for another period (two years, I think).  The CAA have yet to announce their decision, but largely due to the pandemic, the build standards for drones this side of the pond have not been confirmed, so as yet no C marked drones (not to be confused with CE marked) are available.  Its rumoured that we may follow suit in the UK as the result.

I didn't know any of that. Thanks Malcolm. 

[Taking A Gander At Goosander]

Thursday 24th March
St Olaves to Stokesby to Potter Heigham

I don't know why, but I always seem to sleep well at St Olaves. Maybe it's that the nearest road is far enough away to not hear the traffic, and there's not much in the way of street lighting. It was to be another warm and sunny day, and the rays streamed inside Goosander as I opened the curtains. As my time on Goosander was ending in a couple of days, I reasoned now was as good a time as any to have another cooked breakfast. Why is it that sausages always taste much better fried on a boat? By the time I'd finished cooking, the kitchen was in a mess, but it was all in a good cause. With the electric connection, the water is always piping hot (too hot at times), so washing up was done before I set off from the moorings. 

The tide was flowing out as I departed, so once more, I just needed to stow the electric charge cable, untie the ropes and step onboard. The bow thrusters pushed Goosander out into the river, and I was on my way to Yarmouth. I was going to stop at Burgh Castle to take aerial images of the moorings there, but they were still fenced off from use. The aerial shots are for my website by the way. I have forty village maps listed and over the last three to four years, I've managed to film 33 of them (including those of this trip, which will be added later). I'm hoping to complete the list by the end of the year, when the new drone regulations come in. At that time, I will not be able to use my current drone, as it's over 250 grams and will need to decide whether or not to go for one under 250, similar to the one Mouldy uses. 

I was cruising along with the canopy open. Breydon was calm and smooth and a joy to be on. I didn't pass one boat. On turning onto the Bure, the current slowed me down, though not excessively. There was 9 feet of headroom under the bridges, so no problems there. As you know, the Yacht Station is closed until April, but I wondered if, on a subsequent winter trip, I could still tie up there for a few hours, and walk into town. So as I passed, I scanned each exit, and determined that you can't. Each exit point, including the one near the White Swan pub (as was), had high mobile fencing secured to it. You can stop, but you can't leave the site! Soon Stokseby came into sight, and the whole of the moorings next to the Ferry Inn was free. But so was the local staithe next to the playground. I had never moored there before, so this was my chance. I came alongside, stepped ashore and  secured the boat. A couple of ladies were having a picnic on the grass nearby, and I thought that summed the day up nicely. 

After a later than normal lunch, which was just as well, as my full English breakfast was just that, I set off for Potter Heigham. Many of the riverside chalets were being worked on, making ready for the season's imminent start. On arrival the BA moorings, just before the bridge, there was a couple of spaces close to each post. I chose one, and turned Goosander into the now incoming stream, mooring just opposite the Herbert Woods footbridge. All plugged in and secure, I made my way to that Aladdin's cave known as Lathams. On the way, I checked that The Norada would be open for food in the evening, and sadly had to walk past Bridgestones, as it was already around 4.30pm, and too close to my next meal. It had been a long day's cruising to get here. What can you say about Lathams. You will spend money - I defy you not to! I bought a couple of gifts and a screwdriver with alternative heads concealed in the screw on cap, just in case I might need it?????? 

Around 7ish, I returned to the Norada, which was already around half full, and found a table. The head guy there Costa I think his name is, was very welcoming, not just to me, but others who came along. I chose a cottage pie, which was delightful, followed by a chocolate orange cheesecake. I hope the place does well this year. You can tell the owner is investing on a long term basis to make the place a success. I stayed for around 90 minutes, then returned to Goosander for the remainder of the evening.

Burgh Castle  - Goodchild's yard

Fisherman's Inn. It's bigger than you think!

The Ferry Inn at Stokesby

Approaching Potter Heigham

Too early for The Grand National!

This was moored right next to me Alan

[Taking A Gander At Goosander]

12 hours ago, Karizma said:

thats Hippersons boat yard Dave

It looks a big space for a boatyard. Must have been quite a large operation?

[Taking A Gander At Goosander]

3 hours ago, Vaughan said:

The boat is the Queen of Hearts, one of the first 3 hire boats on the Broads with a diesel engine.

That's interesting Vaughan. Clearly, diesel was the way to go. At the time, did it catch on easily or were people wary of diesel with all those other boats being petrol?  Were there adequate refueling points with so few being diesel? 1953, my year of birth. I think I can just about make out the twinkle in my dad's eye in that photo! 

[Taking A Gander At Goosander]

What was this are used for? It's directly opposite the Yacht Station (on the other bank)

[Silver Mirage Version 2.0]

Looks lovely in the sun Simon. Reedham is a favourite spot to watch the world go by, though looking at the lack of other boats on the quay, it won't be much of the world at the moment! 

[Taking A Gander At Goosander]

Wednesday 23rd March
Beccles to Waveney River Centre to St Olaves

The sun was up well before me, and had already warmed a comatose Goosander. The weather was forecast to be glorious today, with temperatures around 18c. It is March you know! After breakfast, I visited the harbourmaster's office to pay my dues, including the £2 electricity card, which was much appreciated (by me I mean). I filled up with water, then with the canopy fully open, set sail (not literally) for The Waveney River Centre. The river was tranquil and the journey down the Waveney was so peaceful and relaxing. On the way up, I noticed a cruiser moored on the outside of the marina and thought that would be ideal if it was available. On approaching, it was clear that it was. There looks to be a water point there, but the hose had been removed, so I figured it would be OK to moor there for an hour or so. 

The WRC rang out with sounds of circular saws, banging and clattering, as the owners prepared for paying visitors. The shops, pool and bar were all still closed, but it made for an interesting walk around the site, which was bathed in warm sunshine. I settled back with a ham salad sandwich, and a glass of coke, while watching the orphaned reeds and bubbles drifting slowly past Goosander's hull. A holiday afloat on the Broads, really brings your pace of life down. I always come home more relaxed than with any other holiday. 

I cast off and made my way towards St Olaves. This had been the best day of the trip. The sun was warm, the winds were light, and as the journey wasn't particularly long today, I took it steady.  The river was empty apart from one or two private craft. I passed the other end of the New Cut, noticing the buoys that had been strung across to stop anyone entering. Shortly after, i could see a small cabin cruiser floating sideways down from St Olaves Bridge. The onboard couple didn't seem too perturbed by this, which I thought was odd. I came alongside to seethe husband fantically trying to restart his outboard... but no avail. I asked if they would like a tow, to which his wife gratefully accepted. We tied up alongside each other to give more control, and headed against a fairly strong current to the boatyard opposite the BA  moorings next to the windmill. I untied and the chap's boat glided to his mooring. (within 15 mins, he had diagnosed a loose pipe somewhere and was back on his way. 

I went across to my moorings for the night, and was thankful that the only meter working was not being used by the Broom Captain that was already occupying the moorings. Soon after, the Broom was on his way back down towards Breydon. While I was fiddling around with the electric cable, and Goosander's ropes, another Broom Captain approached the moorings. The lady of the boat asked how far the town centre was?????? I explained that this was as good as it gets, and they decided to carry on to Oulton Broad. Having just come under the bridge, and seen the available headroom, I told them to check they would be OK to get under as they approach. My attention was then alerted to a crunch and the sound of scraping, as the Broom clearly didn't have enough headroom. He didn't come back, so must have forced it through. Not long after ANOTHER Broom Captain moored up for the night, behind Goosander. I'd seen three in the space of an hour, and was wondering how many were actually out. Clearly a winning design.

For the remainder of the afternoon, I just enjoyed the peaceful location, watching the odd boat go by, with the wheelhouse still open. the tide runs fast through St Olaves, and I always get the impression of what it would be like to moor in some coastal community. I'd called the Bell Inn to see if they recommended booking a table, but that was not necessary. When I arrived at 6.30pm, there were around 6 tables occupied throughout the building. I had a massive beer battered fish of the day (haddock), chips and mushy peas, followed by a flavour of cheesecake I can't recall. It was wonderfully cooked (with, as I had requested, the skin removed both sides (Yorkshire thing), and was made to feel very welcome by the staff. Then it was back to the boat via the narrow unlit passageway behind the chalets (torch required). Heating on, TV on...... you know the drill by now! 

Beccles from the Yacht Station

Somewhere near Aldeby i presume

What's the story behind this - one of the Millenium beacons?

Waveney River Centre

St Olaves, and that windmill which is so easy to miss Andy.

[Taking A Gander At Goosander]

7 hours ago, YnysMon said:

Liz and Peter beat me to it.

I saw it first!

[Taking A Gander At Goosander]

1 hour ago, LizG said:

I spy WR

Correct - 4th picture from the bottom

[Taking A Gander At Goosander]

Tuesday 22nd March

Reedham to Somerleyton to Beccles

Another lovely sunny morning was waiting behind the curtains. I quickly opened them up to let the sun warm the still shivering inside of the boat. It was going to be a long day of cruising as the New Cut was closed, and I would need to go down to Breydon and meet the Waveney that way. So 24 miles in total, and around 5 hours of cruising. The tide was with me getting down to Berney Arms, but against me as I left Breydon for Somerleyton. There were very few boats about, despite the weather being so favourable. I made a quick stop enroute, at St Olaves, for that thing peope have to do when drinking too much tea. Within 15 minutes I was off again. Having come alongside against the stream, it was relatively easy to get back out again. The current pushed me back a little before depositing me far enough from the bank to continue on. The ex-Alpha site had been tidied up a little - some grass cut, but other than that, it seemed untouched. 

The sun was wall to wall as I approached Somerleyton. The whole sweep of moorings was mine! Again, it was an easy manouvre to come alongside against the tide. It came to me what an historic place this was, with the first hovercraft having been developed here. I imagined the sound it must have made as it made it's way onto the river. I went for a little walk around, before leaving after lunch - one hour after I arrived. The last time I went to Beccles, it rained all day on the way there, and overnight too. So my memories of the place were tainted. Still, you have to give things a second chance. I aimed to get there between 3.30pm and 4pm, so I would have time to walk to the shops etc. I think it was nearer 3.30pm when I entered the moorings. I, of course, aimed for one close to an electric post. The electricity "meter" does not take standard BA cards, and I was fortunate that I had called the office this morning enquiring about the availability of water, as they said the office closed at 1pm. The guy arranged to leave a £2 card in a secreted place for me to use. I found it and it worked. 

So with the boat attached to civilisation again, I went for a walk around the town..... which looks much better when it's not raining! Beccles is a lovely period piece place. While exploring, I came across the Kings Head, a Wetherspoons pub, and decided that was where I would eat this evening. Back at the moorings, I spoke to a chap from the next boat along, who told me he had overwintered in Beccles and was due to leave for foreign climes (can't remember where), in the next couple of weeks. You would think he would have done it the other way around! By 6pm, I was ready to eat and made my way back to The Kings Head. It was busy enough to not stick out like a sore thumb, but be comfortable and enjoyable. I had the Barbeque Chicken, followed by a Warm Chocolate Brownie with Ice-cream. It was as good as any meal I had eaten so far, and of course, a fraction of the prices. 

Duly stuffed, I made my way back to the boat - my freezing cold boat, put as much heating on as the boat could take, and settled down for the night. 

Somerleyton Swing Bridge and nearby moorings

Beccles

[Taking A Gander At Goosander]

Monday 21st March
Acle to Berney Arms to Reedham

Sorry, this is a long one.
Low water at Yarmouth was just before 6am today, which means I would have needed to leave Acle between 4-5am to arrive at the optimal time. That was clearly a no-go. With a boat like Goosander, I can get under the bridges 90% of the time, and just have to think of the fuel I'll burn punching a tide. I was going to end up doing that anyway, not stopping at the Yacht Station. So I planned to pass through while the tide was still in a slowing down flood. The Springs were the day before, it was fine weather, and I thought if I get there and find the bridges unpassable, I can tie up at the closed Yacht Station. The incoming tide would ensure I went nowhere near the bridges. 

I reached Yarmouth around 11.30am, and the tide had slowed considerably. The bridge height gauge showed 8ft of clearance. Goosander needs 6ft 9in, so I continued on, rounded the yellow post and immediately felt the still flooding tide pushing me across Breydon. It was a beautiful morning, and flat calm. I hadn't stopped at Berney Arms for years, so this, along with some other long last visited places, was on the itinerary for today. I had to turn into the tide to come alongside, but as the moorings were empty, I could choose anywhere to tie up. After a sandwich, I spent a little time walking the path down to the pub and beyond. It was a lovely experience to view Breydon from this angle, with the sun shimmering on the water. Coming back to the boat, I watched a guy in his private boat, an aft cockpit 26ft something, come bounding into the quayside, letting the heading bounce his boat into the correct alongside position. If the tactic is to at best, allow the side of the boat to kiss the heading, his was a full blown snog! 

I think I set off for Reedham around 1.30pm. The tide had changed and was now slowly ebbing out. I was going  to arrive at Reedham in an hour, so I took a leisurely cruise up the Yare, eventually passing the closed off entrance to The New Cut, which was going to add 7 miles to my trip tomorrow. It was closed due to essential works required towards the St Olaves end. With the warm Spring days, and the cold minus something nights, I wanted to make use of the electric posts again. The moorings at Reedham were completely empty. So I cruised up to the posts, and tied up alongside. The posts were both.....dead. They still have their black plastic hoods over them. It was at that point I remembered that Reedham was a one-horse town in low season, where someone has stolen the horse. Nothing opened on Mondays and Tuesdays. Now Reedham is one of my favourite mooring spots, so I wasn't going to be detered easily. I reckoned I would manage on the boat's heating for the night, and set about calling the Lord Nelson and The Ship to see if they were still on their winter hours. The Lord Nelson was shut until Wednesday. The Ship was open from 7.30pm until around 9pm...... but no food. I could walk to The Ferry, so I called them. Closed until Wednesday. Fish and chip shop up the hill..... closed until Thursday. In the end I decided to stay put and make something onboard. That left me plenty of time to go for a walk in the sunshine. I did the triangle walk up to and beyond the Ferry Inn. It was wonderful walking in the sun. 

I started making my evening meal from my emergency rations around 6pm, where it seemed everything came out of a can. Stewing Steak, potatoes and mixed veg. Thank god I had a can opener. All three panned items just about fitted on the small hob, and within no time, my evening meal was ready. I bring those items each time I come to the Broads, but this is the first time I've had to use them. When you're on your own on a boat all day, it's good to get out on an evening, which is why I like to eat out. So this evening, I toddled off to the Ship Inn at 8pm, and sat amongst a few locals for an hour or so, reading my paper whilst cuddling a pint. It was enough, and I set off back in the pitch-darkness to Goosander. The chill was in the air again, and the heating was immediately fired up when I stepped aboard. I coped with it quite well. The thermostat isn't that good, so you end up either really warm or turn it down, where it will often turn itself off. I think I was in bed by 10.45pm, feeling tired out by the fresh air and walking. 

Lots of photos of the day now. 

On the way to Yarmouth - Acle

Exiting the Bure, and entering Breydon

Berney Arms

This passed through as I was moored at berney

The little harbour opposite the pub

An inlet leading out onto Breydon

The "triangle walk" at Reedham. I thought it unusual that the reeds were bent over

Reedham. Just missed the tumbleweed blowing down the quay.

Don't wake me up

An old favourite

[Potter Heigham]

The pics are not mine (well just the clip from Facebook). They belong to Chris Dobson45. I just used the thread to highlight that the chippy had changed hands. 

[Potter Heigham]

Worth knowing in view of the Fish and Chip shop's previous reputation with some. 

[Taking A Gander At Goosander]

Sunday 20th March
Horning to South Walsham to Acle

on the rivers again, and I seemed to have them all to myself at this stage. The weather forecast for the next few days was warm and sunny during the day, though there was still a chill wind about this morning. 

It wasn't long before I came across the entrance to the Ant, the ruins of St Benets Abbey, and the entrance to South Walsham Broad on the right bank (not sure if I've got that in the right order). The dyke leading up to the Broad and the moorings is deceptively long. Almost like another river. Eventually I reached the BA moorings, which are on a long arc of bank, on the left hand side. Im sure in thesummer, boats are jostling for space, but today, there was just one other craft, moored right at the top at the Broad end.  So first, a little walk to the far side of the Broad to find the staithe. I remember seeing it marked on a Broads Book map I think, as though it was available to moor at, but never got around to it. On discovery, I'm still not sure you could moor there. It looks more for rowing boats. Stupidly, I forgot to take the camera so I didn't get any photos. 

After lunch, I made my way back onto the Bure, turning right at the junction. I really wanted a mooring on BA section, so I could hook up to an electricity post. It was really cold last night, and I didn't fancy running the deisel heating from the moment the sun went down. The moorings weren't full, but were well patronised by private boats. The post nearest the bridge was flagging me in, and I thought how lucky I was that nobody else was moored anywhere near. That was until I'd tied up and went to look at the post.... which was of course dead! There was one other space further up, but it was tight. I approached the couple who were sat reading in the adjacent boat, and warned them that I was about to come into the space, that I would take it carefully, and that a helping hand fending off would be appreciated. They both sprang to life and waited for me to approach. The tide was running out at this stage, so it was a much easier manoevre to perform than I expected, and I'm sure the couple were relieved. 

I'd booked a table for 6pm at The Bridge (they had no other tables available beyond this time). The food was up to it's usual standard. I had Steak and Ale Pie, followed by a raspberry cheesecake. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, in part because the allocated waitress was so friendly, which helps when you're eating alone. Back to the boat then for the evening. It was getting noticeably colder as the evening wore on, but I was snug with the available electric heating. 

The only images I took today were from the drone so here's a few of those.

 

 

 

[St Olaves Bridge]

1 hour ago, andyg said:

Didn't there use to be a big Toby jug sign up at the junction with the new cut advertising the pub ??

You're correct Andy. It was about six foot high as I remember. I never could understand why it was there, but having read others opinions on here, it seems it was connected to a selection of houseboats moored in the connected dykes up there. Toby Holidays? Someone will know more than me.

[Taking A Gander At Goosander]

This was my plan for the week (if it uploads)

norfolk broads holiday and itinerary planner.html