A Winters Tale

[Guest]

Tuesday 6th February

I had originally planned to spot yesterdays arrival but what with all the issues with Robin and Independence I knew unless I hung around all day I would miss his passage to Brundall.

I had also wanted to head up north this week as well, so at around 8 a.m. I set off to head over Breydon. Personally i always find it disappointing when it is so calm and with the abscence of a sea fairing trader passing in the opposite direction to create a few waves for me it was exactly that.

It was an enjoyable mornings passage though, and with the first few flakes of snow falling on my head (yep stupid still had his head out the roof instead of sitting in the warm) I passed through all the bridges and prepared myself for the lower Bure slog, apologies to anyone walking nearby between Yarmouth and Stokesby as I turned the music up and had a one man karaoke contest.

I knew we were getting up north because I actually saw a boat as I approached the Stracey Arms, Lightning escaping the chaos and heading back South.

[VetChugger]

Which would suggest you have been partaking of the hospitatlity of the Ferry at Stokesby!

[Guest]

Continuing on passing through Acle where it was so tempting to stop in at The Bridge for a quickie 

I decided if I went in I may not come out in any state to be in control of a boat so continued on. Now if only I had my assistant helmswoman around 

The snow started falling heavier and I had no real plan of where I was going. I really wanted to head up to Dilham but was tempted to head up the Thurne. In the end I did a swift left and continued along the Bure.

Passing a deserted St Benet's I turned onto the River Any to find the height marker showing 8 foot. Now I am pretty sure there is a degree of positive leeway, but needing 8 foot to pass through without having to drop the roof I decided to turn around instead and head elsewhere.

 

[Guest]

So passing St Benet's once again I turned down Fleet Dyke towards South Walsham.

And finally moored up to have a rethink (could be here some time) and a brew.

Whilst here I got talking to some dog walkers telling me how bad the snow had been when they had left Yarmouth, it was falling where we were but nothing to write home about.

Anyway as I set off again heading onto the Bure in the direction of Horning. With my weather app telling me the night it could drop to minus 2 overnight I thought trying to find an electric point just incase was a good idea. Which meant trying Horning staithe or Ranworth, so that was where I headed.

Just as I arrived the one boat moored there was just departing meaning the whole of the front of the staithe was free  (works ongoing to the right hand side closing them off).

So mooring up ended my day of travelling.

It was then off to walk the dog up to St Helen's Church and surrounding areas

before, as some may have noticed, I popped into the Maltsters for a swift pint of Ghost Ship.

Hours later, it was time to head back for bed.

[NorfolkNog]

I think it must be Stokesby

There was a carpet down in December which threw me. I think they've had a refurb since 

The dog could be the old English sheepdog which belongs to the landlady 

Solid choice with the Ghost Ship BTW 

[Guest]

Wednesday 7th February

Starting to miss the home grounds of the South already I had decided Thursday morning I would head back instead of Friday.

So today turned out to be a steady chill out day.

Waking up at 8:30  I did the usual routines of dog walking,

showering, filling water etc and by 10ish we headed off again.

A slow cruise back along the Bure past Acle with the aim of mooring at the staithe at Stokesby making it easier to cross Breydon in the morning.

I had a mixture of sunshine and rain but it was pleasant nonetheless.

As I reached the staithe I saw it was empty, perfect. Up until a BA dredging boat moved in before I reached it to fuel up. Bugger.

So it was onto the Glebe farm moorings (?) to wait for him to finish, before returning back to the staithe to moor up,

walk the dog and seeing as we need to support the pubs (and that is the only reason I did it) I called in to the ferry inn for a swift few pints.

Before heading into the garden for another

And now to relax, surrounded by beautiful scenery and prepare for tomorrow journey, maybe to Brammerton but who knows 

[Guest]

48 minutes ago, VetChugger said:

Which would suggest you have been partaking of the hospitatlity of the Ferry at Stokesby!

 

10 minutes ago, NorfolkNog said:

I think it must be Stokesby

There was a carpet down in December which threw me. I think they've had a refurb since 

The dog could be the old English sheepdog which belongs to the landlady 

Solid choice with the Ghost Ship BTW 

You are both correct, well done 

[Guest]

Early evening sky here at Stokesby as it starts to rain

[Gracie]

This Helmswoman is very cross, you didn't stop at the Bridge Inn, you know it's my favourite pub, I suppose The Ferry will have to do for a quickie 

Grace

[SwanR]

Lovely photos. Interesting to see that looks like a couple of hire boats at Acle and Ranworth.

[NorfolkNog]

Could be Herbert Woods boats Jean, they've just started hiring 

 

[Guest]

7 minutes ago, Gracie said:

This Helmswoman is very cross, you didn't stop at the Bridge Inn, you know it's my favourite pub, I suppose The Ferry will have to do for a quickie 

Grace

No need to be cross Grace, we can stop there next time. I am always up for another quickie if you are coming.

[Guest]

The one at Ranworth was definately Herbert Woods, outside the Bridge i am pretty sure it was too.

[Lulu]

Beautiful pics and great write up Jay. 

Did you win your kareoke contest? 

[Guest]

No. Only I could lose a one contestant competition. 

I have a good voice too, my mum always told me so.

[YnysMon]

Beautiful pics Jay, thanks so much for posting. It’s so lovely to have the luxury of being able to read a holiday tale this time of the year. The Indy blog was massive and wonderful, but your blog just reminded me what I’m looking forward to in our next Broads holiday in March.

Thanks!

H

[Guest]

3 minutes ago, YnysMon said:

Beautiful pics Jay, thanks so much for posting. It’s so lovely to have the luxury of being able to read a holiday tale this time of the year. The Indy blog was massive and wonderful, but your blog just reminded me what I’m looking forward to in our next Broads holiday in March.

Thanks!

H

Thank you very much, I am glad it brought you some pleasant thoughts for March. I am away in March too when are you on the broads, keep it quiet from Grace though, I wouldn't want her thinking I am arranging secret meetings with other ladies  

Are you still in Anglesey? 

[YnysMon]

We will be on Fair Regent from 24th March to 3rd April. Yay! 10 days!

Yep, still on Anglesey. Will be here until Sunday. Plans went slightly askew today as Graham was a bit ‘out of sorts’ a couple of times last night and again this morning. On the mend now thankfully.

Spent the morning chillin’ and taking the dog out. It’s so brill to be able to wander around the three fields behind this cottage with her or else walking around the coastal path nearby...no livestock anywhere near, so she can just wander free. I brought home a very muddy dog though. (If Graham hadn’t been so out of it I would have been thoroughly told off!)

We’re quite close to the RAF station that one of our ‘pilots’ Hockham Admiral was stationed at early in his career, so it can be quite noisy at times. The dog did think she could chase the first few aircraft that took off and banked around us, she soon gave up that idea though!

[Guest]

 

16 minutes ago, YnysMon said:

We will be on Fair Regent from 24th March to 3rd April. Yay! 10 days!

Yep, still on Anglesey. Will be here until Sunday. Plans went slightly askew today as Graham was a bit ‘out of sorts’ a couple of times last night and again this morning. On the mend now thankfully.

Spent the morning chillin’ and taking the dog out. It’s so brill to be able to wander around the three fields behind this cottage with her or else walking around the coastal path nearby...no livestock anywhere near, so she can just wander free. I brought home a very muddy dog though. (If Graham hadn’t been so out of it I would have been thoroughly told off!)

We’re quite close to the RAF station that one of our ‘pilots’ Hockham Admiral was stationed at early in his career, so it can be quite noisy at times. The dog did think she could chase the first few aircraft that took off and banked around us, she soon gave up that idea though!

We are aboard from the 31st March for a week so you never know, we may see you around on your last few days. 

Anglesey sounds very good, sorry your hubby (?) wasn't 100% but it sounds like you and the dog are having a great time 

I noticed you started your holiday thread but then didn't update it which is why I wondered if you was still there.

Enjoy the rest of your week

See you on the broads (maybe) next month

[Broads01]

Great pics Jay. I've hired Aqua fibre 38s and I've always enjoyed the side hatch. I always enjoyed the freedom it gives you to get your head outside when the roof is closed, even when it's raining. I can see you're enjoying that too. 

[Guest]

Thursday 8th February

Today started cold, icy and slippery underfoot, but a lovely morning nonetheless, after an early dog walk it was time to head off in preparation for passing Yarmouth and crossing Breydon at a reasonably appropriate time.

 

[SwanR]

Beautiful photos as always. It certainly was a lovely morning. :)

[Guest]

Ok I forgot to finish this so just for completions sake.

There was a very good reason for taking this photo, really there was...

Anyway morning jobs sorted I set off for the lovely short trip down the lower Bure to Yarmouth and Breydon. Some people find it a chore but on a morning like this 

It doesn't quite seem as bad. So with shades on and hoodie up, it was time to fire up the tunes again, stick my head out of the helms roof and start belting out musical hits at the top of my voice (once again sorry anyone within earshot)

through Yarmouth, I passed a couple of boats  and then onto Breydon for another gentle calm crossing.

Onto the Yare and through Reedham 

And continuing on back to Brundall where I decided to moor up and enjoy a chilled out evening after my 6 hour solo cruise (thanks to my lovely friend who provided messages throughout the day to give me company).

and then it was a case of opening the wine (see I even supply that too Grace), relaxing and enjoying the lovely scenery

All that was left to do was get some sleep, before cleaning up the boat the following morning, and returning home ready for work 

So long Norfolk, see you again 31st March 

[Broads01]

Great pics once again, thanks for sharing. 

[Vaughan]

Stunning!