Norfolk Lady Tales

[NeilB]

Nice looking boat in the 1st photo......

[Mouldy]

Well, we've just returned from two weeks on Norfolk Lady.  The weather has been mixed, to say the very least, ranging from some hot sun at the start of our break, to persistent precipitation, thunder showery, high winds and more.  Certainly very different to the almost unbroken sunshine we enjoyed last year.

As usual, for us, we headed north and moored overnight at Boundary Farm.  our first time mooring there and it was okay. but the wash from inconsiderate boaters did make it a bumpy stay, until darkness fell, when the noise from the nearby campsite could be heard across the fields.  My wife attempted to take Harley for a walk away heading away from the campsite and found the footpath visually impassable, due to it being very overgrown.

We moved the short distance to Womack Dyke on Sunday and had a quiet day, eating at The Kings Arms in the evening, where the carvery lived up to expectations.  We met up with Jean, Mike and Jack who were onboard Thunder and had a very enjoyable evening over our meal and a beverage or two.

Monday, after a visit to the butchers, saw us head up The Ant.  The parish mooring was available, so we moored and stayed there for the day.

 

We headed into Stalham on Tuesday.  there was no room at The Staithe, but found a spot at the visitor moorings at the entrance to Richardsons, so moored there to go to Tesco.  Shopping done, we cast off and for the first time in many years, headed up to Sutton.  I wasn't interested in an electric hook up, so settled on a mooring along the approach to the basin.

By Wednesday, I thought it might be time to top up with diesel, so called Rob at Sutton Staithe.  he asked us to wait until about 10:00, so he could clear some space on the pump moorings.  We duly waited and manoeuvred by the pump.  I was slightly embarrassed when they could only squeeze 19 litres into the tank!  Not bad for the journey from Brundall, across Breydon, punching the ebbing current up The Bure and the rest of the journey so far!  The tank on Norfolk Lady is small and the gauge far from accurate, so I do worry about the fuel situation and prefer to keep it topped up.

We headed back down The Ant, stopping for lunch at How Hill before passing back under the bridge and turning right onto The Bure.  I wanted to go to Wroxham/Hoveton on Thursday, so wanted a mooring somewhere near Horning if possible.  The church mooring was occupied, but there was room at Cockshoot Dyke, so we selected a spot and secured the boat.  When we arrived, it was quite empty, but rapidly it filled up.  it was a peaceful night and the following morning we set off for Hoveton.

With moorings at a premium there, we sneaked into a space on the Barnes pontoons, next to another similar boat to ours.  I picked up a few supplies from Roys and bought a small cafetière from their department store.  We'd found that dampness had affected our instant coffee, turning it into a solid block and I just can't drink the instant sachets that the manufacturers laughingly call latte, so fresh ground it was!  it was approaching lunchtime, so the wife suggested fish and chips.  I duly went to one of the two chip shops and ordered two regular cod and a large chips.  Don't get me wrong, I realise that these businesses need to make a profit, but the pieces of fish, although fresh and tasty, were not muck bigger that a fish finger and the 'large' portion of chips was really just about sufficient for the two of us.  It wasn't cheap, either, at £19, so I don't think I'll be rushing back there.

Food eaten, we topped up with water, using the £1 in the slot hosepipe and set off for Horning.  I'd been looking at the details of another boat at NYA, so wanted to call in to see it.  There was no space to moor there, so we tied up at Ferry, after first asking if it was okay.  Sadly, the one I went to look at was tatty and not worth pursuing, but I did see a spectacular 'woody' that I'd love to own, if only I could afford the upkeep.  Broadland Lapwing is for sale there and is absolutely stunning.

We moored at Cockshoot Dyke again, having first checked the church moorings, which were predictably occupied.  I know we'd returned within 24 hours, but who's to know?

The weather forecast for Friday was for heavy rain and thunderstorms in the afternoon, so we headed for Ranworth, arriving at about 09:45.  there were several spots available, so moored facing the broad at the end furthest from the shop.  We watched the comings and goings, the best entertainment being provided by the female ranger, who seems to find great pleasure in moving boats to create spaces and then moving them again, when someone else leaves.  While we were there< Jean (Swan R) arrived in one of NBD's new electric dayboats.  Although we'd chatted through ThE Forum, we'd never met before, so having recognised our boat, she introduced herself and we chatted for a while.  it was good to eventually put a face to a name.  The predicted rain started and became heavier, so we decided to find somewhere else to moor for the night.

All the moorings on the bends on Fleet Dyke were occupied, so we went a bit further and tied up at the end of the second BA moorings.  Boy, did it rain.  It was bouncing off the roof of the boat and was really not pleasant.  it did ease later in the evening though and we had a peaceful night, but with strong winds forecast for Saturday, I was trying to think of somewhere sheltered to go the following day.

To be continued . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 

 

[Mouldy]

The weather had improved a bit by Saturday morning, but it was quite breezy and the forecast was for the wind to increase through the day with gusts of up to 40 - 50mph likely.  With that in mind, I thought that Salhouse Broad might offer some shelter.  Its not one of my favourite moorings, as I'm not a big fan of stern on moorings at busy locations, especially if a noisy party ends up next to you, but under the circumstances thought it might be best.  As we cruised through Horning, I noticed a boat pulling away from the moorings at the staithe.  I honestly can't remember the last time we've moored there, even in November it's been full when we've passed, so we took the opportunity to stop for a while.

It probably wasn't my most sensible decision, as I spent more time fending off errant dayboats and their crews, than relaxing.  Whilst there, we did see Jean and her family, who'd just completed their week on Thunder, so chatted for a while.  It was nearing lunchtime, so we went to a riverside establishment for a light lunch.  Again, as with the chip shop the previous day, the food was okay, nicely presented, but very expensive for what was provided (in my opinion).

Soon after, we set off for Salhouse, but it was already very full, even the moorings at the far end, where there's only space for a couple of boats, were occupied so we went back to Cockshoot Dyke again to sit out what should have been the worst of the wind.

It was still very breezy on Sunday.  I fancied another roast at The King's Arms in the evening, so we cruised back up to Womack Dyke and moored.  We headed into the village in time to get to the pub for our booking and the place was heaving.  I don't think I'd ever seen the pub so busy.  TV's were showing the mens final at Wimbledon and a huge cheer and a ripple of applause went round as Djokovic was finally beaten.  I'm not much interested in tennis, but am happy to report that the carvery was again, up to its usual very high standard and exceptional value.

Monday saw us first chug up to The Staithe where we visited the Big Shop for a pump out.  I wasn't sure that the level showing on the gauge would allow us time to get to Stalham, but it was completed throughly and at a cost of £20.  We moved from the shop mooring to The Staithe and the wife topped up our water whilst I went to the butchers.  I think the pressure on the hose has been increased as it seemed to fill much more quickly that I recall from previous visits.  Back from the butchers, we set off and went back up The Ant.  Much to my surprise, Johnny Crowe's Staithe was empty and I was tempted, but really wanted to get to Gayes Staithe for the night.  Irstead was full, but I was pleased to see that the stern on, end on mooring was free, so we took advantage of it and moored.

 

A little later, we wandered into Neatishead to get a couple of bits from the shop and almost inevitably, I felt compelled to buy some fudge whilst passing the fudge lady's stall.  Not long after we'd returned to the boat, the pie man arrived.  Ive experienced his wares before, so we bought a steak and mushroom pie and an apple and gooseberry one too.  Tuesday night's dinner, sorted!  The afternoon was punctuated by short, sharp showers, but the wind was dropping, which after the previous two days was something of a blessing.

Tuesday saw us head back into Stalham for some more shopping.  I'd also developed an eye infection and needed some Chloramphenicol ointment from Boots.  The route to The Staithe was blocked by a dredger and all of the visitor moorings were occupied, so we headed into Richo's yard and moored whilst we wandered into town.  once back on board, the only real question was where to head for to moor overnight.  We settled on Paddy's Lane, at the end of the moorings furthest from Barton Turf.  It was very quiet there, with only us and a Connoisseur cruiser moored at the other end.  A bit later one more boat joined us, fresh from Richardson's and almost provided some entertainment.  The male member of the crew came in and approached the quay.  By the time he'd grabbed the rope, the boat had drifted back out into the river, leaving about a five foot gap.  I thought 'no, surely not . . . .,' but he did and just made land.  I ran up to help him and suggested that if he was mooring on his own, with his wife observing from the security of the saloon, he would be best to have both ropes ready and not to jump, but to be close enough to step ashore.  He replied saying he was a bit rusty, not having been on The Broads for about fifteen years!  Hmm.  I can report that the steak and mushroom pie was very good, served with new potatoes and broccoli and the apple and gooseberry one was excellent with a carton of custard.

Wednesday dawned and it was another wet, miserable morning.  I checked the tide times and suggested to Deb that we might just head south, with the idea in mind that I might be able to get to Oulton Broad on Thursday and watch the powerboat racing.  Fifty four years after my first visit to The Broads and it was something I'd never done!  She had no objections, so we set off again, back down The Ant.  The gauge at the bridge indicated 3 inches less than we needed, but knowing how inaccurate they are, I edged slowly up to the bridge and we had about two inches of clearance.  Phew!  I needed fuel, so we diverted into South Walsham to top up at Marine Tech, before heading towards Acle.  A quick call to the Yacht Station had proved to be beneficial, as they said that I'd have clearance under the bridges at Yarmouth any time after 15:00.  Low was at 18:30, so the extra time would enable me to get further south than by waiting, even though it meant punching the ebb across Breydon.  We were running a little early, so stopped at a deserted BA mooring at Stokesby for an hour or so, before heading off again.  A call to Oulton Yacht Station had resulted in a reservation for a mooring on the pontoon facing The Broad and the racing the following evening.  Happy days!

As advised, we went under the bridges at Yarmouth with more than a foot clearance.  It was a bit of a slog across Breydon, but we made it and eventually moored at Somerleyton.  It had been a long day, but I was happy and we were rewarded with a fantastic sunset.

 

[YnysMon]

33 minutes ago, Mouldy said:

Not long after we'd returned to the boat, the pie man arrived.  Ive experienced his wares before, so we bought a steak and mushroom pie and an apple and gooseberry one too.  Tuesday night's dinner, sorted!  

Any more info on 'The Pie Man'? I haven't heard of him before. Where does he hang out?

[Mouldy]

14 minutes ago, YnysMon said:

Any more info on 'The Pie Man'? I haven't heard of him before. Where does he hang out?

To be honest, I don’t know.  We were at Neatishead a couple of years ago and he turned up, selling from the back of a van.  I think it must have been around 3:00 in the afternoon when he turned up at Gayes Staithe, this time in a Range Rover with a refrigerated compartment fitted in the boot.  You know when he’s arrived, as he walks down the moorings, announcing his arrival.

I’ll have to make enquiries.

[kpnut]

The pie man came to Neatishead about 5pm one afternoon when I was there recently. He said he's going every day except Friadys. You cant miss him as he call out and walks down both sides.

We were eating in the pub for our last night so didn't buy anything but I will try things out next time I see him.

[KevinB]

7 hours ago, YnysMon said:

Any more info on 'The Pie Man'? I haven't heard of him before. Where does he hang out?

He was at Neatishead on Wednesday late afternoon, he walked down past the boats ringing his bell and letting people know what he had, he seemed quite a character! My wife went up for look, lovely cheesecakes and pies but unfortunately all were quite large and we had plans to eat out our remaining 2 nights so didn’t buy anything.

If you are on Instagram at all..look up “Fryersstyle” he has a page on there with his contact details 

[YnysMon]

2 hours ago, KevinB said:

He was at Neatishead on Wednesday late afternoon, he walked down past the boats ringing his bell and letting people know what he had, he seemed quite a character! My wife went up for look, lovely cheesecakes and pies but unfortunately all were quite large and we had plans to eat out our remaining 2 nights so didn’t buy anything.

If you are on Instagram at all..look up “Fryersstyle” he has a page on there with his contact details 

Ooh! Cheesecakes too! Unfortunately, we won’t be on the Broads again until November, so I’m guessing the pie man won’t be around then.

Maybe next year.

[Troyboy]

He came to Gays Staithe last week when we were there. I thought I'd try a pork pie to have with some Branston and a glass of wine. All of the pies were £10 from what I could see. I was disappointed if I'm honest. 

[Jbx5]

£10 per pie ! He’s not simple Simon then 😳

[OldBerkshireBoy]

1 hour ago, Jbx5 said:

£10 per pie ! He’s not simple Simon then 😳

More like the Pied Piper with his bell ringing. 

[Mouldy]

3 hours ago, Troyboy said:

He came to Gays Staithe last week when we were there. I thought I'd try a pork pie to have with some Branston and a glass of wine. All of the pies were £10 from what I could see. I was disappointed if I'm honest. 

Their pork pie isn’t like a normal pork pie.  We had one once and it wasn’t as expected.  That said, what we had this year were packed with filling and were very tasty.

[MauriceMynah]

38 minutes ago, Mouldy said:

Their pork pie isn’t like a normal pork pie.  We had one once and it wasn’t as expected.  That said, what we had this year were packed with filling and were very tasty.

Better or worse than expected? Or just different from expected? Was it good? 

I'm not a great fan of normal pork pies so am interested in your opinion of his pork pies. 

[Mouldy]

22 minutes ago, MauriceMynah said:

Better or worse than expected? Or just different from expected? Was it good? 

I'm not a great fan of normal pork pies so am interested in your opinion of his pork pies. 

IIt was like a meat pie, but filled with sausage meat.  We had it cold, but probably better heated up.  I probably wouldn't have another one, but his steak and mushroom pie was excellent - packed full of tender beef and mushrooms.

[Mouldy]

Low was at 08:00 on Thursday, so we were up reasonably early and ready to get under the bridge.  We timed it just right, as the we could see that the current was rising as we cast off.  It was too early to go straight to Oulton, so we moored at the pontoons at The Tea Garden moorings kill a bit of time.

There was a good deal of movement on the dyke, with a steady flow of boats leaving and arriving, including Water Rail, with Grendel at the helm.  I waved, but I'm not sure that he recognised me, but he waved back anyway.  I spent a bit of time applying some more wax to the roof over the helm, taking advantage of some dry weather.  I think we left there around 11:30, maybe a little later and headed for our mooring on the pontoon.  Safely tied up where a board indicated we should moor, I saw Peter (Grendel) and Simon (Cambridge Cabby) having a chat, so never having met either of them before, introduced myself.  Peter was waiting for Dave (Janet Anne) to arrive with some bits for Water Rail, so I joined their conversation.  I went to pay for the mooring and Deb and I went looking for a shop to buy some veg to have with our dinner.  We'd also nothing for lunch, so wandered road to the shops, where we found a general store.  I went in, but the selection of vegetables was disappointing, so just picked up some mayonnaise and a pack of tortillas, paid and left.  We had Chinese chicken kebabs in the fridge, purchased from the Ludham butchers, which would do as a filling for the tortillas, with some salad.

The chip shop was just a few doors further along, so we picked up two portions of fish and chips, which we took back to the boat to eat.  The fish wasn't quite as tasty as we'd had in Hoveton, but good nonetheless and the portions were much more generous for a similar price.

During the afternoon the heavens opened and it rained for a couple of hours, but stopped before the power boat racing started, which was a bonus.  We had a great view from our mooring, but I spent quite a while standing outside, taking photos.  There was a Formula 1 boat there for the first time, doing some demonstration runs and apparently attempting to break a course record that has stood since 1981.  I'm not sure whether the record was broken, but the boat was fast . . . . . . . very fast and an impressive sight.

Darkness was falling and taking photos becoming more difficult, so I returned to Norfolk Lady to watch until; it was wrapped up at 21:00.  It had been a good evening and I will certainly make the effort to go again.

We'd hooked up to the electric, so I'd turned on the immersion heater as soon as I'd got up.  we had breakfast and got ready, before casting off and heading for Beccles, arriving at the Yacht Station about two hours later.  It was very quiet - just eight boats in total moored.  We walked into town to get some more supplies, returned and had lunch.  Deb was busy knitting, so I waxed more of the superstructure before once again being beaten by the weather.  We had dinner on board, but after the excitement of the previous evening, it was a wet quiet day by comparison.

We set off early again on Saturday morning to catch low at Somerleyton and the bridge, which we passed under with a couple of feet to spare.  We passed Water Rail moored at Herringfleet, although I didn't see it, as I was showering at the time.  The ebbing current actually helped us until we arrived at Reedham.  By some miracle, the current was just turning and we had a useful push up The Yare, finally mooring at Short Dyke.  I was pleased to see that the grass had been cut back along the length of the moorings.  After lunch, I did a bit more waxing until the rain arrived again.  Pipedreams cruised past, Simon giving us a friendly too and wave as he went.

It was a relatively quiet afternoon again, the only excitement caused by the crew of a hireboat, whose skipper attempted to moor with the current, with just a child despatched to tie up.  The helm must have bumped along the mooring for fifty yards and was close to colliding with us, so I went to help.  Eventually , the child's mother ventured out of the boat to assist, barefoot and clueless.  The ropes were bundled up and knotted and wondered how they would fair for the rest of their holiday.  At least, the child was wearing a buoyancy aid.  I tried to explain some basics to the helm, but I'm not sure he took it in!

Sunday morning dawned, almost inevitably it was raining.  We waited until about 09:00 before casting off for the final time of the holiday, to return to the marina.  We were soon there, where we cleaned up, generally tidied and sorted out a few bits and pieces.  The weather had improved and a few breaks in the cloud appeared, so I finished the last bit of waxing that the weather had prevented the previous day.  With the car loaded, we locked up Norfolk Lady and set off for home.

It had been a very different two weeks to the ones we spent last year, with very changeable weather, but it had been an enjoyable trip.  We are planning to be back in a couple of weeks for the weekend again and then August Bank Holiday weekend, when we will have an extended weekend on board.

 

 

[grendel]

I wasnt sure who I had waved to at dutch gardens until I was past and saw the name on the boat.

It was good to meet up with you later

[YnysMon]

Excellent photos as always Malcolm. Some of those of those of the speed racing look really professional. 

[Mouldy]

Happy to report that we’re back on board for the weekend.  We should have been up a couple of weeks ago, but torrential rain stopped play and last weekend we were looking after our son’s stupid dog.  There’s just not room for him on our boat!

Not deterred by the threat of an overnight thunderstorm, we headed to the marina where we loaded our things on board before casting off.  With the non availability of Langley Dyke now, Hardley Mill was the planned overnight mooring and there was only one other private craft there when we arrived.  We had been passed by Smoggy on the way and it was no surprise to have seen him moored at Cantley!

They said it would rain overnight and it didn’t disappoint.  It was so bad, it woke me up.  There were a few flashes of lightning, but I didn’t hear any thunder.  I was soon back in the land of slumber and woke to a glorious morning.

Were now on our way to Pyes Mill, where the intention is just to relax and enjoy a day of doing not a lot!

[TFrench89]

Think we spotted Norfolk lady this morning going down the River Chet, she's a lovely boat. 

[Mouldy]

20 hours ago, TFrench89 said:

Think we spotted Norfolk lady this morning going down the River Chet, she's a lovely boat. 

Thanks!  She’s not bad for her age and she’s an ex hire boat, too.

Well, we did get to Pyes Mill, where we did not a lot.  After some lunch, we walked to Thee Kings Head, using the permissive path across the field.  In case anyone fancies that walk into town, long trousers are advised.  Talk about overgrown.  Nettles and thistles abound, well over waist high in places.  It was worth it though, as I was  allowed a cheeky pint in the pub, before going to the Co-Op for a few bits before returning to the boat, this time using the path behind the church.  It’s worth noting that the other path across the field from the back of the church is now closed, although the public footpath is open as usual.

Due to no phone signal at the moorings, I read for a while, before picking up a crossword book I found on board.  Deb did some sewing and we spent a quiet afternoon in perfect weather, watching the comings and goings on the river.  I’d bought some minted lamb shoulder steaks for dinner, that I’d intended to cook on the Cobb, but in the end just cooked them in the oven which we enjoyed with some boiled new potatoes and salad.

There was a wonder sunset, so I took a few photos with my phone.  I should add that they have been enhanced in Lightroom, but the clouds were reflected beautifully in the calm water of the river, until a boat cruised past!   It had been a lovely day and we retired to bed tired and happy.

Aside from having to get up during the night for my customary old man wee, I slept like the proverbial log and woke at about 06:45 this morning, which is late for me.  We had a leisurely breakfast before returning to the marina, where we cleaned NL through, ready for our return next weekend.

[Troyboy]

I love the pontoon mooring at the Hardley Mill. It's been a few years since we were last there. Lovely write up and pictures. Being so far away from the broads it's nice to look at the pictures. 

[Mouldy]

We’d intended to spend this weekend on board Norfolk Lady anyway, but a new owner was in Norfolk and had asked if it would be possible to see Moonlight Shadow whilst he was on a pre-arranged holiday in the area.  This meant leaving home earlier than usual, so the wife brought her work laptop with us, so she could continue to do what she needed to from Norfolk Lady in Brundall, whilst I went to Horning.

I’d noticed a new mould in Silverline’s yard, that was in the process of being moved for fitting out.  Obviously, there is still a programme of new builds in progress, despite the apparent downturn in visitor numbers.  With our belongings, the wife and dog safely on board, I left for Horning and as usual, got stuck in traffic entering Wroxham, arriving at my destination just after 15:00.  Our new owners arrived on time at 15:30, which was a bonus as I’d just finished measuring all the galley cupboard doors ready for a planned future upgrade.

We spent an hour, going through the boat and systems, before our American owners arrived to start their two week allocation.  After having a chat to them and saying goodbye to the new owners, it was time to head back to Brundall, where I pulled into the yard, parked the car and walked to our boat, when the wife said ‘did you call into the Co-Op on your way back?’

By the time I’d been to the shop for necessary items that the wife had forgotten to bring (still in the fridge at home), it was getting late, but we set off anyway with a view to get to Short Dyke, Cantley, Hardley Mill or Cross.  Oh, we do miss Langley Dyke!  We had a pleasant cruise watching the sun go down and arrived at a fairly full Cantley just around the time of sunset.  There was room for probably one more boat after we’d arrived.

We had dinner on board, just a quiche and salad, but it was tasty and filling.  There wasn’t much of interest on the TV, so I did a couple of crosswords to pass the time before retiring.

The weekend weather looks promising, so we’re both looking forward to a pleasant couple of days.

[Troyboy]

Lovely picture of Cantley.  I need my own boat. This lovely weather is driving me mad. 

[Mouldy]

I’ve just noticed how long it’s been since I last updated this thread.  That said, I don’t think we’ve actually spent any time onboard NL since October, when the flooding and high tides started.

NL had been in Paul’s shed for a couple of weeks earlier in the year.  He’s tidied up a really poor gel coat repair on the starboard side of the hull that’s been bugging me since we bought her, resealed all of the helm windows, fitted a couple of LED lamps to the bathing platform to make boarding a little easier in the dark and fitted a filter to the black water tank vent to try to prevent the noxious odour that was emanating from there as the tank filled.

We went up today to restock the cupboards with necessary stuff and to drain and refill the water tanks, in the hope we can soon be on the water again.

Whilst there and with the hose to hand, I made the rash decision to give the old girl a scrub down as she was looking a little verdant - a colour perhaps best described as Nyx Green.

An hour or so later, I was able to stand back and admire the results.  When the weather improves a little more, she needs a good coat of wax and I must clean and proof the canopy.  Bit she is at least ready for some adventures this year to start.

 

[Ray]

Looking good Malc, we are missing being under way too, it's been a long wet winter. We have some work booked with Paul as well.

Once the season is under way it would be nice to meet up for a lunch again if you and your good lady are up for a pint and a bite 🙂

Following some issues I alluded to a while back we both now eat meat and drink alcohol again.... thank goodness 😂