Newfies Afloat

[Mouldy]

Good healthy looking breakfast selection there, Warren!  At least the orange juice is possibly one of your five-a-day!!  😉😉

Enjoy it!!

[Tempest]

42 minutes ago, Mouldy said:

Good healthy looking breakfast selection there, Warren!  At least the orange juice is possibly one of your five-a-day!!  😉😉

Enjoy it!!

It's nearly 1pm and I am still full!

Certainly sets you up for the day!

[Tempest]

After we settled in at Bumble Barn we then made our way by car to the Rising Sun at Coltishall and although we were considering eating, nothing on the menu took our fancy and instead we decided to book a chippy tea from Landamore Fish and Chips, Coltishall

Now they prefer you to ring the order in, email it or order via their website at https://landamoresfishandchips.co.uk/

We used there website and ordered 2 haddock, 1 portion of chips and a portion of mushy peas as we thought we would have a couple of drinks at the Rising Sun and then head back to the barn for a chippy tea with a glass of wine

Now 2 things: The Rising Sun has a wait to be taken to your table and a table service policy which is fine, but when its busy it can become rather confusing and some people did wait some time to get served and others didnt know this was a policy and just went and found a table themselves. The staff are doing wonders and really are run off their feet, so you need to have a little patience at times

Second thing is the chippy. You cant go in this chippy. You must stay outside and even if you just turn up they were asking some people to ring their order in because it would be quicker, apart from one guy who is obviously a local as he turned up and the gent in the shop shouted. "Your usual?" 

I find it really confusing and I must say, I have been in pubs, I have been in chippys, I have had table service, I have stood at the counter and been served. There really is no consistency ANYWHERE!!

So the only thing you can do is smile and ask what is their policy today.....or this minute!!



As for the chips and fish, they tasted great, my only slight issue is they were covered in oil and needed a couple of minutes in the heated drainer to just take some of the excess off. The issue with this is not only the appearance but the paper they are wrapped in was stuck to everything by the time we got back to the barn, but as for taste, like I said, very good indeed.

We had been up since 4.30am and everything seem to catch up with us as once we have scoffed the food and had a glass of wine it was time to hit the sack

Friday we had booked a meal at the Cross Keys at Dilham and some friends of ours who live in Little Plumstead are coming out to join us, but first we are taking the dogs for a swim in Salhouse Broad

Will post some pictures of that later

[Tempest]

Today, we had our hearty breakfast at the barn, outside in the courtyard as it was warm, albeit a little breezy, although as the courtyard is surrounded on 4 sides it was quite sheltered and was a pleasant morning to eat outside with the dogs lazing around on the grass.

After breakfast we made our way to the car park at Salhouse Broad and paid the parking fee which was done by an app as I rarely carry any cash with me these days

It was easy enough though and I paid £3 which gave me until around 3pm that day which wasnt bad value
I must say I am a little disappointed with Salhouse, as we always make a point in stopping off, but the toilets are horrendous, the pathway down to the broad isnt looking its best, the boardwalk halfway down the main path to the broad has been closed off and it just looks a little tired in places. I suppose we have to put that down to covid also and hope it can get back to its best again soon

Roxy and Yogi didnt mind though as they soon were in the water swimming around and having a great time

I did laugh though when I shouted for them to come out at the end of their swim and Roxy came out no problem, whilst Yogi came out and as I was putting Roxy`s lead on turned round and ran back in for one last swim........naughty boy!!

We made our way up the hill and sat on one of the log benches watching the world go by

We later made our way to Ranworth and parked on the back carp park opposite the rear entrance to the Granary as the Malsters and the staithe car park were both full. The back car park only had a couple of spaces also when we arrived

We walked to the benches overlooking the day boat and BA boat trip moorings and again chilled as we chatted to passers by and watched the world go by as our dogs slowly dried after their swim!!
We then headed back to Bumble Barn and fed and watered the dogs, showered and changed and readied ourselves for our evening meal at the Cross keys, Dilham

[Tempest]

Roxy and Yogi swimming at Salhouse

 

 

 

 

 

Then, when we eventually got both out and had a relax, we made our way to Ramworth Staithe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Tempest]

Last night we had our meal at the Cross Keys which was really nice

Currently they ask you to please wear a mask whilst walking around inside the pub, but if sat down or outside you are fine

They have a large grassed area at the rear with tables spread around and half of it is covered by marquees so you can eat and drink outside and still be covered should the weather turn

I had chilli and rice and Julie went for the half roast chicken and chips

Our Norfolk friends Lisa and Fred who live in little plumstead came also and they went for the pizza which is freshly made on site and they both reported that they were excellent and some of the best pizza they had ever tasted, so a pretty good endorsement from our friends.

We later said our goodbyes, including Roxy who just ignored me and wandered into the pub to say goodbye to the locals!!

Eventually we got her to obey....well, she decided it was time to head to the car!

We headed back to the barn and sat outside with a glass of wine and what we saw was mesmerising

Silent, movement, sweeping into the courtyard and swooping away. First one, then a second and a third. We watched the bats feeding for a good half an hour, no doubt the lighting around the grass courtyard and the people disturbing the grass and plant areas make a great location for insects which the bats seemed to be gorging on

It was a truly magical end to our last evening at bumble barn

Tomorrow we will be up, have our hearty breakfast and then we will say our goodbyes before doing some shopping, filling the car with fuel, exercise the dogs and then we will get our Newfies afloat as we make our way to Brundall to collect Moonlight Shadow for another wonderful week

[YnysMon]

Sounds like you had a great couple of days. 

[Tempest]

5 minutes ago, YnysMon said:

Sounds like you had a great couple of days. 

Wonderful

Ordered our full breakfast for 9am...

Well I did, Julie went for poached eggs on toast!

Can't recommend Bumble Barn enough.

Fantastic location for visiting the area, wonderful hosts who can't do enough for you and exceptional properties with a great home cooked breakfast to go with it!

Really has enhanced our upcoming week on Moonlight Shadow, which we are looking forward to even more now

[Tempest]

After breakfast we filled up the car, picked up some provisions and then took Roxy and Yogi for a good walk before heading to Broom Boats to pick up Moonlight Shadow.

I have been coming on the broads since I was 10 years of age and I am now 55.....and I can state with complete certainty that the welcome I got to pick up the boat was the worst I have ever experienced on the Broads.

I drove over the railway line at Brundall Station and turned right into Broom Boats before making my way down the side of the sheds, before turning left into the parking area, only to find a sign blocking the entrance which basically was an instruction by Broom Boats to wait and not to enter until told by a staff member.

As such I parked up and waited.

I was then approached by a staff member who asked which boat I was on and I said "Moonlight Shadow" to which he said no problems, you can come straight in.

So I got out of the car, moved the sign to one side and drove forward 7ft before stopping and returning the sign.

As I got back into the driver's seat and started to move a woman came out of the hire office shouting at me to stop!

I said "what's wrong" to which she shouted that there are children round here and I must escort every car to their parking spot.

At this time there was no children in this area and in fact only about 4 people near to the cafe / burger bar..

I said I am on Moonlight Shadow and I have already spoke to a member of staff.

She was having none of it as she shouted at me like I was 10 again and my mother was scorning me!! I must escort you to your parking place!!!

Unbelievable!!!

She was shaking with anger as she said it and was obviously worked up!

I just parked as she asked, then later went to have a civilized word which seemed to smooth things over, but must admit that was one horrendous welcome!

Never mind though as we loaded MS and headed to Commissioners Cut where we are now moored and the Cobb oven is cooking backed potatoes and pork chops, whilst we chill with a couple of beers

 

Ohh yes...this was our breakfast at bumble barn before we set off

 

Moonlight Shadow on her mooring

 

 

Cobb oven cooking away

 

[Mouldy]

6 minutes ago, Tempest said:

After breakfast we filled up the car, picked up some provisions and then took Roxy and Yogi for a good walk before heading to Broom Boats to pick up Moonlight Shadow.

I have been coming on the broads since I was 10 years of age and I am now 55.....and I can state with complete certainty that the welcome I got to pick up the boat was the worst I have ever experienced on the Broads.

I drove over the railway line at Brundall Station and turned right into Broom Boats before making my way down the side of the sheds, before turning left into the parking area, only to find a sign blocking the entrance which basically was an instruction by Broom Boats to wait and not to enter until told by a staff member.

As such I parked up and waited.

I was then approached by a staff member who asked which boat I was on and I said "Moonlight Shadow" to which he said no problems, you can come straight in.

So I got out of the car, moved the sign to one side and drove forward 7ft before stopping and returning the sign.

As I got back into the driver's seat and started to move a woman came out of the hire office shouting at me to stop!

I said "what's wrong" to which she shouted that there are children round here and I must escort every car to their parking spot.

At this time there was no children in this area and in fact only about 4 people near to the cafe / burger bar..

I said I am on Moonlight Shadow and I have already spoke to a member of staff.

She was having none of it as she shouted at me like I was 10 again and my mother was scorning me!! I must escort you to your parking place!!!

Unbelievable!!!

She was shaking with anger as she said it and was obviously worked up!

Just imagine what it will be like if they get permission to put 10 ‘floating apartments’ in the yard.  Parking is bad enough now.

Enjoy your break, Warren.

[Tempest]

3 minutes ago, Mouldy said:

Just imagine what it will be like if they get permission to put 10 ‘floating apartments’ in the yard.  Parking is bad enough now.

Enjoy your break, Warren.

I dred to think!

They obviously need to train at least one of their staff about customer service

[OldBerkshireBoy]

Sounds ike the lady was stressed, did she walk in front waving a red flag. 

 I dropped in for a coffee and to see somebody this afternoon and there was a spotty faced young man by the barrier cone who told me to park anywhere and yes there was kids walking around carting bags and things to their hire boats.

[Tempest]

15 minutes ago, OldBerkshireBoy said:

Yes there was kids walking around carting bags and things to their hire boats.

I wouldn't mind I arrived at 1pm and there was hardly anyone around

Not everyone drives like a numpty, when children or adults are around

I am sure she would be brilliant holding a lollipop outside the local school

 

[Tempest]

At Commissioners Cut and Roxy and Yogi are shattered!!

 

[Tempest]

What a beautiful morning

The sun is out, the skies are blue and it's lovely to see the rowers enjoying the morning on the water

 

[Tempest]

I just adore the run between commissioners cut and bramerton common

Today we saw some wonderful dragonfly and a kingfisher amongst the usual subjects as we bimbled along at 3mph

Unfortunately the kingfisher was too quick for the camera, but he was stunning nonetheless

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Tempest]

Lovely stop at the Ferry House, Surlingham Sunday evening and breakfast at the pub this morning to set us up for the day

 

 

 

 

We then made our way to our home base as our son Mike and his girlfriend April had joined us with their Welsh Collie, Bleu

 

 

We then had a lunch break at Rockland St Mary's and now we are moored for the evening at Cantley as we went on a circular walk and then readied ourselves for a few drinks and food in the Reedcutter

The tides are high tonight as the river is over topping the quay heading

Which isn't helped by some boaters going far too fast near to moored boats and when asked to slow down, just give out expletives!!

 

[vanessan]

35 minutes ago, Tempest said:

Which isn't helped by some boaters going far too fast near to moored boats and when asked to slow down, just give out expletives!!

Nothing new - sadly! ☹️

[Tempest]

1 minute ago, vanessan said:

37 minutes ago, Tempest said:

Which isn't helped by some boaters going far too fast near to moored boats and when asked to slow down, just give out expletives!!

Nothing new - sadly

Yes agree

I am sure if they were sat with our view they would have a different perspective.....

Well, I hope they would!

 

[SwanR]

Interesting to see the photos. Where did all that water come from? We haven’t had a lot of rain lately have we?

[YnysMon]

I get the impression that the Cantley mooring seem a bit low compared to others on the Yare. Whenever the river levels seem a bit high they seem to be awash. Not that we’ve yet stopped there overnight.

[Tempest]

36 minutes ago, YnysMon said:

. Not that we’ve yet stopped there overnight.

We are currently in the Reedcutter Inn and I must say, looks can be deceiving as inside it's great and the welcome very warm 

[vanessan]

50 minutes ago, YnysMon said:

I get the impression that the Cantley mooring seem a bit low compared to others on the Yare. Whenever the river levels seem a bit high they seem to be awash. Not that we’ve yet stopped there overnight.

The Cantley moorings were even lower a few years back. The BA refurbished them but they’re still too low, as are the DTG Oulton Dyke moorings which still flood from time to time. 

[YnysMon]

At least there’s a pontoon on part of the DTG moorings. 

[Tempest]

43 minutes ago, Tempest said:

great and the welcome very warm 

The food was delicious wholesome food at a very reasonable price for Norfolk with the majority of main courses £10

The portions were huge also!

We will definitely visit again and can highly recommend it