Cerise Lady Has A Day Out At Last

[CambridgeCabby]

Back at home after a wonderful weekend afloat , left Cambridge Friday morning after just over a hour and a half we arrived in Hoveton .

Quick bite to eat from “O Crumbs” sitting on Granary Staithe then into Roy’s for our grocery shopping , quick visit to the department store to try and find a photo frame . Kate’s late brother was ex Royal Navy and served aboard The Ark Royal as a CPO it was due to his legacy to his sister that we were able to purchase Cerise Lady and we feel it is only fitting to have a photo of him in uniform aboard , sadly none available in Roy’s were the correct size so Robert Sayles later this week will be our next option.

Leaving Hoveton destination Ludham butchers to get sausages , bacon , local eggs ,pork chops and their wonderful Lamb kebabs for a barbecue , then on to the wet shed at Stalham.

Loaded up Cerise Lady , replenishing the beer and wine supplies as I wouldn’t have to drive home the same day meant I could finally savour a glass or two afloat. 
After the necessary checks we cast off at about 14:00 looking forward to our weekend , deciding to just pop into our usual haunts as we are afloat for a week beginning the 13th to explore (well revisit)further .

A gentle slow cruise listening to the mandatory Pink Floyd supping copious mugs of tea we arrived at an empty Gayes staithe and moored up in the side dyke , shortly a couple more boats arrived .

The weather was warm but overcast but still glorious , the two boats departed by about 18:00 and for the next hour and a bit we were once again all alone except for a solitary angler who had set up at the end of the stern on (usually) moorings he was later replaced by a group of three young anglers .

Pork chops under the grill , vegetables on the stove and bottle of red wine uncorked life was certainly blissful. Come 19:00 the moorings started to fill , by 21:00 the stern moorings were full , occupied by a fleet of six privateers enjoying the freedom afloat .

Dinner consumed , washing up done and wine drunk we sat outside enjoying our surroundings myself enjoying a glass or few of Ricard to end our evening .

We went to bed at 00:00 so as to be technically legal and were soon asleep .

Up bright and early by 07:30 as is usual whilst afloat we decided to set off by 08:00 , destination ...................yep Ranworth , well today being the fourth it meant I could get a draught Ghost Ship , taste buds all a tingle!!

Again a slow cruise down the Ant , mast dropped for Ludham Bridge (we need 8ft with mast up is 8ft10)  approached the bridge horn sounded just entering the bridge when a sheerline “bathtub” appears heading upstream travelling at a good 5 to 6 mph with no intention of stopping , I had to quickly go astern and prudently yielded backing out to prevent a collision , Katie’s description of the helm is best left unsaid.

Through the bridge and mast again resplendent we continued onto Ranworth , we arrived at about 10:00 to find many spaces available , sadly “The taxi rank” was unsurprisingly occupied so we moored stern on !!!!!!!!  alongside the Fairline that was moored there .

Todays weather was once again overcast with little showers of rain but undaunted i set up the table and chairs on the green and settled in .

Spent a wonderful day watching the staithe gradually fill up with smiling hirers and excited youngsters thrilled to be afloat , supping the Adnams beers my daughter so kindly gave me for Father’s Day , early dinner today saw the barbecue sparked up at 17:30 and the lamb kebabs sizzling , Katie prepared her as usual wonderful salad to accompany them and of course I had to open a bottle of red wine , well it would be wrong not to.

After our hearty meal we rounded it off with an expresso coffee as Katie had purchased a new pod machine for the boat , again bliss.

Table and chairs stowed I wandered over to fellow NBN members Jemanki to introduce ourselves and supply them with a NBN flag decal , if any other member wants one if they see me afloat just ask , they’re foc but a donation to NBN funds would always be appreciated .

The lure of the Maltsters was calling so after a shower and brush up we wandered over , filled in the covid-19 track and search form , antibac gelled the hands and into the bar to get my pint of heaven ;we sat outside and chatted to the landlady (Roy’s ex wife) keeping socially distanced of course. A few pints later it was time for sleep and Ghost Ship assisted I slept well.

Up this morning at 07:30 , breakfast cooked and coffee drunk I emptied and cleaned the barbecue we set off by 10:00 to head off up the Ant again , a slow cruise saw us arrive at Irstead , where we would spend the next three hours cleaning the boat and watching the world go by , a very windy day but the sun was very hot .

I cleaned Cerise Lady using a Worx battery powered jet washer we had just purchased and I was very impressed , an excellent bit of kit extremely useful cleaning around all my side railings where dirt likes to build up despite frequent mopping .

Back to the wet shed , arriving at 16:30 and after a quick catch up with the ever industrious Griff we were ready to set off by 17:30 already looking forward to the week of the 13th with childlike anticipation.

Home by 20:00 , with a stop off at the Mildenhall Burger King for a take away .

The photos are random , taken by Katie over the weekend 

[Puddleduck2]

We were standing on Ludham Bridge as you passed under it yesterday!

[SwanR]

Wonderful to read your write up. We’re over at the coast this week and it’s still blowing a strong breeze this morning. Not long til you’ll be back. 

[CambridgeCabby]

Sunday 12th July 2020

 

Our weeks adventure begins , left Cambridge at 08:00 for a leisurely unhurried drive to Stalham , quick stop for supplies and we were arrived by 10:00 ready to load up Cerise Lady , as usual far too many supplies , well booze , loaded and we were ready to set sail at 12:15 all checks done aboard.

Our destination tonight , Acle Bridge , as we are booked into Oulton Broad Yacht station tomorrow .

An uneventful glorious cruise ensued passing Maurice Minor as he was approaching Irstead travelling upstream , if I had to hazard a guess at Nyx’s destination I would guess Sutton !!

We duly arrived and moored outside The Bridge Inn at about 15:00 , the Ghost ship was calling me .a couple of pints to take the edge off and back aboard to spruce the old girl up , no not Katie , Cerise Lady !

Three hours later ,and one more pint, well you have to, windows were gleaming , starboard and stern fenders scrubbed and shining , cockpit and inside polished and starboard stern gland greaser refilled it is time to get ready for dinner at the Bridge , maybe washed down with a couple of Ghostships then bed will be calling , leaving at 08:30 in the morning to catch the tide through Yarmouth , in the Rascals words , more as it happens .

 

[Lulu]

Have a fantastic week both of you.  :)  

[YnysMon]

Isn’t it wonderful to be able to stay overnight on the rivers again. Hope you have a wonderful time and that you have good weather.
I loved your accounts of taking your Mum and family for day trips in June.
Enjoy!

[SwanR]

Looks like a beautiful evening where I am so probably even more glorious out on the river. Looking forward to keeping up with your travels. Have a great time. :)

[CambridgeCabby]

Left Acle at 0830 to catch the tide to take us under Great Yarmouth for our trip to “The Other Side” , we reached the yacht station at 10:20 and continued through the bridges on to the expanse of Breydon Water , passed about 25 boats heading north and there was a steady stream visa versa , good to see the rivers full of life again .We rode the incoming tide to Oulton Broad and arrived in good time at 13:10 paid our fee for the night ,which is £18.50 side on on the pontoon with leccy, then decided what the hell we love it here we will stay for two nights and get the bus into Lowestoft tomorrow for a looksie .

Weather has been warm but cloudy up till 18:30 when we had a sprinkling of rain which has been intermittent since then , I cooked my version of carbonara aboard then we walked round to the Commodore for a pint or two , back aboard for 22:30 enjoying a coffee and a malt before retiring for the night . 

[CambridgeCabby]

The Yarmouth bridges 

[CambridgeCabby]

Tuesday 14th

Very little to report today , we decided to stay at Oulton Broad for another night and relax .

Rose early as per norm when afloat , fresh morning coffee with croissants and cheese began the day before we walked to the station to catch the train into Lowestoft , a stroll into town then onto South Pier and along the sea front watching the world go by and some brave (or is it foolish) souls bathing in the chilly sea.

Lunch today was KFC , our guilty pleasure. A further hour spent window shopping at various bric a brac stores then head off back to the station , watched the bascule bridge open for a commercial craft towing huge fender type objects (video on post Jayfire afloat) then police blocked roads to allow “abnormal load” to make a turn at a junction ahead then back aboard the train for Oulton Broad , excellent value £6:20 return for the two of us to travel.

A lazy afternoon was then spent watching the world go by till dinner time which was the carvery at The Wherry washed down with a few Woodfords , very privy pint in the Wherry £4:45!!!!!!

Back aboard now , time to get the old head down we will decide tomorrow’s destination in the morning .

 

[finny]

Enjoyed reading .....thanks very much 

finny

[CambridgeCabby]

Wednesday 15th July 2020

(a day late as no signal last night)

up early as usual , now time to decide our destination .

Decided .....

Rockland St Mary which was about 3.5 to 4 hours cruising , so off we set on a warm but slightly drizzly morning .

The rivers were quiet and peaceful and we made our way .

Under Somerleyton bridge once more and then left into The New Cut , which by now was getting busier .

Through and onto Reedham , swing bridge was open , not that we need it to be , past the village staithe , which was nigh on full with both hire boats and privateers, after what seems to be ages we past astern of the Reedham Ferry as i docked and continued on our merry way .

The turn for the river Chet was the next point of interest which we decided not to go down this time .

The looming towers of Cantley sugar mill seemed to be looking down on us across the reeds for the next 30mins until it was upon us , cruised by and past the Reedcutters which last time we visited was still The Red House .

Then motored on to the dyke leading to Rockland Broad, and the staithe moorings.

This was our first visit to Rockland St Mary in 26 years of Broadland boating .

The Broad itself is stunning and the approach to the staithe albeit very narrow is idyllic .

Upon arrival there were only three boats moored up and non in the right hand side basin mooring area so we able to get the corner allowing us to stern and side moor , yup another taxi rank has been found.

We spent a lazy day avoiding the showers as best we could .

Katie made the walk to the pub “just up the road” , Which was a good 30mins each way.

The evening we wandered over to The New Inn where the food was pleasant , nothing outstanding , but good honest pub grub.

Katie and I shared a whitebait starter then she had homemade lasagne which although very tasty was a bit dry , I had fish pie which was excellent .

The New Inn is more a local pub serving food as opposed to a restaurant serving beer and we had a wonderful evening in a very friendly atmosphere , we were even bought a drink by “mine host”.

If you like food beer , pub grub , in an idyllic setting then we can thoroughly recommend it .
We were back aboard at 00:30 , well sated .

Excuse the order of the photos 

 

[CambridgeCabby]

Thursday 16th July 2020

Our return to the North 

Up at 08:00 this morning , destination back to the Northern Broads .

We departed from Rockland St Mary staithe at 09:00 all checks completed , wound our way down the southern passage only to have to turn about due to it being closed as a large dredging barge and crane was blocking the Navigation , back onto the Broad and a right turn saw us in the alternative exit passage .

The scenery here is exceptional , Norfolk at its most stunning.

Weather today is cloudy , overcast but dry and warm , we motored along the wide meandering River Yare passing the sights we encountered in our upstream journey yesterday but viewing then in a new wondrous perspective .

The Reedcutters passed , then the monstrous but weirdly beautiful Cantley factory , the ever busy chain ferry docking ahead , sailed by the bustling Reedham village quay headings , through an open swing bridge , then left turn toward Braydon , a convoy of large almost foreboding cruisers cutting a deep swathe through the water their wake following seemingly almost menacing .

Through Braydon we bobbed , a steady 6mph all the way , soon passing under Breydon bridge then left at the yellow marker post and under the two further bridges continuing on our journey .

By now I was suffering from the obligatory numb bum syndrome , so Pink Floyd volume up on the stereo , another mug of tea from my Katie and onwards .

Stracey Arms looking resplendent  , the goats and pony’s look up as we pass ever hopeful we are going to stop and purchase some food from the shop for them , Stokesby Ferry Inn looking most welcoming but no mustn’t succumb , we soldiered on , next the beckoning thatched turret of The Bridge Inn at Acle fell behind us , Acle bridge passed under and but lo! Upton Dyke ahead , yes !! Turn left crawl along the narrow dyke , yippee there’s a space , we are moored , our nights haven has been found .

We relaxed , drank a coffee , then barbecue out , salt and pepper pork belly , sausages and streaky bacon sizzling away , Katie made her wonderful salad to accompany , music on , red wine opened .......,,, bliss!!!!!!!!

its now 22:00 food all gone , wine depleted, body knackered , it’s time for bed .
mas a footnote yesterday I said 30mins to the pub from Rockland staithe , I meant 30 mins to the shop , the pub is 30seconds away yup 30 seconds 

 

please excuse order of photos , unless I load them one at a time it’s pot luck as to order   

 

[YnysMon]

Lovely tales, thanks. Hint about the photos. Once you’ve uploaded them you can insert them one by one. Click (or select) the place that you want to insert your photo then click on the photo. Works for me, but then I generally use my laptop when posting photos so that I can access photos taken from my camera as well as my phone. Must admit I haven’t tried posting from my phone or tablet.

[SwanR]

Wonderful tale and lovely photos. Glad you enjoyed your little trip to Lowestoft. If you come back, or for anyone else visiting, there is a little tea room on the front called the Flying Fifteens that is a small local business well deserving of support. 👍

[Mouldy]

Keep threatening to venture down Upton Dyke when we’re on the northern rivers, but have bottled it every time.  We plan on returning for another week on the other side of Breydon later in the year (second spikes permitting) so must try it then.  Looks idyllic.

[YnysMon]

Upton Dyke is lovely, as is The White Horse in the village. A community owned pub, well worth supporting. Good food too, and very reasonably priced.

[CambridgeCabby]

Another day another adventure 

17th July 2020

after a peaceful evening at Upton , we arose early and prepared for our short hop to Womack Water where we are meeting our daughter her husband and our grandson in the morning , the staithe was choc-a-bloc and boats were hovering like a grandmother over the last slice of cake so we turned around and found a mooring on the dyke approaching Womack .

Whilst Katie made coleslaw and prepared a salad I walked into the village to purchase supplies from the butchers and the shop for a barbecue , also booked the shop mooring for tomorrow (£10) so we could guarantee being able to return in the evening .

Minted lamb kebabs , salad and coleslaw this evening and a bottle or two of Chilean Merlot made it a wonderful relaxing evening , fellow NBN member Robin and the lovely Sheila slowly cruised by aboard Trixie , presumably bound for the island , tired now after a day spent doing nothing except enjoying nature’s splendour , Katie’s cuddles awaits so I’ll bid you all good night , tomorrow the family arrives ........

[CambridgeCabby]

Saturday 18th July 2020

The Troublesome Toddler visits 

 

we awoke early as dawn chorus played its poetic tune , Womack dyke was still and tranquil , we cast off and turned on the ropes so as to moor on the staithe to meet our daughter, son in law and cheeky 3and a half year old grandson .

our family arrived at 10:30 and produced the shopping from Roy’s , dressed crabs of course ; I walked down to Ludham butchers with my s.i.l to purchase our barbecue for the evening as we had reserved the shop mooring on the staithe (£10) .

We set off at 11:30 , destination Salhouse , as we passed the river island turning we were followed by Trixie, with its helm Robin (London Rascal) and accompanied by the ever youthful beauty that is Sheila.

We turned right into the Thurne and battled our way through the numerous sailing boats , and yes as often happens I made a dick of myself trying to avoid them.

A pleasant journey ensued , passing the Wherry Maud in her regal splendour as we motored through the bustling Bure towards our chosen refuge .

We moored up at Salhouse quay , paid our £5 and enjoyed a picnic and let young Arthur run off some steam .

15:30 we departed to return to Womack for our barbecue , followed the quanting hunters yacht to our prebooked mooring.

18:00 barbecue was a smoke , awaiting Thank the burgers , kebabs and ribs .

soon our evenings fare was cooked to perfection (I cooked it so what else could it be , said he with all modesty ), we sat on the green , Pink Floyd playing on the “boom box , Katie’s wonderful home made coleslaw and potato salad , we were soon full and sated . 

21:30 was time for the younger generation to depart , so I sat taking in the glorious Norfolk ambiance  till it was time to retire, speak in the morning when we return to our mooring till another week .

 

[Lulu]

We watched Cerise Lady and Trixie pass us when we were moored at the top of Thurne Dyke,  I took a few pics and will post when we are back home :) 

[Guest]

Big wave from us as you passed the exit to Malthouse...Good to read and great pictures.

[CambridgeCabby]

Sunday 19th July 2020

our weeks adventure comes to an end 

 

We awoke this morning to the sound of rain pattering on the cabin roof , grey sky’s and angry looking clouds , whilst all around us was damp our spirts were not .

We departed Womack at 08:00 the rivers were very quiet and the banks lined with fishermen braving the elements in pursuit of their game.

Decisions to be made , under Ludham Bridge and up the Ant towards our home berth , or try our luck at Ranworth , unsurprisingly Ranworth won .

A left at the overhanging tree we entered the approach to Malthouse Broad , we passed two boats leaving the Broad and when the staithe came into view there were spaces , at the front and in the side dyke .

We turned and reversed down the dyke and were able to sneak into the taxi rank !!!

We remained there until 17:00 watching the comings and goings of many many boats , the Broad was its usual hive of activity , numerous cruisers mud weighted around , a couple of sailing dingys zigzagging across , a group of 6 kayaks  travelling at a pace that I found astounding (leaned later that they were in training for a sprint completion later this month ).

The staithe soon filled  Up , many of the arrivals assisted in their mooring by Katie grabbing their ropes and pulling them in , which is her favourite pastime I believe.

The weather cleared and the sun decided to honour us with its presence , so suddenly the shop was churning out numerous ice creams of all colours , most resplendent with a flake , so busy in fact I think Steve was almost smiling as he sat in his store watching the tills ringing , numerous day boats had swelled the custom at The Maltsters , its good to see the Broads alive once again .

17:00 after a struggle turning Cerise Lady into the wind by using the ropes , we departed for our home berth in the wet shed .

Rivers quiet once more we toodled and hound the Ant , traversed the bridge and continued onwards , past a busy How’s Hill , then Irstead staithe which was occupied by a solitary sailing boat, the leccy side totally empty .Across a deserted Barton broad , and soon we were entering the wetshed , our safe haven.

Cerise Lady was soon emptied of various bags , laundry and perishables , car loaded and by 19:30 we were on our way home .

Hopefully back in a fortnight for the weekend 

[SwanR]

Lovely photos and tale. The weather has certainly been changeable of late. But it’s so nice to see people out enjoying themselves. Look forward to hearing about your next trip. 

[CambridgeCabby]

Sitting in the evening sunshine at a glorious Sutton 

[CambridgeCabby]

Kebabs on the barbecue , wine going down well