The Adventures of Orca

[JawsOrca]

"Weekend Away"

Friday 22nd July

We was aiming on coming up last weekend but I've not been well so couldn't manage it. Dave booked friday off work though to allow us to have a needed 3 day weekend. I spotted it was the NBN summer meet down south but that was too far us being all the way north.. plus we wanted to use the car have a drive about.

We wanted to stop into Tom at JPC to sort out the heating for the houseboat, as usual the crossing barrier was closed, after a long drive I fancied a walk so got out and went for a walk.. Brundall brings back a ton of memories as this was always our starting point. I walked over the footbridge just as the train came in.. I'm not one that does public transport these days but enjoyed getting bloody close to this huge machine. Dave collected me in the pub carpark, no sign of Tom.  Off to Orca then.

We arrived into Stalham at about 2pm, first stop off was the butchers, we decided on a BBQ for tonight as the weather was spot on and this butcher is amazing (So wish we had this at home), kebabs and steakburgers ordered (No sausage rolls left though), next sadly tescos but just for some drinks and random rubbish food.

Orca was all good, sadly her mooring had sunken and David in the marina advised that we would have to be moved soon as so they can fix it. Unpacked, engine started no probs. Out the marina all good onto the main river.. Yup it was busy, we soon had a convoy of richos' boats, a couple clearly not understanding the speed limits and it's always a worry if they would try to overtake as we don't speed but thankfully they eased back and enjoyed the river. As we crossed a calm barton broad I counted 12 richardson boats behind us! 

I've fallen for gayes staithe, it's a very pretty spot and a good pub and a nice walk but with so many boats about we didn't expect to get in. To our surprise though it was pretty much empty, I managed to spin Orca around and moor stern on. 

Right walkies time. Off to the boardwalk, it's really is a nice walk, just long enough. The end of the walk have a viewing platform overlooking the broad, each time we've been here before it's been busy but this time we was the only ones so enjoyed the view for a bit and watched the fish which were on the surface feeding. On the walk back we heard some rustling in the feilds, I managed to get a sight of a deer jumping away from us through the maze.. (Dave always misses these close encounters as he's rushing off) but a bit further up we heard it again, he was a bit in front and scared a deer which jumped out right infront of me just missing me.. poor thing.. Another was hiding just behind but run the otherway.. We don't have deers at home and certainly not from our time living in London so it's cool to see. 

Off to the pub now, spotted Orca had no one beside her, the pub wasn't too busy but it was a quick Shandy for me and an aspall for Dave, Back for BBQ time. We spotted two classic freeman cruisers beside us (we like these boats and wanted one.. well I think Dave still wants one but tough!).  People didn't quite want to talk though and I wasn't in the talkative mood for once. But BBQ on food all yummy and an early night considering we was getting bitten and the mozzies seemed to be attracted to the insect repellent! 

 

Saturday 23rd July

Perfect blue skies as the usual at the moment. A couple of the boats have already left but don't really blame them. The plan for today was to head back to the marina and jump in the car. Finally I was in the mood to talk to people (it really is unlike me), both nice chaps though, one has removed the pesky watermota petrol with a nice nanni install, turning the gearbox on it's side to allow for the offset very smart, Dave was well impressed.. One day we will get a Freeman.. maybe. 

Anyways off we went, I wasn't in too much of a rush so headed upto neatishead for a nosy, I love this stretch very Norfolk! Thankfully no other boats there and back as I could see the bottom and it's not very deep now.  Next I thought it's about we saw our friends up near wayford, we popped in a few weeks back no sign of them. This time thankfully they was in so all moored up we had a good chat, all is well, Mary has recovered from 2 hip replacements and a quadruple bypass but she's doing really well. We chatted for hours always but it was still early afternoon plenty of time.  Of we went promising it won't be another year before seeing them again.

Moored back on our berth only stalling twice as we mowed through the lillies.

The car was backing hot, I like black cars but it's not a good idea with this heat! Dave was talking about hunstanton but Norwich looked doable. So off we went.. Norwich is a cool city, I really could work here I think, I wanted to go to the cathedral but probably not enough time. We did a spot of shopping.  A computer game for me and some mustard for both boats  Had a slow walk back alongside the river heading back to the car eventually.

I fancied Chinese so we headed to the restaurant in Lowie. Lowie these days doesn't feel the safest of places and the restaurant seems to be in the worse area but it's nice and we found car parking close by. Yummy as always and stuffed. We jumped in the car and headed over to Oulton as it was NBN summer meet today so thought to quickly pop over and say hello. Sadly no sign of life on any of the boats  I'm guessing you was all enjoying your Indian!

Back to the boat, although our marina is lovely I don't like staying overnight when there's plenty of moorings close by. So engine and Navlights on, Dave had been driving my car all day so hadn't drunk so I thought best to get him to a pub.  Sutton it would be. Surprisingly all the moorings were taken, I felt a bit disappointed but I couldn't even be cheeky and moor unconventionally (Someone had even stern moored to the broadside end)... I could have rafted up against some at the end for an hour but no signs of life to ask permission.. So Dave said he's got beers aboard so we went and moored on the broad. Time was getting on so it as DVD.. (Pirates of the Caribbean).

Sunday 24th July

Dave was up early, I had took a bit more encouragement but once awake he moaned about speeding boats but said he'd caught a few fish. He cooked a bacon sandwich whilst I woke up eventually engine on though and we made our way back to the yard and loaded the car, Dave wanted to go up to horsey so off we went. The car park was packed but we got a spot, the beach was full of people but the seals were right close to the beach keeping a close eye one everyone. Unusually for me I was wearing shorts so went for a kinda paddle before sitting in the wash enjoying the beach and the sun. I don't quite get why people go abroad when we have perfect beaches and weather here, plus all the extras of boats and the broads!

 

[JawsOrca]

Late Summer Holiday. 

11st September

I wanted to come up yesterday but as is becoming the norm Dave wanted a day at home. So yesterday we decided to go down to the seaside (Eastbourne) and do some goecaching.. In the evening we then took home out for a spin for a couple of hours.. why not!

Anyways we stopped at lathams on the way to the boat. I have a think for their sausage rolls followed by London Cheesecakes.. We wandered around the main store but nothing caught our eye really. So just over the bakers..

The warm sausage rolls were just irresistible and were quickly consumed! Dave popped over to Lathams fishing store.. I'm banned from there as I buy stuff which we would never use apparently.. but little plastic fish look soo cool.. (I got enough now anyway).

Over to the marina, the look of an empty Richo's yard wasn't really welcoming but it's all part of the fun!

Today was to be a maintenance day. Dave wanted to change Orca's gear cable as it's been jumping out of gear.. I just relaxed for a bit staying out the way.. Annoying no icecream boat today  but Dave quickly installed the new cable and quickly tested it (he own swore a few times but cut's and bruises so job well done).. I said lets go for a little test drive and off we trundled.

Considering we've been out on the coast at home nothing compares the Broads.. Lovely.. The rivers were busy but everyone enjoying the lovely day. 

We spotted Jonzo onboard a green richardsons boat heading back to Stalham.. Full of lads so dread to think what effect they have had over the last few days. Dave was driving Orca so it was just a quick Hello and what are you doing on that lol!.. 

We only went down to Barton Broad and turned around. We originally booked this week as our friends and fellow forumites Steve on Debs were up here on the same week.  They had arrived today but were down south but I called them and see if they fancied dinner someone between us both. I tried the Dukes head but they advised no room in the inn.. So chinese it would be!

Back in the yard, Orca was put to bed and we headed off to Lowestoft! Lovely as always, brilliant company.. Back to the boat as it was getting dark and off to sleep.

[JawsOrca]

12th September 

Yesterday in the chinese, Steve broke the bad news that he and Debs had decided to pass LadyP onto a new home and she was indeed being brought up to the northern broads to be sold. They asked us a favour, that being to escort them up. Sadly there wasn't the time to run down over breydon and with Orca's new gear cable I didn't fancy the gauntlet of yarmouth and Breydon. So we said no worries but we will meet them at Acle bridge. They suggested Stokesby but we suspected the moorings would be full there so Acle would be best, plus we enjoy the pub there now.

So up nice and early, high tide for LadyP would be about 3pm, so it left us with a good part of the day to slowly cruise down. 

This week the weather was truly stunning. Blue sky everywhere and high heats, apparently the weather was calling it an Indian heatwave or something.. aka just a nice summers day.  

Engine on off we went.  The Rivers were busy but not bad.. Mostly everyone was happy.. Sadly a few Freeman boat owners far too focused on the lovely weather to wave back.. I still frantically waved though.. Strange!

Irstead in this weather looked amazing.. I was sitting on the front of the boat whilst Dave helmed.. Telling the voices in my head.. "I want that one, no that one.. hmm maybe that one..." I pointed to Dave.. "That one" He told me "mind the duck". To get him back, I spotted a gap in the rare irstead staithe, so I told him to moor up, he wasn't quite so happy considering he's not done much mooring and there was a private boat which he would have to stop before hitting. I reassured him it's easy enough and I'll be alongside him. He decided to turn the boat around so he wasn't facing the boat and moored perfectly first time.  There's a really cute little stall here selling painted pots and painted stones. We couldn't quite work out who needed birthday presents today though. I stopped to take a few pictures and had a paddle in the beach here. Neat little 15 mins, these little spots make the broads. 

I told Dave to leave the mooring, again he mumbled complaints but I told him how to do it and he did well. I went back to my sunbathing position on the front of the boat!

Following yesterdays dinner we had to have a walk somewhere and the mooring which is cut in to the bank at How Hill was free.  So I pointed and told him to moor there.. Less moans this time and he did really well.. Moored up with no problems.

Off we went around the walk.. It's a nice walk, just long enough to get some exercise but not too long. This time though we went into the (notso)secret gardens.. this has only recently opened to the public, it was nice in there, very different to the trail, but something different.

Back on the we grabbed some breakfast and watched the world go by for a bit before heading off. It was still early so I thought we head towards womack. Dave had enough of the driving for a bit and gave me the helm. I think he knew ludham bridge was just around the corner. 

Under the bridge no worries, past the windmill in the ruins (after the walk we didn't fancy another!). Dave retook the helm now and navigated us up towards womack. I retook over and squeezed the boat in bewteen two boats ,only hitting them gently.."Bumper boats" (I did spot an evil look).. I would have said sorry but no one came out and the curtains were closed.

Off up the road, there's a good little minimarket shop here and we could do with some supplies, plus there's  pub and we could do with a refreshment.. OK so pub first.. Nice wherry shandy. I'm not meant to be drinking at the moment but the staff mentioned I could get away with a top of wherry.. perfect.. yup it worked I was still upright after drinking it!

Minimarket all good, more yummy sausage rolls. Back to the boat I popped into the little shop here and ordered an NBN Cap.. sadly it would take a day or so but thats not too bad. Back on the boat time to head down to Acle. I took the helm whilst dave unpacked the shopping. Nice run down to Acle, it's a wide so not my favourite part of the broads but at least we could open Orca up a bit as she's been running on 3mph for some time. She's much happier at these speeds though and her engine and gearbox are almost silent.. one of the downsides of being so far up north.

Despite it being 3 hours after low water at yarmouth the tide here was rather strong and flowing out. Thankfully there was plenty of moorings just by the bridge. Orca breaks all the rules, being light and only a sterndrive to steer by she's better reversing into the wind/tide, I tried to moor this way first time but she was getting forced off the quayheading. Confused I was.. I went out.. only to meet another boater, wondering what on earth I was trying to do.. I sent Dave forward to try to explain... I don't think they understood and I got a confused look as they slipped past  (trouble on the broads we really are see).. Anyways eventually I turned around and drifted into the bank. Dave jumped off, I looked back and found someone else mooring right behind us.. Wondering what on earth they was doing (although knowing here I've really messed up before so really was in no position to wonder such thing!), we quickly tied up (OK Dave quickly tied up), I put on my best fake smile impression and yelled over.. "You need a hand".. At that point thier engine turned itself off (Yup been there).. A few moments later they got her started and moored up behind us. They quickly apologised mentioning there's something up with the engine and hoped to crash land quickly before it died.. no worries we had both landed. A quick chat to them, they had an unusal looking boat. They had just brought her, and on the first trip, it was a german design, it looked very much like a caraboat but modern.. Nice looking thing.  Sadly I didn't take any pictures though  

Chatting further I asked if they had seen a little norman boat doing 2 miles an hour (backwards) over breydon... to my surprise they said yes and it wasn't too far off! I said we need to try to fit three boats in the little gap, kindly they assisted and moved back whilst we moved forward giving LadyP a 40 foot gap.. (#keeptheladdersclear).. LadyP appeared on the horizon.. her crew a bright shade of Red (sunburnt).. Steve moored up like a true pro first time.. making the pair of us look like amateurs (£10 deposited into my bank account as agreed please Steve).

I need a drink after that... Off we went for a quick beer. Orca and LadyP had been frequent freinds down south but this was the first time they were both together since July last year.. nice to see. We booked a table for the evening.

We had a long laid back chat. Yup we both told Steve and Debs they was being stupid selling and at one point I think we even talked them out of it.. we said we could run back south with them tomorrow (Dave really wanted to do a breydon crossing) and spend a few days down south then look at selling early next year... I wasn't a hard sell considering the weather up here was hotter than Greece.. (amazing weather). We had a good dinner and planned the trip south tomorrow.. Tide at three so it would give time to potter about up here for a bit.. Sadly I knew we wouldn't be heading south tomorrow as we retired and LadyP would continue her last trip.

 

 

[JawsOrca]

13th September

I hardly slept overnight.. Couple of reasons I think, All night I could hear this rattling of chains coming from the road bridge which we had moored right underneath and then remember I've read a tale about the old bridge being haunted by a lady who was hanged here.. was the chains I was hearing this lady... Hell yes course it was.. Also the traffic didn't completely quieten down here so wondering if the chains was then the bridge about to fall down and yes living in a really quiet part of word means any noise is going to keep me awake. However being up so early (and so warm already) meant that I could grab some pictures of the sun rising.. Lovely.. Norfolk knows how to flirt with her sunrises and sunsets

The rest of the world finally awoke.. A local chap with a Camera joined me in taking pictures, we exchanged a brief heads up.. photographers hello see.. Steve appeared .. Looking like he hardly got much sleep.. wonder why.. he immediately said "We going north mate".. my reply was.. "no worries.. I know" .. Debs appeared.. yup no sleep either.. she immediately mentioned "did you hear our fender squeaking all night?".. "No but I heard the chains from the ghost on the bridge" .. I corrected her.. "no dummy.. our fender"... Oh well.. illusion broken..

Once everyone was up we wondered over to the little shop for a look around. We brought some cups as Orca's had come home one day to be washed up properly and left there... plus Steve and Debs had packed everything away so we needed more cups lol.

Me and Debs also wandered up the road looking for a geocache, I introduced her to it last year but she's not done.. I quickly found the hide but waited till she found it.. as always a neat hide and good bit of fun.

LadyP was booked into Wayford today but as the weather was still amazing we talked them into spending another day up here so talked about doing a BBQ at Gayes which would then just be a short trip upto wayford for LadyP.  For the BBQ we need a butchers, I wanted to go to Stalham as our one there is amazing but I didn't want to get LadyP that close to the end and Steve and Debs mentioned they haven't seen Womack.. so we decided to head up there.

Eventually when everyone was awake (well as well as we could be) we departed.  I wanted to get some pictures of LadyP so I did some doughnuts around them and took some pictures, we got some strange looks from passing boats considering we was both all over the river but all good. 

We quickly arrived into Womack, there wasn't alot of moorings free, I couldn't get Orca positioned well for whatever reason... (Delete as appropriate: Wind, wrong heat, leaves on the line, sleepy) and we made contact with the boat beside us.. Dave said.. "don't worry you missed the window" and yup 2 inches aft there was a black rubbing strip mark.. Dave's fault.. he didn't fend off enough  Whoops.. it will come off... I didn't want to repaint that bit though!  As I got off to tell dave how to do the lines up (you know just in case he's forgotten) the boat who we just kissed beside spotted the NBN burgee and asked if we was NBN. Really sorry I didn't catch your name and I was a bit shattered this day to talk to much but hope you had a good time!

Off for a walkies, we spotted the butchers the other day we was here, so into here for a few bits for this evenings BBQ.. Next off to the minimarket again, we needed coal and a few other little bits. I brought a murder mystery book "Murky Waters", which is based on the broads.. I do a lot of reading on the boat and saw these books before so thought I'd treat myself.  Back to the boat, we all decided to head straight upto Gayes early so we could have a long day relaxing off the boats.. we still had a lot to chat about!

The trip up the Ant was lovely, I took the boat through the bridge and Dave had the helm all the way after whilst I relaxed on the bow.. It's normally too cold to sit her so I really was able to relax which was nice for once. Half way up the Ant I spotted a otter in the water swimming alongside, we've seen a couple of these now but this is certainly the closest we had got, no time for photos but cool to see. As a kid I'd visited the otter sanctuary in suffolk with my folks so really nice to see this project succeed and otters back in the rivers. 

We arrived into an empty Gayes, LadyP moored along side us. Once again Steve and Debs hadn't been here before so nice to show them more of the broads.. Slightly annoying though that they was selling a boat perfect for up here but that's life. We had a little wonder up to the pub, explaining to them that only a couple of weeks before we spotted deers here. No steve that wasn't my deer dance it was my attempt at cooling down! I dragged debs paste the fudge lady stall.. insisting we would do on the way back!

The pub as always is welcoming, it feels like our local now, the bar lady said we should try the "secret bar garden" so drinks in hand off we went investigating. Sadly steve's suffering from back pain so the hay bale setup wasn't ideal.. but a neat idea and I can imagine summer evenings there (A firepit would be cool!).

Back to the boats, we had to stop at the fudge lady, it really is good fudge, worth a stop.. make sure you got enough £1 coins!

Back on the boat, BBQ setup we all got comfy for my usual hours long BBQ.. Three courses all set and enjoyed, brilliant time, loads of chatting.. So sad though that it's our last evening with LadyP and the chances of us both being up here together would be very slim.  

[LadyPatricia]

It was good to see both boats together again. Yes you did nearly talk me out of the selling but it was a heart V's head situation and unfortunately you can't always go with your heart. 

All I can say, and as others will read, you and Dave made our last voyage on Lady P one of the most enjoyable times we have spent on her. The weather obviously contributed greatly to that as well.

 

 

[LadyPatricia]

A couple of pictures from our last night at Gayes staithe. 

 

Dave readying the BBQ

[Bound2Please]

Light blue touch paper n run for the boat .................................

Charlie

[Gracie]

Smashing read as usual  and lovely photos, thank you Jaws. So sorry to hear that Steve and Debs are selling Lady P, all the work they put into her and made her a stunning little boat, such a shame

Good luck with the sale, Steve

Grace

p.s That isn't Dave's feet I've spied in a couple of photos is it, Jaws?

[JawsOrca]

It is a big shame Gracie.. LadyP is Orca's best friend.. Steve and Debs are just evil to break them up.. We had really hoped we could get them moored in the same marina again.. No needs must sadly.. We will find them both another boat one day.

It's my feet on the beach (it did feel lovely as it was such a warm day), but yes Dave is doing the BBQ without any proper feet on.. Although I must admit I've not been wearing shoes lately either lol.. it's a nice feeling although the wood chips there are quite sharp .

 

[SwanR]

Lovely write up and photos. Doesn't matter how many photos I see of the boats and the Broads there is always room for more.

[Chelsea14Ian]

Sorry to hear you are selling  lady.p.As Alan said  I am sure  you  will  get another  boat

[SweetKingfisher1]

Hi Steve and Debs, so sorry to hear that you are selling Lady P. Is there or will there be Lady P2? All the best to you both. Regards Marina 

[LondonRascal]

Your writing is very good, coupled with the pictures makes your adventures really come to life.

[JawsOrca]

 Robin. Glad everyones enjoying these. I must admit I don't re-read it though so it's probably full of schoolboy mistakes  As always some events are dramatised for effect (as it would be boring otherwise!).. I do enjoy doing these.. it so helps remember what we did!

[ScrumpyCheddar]

A lovely write up and pictures.. it's always great reading about others holidays and adventures.. I have found it very help with tips and places to visit it in the past..

Sad news tho that when you have to get rid of something you love.. that heart over head scenario grrrr. Has to to be one of the hardest decisions anyone makes in there life...In my case, my heart always wins.. Good luck for the future and the sell of the boat.. 

Mike 

[JawsOrca]

14th September

Ok so thankfully I managed to get some sleep, despite it being a warm night.. A good thing with this mooring is it's really in country with nothing around, the people that find it and moor here are people that like peace and quiet so it's so quiet and we always get a good nights sleep  

It was a bit cooler this morning with morning dew on the boats but it was much more manageable. I got up and opened the canopy fully and Steve quickly appeared, tea and coffees were offered and he mentioned how nice the spot is and also how well he slept.. It really is one of my favourite spots on the broads a proper little lagoon feel.

Dave started clearing the BBQ and trying to tidy some of the mess away from our three course BBQ last night, I think I'd manage to use every pot and pan on the boat so the moor kitchen area looked like a bomb had gone off... After putting the BBQ back in the bilge he sat down saying he had given up with the washing up.

Steve wanted to get today over and done with so we all decided to make a move and head further North. Ladyp was destined for wayford and Orca would pop back home and we would grab the land yacht to assist at wayford.

Engine on and off we went, once out of the lagoon it warmed up and I returned to my sunbathing spot forward whilst Dave helmed. A toot on Orca's horn indicated her good bye to her best friend as LadyP continued up the Ant whilst we turned up towards Stalham.

Back on the berth yesterdays bomb site was cleared up and we jumped in a hot car (black car.. smart..). 10 mins later we arrived into wayford bridge. I dumped the car in a gap, someone ran over advising it would be the end of the world if I leave it there. I reassured him I've seen Men in Black 1 and 2 and this isn't a Arquillian Battle Cruiser.. It's a Vauxhall Astra (Black), it's not the end of the world, we would only be five mins until I found Mr or Mr's Jon.

Steve appeared saying LadyP had arrived safely and was over in the basin and the car could go over there.  World saved again.

Now me being in boatyards is a bad idea certainly with Mr "I want that one and that one and that one" beside me.. encouraged by Steve was hardly helping... grrr "You have two ducking boats as it is and both need maintenance".. grr..

We got the land yacht close to LadyP and unloaded... now.. I have a Astra hatchback.. ok it's a bit loaded with junk.. but at one point I had a panic attack as I couldn't see how we was going to get all of LadyP into it.. Thankfully the back parcel shelf and the middle seat helped the overflow (How much stuff can you get into a Normal 23?!).

Mr's Jon said Jon was busy with customers and couldn't give any estimation, something to do with the length of a bit of string. It was too hot to stand around and I happened to remember there being a pub over the road... Stay here in a hot yard or retire to pub... We waved good bye to Steve and Debs and headed to the pub.

We found a nice corner, nice and cool in the bar area (Don't mention the toilet tiles on the wall ... Perhaps an idea would be to give customers a chipping hammer and have a go). But lovely service in here, we ordered some sandwiches and some drinks. 45 mins later Steve and Debs appeared.. Jon's still with customers...  I'm now getting worried that he's actually tied the customers up... forcing them into buying the boat!!! All what you want to hear when you want to sell your boat so no worries... They wasn't going to order food but once it appeared they strangely did so.. We had a nice long lunch.. one last check that they was doing the right thing and there minds were made up... 

Back to the yard... we erm drove over... only because like there's not lots of parking... We found some shade and waited for Jon to talk through all the bit's they needed. Had a quick chat to Jon and "got aff his laannd" (Bad attempt at norfolk lingo there). 

Long old drive south, Steve and debs sandwiched between a loaded car! Arriving into somerleyton, nice to the lord and lady have spent some money on a new gate. Car's all sorted we waved good bye. 

We had an appointment with Tom at JPC in brundall, although we was a good hour later than expected, I called him and advised, to save some time we headed for a ferry thing which goes from just around the corner here to the reedham ferry pub.. it really does save time but not impressed it's now a fiver though but we always enjoy the little trip.. As usual a hireboat almost died by cutting infront whilst it was moving so a bonus on entertainment value!.. (we are meant to wait until it's moored because it has funky chains which it uses). 

Arrived at Tom's the cars temperature read a nice 33dc.. "Hi Tom.. So about this heating for the other boat... Do we get a discount consider how bloody hot it is!", Good chat we/he designed the solution, all clear, he will have a price for us at the boat show next weekend as he was just off there.  (Highly recommend him, we've spend so much time with him on both boats he's saved us a fortune too!).

Back in the car, it's was late afternoon, far to late for Norwich but we decided to head the beach at horsey and then Tesco's on the way back. Horsey car park was empty, but the sun was getting low on the horizon. Everything including shoes left in the car. The tide was high and the winds were building up so the waves were quite high, so sadly only warm enough for a quick stroll. Back in the car, driving shoeless is so strange. Tesco again looked dead. Quick run in, neither us was overly hungry so we grabbed some Pizza express doughballs and some snacks for later. 

Back on the boat, neither of us are ones for staying in the marina, so we decided to head out, the sun was setting quickly and it was far too late for anyone to be out really, I wanted to moor on a wild mooring so we headed south. The glistening of the interior lights of moored boats looks so magical from a moving boat. It was a dark night and it wasn't easy to spot the wild moorings, so we decided to see if Gayes had a spot again. Dave was struggling with the boat and was getting a bit close to the buoys, I zoomed the GPS in and told him to stick in the centre of the previous tracks, that seemed to him, although he gave up after not seeing a marker so I took the helm, we approached Gayes, sadly no spots. I was getting hungry now so we decided to drop the parking brake just off the main channel on barton broad, the depth sounder reassured us that there was plenty of water as we've not moored here before.. We was in a sheltered but so no worries..

Doughballs cooked, it was TV time.. Pirates of the Caribbean again but the making of.. interesting stuff. 

[SwanR]

Looks very magical to be out at sunset.

[JawsOrca]

26 minutes ago, ScrumpyCheddar said:

A lovely write up and pictures.. it's always great reading about others holidays and adventures.. I have found it very help with tips and places to visit it in the past..

 

Thanks Mike, same here i love these types of threads, we used to have more but they can be hard work to maintain but the more the better!! We generally try to moor away from the world, mainly because I'm a very light sleeper and enjoy the tranquillity of the broads. Orca is also very shallow draft and has a sterndrive (with a depth sounder next to it), so we do sneak in safely were others may not.. These spots up north are all ok though and all lovely.. 

For newbies to the forum, Orca was blogged whilst we refitted her a couple of years back, she was brought for £1 but it was hard work and a ton of money to bring her up to scratch. Maybe worth a read on a rainy day..

Also people maybe interested in our other "Adventures" series.. 

 

[JawsOrca]

10 minutes ago, SwanR said:

Looks very magical to be out at sunset.

It's the best time ever, although it can be hard without a Radar if it's too dark. I do find it's a shame that experienced hireboaters can't experience this.. I really think there's a market for night equipped cruisers to be offered to experienced and capable/sensible helms as it's so special. We aim to be out quite a bit over the next few months so I'll try to capture as much as I can. 

[deebee29]

Great read as always Alan.

Just got home ourselves yesterday so it was just the thing to take my mind off that end of holiday feeling.

The photos are great, you got some fantastic sunsets.

Sorry to here Steve & Deb are selling Lady Patricia

[JawsOrca]

15th September

Another warm start, we left the canopy open last night and as soon I woke up I went outside and grabbed some morning pictures.. it was already 28 degrees at about half 8.. and that quickly climbed over 30 degrees in the next hour. It was a hazy morning but still lovely. Thankfully the channel post I used to get my position last night was no closer than I though which is always a worry navigating after dark.

A couple of hire boats drove off and there wake on the water looked even neater. Another mooring spot added to the list I think. Dave grabbed the fihsing rod and tried to catch dinner but as always not much joy. Once he gave up, thumper was fired up, I ran forward lifted the parking brake and Dave took the helm. I sat forward again and enjoyed this weather... Geez were we so lucky this weekend, it was mid 30's all week.. as hot as the med and in all honestly I would rather be here!

Dave's starting to enjoy helming which is nice, Orca's nice when she's moving she can be tough to moor up but I really enjoyed getting some time off the helm this time and he needs more experiance really. The broads really look amazing sitting away from the helm, it's almost quiet up here with the wash of the water louder than the engine. Today's destination was Salhouse. Dave helmed all the apart from Ludham bridge and I sat forward.

Sadly I was enjoying my trip and salhouse quickly appeared (it was the only way to cool down I think it was 36 degrees now). I eventually moored up in a tight spot between two boats. It was certainly time for a refreshment and the home of norfolk beer was just up the road.. 

This walk really doesn't seem far at all now... It's also not really noticable that it's up hill  Wherry topped leamonade again, save a bloody aspalls as usual, table booked for a bit later, we found a cute table under the tree with shade to chill for a bit.

Once chilled, I had to wander the shop. I grabbed a beer towel for Autonomy's bar ,the sales man recognised us  (don't say it Gracie) and kindly tried as always to convert Dave. I tried a few, I must remember don't say "Tastes like Adnams".. although one tasted just like a wherry?! The chap wasn't impressed. We had a big long chat last time how I said I hope Woodfordes doesn't become like Adnams which now offers a huge confused range of anything and everything.. The chap kinda agreed but reassured it's small enough that this won't happen and these limited beers are just kinda for fun.. Must admit I liked the cherry one. .Dave liked a few and picked up a couple although they are at time of writing still in the bilge untouched.. next time!

Back to the boat, I wanted to hire a canoe but it was cooling down and we spent far too long in the pub so another time, we sat forward and had a good chat to both boats beside us, which had the sliding canopies so their living area was just beside us.. both lovely crews, nice chat. It was soon shower times and back to the pub for dinner.

The pub was rammed, strange considering when we was here in June it was empty and I felt silly reserving a table, but they gave us a nice window seat. Prawn starter, (Dave went for it to).. shell on which was hard work but good fun and really yummy.. my favourite starter now I think. Fish and chips for me and a burger for Dave (P.s I noticed people somewhere don't like food pictures, so this blog will now proudly display food pictures, we do not tolerate intolerance to food pictures!). It was all yummy.. no desserts  

Back on the boat, we decided to move away and moor on the broad, All parked up. Dave grabbed his fishing gear, set up the float with a night light thing. No breakfast caught but a few bites. I dug in to my book for a few hours. 

[SwanR]

We went to the Fur and Feathers for the first time the week before you were there. Must admit that it did seem like quite a hike right from the boat but it was over 30 degrees that day as well. Coming back we were almost at the car park to turn right and follow the path back to the boat when a couple going the other way asked if it was far. I joyfully told them that they had a long way to go yet ... and all uphill. 

[Gracie]

Jean, you do have a mean streak, don't you? 

Who in their right minds doesn't like pictures of food and for goodness sake Jaws, you don't PARK a boat lol

I am going to say it again but this write up is brilliant and the photos stunning (especially the fish and chips )

I really wish Dave would get a move on with his holiday tale, I mean, how long does he need for goodness sake

Grace

[BroadScot]

10 minutes ago, Gracie said:

really wish Dave would get a move on with his holiday tale, I mean, how long does he need for goodness sake

The gentleman has to translate it from "Geordie" back into engurlish fir ewes southrners!  Bonnie lass!

Iain

[MauriceMynah]

1 hour ago, Gracie said:

Who in their right minds doesn't like pictures of food and for goodness sake Jaws, you don't PARK a boat

When ever I said that to anybody I'd always put it ... "  you don't PARK a boat, you moor on"     .. Sometimes I wonder on why I never had my face punched in!