Thursday 7 April 2011

Neatishead to Stalham

Sunshine! The Scout group had canoed round from their overnight stop at Gay's Staithe and they left their craft tied up behind us while they went shopping ...

Hamish and this little chap were enjoying the morning sun ...


The Broads Authority were doing a load of work on the moorings here which would hopefully be finished soon as this is a popular place for visitors ...

We set off about 10am passing this odd sight ...

The top half of a boat had been sat on the grass, probably for the children to play in and on! As we passed the entrance to Gay's Staithe we could see the Scouts all lined up for their morning instructions ...

We only made the short trip round to Barton Turf ...

and while the others went for a wander around Cox's yard Hamish and I stayed onboard with himself on look-out duty while I read my book ...

It was a lovely quiet mooring so we stayed for coffee ...

When we left it turned cloudy as we made our way to Wayford Bridge passing the famous Hunsett Mill ...

and the monstrosity that has been built as an extension to the house next to it ...

We moored at the bridge and took the dogs for a walk round to the boatyard. You never know what boats might be for sale!!



Then it was back to Neptune via the farm shop and time for lunch ...

We needed to turn around and head back downriver so instead of using the engine the boys just pulled us round - much quieter and more civilised!

Sutton Staithe was the chosen spot for our last stop and once again the boys turned us around by ropes ...

We took the dogs for a stroll, had a cuppa and after watching a chap dredging the dyke ...

we left Sutton to make our way back to Richardson's yard at Stalham. Tony checked our fuel usage which meant it was one less job to do in the morning ...

and then after a wander around the yard looking for a different boat to hire next year we drove to the Wayford Bridge Hotel for a meal. It's a lovely dog-friendly place and the food was great - a fitting end to the holiday.

2 comments:

jordiegirl said...

Looks like you all had a great time again. Did you find a boat to hire for next time?

sally-ann said...

We quite fancied Broadland Mars but I expect we'll end up with Broadland Neptune again. Better the devil you know and all that!