Last Day in Norfolk

We were up, packed and off the boat nice and early this morning.  Before I left Mars I made a note of the total hours she had cruised as we thought it would be interesting to see how many she managed in a year   The total read 11298.4.  A couple of spaniels made friends with Hamish while we were loading the vehicles …

We checked out in the office and surprise, surprise we booked our 2013 holiday on Mars for the same dates as this year.  Must remember to take a reading of hours cruised before we set off next year.

We left the yard just before 9am and drove to Ludham Bridge for breakfast at the Wayfarers Cafe.  We then moved on to Potter Heigham for one last look around Lathams where I bought myself a 1000 piece jigsaw of Hunsett Mill before waving the boys off as they were returning to Luton today.

We were spending the night at Broadlands Caravan Club site again tonight and as we couldn’t check in until midday we had some time to kill.  I took Hamish for a walk through Herbert Woods yard to the river …

then we drove to the site and set up camp.  Our last night in Norfolk – very sad – but we’ll be back next year!

South Walsham to Stalham

We set off this morning in fine weather passing a mum and babes and a heron …

but it wasn’t long before the black clouds appeared …

We turned up the River Ant and after lowering the roof on the move, we shot Ludham bridge …

After a short coffee stop we continued up-river passing How Hill and while I was at the helm Phill kept the windscreen clear for me until we reached Irstead Staithe …

We had some company at the mooring …

and a beautiful traditional cruiser, which had been converted to electric, motored past …

Phill wanted to buy another painted stone so we went to the stall for him to choose one …

Smile - you’re on a camera …

After a lovely fry-up lunch we set off again in dry weather but it wasn’t long before the heavens opened and this time it was Jamie who got dressed in full wet weather gear to keep the windscreen clear …

The river splits and we took the route that would take us back to the yard at Stalham …

Taking Hamish for a walk around the yard I spotted our old boats Crown Gem 4 and Capri moored up …

As it was our final evening on board we had a last game of Rummikub, popped over to Tesco to shop and to fill the motorhome with fuel ready for the return journey.

Thurne Dyke to South Walsham

I took Hamish for a walk this morning after he posed on the boat next to its name …

Unfortunately I spotted a cow with a dead calf and so when I got back I went to the pub and reported it.  The publican said he would ring the farmer and let him know.  It was very sad to see mum standing guard over her youngster …

As we left Thurne we had dark clouds in front of us and blue sky behind us …

We went down to Acle bridge, had a quick look in the shop and then headed back to St Benet’s Abbey where we moored up and watched the yachts enjoying a drop of wind …

We then took the dogs for a walk and went to investigate the scaffolding. 

Have a look here to find out all about the work that will be happening – all very exciting.

After lunch we moved on to South Walsham, motoring around the Broad before mooring up …

While the boys went for a walk we had a lazy half hour …

Later on I took Hamish for a walk …

While we were sitting on the boat a chap came round to the moorings with leaflets for a Chinese takeaway which confirmed the notice and they would deliver – supper sorted!

Lovely sunset tonight …