Hamish had a final walk by the River Ant …
I packed the van, left it on the site and drove in the Mini to meet the boys at Potter Heigham. We’d arranged to visit Crocus for a last look to see how she was progressing …
Then it was back to the site to collect the van and drive to Luton. We began in convoy but the boys stopped for a Starbucks and I carried on. Hamish was happy to be at their home …
Another sunny day! I made up a picnic lunch and with my map to hand set off to find Ormesby church. It was right by the main road and thankfully there was a huge car park. Hamish and I had a good wander around and then returned to the car.
A quick check at my map and I drove on to find Filby church which I eventually found after missing the little road that led to it. I was hoping to find the name Shrimpling here but I was unlucky.
I was now thinking about somewhere to stop for lunch and drove to the parking area at the far side of Filby bridge. Unfortunately you couldn’t see any water from the car park and dogs were not allowed on the walk to Ormesby Little Broad …
I took a short walk to Filby bridge but it just took me back to the main road …
Plan B was needed and so I drove to Thurne Dyke, parked on the Staithe, took my chair and lunch and sat in brilliantly warm sunshine to enjoy my sandwich …
Hamish seemed to have spotted something but I’ve no idea what it was!
After eating I took my chair to the entrance of the dyke and sat in the sunshine watching the world go by. It was so relaxing …
I had a look around the little shop ‘Ramblers’ and then called in to see Crocus on my way back to site …
Nick and Dave had been busy since my last visit.
As I was leaving my phone rang and it was Sue Hines from the blog ‘Lady Louise’. Each year she produces beautiful calendars and as she had been helping with the Barton Regatta she was calling in to the campsite to deliver mine today. We’d followed each others blogs, messaged and emailed but had never met. She joined us in the motor home and we had a lovely chat over a cuppa. Thank you Sue for another brilliant calendar especially for March 2015 which features Sally!
I got a message from Jamie this morning that I needed to pop in and see Crocus as Nick had found some bad wood. I had planned to go to Wroxham today as there was a Boat and Leisure Auction but the weather was horrendous and so my plans were altered. I shot down to Thurne and agreed to spend some extra money as in the long run I was making a saving! To do the work now when she’s all in pieces would be much cheaper than doing it later when she’s all put back together. Several things had been done since my last visit …
This is the template for the new windows …
The weather didn’t improve and so I spent the afternoon in the van. As it brightened up we got a lovely rainbow …
When I took Hamish for his evening walk I noticed that Crown Gem 4 was moored at the bridge …
The plan was to have breakfast in the Wayfarers at Ludham Bridge but they were closed so we met in Potter Heigham and ate in the Flour and Bean which is part of Lathams. It was then time to see Nick who has been working on Crocus. She’s been stripped right back which was quite scary to see but positive things are beginning to happen and Nick has told us he’s working to an Easter deadline for getting her on the water. Exciting!!
When we left her we made our way to Thurne Dyke, parked on the roadside and walked down to the main river. We went almost all the way to Thurne mouth then turned around and walked back. The weather was glorious it’s hard to believe it’s the end of September.
After saying goodbye to the boys we drove back to Ludham Bridge where I turned into the campsite and they continued on to Wroxham. Roys was calling!!
the keel and the framework that we need to make to support her when she moves to Cornwall and will be living on the Harbour head ...
plus one proud owner standing with his new toy ...
aah bless!
However as there wasn't very much else to do on Crocus we thought we'd have a drive to Potter Heigham and a wander around Latham's store. It was now lunchtime so we moved to the Staithe at Womack Water and parked almost in front of the webcam.
I texted Jamie but he never saw us as the picture didn't change while we were there - must be either broken or switched off. It was now time to go back to the yard, take all the cushions off Crocus and then tuck her up ready to leave her while we return to Cornwall. We'd rung TonyTugboats in the hope that he might have an imminent part load for Norfolk and then he could bring Crocus home for us but there is nothing planned at the moment. Can't wait to get her home! We had a last walk around Cox's yard as it was such a lovely afternoon and we saw the solar boat just going out on a trip ...
plus this lovely yacht moored up ...
and then this little family of Egyptian geese ...
We were putting off the evil hour of saying goodbye to Barton Turf and our new baby but eventually we pulled away and headed back to the campsite.
