Crocus Hiccup and Rain

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 …

Autumn Cruise

As Crocus will be on the water next year our friends Steve and Lisa suggested that we join the East Anglian Cruising Club which we’ve duly done.  This weekend is the Autumn Cruise from St Benet’s Abbey moorings to Gay’s Staithe on the Saturday.  A booking has been made at the White Horse Inn, Neatishead and I’m going along to meet some new friends.  I popped up to Ludham Bridge at eleven o’clock and was just in time to see Sally and Barney moor up …

The weather forecast was dire for later today and as I sat in the RV I noticed that the sky was getting steadily blacker …

The heavens opened and it was still raining when I had to walk Hamish.  There was an amazing rainbow – so vibrant …

Hamish was looking pretty miserable on our return …

At 6.30pm I set off for Neatishead and spent a lovely evening with such a friendly and welcoming crowd of people.  Fingers crossed we may also have found a mooring for Crocus.

Neatishead to Womack Staithe

What a difference in the weather this morning.  Photos of us moored at the Staithe and as we left …

After crossing Barton Broad …

we motored down the River Ant passing a Hunter yacht moored at Irstead Staithe and several more Hunters sailing down with us …

Before long we were moored above Ludham Bridge and the boys were ashore and ready for the annual photo!

It was too muddy to get down to the mill as in previous years so we had to make do with them standing on the path.  After a visit to the shop (naturally!) and with the roof down, we set off under the bridge …

We were making for Potter Heigham for lunch and passed a narrow boat and yachts on our way along the River Bure …

Plus the first babies we’d seen and a lady bird that took a fancy to Hamish’s head!

St Benet’s Abbey appeared to be covered in scaffolding.  More about this later in the week …

With Vikki at the helm we continued on up the River Thurne and moored at Potter Heigham …

Lathams was calling!! Jamie found a microfibre cloth whilst shopping and when he came back the windows were given a good clean.

After lunch we motored back down the River Thurne and turned up to Womack Water.  After mooring at the Staithe we took the dogs for a walk into Ludham where I went grave hunting while everyone else sheltered in the Alfresco Tea Rooms as the sky was getting darker by the minute!

I just managed to get my photos before the heavens opened and I joined the others for a very welcome coffee and cake.  Once the rain had passed we made our way back to Mars but the sky was still looking very threatening …

On the way there was a downpipe which appeared to be trying to spray unsuspecting victims as they passed …

After a late rainbow we had a lovely sunset …