A Day Boat and Sally

I was up bright and early this morning …

Part of the deal with the cottage was the use of a day boat free for a whole day.  I’d popped into the office when walking Hamish and requested it for today and the boys collected it after doing a bit of shopping in Lathams …

We’d filled our cool-bags with food for lunch and set off for Horsey …

We walked over to the Shop and Tea Room and sat at one of their tables to enjoy coffee and toasted tea-cakes …

After the obligatory photo of the Mill and an entertaining few minutes watching a couple trying to walk through a field of cows with their dog …

(they had to turn around and come back by the way) We set off for a walk ourselves but not through the field!

We left the mooring but not before we got nabbed and charged £3.  We blamed Simon because if he hadn’t decided he needed to visit the loos we’d have been gone before the chap arrived!!

Just before we joined the main river we spotted a familiar sight – Sally.  We’d made arrangements last night to meet and have a sail on her so this was perfect timing. 

We moored up and Jamie and Simon went on board Sally while Phill, Mike and I stayed on the day boat to take photos …

We all moored at the end of the Pleasure Boat staithe for lunch …

and then it was my turn to get a sail …

After taking a few photos of me at the helm, Jamie, Phill and Mike had to motor on to get the day boat back to the yard by 5 o’clock.  Lisa cracked open a bottle of wine and Steve had a beer while we sailed gently back to Sally’s moorings.  What a lovely day!  After dinner, while Mike and I relaxed in the cottage, Jamie, Phill and Simon met up with Steve and Lisa at the Broads Haven Tavern for a drink or two!

Sunday Carvery and Visitors

I was awake early to find a beautiful still morning on the river …

When I walked Hamish I crossed the bridge to take some photos from the other side of the river …

Then it was back for pain chocolat breks on the decking …

We did some unpacking of clothes and then sat outside watching the world go by until it was time for lunch.  We’d decided on the Pleasure Boat Inn at Hickling as it wasn’t too far to go and when we arrived we found it was dog-friendly and they did a Sunday Carvery.

It was beautiful weather so after we’d eaten we took a stroll to the end of the Staithe …

There was racing at the Sailing Club and the dinghies were all getting ready to go out for the afternoon race.  A dog was having a cool down in the water and after watching a yacht arrive we made our way to the car and headed back to Potter Heigham.

The boys had lunched at Thurne Dyke and after topping up with water by Potter bridge, they made their way to our mooring by the cottage …

We gave them a guided tour of our home and they were very impressed!  While sitting outside we noticed a familiar sight – Sally was returning home after a weekend event on Barton Broad …

Steve and Lisa moored her up to Ibiza and they also had a look at the cottage.  After drinks and chat they had to move on and get her through the bridges so while Simon ran over the marina bridge to get some photos, we watched the mast being lowered and said goodbye …

Another lovely sunset tonight …

A New Adventure

Today will be a first!  We’ve had so many holidays on the Broads staying in house-boats, cruisers and yachts but never before in a cottage on the River Thurne.  Home for the next week is ‘Waters Edge’ just below the Herbert Woods Marina …

I was really impressed with the interior …

After shopping at Stalham, Hamish and I had a look outside while Simon volunteered to pack all the food away …

We were thirsty and hungry so cake and a cuppa was very welcome.  It was then time to take Hamish for a walk.  We went along the path behind all the cottages …

 

and saw a lovely sunset …

While we made ourselves at home with the luxury of the cottage, Jamie and Phill were spending their first night aboard Ibiza 1 at Ludham Bridge.