The Ferry Inn to Thurne Dyke

A damp start to the day so internal photos of Mars.  Our room …

and life in the saloon – Jamie on his phone!

We left the mooring and stopped at Ferry Marina for a pump-out then motored on to Ranworth.  It was still wet so we left the dogs aboard and went into the cafe for coffees and toasted tea-cakes.  We stayed here people watching until after lunch when, following a top-up with water, we moved on to Thurne Dyke.

Jamie did a brilliant reverse into the dyke to save us having to turn around before leaving and we moored on the Lion Inn side …

After donning full waterproofs Jamie, Phill, myself and the dogs walked to Thurne Church as I wanted some photos for my family history tree on Ancestry.

When we got back to Mars it was still very windy and there was a boat that was struggling to pull away from the bank.  Jamie and another chap went to offer assistance but they managed to get away without help in the end …

More friendly ducks …

In the evening we had a meal in the Lion as it’s dog-friendly and the boys settle themselves under the table and go to sleep …

The windmill looked great as we walked back …

Salhouse Broad to The Ferry Inn

It was a bit overcast and chilly this morning as the boys found out while waiting for the water pipe to become free …

We left the mooring just before ten o’clock and were soon moored again but this time in Wroxham.  We’d managed to get our usual spot in amongst the Loynes-Faircraft boats and then we hit Roys!

There were plenty of swans around the bridge and the pigeons were on the lookout for a snack or two …

After topping up the fridge and cupboards and a late lunch, Simon and Vikki went to find a taxi back to Stalham to collect their car.  Unfortunately they only had a long weekend on the boat and would be back at work tomorrow.  While we waited we watched the Broads Tours boats leave for a trip …

and when we took the dogs for a walk Jamie spotted this friendly heron trying his luck for food at an office …

Once farewells had been said to Simon and Vikki we left our mooring and headed back downriver.  We passed the Barnes-Brinkcraft yard with the webcam that I check every day when at home …

I was given the helm for the first time as we made for Horning …

We passed several birds on nests,

the Horning Sailing Club which looked quite busy …

and a very sad looking Southgate shed which was previously run by the Norfolk Broads Yachting Co …

We’d hoped to get back on the Staithe but this time it was full so we carried on, spotting an Aga in the middle of a plot (!) and some lovely boats tied up together …

There was plenty of room on the 24 hour free moorings opposite the Ferry Inn so we moored up.  We took the dogs for a walk to Cockshoot Dyke and saw plenty of babies on land and water …

I always like sitting in the hide but there wasn’t a great deal of activity today …

As we left the hide we noticed a heron in the greenery and it’s mate appeared to be on the other side of the water …

We walked back and found a motorhome had parked wild for the night …

There were some very cheeky ducks on the scrounge for food …

The sun dropped down through the trees and the pub was lit for the evening …

Womack to Salhouse Broad

Simon and Vikki were on breakfast duty this morning and so we enjoyed pancakes, bacon and maple syrup.  This is not a combination I’d ever eaten before but wow it was so yummy!!!

I requested a group photo before preparations were made to leave the Staithe and then Simon was given the job of lifting the mud-weight.  Phill gave him some gloves to keep his hands clean and Simon being Simon decided to blow it up first and then needed help from Mr Muscle to pull the weight up!

We finally left Womack and made our way back to the Thurne …

The Broads Authority were in evidence this morning as we left Thurne behind …

All this cruising is very tiring!

More babies and yachts on the Bure as we make for Ranworth …

We took advantage of the sunshine and sat outside for coffee.  Everyone was catching up with phone calls and messages as we all had signal.  Hamish was more interested in Willow the cafe cat who was remaining just out of reach!

After lunch I took Hamish for a walk to the church.  It’s St George’s Day and the England flag was flying proudly …

Back to Mars and after filling with water we set off from the Staithe …

After turning left when reaching the Bure we motored along to Horning gaining some extra passengers on the way …

We were very lucky and found a space on the Staithe, went for a walk through the village and rang Pam hoping that she could see us on the Sailing Club webcam - unfortunately she couldn’t.

We had an hilarious episode while we watched a couple in a dayboat trying to moor up.  They went back and forth so many times, first her having a go and then him having a go.  When they finally made it we, plus the boat next to us, all gave them a round of applause and they took a bow! 

We moved off leaving the Southern Comfort and the Swan Inn behind …

We chose a mud-free mooring spot at Salhouse and Phill fed the wildlife …

The kids walked to the pub as Simon had requested a pint of the local brew!  I took advantage of a virtually empty boat and decided to have a shower.  Big mistake!  To say it was useless is to put it mildly.  It sprayed either the mirror or the door and the only way I could get wet was to hold it over me.  Lesson learned – no more showers on board.

When they’d all got back and we’d had supper, the Rummikub came out and we played my most favourite game.  If you’ve never tried it then give it a go!