DAY 1 - STALHAM TO RANWORTH 

We caught the train to Peterborough without a problem, the 3 hours went very quickly, today it seems most of the stations in Norfolk are closed due to rail works, but we had arranged to meet our friend Diane at the station. We haven't seen her for about 5 years, when we said goodbye in Rome. We first met her when we were travelling around China and Hong Kong, and we all travelled around South West USA and Hawaii the year later.



River Ant Grid Locked

We arrived in Stalham 2 hours later, and stocked up at Tescos, and arrived at the boatyard just before 2pm. We were shown abroad the Broads Sunset, which is a really beautiful boat, lovely spacious cabins, and large kitchen and saloon. The instructor guy showed us around quickly, and demonstrated the bow thrusters, which were new to us, our previous boat didn't have this feature, the guy was pleased to let us leave without a trial run.



Passing How Hill

Barton Broad was packed with sailing boats, it looked like they might have been meeting for a race. We had no problem finding the River Ant as we left the broad, back in September we spent about 30 minutes trying to find the southern exit. We were soon passing How Hill, and Paul gave me the wheel as we neared Ludham Bridge, as I approached, a moored boat took my attention, very familiar boat, as we hired it back in September, it was the Broadland Mars, and I knew that Sally-Ann and her family were around somewhere, although no one was aboard.


Diane Watching for Icebergs



Malthouse Broad Always Busy

We got down to Malthouse broad, there were no free moorings, but a lady called to us, and said that they were about to leave, and we could have their mooring. We were soon moored, the boat locked up, and we were off on our walk. First to the pub to book a table for dinner, then walked onto St Helen's Church. We again climbed to the top of the tower, and took in the great view, this time with a sunset backdrop. Once we had got our breath back, we descended, and returned to the staithe. Had a cuppa and caught up on all our gossip.







View of Ranworth Broad

View of Malthouse Broad

View From St Helen's



Dinner at The Maltsters

We washed and changed, and went for a great meal in the Maltsters pub, it was very busy, and I think there was live music. We had to use our torches to get back to the Sunset, and it was dark, but overhead all the stars were out, which was a good indication for tomorrow. We sat up for awhile, but we had all been up early, so our beds where calling to us. I had the cabin at the front, and my room was so luxurious, and the bed huge and comfortable. I had such a great nights sleep.