Day 1 - ACLE TO HORNING 

Our Lunch Spot From Acle Bridge

After an early start we got to Norwich by 11:30, and was on a bus to Acle 30 minutes later. The journey was 20 minutes and was very scenic. We hoped to get some shopping in Acle but when the bus dropped us, we could see the Richardson minibus waiting for us. I checked in and was told our boat was ready, but the hand over guy was at lunch. We stored our bags, and walked over Acle bridge to the stores. There was very little to buy apart from bread and milk, so we bought pasties and sandwiches and a cuppa each, and ate it watching the boats go by. We were watched by some swans and the store's dog, all hopeful for a share of our lunch.

Looking Back at the Boatyard

We returned to the yard, and our handover guy, Bob was waiting for us, he was a really nice helpful guy, and allowed us to leave the yard without a trial run. It was good to be back on the River Bure, the sky was very grey and overcast, but it wasn't cold, in fact it was pretty humid. There were very few boats on the river, but the banks were lined with fishermen, some who had very long poles, and it soon got very tired having to completely cross to the other side of the river to avoid disturbing them. It became a pet peeve, after a week of this, as they seemed quite ungrateful to all my efforts.

Getting used to the Helm

Although the helm was very unresponsive, having to really turn it hand over hand to make the slightest difference, we made good time and were soon cruising past St. Benet's Abbey and the Ant Mouth. At this point we were soon passing other hire craft, ones we would get to know throughout the week, it was so quite that we would recognise faces as well as the boat names.

One Space Left

There wasn't much traffic as we approached Horning, which was a first, and as hoped there was a large space right at the end of the village staithe. Perfect! We wanted to do a nice long stretch down to Horning, but wasn't too sure that we would get a nights mooring.

Looking Downstream

We locked up the boat and went exploring. First stop was the Lavender and Lace shop, to see our new friend, only to find out that she retired in June and moved out to Barton Turf. Then it was onto the Horning Deli, and bought a jar of Seville marmalade, mainly for the attractive jar it came in, but when we tasted it, it was delicious, just the right blend of natural sweetness and tartness. We walked up Lower street to the green and bought a few other bits and pieces. Popped in the Swan and booked a table for dinner tonight.

The Swan at Dusk

Went back to the boat for a rest after having such an early start this morning. It was Steak night in the Swan, so we happily obliged with two Rump steaks and some garlic bread to start. By the time we finished there were only a few customers left, and we had to use our torches to get back to the boat. Had a cuppa and watched a little TV, but we were pretty shattered, and retired for the night looking forward to the rest of our week.