Broadland Tales

Day 2 - STALHAM TO RANWORTH

I woke at 7am, looking out onto the balcony, the sun was out and there wasn't a cloud in sight, I went back to sleep smiling. Two hours later and it was all change, the clouds had came back and I could no longer see the sun. I sent a text to Neil and Delva to see where they were, as they had spent the night in a hotel in Lincoln, and would be meeting up with us in Stalham. They had left but had experienced a Sat Nav glitch, and weren't sure what time they would meet up with us.

Off For Supplies

We had breakfast overlooking the river, I had the best poached eggs ever. We sat and watched the boats passing by while trying to get through the giant pot of tea. Before going back to our room to pack up, we walked around to Roy's and bought breakfast things for the next few days, and also some rolls, cheese and sausages for our next couple of lunches.

Looking For A Taxi

We packed up, had our last proper showers, our taxi picked us up dead on 12:30. The now familiar drive up to the boatyard was enjoyable, and before long we were checking in. It seems that Richardsons have given some extra thought to customer satisfaction, as we were handed a free map, a free WiFi kit for on board, and the parking was free too.

We headed over to Swan Quay, and was told the boat was ready, the guy in charge recognised me, and said that we wouldn't need a trial run, but he would send someone over, to show us around in case anything had changed since we last had the Mars.

It was great to be back on the Mars, and Neil and Delva were soon pulling up. While Delva was looking the boat over, Neil told us that there had been an emergency on the way from Lincoln, and that they would have to return home. We made them a cup of tea, then boatyard guy was knocking. He was very thorough, showing everything to me, even though it was evident that we knew more about the boat than him.

A Very Trying Trial

Then he insisted on a trial run, even though both reception and his supervisor had said there was no need. He was very formal and stiff, it might have been down to the fact that he was once in the military. He was very confusing, he kept contradicting himself. He also kept talking while I was concentrating on the river, which I really hate. He was the most annoying man I've ever experienced, but at least Neil and Delva got a short trip on the boat, before returning home.

Over Barton Broad

As soon as we had waved Delva and Neil off, we rolled the top back and were off down the river. It was good to be back on the waterways, and Barton Broad was busy with sailing boats. The river was quite and we soon passed How Hill, everyone we passed were waving and thoroughly enjoying themselves. It was good to be back amongst holiday makers, instead of fishermen, as fishing was out of season.

A Tight Fit

Ranworth Staithe

It was great to be at the Helm of the Mars again, as this was the boat we first learnt from, and lining up to pass under Ludham Bridge was no problem. We were soon crossing Malthouse Broad, and there was one space at the staithe, I moored us there with real ease, and was pleasantly surprised at how narrow the mooring actually was. It was going to be a good week!

Past The Pub and Houses

Turn Left Off The Road

Down To South Walsham Broad

Onto Malthouse Broad

Back At The Pub

We went out to stretch our legs, and walked on the road past the Maltsters, turning off to the left and following the path down to South Walsham broad, before turning back alongside Malthouse. It was a pleasant evening with a lovely sunset, promising a sunny day tomorrow. That night we had delicious Ribeye Steaks in the Maltsters, and had a lovely night sleep on board the Mars.