We boarded a coach outside Gunton Hall, in Suffolk where we met Patrick our coach driver for the day. The journey took us through Great Yarmouth where we had an interesting commentary from Patrick on the history and the recent economic decline of the area. Herring fishing was the spark that fired the economic success of this area, now with overfishing and new legislation this success is a thing of the past. The youth of the area are suffering from this decline and are leaving the area in droves seeking employment elsewhere. We crossed the impressive suspension bridge over the river Yare, and we were on our way through the beautiful Norfolk countryside to the Norfolk Broads.
We arrived at the beautiful village of Horning, a place Margaret and I know very well as we have been here together several times before. Patrick the coach driver, parked the coach in the same car park we usually use, opposite The Swan Inn, a pub where we had lunch with Mum several times when she was alive. We could clearly see the ship, "Southern Comfort" berthed and waiting alongside. Patrick informed us we would be sailing at one pm and we had half an hour to spare. Margaret and I visited a local shop and purchased some cooked chicken and crisps for our lunch, and we found a bench opposite the river and enjoyed our food while we soaked up the atmosphere. I photographed Margaret holding up a pirate flag that was attached to a pole outside one of the souvenir novelty shops.
After a cautionary few safety remarks from the skipper, we were soon on our way. The broads were very busy with pleasure boats and small craft . There is always an extraordinary amount of bird life around the broads, many ducks, some swans and the usual over-abundance of pigeons and seagulls.
Our skipper then proceeded to deliver a wonderful commentary on the history and the makeup of the buildings we were passing and pointed out many houses and cottages of interest. We both took many photographs of the wonderful riverside dwellings, the wildlife and the impressive beauty of the river.
We passed many thatched-roofed buildings and as our skipper pointed out they were thatched using home grown materials harvested from the local Norfolk reed beds. This thatching material lasts very much longer than the traditional straw that is used elsewhere.
An authentic windmill on the river that has been turned into a holiday home, was a really impressive sight, very well preserved and maintained.
We passed a beautiful church, St Margaret's, with a very large riverside vicarage that could have passed for a large country house.
We passed many thatched-roofed buildings and as our skipper pointed out they were thatched using home grown materials harvested from the local Norfolk reed beds. This thatching material lasts very much longer than the traditional straw that is used elsewhere.
An authentic windmill on the river that has been turned into a holiday home, was a really impressive sight, very well preserved and maintained.
We passed a beautiful church, St Margaret's, with a very large riverside vicarage that could have passed for a large country house.
There was a very historical redundant ferry crossing that was closed due to some problems with the owners. However the "Ferry Inn" was still open and doing a roaring trade from the many river craft that were tied up and berthed along the banks.
We then sailed away from the built up part of the waterway into the green of the reed-beds where the actual Norfolk reeds are cut to be used for thatching.
There were acres devoted to a nature reserve with bird hides and many small tributaries with large impressive houses tucked away on the sides of the river as we sailed by.
Finally we arrived at a very large expanse of water where there was another impressive church on the banks of the waterway. The skipper then announced that he would be turning the ship around here and heading back to the berth at Horning. This very tricky manoeuvre was achieved with all the skills of many repeated turns on previous river trips.
We then sailed away from the built up part of the waterway into the green of the reed-beds where the actual Norfolk reeds are cut to be used for thatching.
There were acres devoted to a nature reserve with bird hides and many small tributaries with large impressive houses tucked away on the sides of the river as we sailed by.
Finally we arrived at a very large expanse of water where there was another impressive church on the banks of the waterway. The skipper then announced that he would be turning the ship around here and heading back to the berth at Horning. This very tricky manoeuvre was achieved with all the skills of many repeated turns on previous river trips.
On the way back the skipper enquired if anyone would like to try driving and steering the ship, at my urging Margaret volunteered. The skipper then seated Margaret at the wheel placed the captains hat upon her head and began to show her what to do to control the ship. This was brilliant and I took a couple of great photographs of Margaret's skills in action. After steering for about ten minutes she had to relinquish control to give someone else a chance. I have to say I was very impressed and proud of her.
We then continued our journey viewing the incredibly beautiful scenery once again as we made our way back to Horning.
We boarded our coach and arrived back at Gunton Hall about an hour later and relaxed for the rest of the afternoon.
We then continued our journey viewing the incredibly beautiful scenery once again as we made our way back to Horning.
We boarded our coach and arrived back at Gunton Hall about an hour later and relaxed for the rest of the afternoon.