Sunday 19th August. Just back from a weekend with Scraggies on the Norfolk Broads. Our campsite was just a farm track, with half a dozen tents along one side, before the track widened at an abrupt dead end beneath trees, where we were able to our pitch tents as a group. At the top of the track there were a couple of static caravans, and perfectly adequate facilities next to the owner’s house. It was quiet, and perfect for our needs.
We had pre-booked an electric powered 12 seat day-boat for Saturday, to explore the local Broads.
We planned a route that surprisingly (!) delivered us to a pub at lunchtime, where we spent a contented couple of hours watching boats trying to reverse park, as required. The bloke who collected the “parking fee” also had the job of parking the boats of those who had entertained us by making repeated failed attempts to reverse up to the bank. There was even a “police boat”, operated by the Broads Authority, but complete with blue light, keeping an eye on things. On the way back it was almost unbearably hot – 33C apparently. Some snoozed, some flew a kite behind the boat, and some just enjoyed the sun.
We had a second visit to a pub, close to camp, for dinner. The landlady was wonderful, a real character with a broad Norfolk accent, who provided us with a game of “Shut The Box” (Google it) for us to entertain ourselves with while the food was cooked. When one of our number managed to “shut the box” there was a lot of cheering. We also joined in a round of Happy Birthday when a cake was delivered to an adjacent table, which was appreciated. Apparently four diners at the far end of the bar, who we heard ordering 3 tomato juices and a shandy, complained to the landlady about the noise….
Back home on Sunday, but not before finding a beach for feet-cooling purposes.
Technically we live in Oaktree House, but sadly the tree had to go.
We now have a thriving Oakstump at the front of the house.
