A boat trip from Reedham to Oulton Broad on a fine but chilly day after mopping down the boat and watching Reedham Ferry operate to and fro. Waits of 15-20mins at Reedham and Somerleyton swing bridges and then along the Waveney to Oulton Broad yacht station.
Lunch at The Ice Cream Parlour and the afternoon by bus to Lowestoft shopping and looking round before some time on the sea front and back to the boat by taxi.
I was a little slow to my bunk last night but we were late awake again this morning and so I had plenty of sleep. The day started and continued fine but still chilly; though with the wind very slight we did not feel too cold. Breakfast of Oat Bran Flakes again with apple juice as I managed to keep to my diet. Then I went out to mop the decks and get ready for our trip, taking in the mud-weight and the extra mooring ropes. Della looked on and wa s still fascinated with the Reedham Chain Ferry plying backwards and forwards across the River Yare with its never-ending cargo of cars.
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The boat was very damp with dew as we were also downwind of the sugar beet works which was adding to the mist last night. I therefore gave the windows a good mop down - inside and out- so that I could see where I was going. A pleasant enough trip but we had to wait for the Reedham Swing Railway Bridge for fifteen minutes and then another 20mins for the one at Somerleyton. At this time of year they seem less keen on opening for the reduced river traffic. We cruised on up the Waveney until we stopped at Oulton Broad where we managed to tie up at the private boat quay with shore-power close at hand. Did not stay on board long but locked up and took lunch at the "Ice Cream Parlour" cafe and then took the double-decker bus to Lowestoft. I let the girls go shopping and spent my time looking at DIY and tool shops.
There is a grand one there that seems to have every combination of hand and electric tool which gave me a number of ideas for when I am next reorganising my tool box. Met Diana for afternoon tea and then resumed my walk; taking a look at the chart agents and chandleries. The Admiralty are producing a new chart of the Yarmouth Approaches but it is not out yet. A rendezvous for tea at McDonalds and then we walked to the sea-front to let the girls play miniature ten-pin bowls. To our surprise and Debbie's consternation, Della beat her two games to nil! back to Oulton Broad by taxi and the evening watching TV and working on my computer.