The news for the last three days has been of the Norwich City Library fire in which most of the historical collection of books, plates, maps and photographic history of Norwich and Norfolk has been lost
The news for the last three days has been of the Norwich City Library fire in which most of the historical collection of books, plates, maps and photographic history of Norwich and Norfolk has been lost

After a quiet and restful night with no thunder and lightning this time to disturb our sleep we pulled alongside Burgh Castle Marina and filled up with the water hose before cruising from Burgh St Peter and then cruised across Breydon Water to visit via Pettit’s at Reedham on a dull but humid and close afternoon.

Then then cruised back under Reedham Bridge and then Somerleyton which both swung for us to pass under without need for folding things down.

On to Burgh St Peter Marina where we moored up for the night. Plenty of time on my computer later back on the boat, using the plentiful electricity to type up the day's events as well as charge it fully for the days ahead.

A quiet and restful night with no thunder and lightning this time to disturb our sleep. Once up, I set off on a long walk with Sam and ended up going into Burgh Castle village and out of the other side which meant that we were out for a full hour!

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Last night, I had helped the neighbouring boat crews moor their boats properly to take account of the tidal rise and fall; and this morning I had to help them set off with the tidal flow astern of their moorings. Boat hirers are given so little instruction upon taking over their craft that it is a worry to themselves and others.

We pulled alongside Burgh Castle Marina and filled up with the water hose; fighting off the feeble competition of another hire cruiser who was trying to get in first. At least their inexperience can be an advantage! The cruise down to Breydon Water and then up past The Berney Arms and on under the swing bridge to Reedham; managing to get a good mooring in the centre of the river front.

It was soon apparent that the novelty bus that used to take river crews up to Pettit’s Feathercraft had stopped running and so, after a snack for the girls and lunch for Diana and I in a local pub, we all walked up the hill and over the railway to visit it on foot with Sam. He was allowed in and made welcome, and the rain held off on a dull but humid and close afternoon. There was a Country & Western concert, Magic and then a Punch & Judy show performed by the only female artist in Norfolk & Suffolk.

Then, of course, there were all of the pets to pet but the display shops had almost eliminated the feather pictures etc. that used to be the hallmark of the place and replaced them with cheap craft candles and an amusement arcade. It was all an experience but, judging by the faces on most of the visitors and the amount of discipline being meeted out to recalcitrant children, it was all rather a trial for most of them.

Sam had countless types of fowl and fur to tempt him but he was steady for most of the time even if he did find a whole group of bunnies too much. We left in late afternoon, after several ice creams and cups of tea and walked back quickly noting the sky had become overcast again. It did not rain and we made the boat, ate tea and then cruised back under Reedham Bridge and then Somerleyton which both swung for us to pass under without need for folding things down.

On to Burgh St Peter Marina where we moored up for the night and were able to hook up to shore power for a change and be more ample in our use of lights and equipment. A walk with Sam and run for him across a harvested pea field with stubble still in place. He scented the rabbits, sprung a hare and then stopped obligingly to the stop whistle before performing a fast and capable hunting pattern to cover the rest just about on his own initiative which was fine.

Then a drink outside the pub with Diana with Sam laying quietly. I always find that he behaves well by comparison after having previously been tempted on the last outing. Plenty of time on my computer later back on the boat, using the plentiful electricity to type up the day's events as well as charge it fully for the days ahead.