Generically known as the ‘Norfolk Broads’ are the man-made rivers and lakes (Broads) of Norfolk. The area is now a National Park, though historically these inland waterways were established to help reclaim water-logged land for agricultural use (if I’ve remembered correctly what it said in the guide book!)
As the weather begins to warm and more boaters get their ‘babies’ out of hibernation ready to cruise the cut, I thought I’d share with you a little snippet of ‘Breaking News’ I’ve come across. Many of you ‘old hands’ at the tiller (hopefully all of you!) will be familiar with the Considerate Boater on Willow Wren Training’s website. If you’re not, or are new to cruising the canals, please take a look.
Well, what a cracking summer it’s been! Lots of lovely canal closures....loads of low water problems. The sunny weather ought to have been brilliant for ‘boat watching’ along the cut, but unfortunately where I’m based we had none to watch. The water level on the main canal dropped. Tempers rose. The locks got...locked. And those who did manage to get down found themselves stuck in the basin for weeks on end. Most abandoned boat and went home. So, there’s not much action to report from the towpath.
You may recall last time I told a tale from the towpath, I spoke about ‘Sovereign Lady’ – a very special boat that I hope to see afloat by next summer. She will be a beauty. I will make sure of that. And she will be very special, of that I am determined. Folk will look and admire, but most importantly, they will see how very much loved she is – not only by those who operate her; those who holiday aboard her; and those who tell her story, but also by those who pass her both ashore and afloat. Which brings me now to share with you a very sad tale…..a very, very sad tale.
You may recall I made reference to having owned a boat called Graydees’ Dream, many moons ago. As far as I am aware, she’s still lying at Garstang Marina on the Lancaster canal. A more beautiful boat you couldn’t wish for, with her bespoke engine room and fully exposed John Deere engine; hand-painted (oil paints) waterside scenes on her superstructure; designer interior; and striking etched interior glass doors. Her bright red roof with brass mushrooms shone in whatever weather cared to come our way. Gongoozlers and boaters alike stopped to look. Many even came on board.
