Thursday

We were off at 8am moving towards Great Yarmouth and on our way back to the Southern Broads. We were ahead of time to be right with the tide, so we stopped off at Acle Bridge for a pit stop for Harris and a fill up with water. Then we were off again and, still ahead of time, decided to stop off again at the Ferry Inn at Stokesby where there was a small village shop and a play area for Harris.

Finally we set off for the big one and passed through Great Yarmouth and on to Breydon Water without incident – but it was very windy! Now on the southern side we headed past Reedham once again and on towards our overnight stop at Loddon at the head of the River Chet. We were anxious to get in and, as soon as we turned off the main river we found ourselves being followed by another boat. The channel is so narrow that it was unlikely he would be able to overtake us and pinch the last mooring. In the event there were at least two spaces left so nobody was unhappy!

Loddon is just about the most heavenly mooring spot on the Broads. It is very pretty and has been developed quite a bit more since we were lat here all those years ago. There’s now a car park next to the staithe but, much better than that, there’s a water supply and electricity to hook up to. Payment is required but prepayment cards are available at the Premier shop opposite (open 6am to 9pm). There are also public conveniences adjoining the staithe and the shop keeper at the Premier food store said that a shower block is due to be added! And to top it all, there’s an excellent pub up the road according to TripAdvisor and the menu is varied and very well priced plus Rosy Lee’s cafe opposite does full English breakfasts from 7.30am. The forecast for tomorrow morning is for rain for much of the day so we may stay put and enjoy the locality!!