A personal account............It was thanks to John and Lorraine, who provided the lift and tented accommodation, that I was able to join everyone else and take part in a very enjoyable weekend.
Most of us: Adrian, Peter and Jeanette, Dee and Jerry, Dan, Mark, Newton, Amanda and Martin (who took the more private, soft option of an Air BnB!) John, Lorraine and me, arrived on Friday afternoon. (Actually, Peter and Jeanette were already settled at the campsite, having arrived the previous Wednesday.) We were joined by Mags, her son Adam, along with Reika, her boisterous rottweiler, plus Steve, Geoff and Helen from Dereham kayakers.
It happened to be Mags' birthday, so of course we all walked to the nearby pub to start the weekend off in the best social way possible. The pub is a very pleasant short walk away, whichever route is taken, through fields with horses, and windmill, backlit by mid-September sun.
Returning to the camp site after dark from the pub was one of my highlights (before most of us had done any kayaking). It was warm and quiet, with a clear night sky, so Martin was in his element as he pointed out constellations and other features, which it seemed, a lot of us didn't know. Fortunately, I had taken my binoculars, which enabled us to see so much more. With little light pollution, Martin continued to point out things after we were back at camp. That night sky was memorable, including sight if a couple of shooting stars. (Hope those who saw them made a wish.)
Another feature of this very pleasant and fairly remote campsite (Bureside Holiday Park) was how little traffic noise there was. That lack of noise was made up for on the first night by a group in our sector of the site, who were set up near Dee and Jerry's tent. Camping isn't Dee's favourite thing anyway and she put up with the racket until after midnight, when she stormed over and complained in no uncertain terms! Next morning, several of us helped them move pitch behind the next hedge!
One of the advantages of this campsite is the easy access to a slipway for all the kayakers. Once launched, we were straight onto a waterway which led to the main routes through the Broads. With Adrian at the helm for this weekend, we all set off about 9.30 am, with an initial plan to go to South Walsham. Early on, Adrian made sure we understood the rules of the road on the Broads and he kept a watchful eye (and mouth!) at junctions.
It was a lovely, warm sunny morning. Too good not to make the most of, so initial route was changed and we continued on to Ranworth Broad. There we created the colourful scene of 17 sea kayaks hauled out on the green. Drinks, cakes and savouries called us at the nearby hostelry, as well as a handy toilet break. Re-launching took a while as Ranworth was busy with other people and different craft, as well as us.
Birdwatching is one of my interests, along with wildlife generally, plus the sight of some very nicely planted gardens. Kayaking on the Norfolk Broads was good for all those things and, I noted for the future, a place to come in the spring, when nightingale and other migrant warblers are in full song. In mid-September though, I saw Hobby on several occasions, silhouetted in the sky, hawking for dragonflies, which they catch and eat in flight. Feeding up, I thought, ready for the long migration back to Africa. Cetti's warbler, with their explosive call, were heard often. Once a rarity in the area, now a permanent feature of the Broads. Great crested grebe, some with youngsters, were not that shy and easy to approach. Then there was the whistling peep of a Kingfisher and a flash of turquoise and bronzy orange as it darted away.
I am a beginner at kayaking, only joining CKC, in June 2022. The Crouch is therefore the only body of water I have been on as a paddler. Being on the Norfolk Broads (rather than seen from the land by bicycle, as I did in the past) seemed to me a rather intimate watery experience. It was mostly a delight, apart from the many motorboats and other craft to look out for. Otherwise, I could have daydreamed my way all day. The classic Broads wooden sailing yachts were a lovely sight, with sails aloft, sometimes looking as though they were gliding through the reeds.
After Ranworth, we retraced a bit, turning left to Horning, past some beautiful gardens, fancy boathouses and expensive real estate. Some good photo ops on this route, which I trusted Dan, and others with cameras to see. I don't recall how far we paddled this day. There was so much of interest to see, it almost seemed effortless most of the time. On the return leg, we hauled out once more for a break. There was an historical site (St Benet's Abbey) a short walk away. Fortunately, Dan came along with his camera and took some interesting shots of the windmill (just the main tower remaining) which had been built within the walls of part of the old abbey. On reading the history board, it made me think politically of then and now. "plus, ca change"... came to mind, with exploitation of those with least power, who eventually rose up in desperation against the Abbey's masters. I was also reminded of Molière's play The Miser: "What? You expect to be paid to work for me!?" All too current, I thought.
The image of another walk through a green and treelined lane to a welcoming pub, spurred me on to the last paddle stroke of our first day.
The weather was changing, the wind was getting up, and that night cloud was building. Some of us were in rebellious mood after a long day's paddle. With several drinks and a hot supper inside us, we were on holiday and didn't feel like setting off for a paddle to Potter Heigham too early next morning, so we outvoted our leader and decided on 10.30 am start for Sunday. However, come the morning, we were up and ready earlier than that. No, Adrian said, tough. We had voted and we'd leave later. By then the wind had got up and the rain started. It wasn't too cool to begin with, but those without wind or waterproofs were feeling a bit cold by the time we returned to the campsite. In spite of that, it didn't rain the whole time and the paddle to Potter Heigham was visually interesting in a different way. Properties by the waterside were generally less affluent and sometimes quirky. Also, it was interesting to go under the famous bridge and a bit beyond. The weather meant we didn't stop anywhere for a break, but instead headed straight back.
By Sunday night, most had packed up and gone home ready for work next day. That left Lorraine, John and me, plus Peter and Jeanette and Dan. The rain had stopped and of course we had to go to the pub for one last meal! It turned out to be a most convivial evening, with enjoyable tales and much laughter. Dan drove home that night, whilst the rest of us spent the night under canvas once again. During the night heavy rain arrived, with eventually an overhead thunderstorm. I was grateful for my comfy camp bed off the ground. By morning the storm had passed and the sun came out, which made for an easy pack up at the end of a lovely weekend. Thanks to Adrian for organising it and the good company of everyone else. Clare Albon
Photos supplied by: Dan, Martin, Newton, Mags & Dee
