Day 3 and once again I was up early for a short paddle before the main event. It was even colder than the previous morning and once again it was misty. This time instead of heading out onto the broad I took a left turn and paddled into the mist.
The sun began to rise behind these trees picking them out in silhouette.
Rounding a bend I saw this house and windmill in a different light. I have seen it plenty of times in full daylight but like this it looks timeless.
A swan glided through the mist
and I found myself in a land of many spider webs. They were easy to pick out in the damp air.
The sun continued to rise
and by the time I was nearing Barton Turf again the water was mirror like and perfectly calm.
A heron was sat patiently on a sign.
Our main paddle of the day was to be on a section of the North Walsham and Dilam Canal that I hadn't been on before. This is higher up than the section I have paddled before (which we would paddle on Monday) and begins at Ebridge mill.
As we prepared to put boats on the water a large carp was spotted cruising around.
we were paddling against a light but persistent breeze.
Passing under a brick bridge we came across a rather ancient looking dredger.
Shortly after we found ourselves at the next lock which is the end of the line for now.
as we returned the way we had come I took pictures as we passed under the bridge.
Back at the put in you can see work is going on on the lock.
and there is an information board.
It was a short morning paddle and we had another brief paddle planned for the afternoon. We returned to our base to have lunch and recharge ourselves.
Some of us even managed to squeeze in forty winks!
Once we were ready for the off I took Peterborough No 1 to the put in.
and we were soon on the water.
Our route was to the Sutton Staith Hotel which isn't far. On the way we came across Ed
in his wide board and batten sailing canoe. Some of you may have read my blog on how I re- skinned his boat with epoxy and fibreglass cloth.
We paddled on against a stiff breeze and reached our destination where we sat in the garden to enjoy a well earned pint.
Having quenched our thirst we paddled back with the wind behind us but it had dropped a little.
When the others turned to Barton turf I decided to continue up to Neatishead and go to the white horse for supper.
I had haddock and chips to fortify myself for the paddle back.
Another fabulous day with good company and some great paddling.
Cheers
Alick