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In 1977 we hired our first narrowboat from Anglo Welsh at Market Harborough.From that moment our destiny was set. In 2006 we finally purchased our own brand new 57' narrowboat which we named 'Free Spirit'. Our aim is to travel the length and breadth of all the navigable rivers and canals of the UK. This will be our story as it unfolds.

Tuesday 9 July 2019

Where are they all?

Has anyone else noticed that when you zoom in on Google Earth the picture deteriorates? All to do with privacy no doubt but when one is looking to see if a car park is suitable for a motorhome it can be most frustrating. Because we were off to see the Seals (a booking made for 10.15am) and because we had no idea if the car park at Morston Quay could accommodate the Beast, we got up at some silly o'clock, had a cup of tea and then headed for Morston. Well, we needn't have stressed as the car park was huge and added bonus, it was owned by NT so as members we didn't have to pay. The car park Pay machine has a scanning point for NT members cards, brilliant and very easy to use if.....and I say if....we had remembered to bring the cards with us! So until the information centre opened we could do no more than hope they would believe us and issue a free ticket.

A second welcome cup of tea and breakfast at 8am and then a walk to see what was around. Tide was most definitely out and we wondered how it would be high enough at 10am to take the trip.  But narrow creeks funnel the water in and sure enough at the allotted time we were met by helmsman Mike and taken to the boat. How surprised were we when we found out we were the only two in a boat that usually carriers around 20 people. The later trip at 11.30 had been full.

Top at 8am  Bottom 11am

Mike helmsman of Ptarmigan
 Grey and Common seals were seen at Blakeney Point but what was very worrying was the lack of numbers. Normally the population stretches all along the shoreline but this year/ for some reason, the breeding females didn't appear. So all we saw was these few on one small stretch of beach.

Worrying the lack of numbers



On our return, we headed for Sheringham Park. Another NT property but no viewing of the house, unfortunately. The grounds were extensive, found out afterwards that the walk we did around the perimeter was over 4 miles. Great views of the Weybourne Station about half way around and if we had bothered to wait for 30 minutes, would have seen the steam loco go by. Never mind, we have once again made a quick decision and are making the Sheringham to Holt Poppy line trip tomorrow.




 Found another wild camping spot at a place called Pretty Corner. Carpark with woods either side and as rural as one can get. Could there be foxes around? Now, wouldn't that be a turn up for the books?


Lots of wildlife today








Oyster Catcher and chick

Hmmm. Can't read obviously!






4 comments:

Marilyn, nb Waka Huia said...

Lovely to see you out and about!˜
M&D xxoo

Dave Ward said...

The resolution of Google Earth varies from place to place - I guess it depends on what method (aeroplanes or satellites) were used to photograph each section. But if you want to get a better close up view then go to the "Street View" option. Granted this isn't available everywhere, and it's often less up to date, but always worth checking. It shows Morston Quay very well. I was also able to identify the exact spot you spent the night on the Cley Beach road - but then I do know the area fairly well! If you are staying in Norfolk for a bit longer, I'd be happy to have a meet up - I'm near Norwich, which is a 40 minute drive, and I regularly head towards the coast looking for birds of prey. You should have my email address from the blog comment.

Ian and Irene Jameison said...

Hello Dave, thanks for the info on Google Earth. I'll try street view next time. We are planning to be touring Norfolk until Friday week and have already sorted out the itinerary for the rest of this week. We may well be around Norwich sometime next week but to date, nothing has been planned. Your email address doesn't show on the comment so I'm hoping you get this message instead. Message me at my Email address below and we may well try to sort out a meeting.

Ian and Irene Jameison said...

Hi Marilyn, It's nice to be out and about and long may it continue. If you are still around mid-October, and if you are going to be on the Thames, we may well get to see you. But if not NZ is our destination from January to mid-Feb so we MUST meet up with you then. I & I Xxx

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