More antics on the water!

Jon and I took Mollie, Henry, Dan and Viki for breakfast at the Bistro in Cromer. A variation on the 'payday takeaway' which we usually squeeze in to this time of the month. It was nice, so we will do it again! A quick wander round Cromer in the rain, then Jon and I went to Overstrand garden centre for coffee and cake, before heading home to prepare for our afternoon out.

So, buoyancy aids, paddles and water shoes packed. We got together some snacks, and a flask of coffee, towels and spare trousers, that just left the canoe! Just Jon and I to lift it on to the car, but we managed, then headed to Wroxham Broad. Not one we have been to, but about a 40 minute drive from ours. There, we had a planned rendezvous with Andy, Polly and the girls, for an afternoon on the water. We certainly came through some small floods on the lanes approaching the Broad, but we arrived in plenty of time. It was raining, and we knew Polly was delayed in traffic, so we got the canoe off the roof, and sat in the car with a cup of coffee watching the wildlife. Swans, ducks and lots of geese. As the weather cleared, and the water calmed our friends arrived. Perfect timing! Then all go - buoyancy aids on, decisions made and the first trip out on the Canadian canoe was with Polly front, Andy middle and Jon at the back. Polly was able to take photos of them from her front seat! After a short while they came back in, and Andy rested at the side. The paddle board was extracted from the boot of the car, and Jon and Polly pumped it up. Then Lulu showed us all how it was done, with an expert demonstration. After a coffee Andy was keen to get back on the water, so Jon took him out again, with Elyse at the front this time. Polly took the paddleboard out, and paddled alongside. The weather stayed dry and calm, but the geese were quite noisy, every now and again taking off in a big flock, only to land a few hundred metres further on the Broad. We also had a pair of swans keeping us company - hopeful for food I think!

They were out for a while paddling, while Lulu and I stayed firmly on dry land. Thankfully no capsizing, and the crew of the canoe and paddleboard stayed pretty dry. Later Polly did a spell with Elyse on the paddle board, and finally Jon had his first go. I was persuaded to go on the paddleboard with Jon, but didn't venture far. As we were returning to shore, Andy was up and heading to the big Canadian with the help of Lulu. He had decided he was going to go for a paddle on his own! We scrambled to the bank to help him in, and before we knew it, he was in the centre of the canoe, on his knees, paddle in hand. I gave him a push and he was off. Full of determination that he could do this. And he did!! Amazingly took off, with Jon struggling on the paddle board to keep up! He paddled out, turned and headed back to the bank. It wasn't comfortable kneeling, but was definitely the most stable position for Andy. Jon caught up, and they both turned and paddled back to shore. This solo paddle was an incredible achievement for Andy, and a renewed boost to his confidence. Satisfied with the afternoon's paddling, he came back to shore. The light by then fading. We got him out, and everyone started to pack up the kit. A few more photos, and then Jon deflated and packed away the paddle board, while Polly packed her car. Snacks, drinks and then we waved them off. Jon and I got our canoe back on the roof, and once secured made our way home in the dark. Satisfied with the achievements of the day, and for finding a new spot to bring our canoe in future. I'm also inspired to do a bit of cold water swimming here, by a couple of older ladies who appeared in the water while Jon and I sat in the car. Swimming, and chatting like it was a summers day! Then out and warmed in one of those cosy looking giant towel lined coats. I need one of those!

Home and egg and chips for tea...and a beer! A good day :-)