The Trip

As the 9th June approaches, preparations are completed.  Along with the usual requirements of clothing for all weathers, sun cream, waterproofs etc.  a few special things need to be arranged and packed.  Jon is planning all the food, and will bring as much as possible to avoid the need for shopping.  Much of it is frozen and stored in cool-boxes, where it will defrost slowly.  Even so, with no fridge we will have to start shopping for fresh stuff sooner or later.  Robin is bringing a cask of home made beer, which has been maturing for the last three weeks, and each of us will bring three bottles of wine, making one bottle available for each night of the trip.

There are also the background information and navigation documents and tools.  The boats are well equipped with a comprehensive information pack, but I still like to add my Hamilton's Navigations for its detailed descriptions of every stretch of the river, and its inclusion of much fascinating background and historical detail, It also has excellent pub recommendations, which favour real ale, good food and quiet atmosphere.  Along with this I have the 1:25000 Ordnance Survey map of the Broads (waterproof version) and a GPS receiver.  The 1:50,000 Landranger map is provided in the boat's information pack.  I also have printouts of some of the excellent information sheets from norfolkbroads.com