Hardley Windmill is now looking closer to completion, the view below of the Windmill and the Wherry moored alongside, provide a sense of the past activities around the local staithes, when Wherries carried their loads like coal, reeds and bricks.
The Windmill can be seen from all over the area and in it’s more restored state, [...]
With the Norfolk Broads land and sky it’s fun to try and work out where the river progresses further along it’s meandering ways. For example in this picture near Langley Dyke, apart from the immediate and obvious reed bank in the foreground, there is a bend to the left in the middle of the picture [...]
I love Windmills on the Norfolk Broads, they all seem to have their own individual character. Indeed, some of the Windmills have their own ‘fan club’ like Hardley Windmill Trust. The renovated ones look tidy and clean and punctuate the Norfolk bank horizons beautifully, breaking up an otherwise predictable linearity.
The windmills left more to nature, [...]
Hardley Floods is designated as a Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is a fascinating place for bird watching judging from the not insignificant number of fully equipped Twitchers passing by. There is a great (sometimes muddy) footpath with some sturdy bridges where you can stand and watch the wildlife go by on both [...]
The colours out on the Norfolk Broads are astounding, ranging from deep blues to greys which certainly aren’t dull. Each time you venture out on the rivers, you’re never sure what you’ll see. The reeds along the banks often range from strong orange golds to deep dark greens all in the same day. These two [...]
The river banks hold many fascinating surprises for the keen eyed boat person, from dragonflies to ducks, if you can stay quiet and cut your engine. I think a canoe or rowing boat is the best for quietly approaching undetected. You never know what you may see peeking over the river banks, in smaller boats [...]
Trees and holidays; in our younger days, my friends and I would spend many happy hours climbing trees. Those overhanging the water had an added excitement of one slip and you’re in the drink, but you did get a better view of any boats going past. Health and Safety probably wouldn’t allow it these days. [...]
If you go too fast on The Broads you can easily miss some of the other boat company, many times ramblers on the bank footpaths, see a boat zooming about with a large wash, looking like they have an even tighter deadline than if they were back in their office. Whereas if they went slow [...]
I think one of the most amazing things about the Norfolk Broads is the wildlife, and that’s not just some of the more lively tourists. When on your Boating Holiday you get to see all manner of animals and birds, like the Heron with it’s amazing wingspan and unusual sound of flight.
A far rarer sight [...]
