Holiday 2002

When? Saturday 31 August - Saturday 7 September 2002

Where? The Norfolk Broads, England

Boating holidays were a relatively unknown quantity for me before this late summer trip. I had always been attracted by the idea though, and so when Elaine and I decided to book one (she having vastly more experience than myself), I looked forward to it very much. This was the vehicle we chose: 'Bright Horizon', a sturdy little number that slept four comfortably, six at a push. Forunately we weren't pushing, as Elaine's sister Katharine and b.f. Guy were the only other people joining us.

Basically we stocked up on provisions and set out for a week of calm relaxation. It was very enjoyable. Of course there isn't a great deal to do being stuck on the water for a week, but that's the point: it's all about unwinding, admiring the scenery, enjoying the company.

The scenery is beautiful, in its own unique way. The Broads are very flat of course, being part of the Fens. Enormous areas of reeds line the banks of many rivers; elsewhere, it is simply fields, or the occasional town you cruise through. As a National Park, the Broads are not just an area of outstanding natural beauty, but also a haven to many different species of wildlife. We were able to walk round a nature reserve one day.

But that's just one side of it: steering the boat was pretty good fun! Once you get the hang of it, of course. And it's not as if you can go speeding off either, there are speed limits everywhere. But once you leave behind your motorway mentality, it's a pleasant thing indeed just to idle lazily up and down the waterways.

The boat itself was comfortable. There was a nice forward cabin, which doubled up as a lounge, dining room and general HQ. The two bedrooms were comfortable enough, given the space. The kitchen wasn't too bad either, though there was barely enough room for two people at one time.

Fortunately there weren't any mishaps, such as people falling in - though Elaine's hat almost escaped us. A fishing net was used to effect its recapture, at the very real risk of running aground...

It was a great holiday in a unique part of the country. For anyone seeking escape and relaxation, or just something a little different, I would thoroughly recommend it :-)