sailing again

More sailing on the Norfolk Broads.  This time a northern waters cruise with Mr & Mrs Rev T.  We sailed to Coltishall - the unfrequented head of navigation on the River Bure.  Stella was last there several years ago.  Other haunts visited were Horsey Mere, West Somerton, and Gay's Staithe.  Pub of the cruise was The White Horse at Neatishead - completely renovated and offering superb Grain Oak Bitter (3.8% ABV).  Very useful when, a la Rev T, you have "had your tea..."

at Coltishall Locks

at Coltishall Locks

leaving Horsey Mere

wherry Albion at Ludham Bridge

Sailing at May Day

The Green Wyvern May Day cruise was blessed with fine weather.  Stella, Mimosa, Puck, Pan and Modwena made a fleet of 5.  Despite light winds, Stella & Mimosa made it to Geldeston on Saturday lunchtime, dropping back to Beccles for the night.  On Sunday a westerly wind sprung up allowing us to plug the tide to North Cove and then Burgh St Peter.  On Monday we headed home.  A jolly time was had by all.  Rev T even managed to force a pint of Adnams between his parched lips.  Greater love hath no man...

fleet at Burgh St Peter

an Old Hand at peace with the world

Stella - Waveney River

Puck, Mimosa, Pan - North Cove

I've had my tea...

In a world exclusive, Birtley News can bring you news of the English brewpub in Poland.  This watering hole has recently opened.  Ever keen to fulfil his patriotic duty, James took the family there to undertake some rigorous quality control.  After the first drink he thought the beer was not bad, after the second it was definitely improving, and the by the third...he had definitely "had his tea".  Matthew and Phoebe enjoyed it too - as readers can see from the photo.

back on the river - for bitterns and beer

YC has made his first pilgrimage of the year to the Norfolk Broads for 10 days sailing on the fine craft Stella Genesta.   He sailed for the first week on the Green Wyvern Easter cruise, and then stayed on for the friends and family weekend.  Highlights were hearing a bittern booming overnight at Strumpshaw Fen, quanting into Norwich to moor on the Ribs of Beef pub, and the glorious Easter sunshine.  The top ale award goes to The Wolf brewery "Golden Jackal" 3.7% ABV at the Ribs of Beef - in tip top condition for only £2.50/pint.  Result!

with Peter and Tim at Rockland

quanting into Norwich

Ribs of Beef mooring

Mimosa under new rig

Newcastle take a leaf out of Scotland's book

YC made a rare pilgrimage to St James Park on Saturday to join the faithful supporting Newcastle United.  Helen A had kindly given him a ticket.  Newcastle were playing Manchester United who have been having a bit of a tough time recently.  Perhaps to no great surprise, Man U emerged from their slump to trounce Newcastle 4 - nil.  By the end, the faithful were leaving for the exits in their droves.  YC and Helen manfully stayed to the bitter end, watching Man U put the finishing touches to their victory with an injury time fourth goal.  Never mind, the first half had been entertaining, and Man U were good value for their victory.  Years of supporting Scotland is good training for such defeats.

Today YC enjoyed a decidedly quieter activity - birdwatching at Cresswell Pond followed by a jog on the beach at Druridge Bay.  Highlights at Creswell were a pair of pintails, an avocet, and a Mediterranean Gull (similar to a black-headed gull, but larger and with all-white wings).  

Newcastle on the attack

a rare second half corner

the scene at Druridge Pools

Geoff's London Marathon challenge - watch out Mo Farah

Birtley News is delighted to bring you news of THE sporting challenge of 2014.  Geoff Lowson (priest in charge at Holy Saviour's Church) is running the London Marathon.  He has been in training for months, secretly pounding the streets of Tynemouth.  Now he is preparing to go the full 26.2 miles on April 13th.  His son Richard is also running.  Geoff says he will be "happy to finish" and "doesn't expect to beat Richard".  But BN thinks Geoff is hiding his running light under a bushel.  Just the other day, Mo Farah was heard to remark: "Never mind the Kenyans, have you heard that Geoff is running?  I'm worried!". You read it here first.

Geoff is raising money for Diabetes UK and you can sponsor him on his Just Giving page.

Scotland lucky to come second

Supporting Scotland was a labour of love on Saturday.  They were always underdogs to beat Wales in Cardiff.  But when Stuart Hogg was sent off in the first half for a high late tackle, the underdog status took on heroic proportions.  Scotland duly shipped 7 tries to lose 51-3.  Ouch.

On the plus side, YC and Emma enjoyed a very convivial beer with John Rees and Hugh Morris before the game at the Cardiff Athletic Club - remember: only Cardiff gives you Brains.  And there was a highly entertaining train ride home with an English fan who was following the France v Ireland game on his iphone, and vainly cheering on France ( quote: "I can't believe I'm supporting France - don't tell anybody!")

YC worked off the beer from the weekend and some of the disappointment by climbing Cheviot today.  Readers will no doubt be rushing to identify the hills in the photo below (hint: it was taken on the Chevy Chase route).

with Hugh and John

pre-match hype

Wales start (still hope for Scotland!)

name those hills