The Broads, England's largest protected wetlands, encompasses more than 125 miles of "safe, enchanting waterways" most of it less than 4 metres (13 feet) deep and during our housesit in Attleborough in May we explored a small portion via a boat cruise.
Getting there by train (our favourite mode of transportation) took us from Attleborough to Norwich where we caught another train to the pretty little Hoveton and Wroxham station.
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| Hoveton and Wroxham Railway Station platform |
The Broads is a holiday destination and even in mid May the place was hopping. Our 90-minute cruise with Broads Tours was filled to capacity.
The seven rivers and 63 broads (lakes) are mainly in Norfolk. Traffic on the water was brisk, but as the maximum speed is 5 mph it makes for a relaxing journey.
The variety of vessels includes everything from traditional wooden sailboats to modern cruisers.
This next little red, white and blue boat, however, may very well be one of the most popular on The Broads. It has sold Aldous ice cream for years and in spite of a cool, overcast spring day was open for business.
Water fowl are plentiful. We spotted nesting swans, a raft of ducks, and a lone heron overseeing them all from his perch high in a treetop.
The harbour town of Wroxham includes houses and holiday homes of every description and of course I had to capture as many of them as possible with my camera. (Big surprise!)
Thatched roofs were the norm and nearly every property included a boat house.
The captain of our tour boat provided the commentary and mentioned the Canadian geese on this particular lawn had recently been introduced to the region. Whether or not that was a wise decision remains to be seen.
Further back from the main thoroughfare was this massive home very reminiscent of the massive cottages in Ontario's Muskoka region.
There are also more affordable properties such as these town homes.
Upon our return to Attleborough George quickly made himself at home on John's lap and of course that made us both giggle. Can you spell G.O.R.G.E.O.U.S?!
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