Low Bridge Ahead!

Now, the Norfolk Broads and their rivers extend over quite a large patch of Norfolk, and, while it is an unspoilt area of great beauty, people do live there, and they don't all have boats, so they need cars and roads to get around.

So, from time to time, our peaceful sail was interrupted by the looming presence of a road bridge. It is a feature of Broads bridges that they are very low and everything has to be lowered, first and foremost the mast, to get through.

Getting the mast down for the first time was quite scary and definitely challenging, but, as you can see from our next picture, we did manange it (after 2 attempts!). If I'm looking a bit exhausted on the roof, I was; a fresh wind certainly didn't help.


The key to it all is the metal plates which act as counterweights. Due to the rather irregular sizes of some of our plates, getting the mast to swing in and out of the trap door affair cut into the foredeck, was quite a feat, as it was an extremely tight fit. If you look at my next picture, you'll see what I mean about the metal counterweights (or perhaps you won't as I seem to be blocking the view of the plates!)


In the background you'll see the bridge we wanted to pass under. In our next post we'll get a lot closer and you'll see what a tight fit it was.

Lots of love Eddie & crew of Leander xxx

Shore Side Adventures No. 4

Our day off was a bit of a difficult day for me, Eddie. My problem was that it meant no sailing. To be on a sailing boat, and not to sail, is something of a tragedy of Grecian proportions for a boating bear like me. It seemed like a real waste of quality holiday time.

However, the day was rescued for me, and George & Yorkie by the fun we had exploring the area round Vonitses, where we had our 2 day stopover. This was not at all a tourist area, being on the Greek mainland, so it was all uncharted territory to explore.

A short walk away from the harbour where we were moored, was an amazing bridge over to a delightful island.


As you'll quickly spot I'm not the beatiful lady, although I was with her in a loose sort of way, but if you look hard you'll see me lurking in the corner of one of the parapets.

The causeway over to the island looked even better by night when it was all lit up. The island was just the right size to circumnavigate and the water was lovely and clean for our swim.

On the east side of the island I realised that I could see the harbour where my boat was moored. This made me very proud and excited.


Follow my gaze in the picture to see the masts I was eagerly scrutinising. I'm not expecting you to know which one belonged to my boat as it takes an experienced skipper to tell one mast from another.

I began to day dream about the next day when I'd be out sailing again, I could hardly wait.

Lots of love, Eddie, George & Yorkie xxx