16th Norwich Narrowboat Adventure

The PL’s and APL’s from the 16th Norwich Sea Scout Group recently spent a fabulous weekend on a Narrowboat travelling from Stoke Ferry to Ely and back.

The scouts were given the challenge by their leaders to organize and carry out an expedition on a narrowboat. They had to plan their route, menus and itinerary. They also had to set and keep to a budget and do the shopping for supplies.

The narrowboat they used belongs to 3rd Thetford Scouts and is available for groups to use for a nominal donation.

The weekend chosen, 6th to 8th May 2016, turned out to be the hottest one of the year so far.  The scouts and adults arrived at 6.30pm on Friday evening and acquainted themselves with the boat and its facilities. Stephen, from 3rd Thetford, kindly came down to give a briefing and wished them well on their venture. They then settled down for the night!!

As planned, Ben and Cole arose early and they set sail at 6.am moving gently through the still water as the sun rose. Gradually the others woke and soon Ana and Ashton were busy cooking a hearty breakfast for the crew, with Beth, Bailey and Michael doing a great job of clearing up the galley afterwards. All the scouts had the opportunity to steer the boat as it travelled along the River Wissey and the Great Ouse towards Ely.

There was plenty of wildlife to observe on the journey, nesting swans, grebes and a pair of geese with their goslings to name but a few.

A stop was taken at Hilgay to refill the water tank and visit the local shop for healthy snacks! This stop gave the scouts an opportunity to practice their mooring skills which, working as a team. they did really well.

They arrived at Ely at 14.30 and managed to secure a mooring… no mean feat on a Saturday afternoon!

They then spent time swimming at the local pool followed by delicious fish and chips. The evening was spent exploring a local park, the surrounding area, socialising on the boat and stargazing!

Sunday saw another early start with Ben setting the boat off at 7am. A truly amazing morning to be on the water! This time it was Monty and Michael’s turn to make breakfast which was cooked to perfection and eaten at Brandon Creek picnic site, delicious!

Cleaning the galley was performed on route as, they made their way to Denver Sluice for a well-deserved drink stop and game of pool.

The adventure concluded with the return trip along the Wissey to Stoke Ferry arriving at 4.30pm where the boat was cleared, swept and left ready for the next lucky crew.

See the photo gallery for more images.

9th May 2016     News, Scouts