Whoohoo ~ we did it ~ Today (Wednesday) after meeting a very friendly seagull & saying farewell to the kind gentlemen at Gt Yarmouth Yacht Station, I set sail on the turn of the tide to begin my Breydon Water attempt. Ralph & Graham from the RSPB turned up to escort me across & the Spirit of Breydon patrol boat piloted by John & Jon was also waiting in the harbour for me. I had not expected their help, but I was so grateful, as was my husband Steve who also came along to support me.
I was nervous and excited as I set off rowing, after passing under the two bridges I was out in the big river turning right & aiming for Breydon Bridge. It looked so big and I felt very small in my little inflatable. As I rowed under the bridge the force of the wind suddenly hit me and I had a real battle to get out onto Breydon Water. Thankfully the wind, although quite strong, was coming in gusts and I was gradually able to make some headway on my voyage.
I had to row very hard & concentrate in order to control the HMS Loopy and for a while I did wonder if I was getting anywhere at all. Gradually though, Gt Yarmouth became smaller & further away and I was bowled over by the experience & the veiw from the middle. The chaps in the RSPB boat helped me to stay on course by shouting directions across to me and advising when I was drifting too far. The Spirit of Breydon announced on their loud hailer to other boats to “please pass the charity rowing boat slowly”. My lovely husband Steve cycled along the footpath on the shore, encouraging me from a distance.
My arms gradually became more and more tired but there was no giving up and nowhere to stop for a rest ~ I just kept on going. At last after nearly 4 hours of non stop heavy rowing I turned into the river Waveney and moored up at a Marina (arranged for me by the chaps on the Spirit of Breydon).
After a big hug with my husband, a lovely cup of tea, a photo shoot and a surprise visit from two other friends I settled down for the evening. I am soooo tired but very grateful & happy that I was able to do it. I have promoted myself to Captain of the HMS Loopy with hat to match! We did it ~ a middle aged lady rowed across Breydon Water in an inflatable toy boat ~ what happy Loopy fun!
Tomorrow we travel south down the Waveney in search of new adventures. Captain of the HMS Loopy ~ signing off now ~
Goodnight x