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16/04/2015 - Andrew & Jane

Today we set off early heading towards Norfolk and went to Jones Boats. We needed some Origo fuel, and in the Norfolk Chandlers they recomend using meths but we don't like the smell.

We also had a look at the Dolphin 21 and Viking 20. The Dolphin 21 was based on the Shetland 4 + 2 mould. The difference is the coaming leads up straight from the deck causing difficulty in entering and exiting the boat through the canopy frame.

Although it was a 2002 boat it appeared extremely dated and whilst having standing head height in most of the canopy, the toilet and forward cabin was too low for me. The boat was extremely light and buoyant - high on our bobiness factor!

Having looked at this boat we then looked at the viking 20. Access was better, bobiness was better but not great. We need to look at other options and try one of these in open water.

Then off to National Trust Angelsey Abbey. Owned by a wealthy guy who's father was an aristocrat and mother was an oil heiress (as per downtown abbey!). Look round the grounds, house and watermill which sadly wasn't working. The house is interesting with late servants quarters into the 60's.

Now off to Congham Hall and Spa near Kings Lynn a former Von Essen Hotel. It appears to have fallen on hard times with simple things like part of the SPA not working, being generally not clean and shower not working in the bedroom. Still we had a long soak in the outdoor hot tub. I didn't last long in the sauna as it was the coldest on I had been in and then had dinner, of which one of the mains went back. Nice bottle of Alsace Pinot Blanc.