Where are the Broads?

Another late start, delayed further by a holiday indulgence - bacon and eggs. Eventually, we loaded the bikes on the car and headed off in search of the Broads. We had picked up a map with cycle routes and thought the "Broads Explorer Loop" fitted the bill. So, to Martham via a brief stop at Potter Heigham, where we were looking for a bike shop to replace the puncture repair adhesive after yesterday's incident. When we asked for directions at a garage and explained what we were looking for, the friendly owner gave us a tube for free!! And we also saw a stretch of Broads' water and some boats!

We parked the car at Martham and set out first in the direction of Winterton, a pretty seaside village. Arriving there at 3pm, hungry, the café had just stopped serving food - at 3pm! We moved on, spotting some odd looking pods - 'immigrant houses', as described by a local. At Hemsby we had to ask directions and then climbed back up to Martham. We returned past the car intending to pick up the key for the bike padlock, which we had left there. It wasn't in the car - neither in the front, nor in the back. Beginning to panic (it was attached to the key ring with our house keys), we tried to rethink what we had done with it: it was last used to unlock the bikes from the roof carriers . . . and there were the keys - just lying on the roof - still, phew!

Back on the 'loop', we lost the way at some point and had to retrace our steps (it would be helpful if the cycle routes were sign-posted). Then on to Thurne, where at last we found water (the only time on the route) and pretty cottages, set in generally flatter countryside, complete with windmill. So, was this the Broads? The "Broads explorer loop" takes you on a 20+ mile circuit around the area but if you are looking for water, you'd be better to hire a boat!

It got chillier as the day wore on, but not too cold, as rain threatened. We picked up fruit and provisions at a farm outlet on the way home but decided to head to the village pub for dinner. It was busy for quiz night but they still managed to squeeze us in. It was also good fun as we tested our general knowledge (not that good, really) and bantered with the regulars.