Messing about on the Orwell - 18th to 21st May

Messing about on the Orwell and Stour

Between the 18^th May and 20^th May Ian and I visited a number of places on the River Orwell, including up to Ipswich on the 18^th May, down to Levington on the 19^th and a quick exploration of the Stour and then back up to Ipswich.  We had planned to press on the Lowestoft but the weather was unsettled.

For Ian particularly, I think the pottering around on the river and time in Ipswich was an interesting and enjoyable rekindling of childhood memories. 

On the way up river on the 18^th we stopped for coffee alongside Midday Sun and Marc and Anne Plumber, founders of the Tradewind Owners page on Facebook and friends who I had met cruising last summer.

To enter Ipswich you have to enter a large lock but before doing so it is necessary to call up the lock to get permission to enter.  This takes place just after passing under a major road bridge over the river.

We berthed in K1 in a spot just in front of the Marina office and restaurant.  Very helpful marina staff with door codes and the location of places in the town.

As soon as the boat was put away and we had a bite to eat and headed into town.  I have a few bits to sort out so Ian went off to find his old school and ended up having a guided tour.

 

Marc and Anne had recommended Briarbank micro brewery also proved a useful information centre on the old pubs of Ipswich as it has many photographs on the wall of pubs now closed one of which was the Duke of Sussex on of Ian’s school day drinking establishments.  Suitably out the way to avoid the teachers.  The beers were also very good! Followed by a rather good Indian.

19^th Down the River Orwell to Levington

After leaving the marina and exiting the lock Ian and I had a gentle sail down the Orwell on the tide arriving at Levington and the Suffolk Yacht Harbour.  After meeting Anne Plumber paining in front of the old light ship we walked round the Trimley bird sanctuary.

Ian and I were invited to Middday Sun for a gin and tonic where we met friends of Marc’s and Anne’s.  We were introduced to Adnams gin which I have to say tasted “First Rate”.

Ian and I walked across the fields to the pub in Levington for supper and returned via the road in what was now gathering darkness.

20^th May

With a rising wind we made are exit for Levington reversing out of the berth.  With time to spare we decided to head down towards Felixtowe and up the River Stour, however it was evident that the we were heading straight into the wind and it was not particularly pleasant so we turned tail and sailed up the River Orwell stopping to pick up a buoy off Pin Mill for lunch before returning to Ipswich

Friday evening was interesting.  Ian and I had decided on an Italian so decided to walk the streets of Ipswich to see what we could find.  In no particular hurry we stopped for a drink in what appeared to be an old coaching in.  After trudging the streets for over an hour we had found nothing so we decided to return to the waterside restaurants feeling confident we would find something.  But it was Friday night and every establishment was full!  We then decided to walk back to the marina to try the restaurant but there were also fully booked.  It appears that there are not enough restaurants to fulfil demand.  After gathering our thoughts back t the boat we decided to set off for Pizza Express for a takeaway meal.  On arrival we thought we would give it one last shot and asked if they had a table.  More than surprised we were led to table immediately.  You have never seen two more relieved gentlemen!

21^th On Saturday morning Ian departed for his train journey to Peterborough to join his family.

 

I cleaned and tided the boat before Steve Whelan’s arrival at lunchtime.  Steve and I have a walk round Ipswich and visited the micro brewery again before watching the football in a pub and then and Indian in the Ghandi Restaurant opposite.