The Norfolk Broads by Canoe. Sunken Wherry Graveyards. Surlingham and Rockland Broad. River Yare.

[@jbss7382]

+Simon, a bloke in the woods, Simon hello? My name is Jonathan and I used to work this stretch of the water many years ago. Thank you so much for highlighting the history of the river banks. So few people know the history of our beautiful local river. In 1984 I used to work as a deckhand on the MV Regal Lady; now relocated back to Scarborough.we used to sail from Riverside Rd ( now the Riverside complex with bars and restaurants- where Vagabond was)and run out to Surlingham Broad entrance at Brundall. Then a 180' turn and back to Riverside Rd. So much thanks for the history. We must remember the history of our beautiful river. Best Wishes Jonathan

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Jonathon - lovely stretch of water to work on - must have been a joy to go to to work!!

[@stevesmith3556]

What a beautiful day! Those are the ones we live for🙂

[@shortiebae152]

The shot of that beautiful bull was a beauty 7:43

[@janakinski8575]

After watching all the sad news world wide ...I just enjoy one of your videos to regain peace.Thank you very much Simon💖

[@ronaldmoore2336]

I can't tell you how much I needed this. There's so much going on over here in the states that's sad and a trip down the river made my day. Well done and so much appreciated!

[@debrasalt3598]

agreed!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

My pleasure Ronald - we’ve been watching things unfold from over here - unsettled and sad times!

[@rogerwileman9965]

Things will get better just hang on .GOOD LUCK

[@rogerwileman9965]

Things will get better just hang on .GOOD LUCK mate all the best from NZ

[@greenmouse9354]

Lockdown is no fun there is one good side to it everybody is now getting a chance to hear nature with out the mechanical hum that is always there in the background even in some of the most remote places.Very little aircraft in the sky a few boats on the Broads And light traffic on the roads. A silence some people will only here a few times in their life.Thanks to videos like this or a simple walk.People go out and listen to it it’s good for the soul

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Definitely - it’s good for us all and it’s really good for nature! 👍😁

[@MichaelAndersen_DK]

Amazing how much history is bound to large bodies of water. Thanks for adding it to yet another great mini adventure.

[@pamfoster4894]

That's was fantastic. I live in Bramerton overlooking when you put in the water. I love that stretch of river and my boat is at Bramerton so I I have been up and down there a few times myself. The ferry house is a great dog friendly pub so please visit with Maggie as she will get so much attention from us staff. I've never been on Surlingham broad so thank you for filming that. I'll look out for you on the river xx 🛶

[@richardedwards5438]

Wonderful video, lovely to hear the Cettis Warbler at 4:10!

[@angelakm6753]

Excellent - thank you Simon!

[@Kenbur]

Thanks, Simon. The world is a little bit more normal again. I get to sit back and watch a vid from Simon, a bloke in the woods. Lovely video ATB

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Ken!

[@loupiscanis9449]

Thank you , Simon . 🐺 Loupis Canis .

[@4wheelsonmywagon733]

BTW Simon - Love the social history narrative adds vastly to quality of content .... we are always learning .... thank you 👏👏🙏

[@debrasalt3598]

Isn't this wonderful?

[@debrasalt3598]

Thank you for enjoying some of the things I like, there is not much left apart from violence.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you!!

[@debrasalt3598]

yes ,Sir it is & I Thank You for a dose of Sanity

[@johnwalker2860]

Fantastic Simon! Thanks for letting us share that little bit of heaven😁

[@daveblackett4996]

the Norfolk wherry takes me back to when i was 13 yr old [1971] there was a converted wherry that took school kids on holiday around the Broads i was at school in Kendal in the lakes at the time, i can remember it took four of us to winch the sail up, thanks for the memories

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Lovely! I wonder if that Wherry is still in use? 👍

[@paulinegatt6831]

Thankyou so much for your lovely videos.Its always a pleasure watching you!my husband watches daily your videos ,and I m getting hooked as well!Watching you from Malta.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Pauline!

[@hazzardoutdoors]

Such beautiful cinematography you get Simon. You should be so proud.

[@hemichargerrt01]

After a crappy day at work this made my day, Thanks from Minnesota, USA

[@daveyr7454]

Surlingham. Just up the road from me. We used to camp down there, and fish and swim off the tops of the old wherries on a low tide. Down on Ted Ellis’s part of the broad, the Norfolk naturalist, when he was alive. Canoed and sailed along there. Happy days. I’m almost eighty now, so many, many years ago.

[@Thechemikalbro]

Beautiful and serene, thanks for taking us along 👍.

[@papajeff5486]

This is probably too old for you to read; but, in the US we have bayous and swamps that can get a fellow lost pdq, pretty damn quick, very much like your broads, reeds, weeds too tall and thick, the ground too wet to walk. I’ve climbed a tree to look around and found my way out, for the bayous get mighty big, currents running funny. Unless you’re really familiar, it’s easy to get turned around. You did great. The relief on your face I could actually feel in my gut, because I’ve done the same thing. Thanks for the adventure. Texas

[@terry7907]

Glad you were so thoughtful of Maggie.

[@todaysworldjw]

Fantastic. Just realised how much I was missing your videos 😀👍

[@SarahTree]

Great video Simon! Just loved watching it!😊👍👍🐂🐂🐃🐄🌲🌳🌲🦋🌻

[@annakonda386]

Simon you took me on a beautiful ride in your canoe, loved your company and so enjoyed all the things I saw through you eyes. Thank you with love from Western Australia.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Anna! 🛶😁

[@janesilver2746]

Beautiful video thank you. I’m a local & often walked along the riverbank during lockdown last year- it was idyllic at times. Hearing that cuckoo brings back memories!

[@carolleenkelmann3829]

On a wonderful day like today, you could paddle ( sail )for ever, and ever...... My folks used to sing a song about a little brown jug but I think I'll be singing one about a Kelly kettle. What a day this has been.....

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

I was thinking the very same thing! If I didn’t have other commitments, I think I could pack up my canoe and spend 6 months touring the waterways quite happily! 🛶

[@ge8448]

What a great place to get lost! Thank you

[@tess1433]

Interesting watch thank you. Lovely to see a bit of my village stretch from the river viewpoint 🙂

[@leannecapewell7672]

Hey simon love your Channel! Keep up the good work! Your a true tonic xx and Maggie xx so beautiful xx

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Leanne!

[@suitsyousir79]

Fantastic video thank you very much. The broads is my favourite place in the world and I cannot wait to get back there.

[@RichardStansfield]

Wow, you fly along in that beautiful canoe. Awesome

[@RunBadgerRun]

It was pure pleasure to watch this video.

[@freedomdove]

Thank you for the history lesson. Very interesting.

[@carpenterpilot487]

Thanks for letting me know where was Maggie! U did right Simon, leaving Maggie home!

[@NaCreagachaDubha]

A beautiful video, Simon. Magnificent images!

[@rkoff5744]

I really enjoyed this. Great views. That sandwich though. 😱

[@AxCYeR]

britain is such a stunning place, from north to south, east to west. if i won the lottery, i'd move there in a heartbeat. all the best from germany, and thanks for such nice and peaceful video.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you mate! 👍🇬🇧🤝🇩🇪🍻

[@linzearth]

Germany has a combined waterway network of about 40,000 kilometres, 25,000 of which is accessible to canoeists and kayakers all year round. The flat northern part that’s littered with lakes and canals, to the industrial western Rhineland and mountainous south, a kayaking trip in Germany is as varied as it is beautiful. Move from river to river, through changing landscapes. Britain is not even in the same class for scenery and variety for the canoeist.

[@adamheazlett1179]

Have a look at Canada or Australia. UK is mainly farmland and old buildings

[@NapoleonGelignite]

@Linz Earth - why do so many Hermans come to Norfolk? After Brits Germans are the most common nationality you come across on the Broads. Two best places for beer are Norfolk (best brewing malt in world) and Bavaria. Love to Germany from Norfolk. PS - what’s the best 5-7 day route in Germany for varied countryside. I’d like to avoid industrial areas and take in some local beers.

[@ajlook5457]

@@linzearth trouble is its full off moaning germans

[@LoisDavidsonArt]

This was fantastic, I've made my mind up to spend my birthday on the Broads September 2021 if possible, and spotted a few idyllic scenes here that beg to be painted ;-) Thanks so much!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

You’ll love it Lois, plus, in September, most of the holiday hordes have dissipated and the waterways should be a bit quieter. 👍

[@Scotland_my]

What a beautiful place. 🥰🤘

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Thoroughly enjoyed that mate.

[@mrblurecompany3478]

Great video Simon. Thanks for taking us along

[@redwestonbushcraft5807]

I paddled some of this about 15 years ago. Picnics by windmils and pubs with jetties.its a superb place

[@Brian1972]

Thanks for the great video. I really enjoy your videos.

[@PumpkinVillage]

That was very nice and interesting. Lunch looked good. Thank you for the video. Take care and stay safe, Al

[@JackeeCat]

Loved the history and scenery! Thanks for the wonderful video!

[@jimgeelan5949]

First time watcher, absolutely mesmerising thanks for taking the time ! You have now got more of my time I’m going to catch up on you back catalogue 👍

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Jim! 👍👍👍

[@lovelifeloveboat]

Great upload and massively informative, thank you

[@dazmetcalfe1077]

Nice to see you back on the water in that beautiful boat of yours

[@thelovertunisia]

Simon, even after having had dinner, when I watch your videos I get hungry again lol.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hahaha - sorry!! 😁

[@thelovertunisia]

@@simonablokeinthewoods I love cooking on open fire. I grew up on the land here in Tunisia and we even distilled incenses with a traditional wood fired distiller.

[@thelovertunisia]

@@simonablokeinthewoods Here a recipe you should try. in a firepit let the fire burn down to embers and then throw in paprikas (very hot of course), onion, garlic, tomatoes and let them grill. then put everything in a plastic bag to sweat so you can peel it easily. and then put everything in a mortar (we use traditional tunisian copper mortars) and enjoy with bread. Enjoy the dragon later in the evening hhhh

[@TheLuapsch]

Nice to see you out and back on the water Simon. Nice video.

[@BeeKay4444]

Life has been pretty difficult just lately and Simon your videos have been just what I needed. So relaxing and calm. Thank you for all the effort you put into these for YT! I wish I would have found you sooner. 😊

[@livingfreeasme8346]

Mesmerizing and very beautiful Simon.

[@jasonaffeldt7838]

I enjoyed the video. Nice you showcased the area. Very interesting. Take care. 🇺🇸

[@leslieaustin151]

Simon, that was wonderful. Thank you. You don’t realise how noisy and intrusive the cruisers are till you hear one in a near silent setting. The sound of the water on your canoe hull was magic.. My dad went on cruiser holidays on the Broads in the 1930s, and used to show us photos so it’s a special place even though I’ve never seen them. Thanks again. Les in Chester PS, great camera work! Les

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Les! It probably hadn’t changed much in most areas since those lazy days in the 30s. 🛶

[@vincefeton1432]

Great video Simon just great to be back out on the water again.see you on the next one

[@paulroossien5322]

Great video simon those broads are beautiful you certainly picked a good day

[@myselfbuildjourney1219]

Thank you for your beautiful videos. So personal and informative.

[@KayakFishing2021]

We love your videos. Keep up the great work! 👍

[@timec2002]

Simon, another fantastic video of great countryside, I am gradually working my way through your whole catalogue. East Anglia has so many hidden treasures to offer.

[@50Squirrel]

Wonderful video again Simon, thank you for sharing.

[@RyanS493]

What a treat! Thanks Simon!

[@Scotty-gg4gc]

I love your canoe ! What a pretty camping spot.

[@minnierose4398]

Great to see you have been paddling past my village! Another informative and peaceful upload, take care ❤

[@NapoleonGelignite]

Surlingham or Rockland?

[@vann8414]

Very peaceful. Thanks for the history lesson.

[@thomasjones9863]

A Tonic 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿👍🏻😌 Thanks Simon

[@SteveOutside]

Nice one mate... Love that kettle!

[@bobazevedo9771]

Simon, that's why there were no boats, It was six o'clock in the morning., the beer boats don't going till midday, but youvve had the best bit of the day. My dear late father always said, "loose an hour in the morning and you'll chase it all day". Good on you Simon

[@reverendstephen5665]

I've missed seeing your adventures - Welcome back Simon 🙂

[@cgriggsiv]

Simon awesome 👍 video

[@stemcleeds]

Appreciating your camera angles, obviously a lot of effort for you.

[@loonypics6938]

Just brilliant Simon, here's an idea, bring a sketch pad next time so you can map your rout 1st left 2nd right etc, it should be a great way of not getting lost, a great project would be to draw a map of the whole water way network, hope to see you there again, stay safe TTFN.

[@3maneu229]

Sweet day. I could imagine a night camping. Milky way above, light pollution. 🤙👌

[@3maneu229]

"No" light pollution i mean of course.

[@johnboy658]

For the past 5 years our holidays have been that area, not this year sadly.. During lockdown we have made home brew..'Woodforde Wherry'.. watching this whilst having a pint.... Thankyou.. p.s. love the vids.. keep them coming..👍

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

A nice drop indeed! Thanks John. 👍

[@richardhunt920]

Thanks Simon.

[@michaelsummers5001]

Brilliant! Really relaxing to watch

[@steveschlobohm5793]

That looked like an awesome trip. thanks for the video. stay safe my friend!

[@nopretribrapture2318]

i went all along there inc potter higham and the Hickling Broad etc,was in a rental holiday boat through hoseasons,moored up along the way for a week,lovely place very magical,saw some rare black swans etc,loveing the place even more now after this very calming excellent video😊👍 Thankyou.(lovely to hear a cuckoo again,their getting scarce,ive still never seen one in real life,not heard one here where i am near the peak district for a few years )

[@chriswild2458]

Lovely film Simon thankyou

[@ardenfreyjr.5500]

Simon, This is Arden Frey from Michigan in the USA. I wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your videos and I know you will keep up the good work. Stay safe my friend but keep up the videos.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Arden! 👍🛶

[@wingtsang2158]

Another cracking video keep up the great work and be safe!!

[@jasonnewman4983]

Beautiful video as usual Simon. Thanks for that. I was out there last week (different river but on The Broads) and watched a couple of otters playing. Sooo good to be out again! Take care and watch you later.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Beautiful!! A lucky spot!! 👍

[@colin-4794]

I used to fish from a boat with my father all along that stretch from Whittlingham to Rockland broad, that was some 50 years ago. This brought back some happy memories for me. It hasn't changed so much I'm glad to see. Thank's for posting this. Edit; by the way, some visitors using a hire craft got lost for 3 days in those finger channels, they were cut off from the main channel at times by the low tide, water levels, luckily their shouts for help were heard by people on a passing launch and they were rescued.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Haha - both unlucky and lucky at the same time! I wonder if that’s why they put the bollards up? 👍

[@colin-4794]

@@simonablokeinthewoods Yes I think that was one of the reasons.

[@WarrenKimpel]

another nice video THANKS

[@swill7526]

My son in this twenties and I just watched this. Wonderful to see that you make the best use of time. I'll be sharing this. Beyond the chaos.

[@swill7526]

Thanks again.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you!

[@steviemx5]

What a amazing video!! Absolutely loved it, top job! Thank you

[@geraldhills41]

So peaceful , thank you !

[@edgit69]

That a classic stove you have there.. Great videos..

[@GoFoggy]

Nice one again, looked like you nicked my barrel and hat, but at closer look it really was yours! 😁😉

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hahaha - dont they all look the same? I put stickers on mine just so I can identify them!

[@grahamfarr4179]

Thanks Simon, I am so jealous right now

[@craigpalmer347]

Looked a Great day out simon ATB.. 👍👍🤙🤙🤙

[@Sedum54]

I used to canoe on the river from Bramerton in the 60's. We lived nearby in Framingham Earl and it was the nearest place to launch. The canoe champion Oliver? came to our school in St Andrews, Thorpe to teach us how to do it, and inspired me to have a go. My father and I renovated a double canoe.It was really too heavy for me at 12 ish and my much younger brother and sometimes caused arguments, but overall it was a good experience.I quickly preferred sailing in a small boat on the broads which I did through the sailing club at school. We used to go to Filby broad on the old school bus after school with the PE teacher, have a sail in small wooden boats and be back at the school by 8pm, having grabbed a bag of chips to eat on the way back. It was before wetsuits and we sailed even in some of the autumn term so it was cold being wet in jeans and waterproofs. Putting the boats away when our hands were cold happened quickly with a great but fearsome PE teacher moving us on. Good memories.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

That is lovely! Great memories!! By a stroke of coincidence, I used to teach at Thorpe St Andrews High School (as it’s now called - the two schools combined) small world! I used to sail as a boy and loved it - might well make a sailing rig for my canoe. 😁🛶

[@Sedum54]

@@simonablokeinthewoods Wow, a small world. I went to the then secondary modern having just failed my 11 plus due to not being great at maths., but that school still did O levels, so I was sent there, as my local secondary didn't. It was such a caring school with a great ethos. The encouraging head was Mr Belchambers and he knew all of us. I remember Mr Sutton, a maths teacher (and deputy or head later? ) who did a great more practical programme for the least academic children, and a boy from that group who blossomed with his different approach went on to be Head boy. I remember Mr Pinching the music teacher who gave me a good experience in the band, even though I was really clueless about music at the time and played 3rd cornet. Mr Arnison was an art teacher who introduced me to pottery which came to be another thing Iove, and was a very caring form teacher.There was a fiery Spanish lady who taught french and shouted a lot. She induced fear in me and I learned nothing from her. I am sure your pupils will remember you in a very warm way. I now live in Bristol and I met a man last year who now lives in Washington DC but was walking around England and Wales in memory of his wife. I had photos of Wells next the Sea beach and he recognised the area. Turns out he attended the same school, then already combined, a few years later than me. He even knew the teachers. Small world. I went on to be a sailing instructor for a short time for a summer. The small boats on Filby Broad were called Bitterns.we vwere all given the basics for a couple of evenings in a Wayfarer with the teacher, then let loose in a Bittern to work it out together. it was about having fun. I liked Wayfarers and even had an old one for a while. It sparked an interest in my son who has gone on to love sailing yachts and fast dinghys. Your channel is lovely and you have a lot to offer. Thank you.

[@lauriebloggs8391]

What a film! A lot of work especially with the remote camera filming. My new favourite canoeing video ("film" sounds so much better!). Thank you, that's a part of the Broads I have yet to paddle........

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Laurie! Definitely worth an explore! (There’s even a ‘nearly’ wild campsite on Surlingham Broad -shhh!) 😁🛶

[@lauriebloggs8391]

@@simonablokeinthewoods re campsite......not this year....apparently?

[@lauriebloggs8391]

Just been back to this delightful film......a real tonic to this Covid winter..........the sounds of the windward waves under the hull, the birdsong (even a cuckoo?) and the otherwise silence........again thank you.

[@joharmon2148]

This was a great video, nice paddle so calming. Thank you Simon

[@frankkranktrangtmohammedny807]

What a beautiful canoe!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you!

[@jamescoffey5225]

Nothing like a good feed after some time on the water. Wonderful video! What a first-rate, "homebrew" canoe! I miss Maggie. 😊

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks James! 🛶

[@MadGingerCat]

I've had my mental medicine - and it's hit the spot as always. Thank you Simon. Always a pleasure to view your content.

[@LifeistooshortCK]

A drone would be a nice addition to show yourself in context with the landscape. Just use it as a tripod in the sky. Lovely video thanks for sharing 👍

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

I actually took my drone with me on this paddle, but there wasn’t anywhere safe to take off/land. I reckon those Wherry graveyards would look good from the air! 👍

[@LifeistooshortCK]

I wonder if a bit of canvas stretched across the canoe would suffice as a launch and landing pad. A water proof box that allows the drone to be kept assembled with the controller would remove some of the faff in setting it up. I have never tried flying from a canoe but the flexibility of shots you would be able to get would be amazing. Love your videos they are a real tonic in these troubled times. 👍

[@antlese]

Lovely video. 👍

[@Viator19]

I love this channel. Great place to come and chill out. Great work :)

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you!

[@CrowdSurfingGeezer]

captivating outing! Thank you!