Fambridge and back to the River Roach, Friday 17th June.

After filling up with fuel in Burnham Marina, we headed up river to explore the upper reaches of the Crouch and have a look at Fambridge where there is marina at the head of a nearly drying creek. It took an hour to motor up to Fambridge, where we entered the marina to tie up for lunch. 

Fambridge Marina.

'Norman James' moored next to the marina dredger.

After lunch and with a threatening sky brewing we decided to have a walk through the village to the all tide walk ashore pontoon in the river. The village was extremely attractive with many desirable properties along the road to the riverside. Having had a look at the pontoon and boatyard, the heavens opened and the crew of the good ship 'Norman James' got a good dousing. 

Fambridge Yacht Haven, the walk ashore pontoon in the river.

View of the marina from 'Norman James'.

Once we had dried off, we left the berth, and motored back down the river to the Quay Reach anchorage in the entrance to the River Roach where we anchored previously. We were now in position to cross the Thames estuary and explore the Rivers Medway and Swale. In order to maximise the benefit of a fair tide, we needed to leave our anchorage by 05-00 in the morning, so it was early to bed then (very) early to rise!