BetweenTheSedge

I really have enjoyed reading about all your adventures on the water. You must think that I am mad, recommending Coltishall and Salhouse to you, when you have just been to them, For some reason I had it firmly in my mind that you didn't further thank Ranworth Dam!!?? I know everyone says the Ant is their favourite river, but as I nearly always hire from Richardsons, it's usually a mad dash down the Ant, and then avoiding for the rest of the week (it always reminds me of taking the boat back). The one time we hired from elsewhere (Horizoncraft) we spent a wonderful two days and nights on the Ant I know exactly how you are feeling, I have lots of holiday commitments next yea, and it's I won't be returning to the broads until 2017, not sure I can last it out, I'm already homesick! I will have to reread your holiday tales a few times to get my fix.

What a great tale, you have brought my first time experiences flooding back to me. I can tell that you and your family firmly have the bug, and I know that you will be back very soon. And you know the really good thing is? You didn't really cover that much ground, and have so much more to discover next time. You say that the Bure wasn't you favourite river, but you really should go further upstream. I have never read a holiday tale before where Horning and Wroxham isn't visited. I think you and the family will love overnighting at Salhouse Broads, and also Coltishall wihich is the end of the line fore the River Bure, (it's my favourite place, just ask Gracie), it has a lovely riverside common that kids really love. Can't wait to read your opinions on these great places, and relive them with you. Thanks for your great Tales.

Hi Geoff and Wendy We hope to get to Richardsons by 1pm, so we may be leaving the yard around the same time, I will certainly look out for Star Gem 6. We booked with Hoseasons the first time we went, and got away by 2 with a trial run. The only time I've ever been under Potter Heigham bridge was when I was 11, I don't even bother anymore. The weather looks very nice for the coming week, just the right weather for canopy back. We are going down to Stokesby the first night, then going south for a few days, will be back north by Wednesday lunchtime. If I don't see you, have a wonderful first time, although just be prepared to be fully addicted.

Don't worry Matt, I am going there this Sunday for the first time, and I am worried about getting moored in that place, so I won't be mentioning it. In fact I will take my sledge hammer, and knock the clearance sign down into the mud a few feet, so nobody will venture under the bridge, and only a few will know.

Hi Geoff & Wendy What boat are you hiring on Friday? Low water at Wroxham that day is at 19:22, this should be okay as long as you air draft isn't too high. First time I was on the broads, our boat was 6'10" and the pilot couldn't take us under until the morning as the water was too high. I know you have planned you holiday meticulously, but it might be worth having a chat to the Pilot, he is very very helpful, especially if you get Dave. I might spot you at Richardsons on Friday, as we are hiring Broads Harmony, look forward to wishing you a great first time. Simon

I keep coming back to this post just to look at that Cheese And Bacon Burger! I know what I am ordering!

Too late! The cats out the bag, I'll be in that unknown place this Sunday, never been before. It wasn't Steve and Deb that put me out it though, read another Holiday Tale on here and did my research. Will do my blog whilst away, but will just refer it is "Down Beccles Way". Roll on Friday! Loving the write up so far Steve and Deb.

The huge skies make you forget all the stresses from places that have smaller skies. Waking up to the gentle rock of the boat. Deciding where to go and what to do each day, and then where to spend that night, and where you are going to eat. The sparkle on the water, and the happy atmosphere amongst fellow boaters, all nodding, knowing you share a secret. Stopping at places that you have passed before, and finding out what you have missed. Getting blaise about wildlife because you are now part of it. And cutting up sailies.

Why do you call them stinkies? Is it because they don't have showers and hot water onboard?

Oh I agree (yet again), some of them can be a bloody nuisance, sorry for all the broadland residents who had heard me shouting "Get off my bloody River!". It's only when I am away from the place that I start looking on everything in a different light, even sailies. They do always look good on the Norfolk Broads calendar.

Pssst Iain I really agree with you, but I didn't want the wrath of the Sailies cutting me up forever more.

Oh come on, Sailies, make the broads, I bet everyone has taken pictures of a fleet of Sailies crossing Barton broad. So when you are stuck behind one, just remember how lovely they make your holiday snaps look. In a fleet of Sailies there's always one, though. Whilst most Sailies don't cross the entire river and leave some room for you to pass, there's always one that insists on going all the way across, and then very slowly tack back out of your way. I'm beginning to wonder if it's the same Sailie all the time.

Iain, you've just hit the nail on the head, you win an award for best post of the week. You are right about buying umbrellas. I'm going to buy some the day before I journey to Norfolk next month, or should I buy them at Roy's on the way to Stalham? Love the holiday so far Mrs Gypsy Cream, keep it coming, and have fun on the way South. Simon

Hi Great first day, it does look like a lovely boat from Kevin and Heidi's video, just a shame about the height. So glad that we are finally getting something from the broads this year, this winter seems the longest ever, and when March finally arrived still nothing from the rivers. Have fun, and I will keep checking for a new post.

Hi Paul That's great Paul, I will watch out for that, I am already following you YouTube. Is that the broads visit you did with you Mum for the last time? She seemed a lovely lady, what does Asaleftah mean, I've checked Yorkshire phrases online but can't find an explanation of that one.