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Hockham Admiral
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Posts posted by Hockham Admiral
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Really nice to meet you John,
Lorna wasn't best pleased when i said i may be a couple of hrs, i think we rolled back about 4hrs later
I must have had a memory loss, Paul... didn't know it that was that late when we fell on-board! I wondered why there was some discussion as to whether you were both coming out at Oulton Broad! Sorreeeeeeee
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Yes John does have that effect on folk does he not
Glad You had a good trip John.
We will see you now next season
Rod
Scurrilous rumours all!!!!
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Our October holiday on the Broads started on Wednesday the 14th when we drove over to Burgh Castle in the afternoon to be able to motor to Reedham on Thursday morning to meet up with Barry on Tot Thyme. Unfortunately the strong N to NW'ly winds overnight were to put paid to that idea and Barry called to say he'd hurt his back and wouldn't make it on his own.
Two hours before HW on Thursday morning and the pontoons were as high as we'd seen them. When I spoke to Sue Goodchild she assured me the water would be over the quay-headings at Reedham. A call later to the Ranger confirmed this and with Friday Girl's hull shape we reluctantly decided to stay at Burgh castle for another night. (Despite having two side- boards to fend off rough pilings when moored). At this time we didn't have weighted fenders but will rectify that over the winter. The River Ranger at Burgh Castle said that the bridge heights at GH were down to 5ft 9ins...
Friday dawned with virtually unabated winds and the HW at BC even higher than yesterday! I called Rod on Sally-B just after 10.30 to ask their whereabouts and he told me that they were just entering the River Chet and the water was again over the quay-headings in Reedham. Not to worry; we drove around to do some shopping and topped up on the library books. On return to BC we called into the Queen's Head and found out that it was their Curry Night; £7.95 for three types of curry; onion bahjis etc. etc. and only £6.95 if you booked before... we booked then! (and an excellent meal it was!).
Saturday morning dawned bright and (relatively) calm. The pontoons at Goodchilds were not too much above their normal heights at HW and we set off in mid-afternoon. En-route we noticed Lady Fair aground an hoped for another high tide to float her off!
We moored up at Reedham behind Sally-B and next to the electricity post and the Lord Nelson beckoned... who am I (or, indeed, we) to ignore such a welcome! What an excellent selection of real ales they have and we sampled quite a few. The evening was quiet with Rod, Boycee and families at the RSSCC “do†in the Ship.
Sunday lunchtime was a convivial gathering of the RSSCC in the Lord Nelson and we were introduced to several members and wives. Really nice people, unpretentious and happy to just enjoy a drink and a yarn!
Rod and Shirley were away but returned late in the afternoon from a visit home. Rod was then kind enough to drive me back to Burgh Castle as we earlier discovered that we'd left Mary-Jane's bag and the library books in our car. We went outbound via Reedham Chain Ferry, where I persuaded the skipper to let Rod conn it across! Is there anything these Harwich Pilots can't cope with?
Sunday evening was the jam-session in the 'Nelson and Boycee and friends put on a splendid show. More beers, really good music and we were invited to join the RSSCC!
Monday 19th and we were off at 07.45 to take the tide into Norwich. Passing Coldham Hall we were pleased to see the sign below:
We tied up at NYS at 10.50 and were soon snugged down for our planned three night stay. The winds weren't as strong as forecast and it stayed dry for us.
Tuesday morning and who should arrive but Paul and Lorna on-board
Peters Joy. They had family with them but Paul agreed to a trip ashore at 19.00 that evening... At which time Paul and I set off (the ladies opting for a quiet evening afloat).
Our first pint was in the Compleat Angler which was dead (the pub). So off we walked up the hill to the Coach and Horses which was jam-packed! (It was the Norwich City- Leeds United match on the big screen). We squeezed a couple of pints in here before finally tracking down to the Queen of the Iceni on Riverside where I was really taken with the Wolf Coyote and persuaded Paul to try a couple more!
On Wednesday Paul and Lorna departed for to take their guests back to Loddon before resuming their holiday and we spent most of the day browsing around Norwich. I did later take Mary-Jane back to the Queen for more Coyote and we tried the steak menu very successfully!
Thursday morning and we left at 07.20 heading for the WRC. It was dark and misty but flat calm and at 08.20 we passed by Peters Joy and Broads Ambition at Brammerton Wood's End. Someone on board BA waved but I didn't know who it was; PJ was all quiet and peaceful!
As we passed Cantley there was a dark sky with smoke billowing from the chimney.
On to the WRC at 11.45 where we moored port side on just inside the entrance; oh dear... I duly parted with a £1 coin, connected my spray-gun and attempted to spray away some of the thick layer of goose pooh. It proved next to impossible to clear a pathway and I asked when the offending mess might be cleared... “perhaps later if we have timeâ€... so we departed for Oulton Broad.
We like Oulton Broad Yacht Station. Peter (aka “Yorkieâ€) and his team are ever most helpful and found us a snug slot before the planned invasion by the Brundall Motor Yacht Club for the weekend. Lots and lots of very big boats duly arrived including a 50 footer! They seemed to enjoy themselves despite strong winds and rain squalls over the weekend. Peters Joy then arrived unannounced and we all had a couple of drinks in the Lady of the Lake before Paul and Lorna set off for home.
We had another exceptional meal in the Red Herring on the Saturday night; what a real treasure that place is! (Be sure to book in advance especially at the weekend).
Monday morning and we set off for Beccles bright and early at 07.55 in order for CC Marine to start an oil change at 10.30. Eight litres out and three to go but the oil extractor-pipe he had was an inch or so too short and wouldn't reach the other three litres or so left in the sump. Lots of comings and goings, telephone calls and consultations ended up with an apology and eight new litres back in the engine (at £3/Litre). Also a promise to come to Burgh Castle and re-do the job at no extra cost. (Which happened yesterday as planned).
We stayed in Beccles overnight and had really tasty fish and chips from the Ravensmere chippy. http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&tab=wl
Back to Burgh Castle on Tuesday where we found our mooring occupied and tied up on Jupiter Mist's mooring. (Sorry, Adam, but Goodchilds promised to move her the next day for you to come back to your mooring...). We then spent some time tidying up Friday Girl for her lift out in the near future. A final meal in the Queen's Head where I recommend the S&K pudding!
All in all a very pleasurable fortnight; good company, food and drink and the last of this year's sojourns on the Broads!
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In whatever, Perry!!!
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Rod, Hi from Gt Hockham,
Just off to the pub for a few but had to reply to your always excellent post.
I remain totally in awe of your vast experience of all things floating!
If I've learned anything at all in my 17000+ hours aloft it's that you always expect bloody amateurs to attempt to do you in! Unlike in ships/boats in an aeroplane even a microlight can kill a Jumbo! So apologies if I've conveyed anything but respect to you.
Look forward to our next session down some pub or other!
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quote="Antares_9"]A salutary tale Rod, what it boils down to really is you guys are easy to see, we are not easy to see either with MKI eyeball or electronic means so we need to stay out of your way. Yotties excepted of course, their job is to get under everybody’s feet even each others.
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23. NAVIGATING, WAITING AND ANCHORING
(1) No vessel shall navigate in a Fairway of the Thames or anchor in a Designated
Anchorage in the Thames unless such Fairway or Designated Anchorage (as
the case may be) is the Fairway or Designated Anchorage most suitable for a
vessel of that draught and size. In particular, vessels with an operating
draught of less than 6.0 metres shall not be navigated along the Black Deep,
except with the express permission of the Harbourmaster.
Rod, that says it all! But is a boat of our size defined as a "vessel"? Now I'm splitting hairs and bow to your knowledge... You won't have a problem with Friday Girl in the Black Deep channel again!
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I've also seen nothing specific but Rod says that the Admiralty Charts prohibit any vessel less than 6m draft from entering the Black Deep except to cross at Foulgers Gat. My own (Imray) don't have this exclusion on them.
I also keep well outside the channel marks! I suppose I could argue that as I'm outside the channel it's OK. (But I won't as I am not, and never have been, a barrack-room lawyer!). Also Rod quite sobered me up with his story of taking a large ship down the Deep at 20-25 kts...
I wouldn't want to be anywhere near there when he did! -
Rod, Hi
Rod said:
John as you know I gave you a
about your passage in the Black Deep as any vessel with less than 6m draft should not be there. But as I later qualified it there is a designated crossing area for small craft between Black Deep #5 and into the Foulgers Gat at BD#6. For those that know the area just north of the Fishermans Gat which starts at BD#8 SE bound.Rod, I bow to your superior knowledge but cannot find any Notice to Mariners which prohibits small craft navigating the Black Deep. Here's the only NOTOM I can find relevant to it:
http://www.pla.co.uk/notice2mariners/in ... recreation
Not that we have any thoughts of going along it in the future! What about Antares9, David?
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Col said:
I noticed Lou standing behind an Antares on the other side of the Yacht Station talking to who was onboard. Connor went to be nosey. Shortly afterwards Connor came to get me and told me it was someone from the forum. I wandered round to find it was John & Mary-Jane (Hockham Admiral). We got talking and they suggested that we join them and go through Mutford Lock at 9.00am the following morning and go down to the Royal Norfolk & Suffolk Yacht Club in preparation for the Lowestoft Air Show. Firstly, John said he would ride is bike down at 8.00am in the morning to the RNSYC to ensure we would have a mooring as they were not taking reservations. Apprehensively and excitedly we agreed to the plans. Later in the evening John suggested we go and have a couple of beers at the Lady of the Lake. Of course it would be rude not to. So we go for a couple or five.
I must say, with my interest in planes and Johns history as an ex RAF & Commercial pilot it was a very enjoyable and educational evening. Col,Hi, we've just picked up this thread and like the others find it both interesting, amusing and well written!
Just wonder what other secrets (indiscretions?) you're about to reveal over the next four days!! It was a good time, wasn't it?
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Andy, Hi
Would the "caravans" you are referring to be the "bathtubs"? I know that to you and me Breydon is a piece of doddle in any weather.. try the Black Deep in a wind against tide situation and I guarantee it would put hirers off boating for life!
But I still remember my first boat which I built of marine ply. It was 18ft, centre-cockpit and slept FIVE! Powered by a Honda-5 4-stroke.
But no-one had told me to put ballast in it and the first time we went out on the Yare a large (to us) boat went past us. Its wake threw us about violently (or so it seemed then) and we were all terrified! When ballasted it wasn't so much of a problem.
The point I am trying to make (and not succeeding very well!) is that first time hirers can and will be frightened of Breydon even when it's really perfectly safe. So as a norm we slow off the plane 2-300 yards before we pass them.
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Certain that this had been done before, and concerned that we might be re-inventing the (hamster) wheel, I looked at another place... In 'Geeks corner' there are some threads about this... one of them, amusingly, pointed me to yet another place that I have not chosen to visit... They have a page on this topic that suggests there are quite a few hotspots scattered around...
Danny, Hi
The only problem here is that the thread you mention isn't recent and Mark is trying to compile an up-to-date one. (Sorry, Mark is compiling!)
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Simon, Hi
For those not acquainted with"krakens", here's one!
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The speeding on Breydon may be OK on a reasonable day ,but we came over Breydon today from Oulton , very strong wind over tide conditions,we had waves breaking over the bow (On a Bounty 28 )and clearing the roof ,when ahead of us we saw a large Broom approaching at a good rate of knots he came off the plane as he passed ,a few seconds later we were hit by his swell with troughs of 3 to 4 feet as we dropped into one the breaking wave flowed into the forward well and deposited many gallons of water which drains into the bilge and gets pumped out the stern .
Roy and Diane, Hi.
I'd never considered that happening and would imagine it's downright scary even for an experienced owner, let alone a hirer! If the door was open (heaven forbid!) or leaked it wouldn't do the carpeting much good either!
I'll be even more circumspect in future, as Simon said.
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The Coach and Horses, up the hill (Thorpe road) from Norwich Yacht Station.. free.
http://www.thecoachthorperoad.co.uk/
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Hi,
I am glad you did not comment about the yacht tacking in front of you at Thurn Mouth
Ian
Ian, Hi
We spent 20 years tacking about in an old motor-sailor and often muttered darkly about
s!Now in one I try to be as patient as possible with :Sailings! Even if it means reversing back along my course!
And we did smile and wave to you as we passed by!
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Sorry to hear about the collisions John, one of the reasons we were southern based and rarely ventured north and a major factor in our final decision to leave. Every winter saw at least gel coat repairs needed. Now all we need is a polish every year.
The broads is a beautiful place but if you’re on edge each time you moor it takes the shine away from it.
And that's why we only made it to Acle Bridge last September. I chickened out and turned back after one day North of Gt. Yarmouth! This year we were really looking forward to meeting up with the North Broads based crews. So glad we did!
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Sounds like you had a good time John.
The speed boats on Breydon don't sound too clever. Were they towing skiers or anything like that? Or just being ignorant? We upset a few small children when crossing Breydon because we DIDN'T plane past them. .
Simon, they were just 'having fun'. Just before the end of Breydon they were stopped in a bunch chatting and not near any other boats.. I couldn't help but quickly open up to 3400 rpm which in our case is about 20kts... the wake certainly shook them up a bit!
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Which one, Jonny?
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Thanks, Lou.. and here's one of Buddy!
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Jonny, Hi
Not only rude.. what he really said was "F... ..". Some of you younger guys might have put him right!!!
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This was a pre-planned "first-time" visit for us to the Northern Broads; also to meet up again with Loops and Red Rover and hopefully more of the team.
It started on Monday, 31st August, when Mary-Jane and I plus grandson and his lady (he is 25!) drove to Burgh Castle. When we arrived we hurriedly loaded up after Alan Goodchild warned us about mud and approaching low-water! Ben and Jo hadn't been on the boat before so we quickly set off for Stokesby, preceded by Mary-Jane in Jo's car.
Ben quickly picked up helming and we set off across Breydon in lovely early afternoon sunshine. I was horrified...
THREE speed-boats were roaring up and down Breydon with no thought whatsoever about their wake and the effect on the fleet of hire boats crossing Breydon... We passed under Gt Yarmouth bridges about an hour before LW and saw 10ft 6ins on the tide gauges. (Two hours earlier than planned but it was a lovely day!). We finally arrived at the Ferry at 15.00 and found plenty of space to moor right in front of the pub. Ben and Jo then said their farewells in order to get home (via Boston) before the Bank Holiday traffic nightmare really developed!
We then ventured inside for a beer or three... Adnams Regatta, no less! It was awful and I only managed a couple of gulps before it hit me. The young lady serving didn't seem too interested but did eventually replace our drinks. Not long afterwards a man came up to us and said he'd just witnessed a small dinghy hit us quite hard... Later when I'd found the owner of the dinghy (who was most apologetic and agreed to pay/let his insurers pay) I returned to the pub and noticed a Forum burgee on the front of the boat moored immediately behind us. It was Sandpiper with Boycee and Mags who turned out to be our witnesses! Many thanks, guys, without your info it would have been down to us to pay!
The meal in the evening was acceptable but whether it was the Regatta or the Beef in Black Bean Sauce I had to eat I don't know. I only know that it was quite some time before my stomach returned to normal despite many Lomotil. (prescription anti-diarrhoea tablets).
Tuesday dawned bright, sunny and relatively calm. We set off for Womach Water at 09.45 and arrived at 11.00, just 50 minutes before Tot Tyme arrived. Re-union with Barry and Olive; it was lovely to see you both again, you're such a lovely couple.
We left Ludham at 09.25 on the Wednesday morning in convoy with Tot Tyme, heading for Stokesby and The Bell.
We had friends visit us shortly after our arrival and we went with them to The Bell for an early recce of the evening's entertainment. Very impressed, too! They had lunch but I was saving myself for the rack of ribs later! In the afternoon Martin arrived in Eden Bridge and we were all introduced.
In the evening we were all picked up in two cars by the Bell team.; what an excellent service they provide! In no particular order I recollect Barry, Olive, Simon, Jonzo, Lou, Roy, Martin, Brian and Colin. Brian had challenged me to the ribs which I did eventually manage.. did the pics come out, Martin? I'd like to see them, please. The walk back to the moorings was more a route-march in pouring rain and strong winds... Olive, however did you manage to keep up with us?
After the heavy rains overnight it was still windy, but dry, the next morning. Eden Bridge left at 10.15, followed by Tot Tyme at 10.45. We slipped at 11.00 for the short trip to Hotel Wroxham. What a really nice place! We were having a quiet beer at lunchtime when a hire-boat appeared to be heading for Friday Girl.. I jumped outside over the wall in time to see it hit us and was told to “Go away†by one of the gentlemen onboard. They then moored up on the hotel's front to wait for the pilot. As I had the name and number of their boat I wasn't too concerned and asked four men sitting by the window if they'd seen it happen... good witnesses! The Commodore of the NBYC and the hotel owner! Who went outside to tell them that “Private Moorings†meant just that!
Later in the afternoon Rod (Sally
called my mobile and arranged to meet in the bar at 19.00 for a chat. Mary-Jane declined as she has heard all my chats with aeroplane enthusiasts before! It was good to meet up with Rod and Shirley and we had quite a few bevvies (at £2.45 a pint!). Before long it was 22.00 and time for lights out and we arranged to meet in the morning for a trip up the river in Sally B.First thing in the morning and we moved Friday Girl into the dyke at the side of the Hotel Wroxham. She looked much safer! Then along with Jim to meet Treacle! They sort of got on together but Jim is over 9 years old and Treacle is young and sprightly! After filling up with water we had a lovely cruise along the river to Coltishall with a couple of cannies to keep us going! Watching Rod helm is an experience most so-called expert helmsmen should be caused to witness! Never in a hurry, just calm and collected, he showed me several things and in particular the use of full helm and a burst of power against bow-thruster to effectively move the boat sideways onto the mooring. (I tried that at the Acle Bridge with great success, Rod!).
We had another couple of pints at Coltishall as Treacle and Jim tore around in circles with Jim chasing, barking vigorously.. we don't know what his intentions were as he never caught her! I then managed to bring Sally B back to Wroxham in a downpour but declined to navigate her under the bridge! Perhaps another time, Rod!
That evening it was the “Steak Night†at the hotel and we had a meal there; cheap and cheerful at £6.95 each it was good value for money.
I had spoken to Gus at the New Inn as we passed by en-route Salhouse and he had confirmed the moorings in their dyke at 11.00 on Saturday. Saturday morning and we left Wroxham just before 10.00 to arrive outside the New Inn at......... 11.01! Terry (Col's mate off Southern Comfort) and Gus were waiting to help us in and I apologised for being late......... Thanks, Terry!
HJ2 arrived in the early afternoon and we settled down to celebrate Lou and my birthdays (one on Friday, one on Sunday). Then a meal in the evening with Lou, Col and Connor. Excellent food, Lou had the Seafood Plater, Mary-Jane the Steak and Stilton pie, Col the Gammon and egg, Connor the Steak and Ale pie and I had the Steak and Kidney Pudding! Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their meal and I promised myself the Steak and Stilton pie the next night! Also a very good band and Essex Blonde's hen party! Thank goodness I can easily take my hearing aid out! We had such a good time that we changed our plans and stayed there until Tuesday!
Sunday was my birthday and we started the day with a Full English! That set us up for the day! We said our goodbyes to HJ2 and crew later that morning and I walked up to the Swan to try their wi-fi. Not cheap at £2.95 for 30 mins but worth it to try their super real ales. The Steak and Stilton pie was as good as I'd hoped for!
We returned to the Swan on Monday for lunchtime drinks but kept our appetites for more food at the New Inn in the evening.
On Tuesday we left Horning and made our way down to Acle Bridge where we were amazed when Phil recognised us from our one and only previous visit.. last September the 22nd, 2008! Good beer, great food, free wi-fi and he even waived our mooring fee when I mentioned the NBF and NBN!
For our final day's cruising please refer to the High Tide topic by DaveS.
We'll be back 'oop North' next year but probably not during the school holidays... it's a little too busy for us!
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The Swan, Horning but it's not free. Run by "The Cloud" at £2.99 for 30mins.
Acle Bridge is free but you need to be right by the office as the signal's not very good.
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And us. too. We'll be getting onboard the Harwich/Hoek ferry while you're all enjoying yourselves!
Hope you all have a fantastic time!
!
I wouldn't want to be anywhere near there when he did!
about your passage in the Black Deep as any vessel with less than 6m draft should not be there. But as I later qualified it there is a designated crossing area for small craft between Black Deep #5 and into the Foulgers Gat at BD#6. For those that know the area just north of the Fishermans Gat which starts at BD#8 SE bound.
called my mobile and arranged to meet in the bar at 19.00 for a chat. Mary-Jane declined as she has heard all my chats with aeroplane enthusiasts before! It was good to meet up with Rod and Shirley and we had quite a few bevvies (at £2.45 a pint!). Before long it was 22.00 and time for lights out and we arranged to meet in the morning for a trip up the river in Sally B.
You tube
in Site Technical Chat and `How To`
Posted
Pete, Hi
I downloaded this but is there anyway I can get out of paying the $$$'s to use it just once?
John