BroadScot

Alan I am 99% sure you are correct about the Canal Society day. You have to build a boat made out of cartons and make it float over a short course. Most rarely make it very far into the water. But much hilarity is had by all lol There are also short rides on the canal. I have pics on a CD somewhere will try look out. Iain.

Stuart it looks simple, but wasn't. My mate use to work for Falkirk Council, and was involved in promoting the area. That wheel, marvelous as it is, cost a pretty penny to erect. For anyone who will be in the area early August, there is a fun day at the canal basin at Linlithgow, I think about the 16th. Iain.

Alan, the gentleman more than likely waving at you was Alan Johnston of AJ boats, he spent half the day he use to tell me, guesticulating at speeders to slow down! lol Iain.

Now then, I wonder if Sanderson Marine, Reedham, took that idea a bit further? They had a few boats that sort of style I seem to recall. And Willow Cruisers also. Iain

10mph!!! Tut tut you'll be wakening Nessie from her slumbers! Iain.

Grace, get it right, please, retired Electrician ta. The STB is ma ain wee side line fur ewes lot doon sooth. I have cruised for a day on Lake Garda, a place I would love to go back to some day. Iain.

Anither wan fur you. Iain

Hi Grace some video links for you. Enjoy. Iain.

Grace....err me being me S.T.B. Scottish Tourist Board lol Iain.

I personaly Grace have not been on the Cally Canal, but as Loch Ness is just under 800ft at its deepest point. So no mudweighting. It can get pretty rough on Loch Ness also. IF you get the weather the views are stunning and I am sure someone on here has been on the Cally Canal. Alan - Ranworth Breeze? My brother in law did it many years ago and there were very few mooring places then. The one thing to watch out for is our infamous Midge! The little sods are evil. Also the drive up the A9 is a slog but oh boy what views as you head North. Inverness is a nice place to stay too. I like over in Ross n Cromerty and have stayed at Dingwall several times. It aint cheap to hire boats either. But if I was 30 years younger I would go and have a break on the Lochs and Canal. Whatever you do I am sure you will be made welcome up in the Highlands. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loch_Ness http://www.canalguide.co.uk/canals/britain_canal_caledonian.html Iain. S.T.B.

Siddy, I had 5 numbers up in 1997, didn't even win £1000, and I had to go 10 miles to a village post office to collect my cheque. On the funny side when I went to pay the said cheque in, my banks staff all wanted to see what a winning cheque looked like lol. On the plus side, it did pay for two Broads holidays. Robin, err the Germans Switchgear is no better than what is manufactured in the UK ..IMHO. Germans stuff is only dearer. Iain.

Keith is more than likely still recovering from watching England attempting to win The Ashes on Oz, or its sunstroke! He probably still dreams that it was a nightmare and England actualy won? Iain

So I beg to ask Mr Richo..why 190 turns? sounds VERY low geared to me. Iain.

I was thinking this one http://www.hotelroyalvillage.it/ I stayed in Torbole but liked Riva. Italy though aint cheap! Iain

Oh I like the Lake Garda Idea, hmmm buy that nice big hotel in Limone forget its name, where I could invite all my friends. Have a cruiser for Lake Garda for weekends, as I would be on the Broads on a new build that suits us older crew members. I could not agree more about rheumatoid arthritis, and in my case find a cure for chronic psoriasis. Most importantly, don't change yourself! That would ruin the winning completely IMHO. Now must go and buy the winning Lottery Ticket! Best of luck to all! Iain.

Ooops I meant Bramerton Woods End not Woodbastwick duh Iain.

I followed one of those Newsons up the Yare to Woodbastwick in a very strong wind, I know bath tubs are not great going straight, but that craft, if you can call it that, literally went up the Yare sideways. It must have been, and still will be, a nightmare to steer in crosswinds! I agree with Robin and Kingfisher, but there was a steel jobbie from Braydon Marine that looked like something out of the African Queen? Must try and find it online. Iain.

I have a Panasonic DMC-LZ30 Lumix. 35xZoom. I have to say i'm pleased with it. Its very simple to use and takes good zoom pics. Here is one taken 19 miles away from the Isle of Arran. I was down at Maidens near Turnberry one day. Iain.

The american gent did one with his niece? His delivery and choice of music and commentary is excellent. There are a lot of good vids of the Broads, but his are very good indeed. Iain.

Herbert Woods "free" map is well laid out with lots of info. That was not with a Elite boat either. Iain.

There you are Grace....Alan in all his Glory! JAWS! Iain.

I used to drive a DS after cricket matches when the owner had too many sherberts. It was like driving on air. That Carribean paintwork looks like an old Hearts Blue with the Red flashing? A Major methinks with bow alterations, never seen that before. Iain.

Sorry Alan I don't have any pics. Maybe someone has an old Hoseasons Brochure with all the Eastwoods craft on it? Happy hunting. Iain.

We also used a Premier Inn on both journeys - Kings Lynn - on the way down, this we can do now being retired. Before it was pick the wife up from School and drive down overnight. When we used Hearts at Thorpe, they left the boat or a boat open for us to zzzzz and then in the morning go over onto the island and do the bits n pieces. I can recommend the Darlington Premier Inn, the Beefeater, next doors food was excellent and the staff brilliant. I had to go all of the A1 as my sis in law lives in Linlithgow. Stopped at Morrisons at Berwick for my fav Toasted Bacon sarnie its huge there. I agree with the drives through Northumberland a very underestimated county to explore. Fortunately my mate has a Caravan sited at Haggerston Castle, so we go go down there from time to time. I am only back two weeks from Norfolk and already I am getting the itch to return again soon lol Iain.

There were boats with names like that from Harvey Eastwoods at Brundall if that is any help Alan. Iain.