Soupdragon

Final thoughts on our week afloat. I am glad we finally had a holiday on the Broads; it has been something I have wanted to do for a very long time. Would I go again? Probably is the answer I come up with at the moment. Our 1st boat choice was poor for a first timer in my opinion. A centre cockpit is a much easier introduction to boating – again in my opinion. The first 2 days were not enjoyable for me or Clare as she could see I was struggling. Once we changed boats it was a different story and again I can only thank Richardson’s for their help and flexibility in allowing us to change. I was seriously considering going home before then. If we go again it will be with friends, and it will be out of the main summer season. As Clare works in a school this makes holidays out of school holiday times impossible but I am sure Easter or October half terms would be quieter. We missed a lot of the things I have read about in this and other forums because of the lack of mooring spaces in August. The Norfolk Broads are a beautiful and sometimes magical place and at times on our holiday we both felt we were somewhere special where the pace of life is completely different from our modern, stressful life. It was almost like being a kid again – no worries, just discovering new things and having fun. One final question – why are so many pubs named after parts of a king?

No right, that is where we moored Damn, didn't know about that or we would have. Sorry about the wait but have just finished a 3 shift weekend. Here is the final part of our tale. Day 7, Sun 1st The wild fowl were quieter this morning, must be Sunday!! We woke quite early as we were going to have a final cruise down the Ant, the weather was a bit overcast but still warm. A quick coffee and I slipped the ropes and headed out of Stalham. The river was very quiet and only passed a couple of other boats on the move, a few moored up on wild moorings. The kids were still asleep when we left but the engine soon got them out of their bunks. We got to Barton Broad and I decided it was breakfast time so headed just out of the channel and dropped the mud weight. After a cracking breakfast both Clare and me remembered at the same time that it was our wedding anniversary!! We had brought cards but in all the excitement of the holiday it had slipped our minds. We bobbed about for an hour, it was quite windy on the broad, feeding the last bits of bread to the swans and watching the yachts start their racing. Soon I decided it was time to go before there were too many yachts to dodge. We headed back up the Ant but we kept going straight instead of turning right for Stalham and head up towards Wayford. This was an even prettier stretch of river and it was fairly busy. We turned at the bridge and headed back to Richardson’s were we had a lunch consisting of everything that was open in the fridge before we packed up and loaded the car. The fuel tank was refilled and we went to reception for the refund of what was left of the fuel deposit and to say our goodbyes. Then it was off to Tescos for fuel and the start of the 4 hour, uneventful drive home.

Day 6, Sat 31st Bloody ducks and geese again!!! Had a leisurely breakfast whilst all around were boats mooring, tanks being pumped and filled, cars loaded and cleaners cleaning! After the rush we set off. Some of you may remember I had wanted to go to Horsey and see the sea so we headed there first. Parked up and headed across the marshes/fields towards the ‘gap’ in the sea defences. What a beach! And it was empty – amazing! No ice creams though so back we went to the car – saw a lizard on the way (pic is a bit blurred as the grass kept moving and mucking up the autofocus!) then it was to Norwich. Used the park and ride which was very good and only £4.20 for a group ticket as it was after 12:30. Had lunch in a lovely little café called the White Lion and had a mooch around the lanes. There seemed to be an inordinate amount of sweet shops but that was heaven for the kids who proceeded to spend most of their money! We bought a gift for my eldest daughter who had stayed at home and soon it was time to head back to the bus station. We drove back through Wroxham which seemed even busier than it had when we were there earlier in the week, and got back to the yard at about 18:00 – all was peaceful. I had noticed, in one of the free papers we had been given, an advert for a pub, The Harnser, which was not on the map but said it was 10 minutes from Stahlam. I checked the map and saw a footpath leading from the yard to Stalham green so I set off to check it out while Clare started the food. The footpath was through a wood and it took me right to the main road and I could see the pub so I ventured in to check its facilities. After I finished the pint of Doom Bar I started back to the boat, this time going via the road and through Stalham. This way was more than twice as long as I had reached the pub in just over 10 mins but the return journey took me almost 30 mins (I had only 1 drink I promise!) After dinner we set off, not forgetting the torch as there were no lights at all on the path. A great time was had, there was Karaoke in the bar, but we stayed in the garden as it was so nice. On the way back through the wood there was much hilarity when I turned the torch off and left the other 3 screaming as a pigeon, obviously disturbed from slumber by our crashing along the path, decided to find a quieter place to sleep. We got back to the boat and settled down for our last night afloat of the holiday.

I was a 'lager boy' until I tried Hobgoblin, I think I have drunk lager 3 or 4 times since!!! Day 5, Fri 30th It had been decided that we would be ending our holiday on Sunday afternoon rather than Monday morning, so Clare could sort things out before she was back at work on Tuesday. We would only really miss 1 night on board. We also wanted to visit Norwich as we were in the area. This meant Friday was our last full day of cruising so a plan was decided on. Leave Acle, cruise up to Potter Heigham, see if we could moor, if not back down the Thurn and into Womack water for Lunch and then a slow cruise back to Stalham for our night stop so we could get off to Norwich early. Also I didn’t want to be trying to moor up on a change over day at Richardson’s. Once more the sun was beaming down on us as we cast off from the Acle Marina moorings, we really have been lucky with the week’s weather. Again had a bit of trouble getting away from the moorings, not helped by everyone on the river passing me exactly at the time I undid the ropes – I’m sure the river was empty when I started to untie!!! Made a complete hash of leaving, didn’t go as I had planned it to but I ended up pointing up the river which was where we wanted to go so I probably looked like I knew what I was doing from the bankside! The cruise back up river was uneventful; we turned right into the Thurn and headed for Potter. Clare loved all the houses along the river side but I guess they are well out of our price range!! I have to admit I bottled it and decided that caution was the best policy and I turned the boat around before we got to the bridge. Back down the Thurn we headed, this time having to deal with a couple of dinghies that involved me slamming into reverse a couple of times as they tacked across in front of me. As we got to the turn for Womack water I stood up to check around the boat and my hat was whipped away behind me! Dang!! That was my favourite hat and I’d had it years. Anyway into Womack water and wow it was a bit narrow especially with a RC45 coming out. But it was a beautiful stretch of water and when we got to the moorings at Womack Dyke there was a spot right at the far end where we moored. This mooring was not shown on my map so maybe it is a new one. We had a walk into Ludham which was very nice, had a pint in the King’s Arms and bought some lunch from the deli in Throwers. We sauntered back to the parish staithe which was very pretty and not too busy either. Clare had a wander around the gift shop and bought herself a piece of jewellery. Then it was back to ‘Frisco for lunch. We cast off and headed towards the staithe to turn around then sailed around the island moorings and back out into the Thurn. Negotiated Ludham Bridge with no bother this time and headed back up the Ant which I have to say is a really beautiful stretch of river. It was Friday afternoon and all we saw coming the other way was boats, boats and more boats!! Quite a lot of them seemed to be all male parties and a couple of them were completely decked out as pirates – eye patches, striped ragged shirts & shorts, bandanas and flying the Jolly Roger. We arrived back at Kingfisher quay at about 18:00 and there were 3 other boats moored so plenty of space to reverse on. A couple of others arrived back, but this was their last night and they were beating the Saturday morning rush by mooring up now. Dinner was prepared and eaten and to the bright lights of Stalham we headed. Both pubs were very busy but we found an outside table at the Swan Inn. There was quite a big Indian restaurant on the way through the town from the yard, which was packed so it must be good. Didn’t stay long as we had bought a DVD to watch, so it was back to the boat for a couple of cans.

It reminded me of Wychwood's Hobgoblin which is my beer of choice at home, dark and strong.

Day 4, Thu 29th Geese and ducks!! Millions of the little ba$74&ds, woke us at 6ish!!! After an hour I had had enough and got up. We had some breakfast then started to pack our stuff and at 9ish I wandered over to reception where another nice lady knew all about our change and got the yard guys to refuel Classic Gem and take me out on San Francisco for a quick trial run. I asked the guy to show me side on mooring which he did and I practiced a couple of times before heading back, where I moored stern on between 2 boats almost perfectly. (Stern on mooring seems a lot easier to me). We transferred our gear and by 10 were on our way again. Today our destination was Acle, the trial run guy said there would be plenty of mooring in the Horizon yard, with a stop at St Benet’s Abbey. The difference in the boats was amazing. I could see all around the boat and felt a lot more in control. After a bit of traffic at How Hill and Ludham Bridge we were out of the Ant and into the Bure. The moorings at St Benet’s were quite empty so I got the crew in their positions and nailed it like a pro!! This was a much easier boat to handle and I am glad we swapped. A stroll up to the ruins and on to the cross, was enjoyed as was the view across the marshes. Back to the ’Frisco and a quick lunch was prepared and eaten before we set off again. The trip down to Acle was calm and serene and the sun shone down on us all day, the river was very busy it seemed but as it is fairly wide there were no hairy moments. Soon Acle hove into to view and it was packed! Horizon yard was full as was the bankside moorings and at the Bridge Inn they were double moored. Plan B had to put into action. Unfortunately, we didn’t have a plan B!!! A quick check of the map and another mooring was located further down the river at Acle Marina, 2 mins later we were there and there was space. Moored up with a lot more ease, not easy but easier than Classic Gem. These moorings belonged to The Hermitage Restaurant and bar and we had to pay £5 for overnight mooring, which was totally refundable on all food and drink bought there. As it was about 16:00 we weren’t going anywhere else that day so I left the kids and Clare and ‘recced’ the path to the restaurant with my £5 in my hand. Apart from a couple of ladies walking their dogs, who both said hello, I saw no-one, not even when, after a 5 minute walk, I reached the establishment, as it was closed!! So I walked back, again passing the 2 dog walkers who again said hello. Everyone is nice it seems on the Broads. When I got back everyone was chillin’ so I popped a can and joined them watching what seemed to be hundreds of swifts darting across the water feeding on the bugs. A young lad came round about 17:30 and took my £5 and gave me a ticket which I could redeem at the bar later. We ate on the boat and decided to head into the thriving metropolis that is Acle. It was a bit of a walk about 25mins to the village, but it was a warm evening and we needed the walk. We found the King’s Head and in we went. The beer was great, Broadside by Adnams, so I had 2!! Then we headed back stopping at The Hermitage to spend my £5. The menu looks great, especially if you like fish. We headed back across the field in the dark, I had a torch, to our boat where it was discovered that Sybil had left her phone in the pub so I had another walk back down the path to collect it. The beds were a lot better on the Frisco and we were all soon asleep.

Here we go with the next 'gripping' instalment!! Day 3, Wed 28th The diggers in the next field woke us promptly at 07:30!! We did know the plan for today; I was using poetic license in yesterday’s final sentence!!! We were going to the Entertainment capital of Norfolk – Great Yarmouth! I know some of you have strong opinions of Gt Yarmouth but with 2 bored 13 yr olds and the last 2 days cruising still fresh in my mind we thought it would be a good idea. We weren’t getting there by boat though as I have read enough and seen all of Robin’s videos to know Gt Yarmouth by boat was a ‘Bridge too Far’ for me. The plan was to have a leisurely cruise back up to Stalham, moor up, get water and a free pump out (just in case!) and drive to Gt Yarmouth. It was the last of the weekly firework displays as well so we would be late back so staying over in our home yard. On the way back up the Ant I chatted to Clare about the situation and we decided to carry on with the holiday as the bits in between the mooring and leaving were great. The scenery is beautiful and it was very relaxing just pootling about. As we slowly passed through Richardson’s I had a brainwave – what if we could change boats/ something smaller, maybe with a centre cockpit so I could see bow and stern during manoeuvres. I moored up, stern on, perfectly and headed for the reception. I told the lady that we were going to Gt Yarmouth and would be back late; she gave me the code for the gate so we could park back on site. Then she asked how it was going and I seized the opportunity to tell her of my difficulties and asked if there was another boat we could swap to? She asked a guy in the office and he checked out the availability and came back with a yes!! There was a boat we could swap, shorter at 37ft and with a centre cockpit – San Francisco 3. It was roughly the same price and although the living area was smaller the bedrooms were much bigger. They had to get it ready but as we were heading out to the hedonistic delights of Gt Yarmouth anyway, that was fine. The guy brought it round and moored it next to ours as we set off. I must admit I felt a bit relieved knowing that, hopefully, things could only get better from now on. We parked in a car park towards the Caister end of the sea front and wandered along the prom, the kids were excited and with a fiver each they were let loose on the arcades whilst Clare and I found a pub and drank beer! A-Haaa!! We did the usual stuff, had dinner at Harry Ramsden’s which was scrumptious, ate ice cream and went on a few rides. Saw the fireworks and drove back to Stalham. Went to bed for the last time on Classic Gem. At this point I would like to thank everyone at Richardson’s for allowing us to change boats, they didn’t have to but I am sure they could see the terror in my face!! The reception lady and the boat yard guys were fantastic, customer service at its best.

It was across country and it may have been a tad longer, 2 hours we were away and on the way back we followed a footpath across 2 fields!! No DVD, even the trial run guy was surprised when he was showing us around the boat. Anyhoo here is day 2 (if these are too long let me know, i start typing and all of a sudden i have written 1340 words!!) Day 2, Tues 27th We woke quite early; well the kids didn’t, obviously!! Opened up the boat and had a coffee and some toast and checked the map for our days cruising. It was decided that Wroxham would be a good place to go, maybe get some fish & chips for lunch. After the kids had woken and everyone fed and watered it was time to set off. Little did we know what the next few minutes had in store for us! There was a boat in front of us but no one behind so I thought no problem just a little bit of power astern and we would have plenty of space to pull away from the staithe. Didn’t work!! Boat went back about 15/20 feet, then full right wheel and engine in forward and we just bounced along the staithe, the stern did not want to leave. Stopped and reversed further and again once in forward gear the stern would not allow us to pull away, it just bounced along the mooring. Eventually we got ourselves off but it involved coming out from the bank at almost 90 degrees then snaking up the river trying desperately to straighten but each time over steering and then over steering back to where I was originally. This boat is huge and as I couldn’t see the back was relying on messages passed by my crew. Any confidence I had had gone and I was now cruising down the river and wishing I was laying on a beach somewhere instead of trying to sail/drive( what is the correct term??) a 44 foot bathtub with a lid, with no idea what the back end was doing, down a river. Anyway, I safely navigated Ludham Bridge and the mouth of the Ant, and turned right up the Bure. A quick check of the map and it was left into Ranworth Dam and on towards Malthouse broad. I was hoping to moor at the Ranworth staithe but it was full so I thought it was an ideal time to try out the mud weight. Weight was duly lowered into the murky depths and we settled down for a calming cup of coffee! During this stop I noticed free mooring space at the island staithe so decided that some stern on mooring practice was needed as that is probably what I would need to do at Wroxham. Pulled the weight up and attempted my first stern on mooring without the assistance of my trial run guy! Well it went quite well, probably hit the mooring a tad too hard, but nothing broken and no-one in the water so we fed the ducks a few crusts and then it was off to Wroxham. A leisurely cruise along the Bure followed, through Horning, packed solid, loads of craft of all sizes and on towards Salhouse and Wroxham broads. Everything was great, sun was shining down, temperature was in low 20s there were a lot of other boats all along this part and I had to do a fair bit of manoeuvring on this stretch. And then we were in Wroxham! What a nightmare……………… Boats behind me, boats in front of me, pretend paddle steamer right up my stern and another pleasure cruise boat behind her, day boats to the left and right of me and not a single spot to moor, which probably was a good thing as there was no way I had the confidence to even attempt it. I tried all the boat yards and some of them were very tight for a boat my size. After 30 mins of panicking and near misses I managed to turn around and head off to the relative quiet of the island staithe next to Wroxham broad where we had lunch. By now the doubts had set in and I was worried that this would not be the week of complete relaxation that I had hoped it would be. Checking the ship's clock (my phone!!) I saw it was getting on and we cast off and headed back down the Bure not really sure of where were headed. As we got to the Ant I swung her left and headed for Ludham Bridge, hoping there would be an easy mooring spot. As we negotiated the sharp bend just before the bridge I was forced to stop/reverse as another 2 boats were coming through. This must have taken me a bit off course as I lined her up to shoot the bridge gap Clare says ‘it’s a bit close this side’ as my bow fender bounced us off the bridge!! The staithe was almost empty up river side so we moored up and I checked to see if I had hurt the boat! The only thing I could see was a squished fender that soon returned to its original shape. This mishap was the last straw and I was preparing to head back and hand the keys in. However, it was too late and we had moored, so it was off to the Dog Inn, this time for food as well as drink. Both of which were excellent. After a few pints I had relaxed a bit again and we returned to the boat where the tv refused to tune into any channels so we hit the (very small) sack wondering what the morning would bring.

Well we made it back! Got back yesterday evening after cutting the week short by 1 night because of my wifes work commitments. Will add a few paragraphs about each day in this thread as soon as I have typed them up. A quick recap on the situation so far: Booked 1 week on Classic Gem 2 for Myself (Nick) and the wife(Clare), our son Dan and his friend Sybil both 13. Never driven/sailed a boat before and a bit nervous to be honest, anyway here goes - Day 1, Mon 26th Set off from the sunny south coast at 9am with an eta of 14:00, hoping that as it was the end of a bank holiday all the traffic would be in the opposite direction. Stopped for breakfast and after a bit of traffic on the M11, overturned caravan on opposite carriageway and 30 mins stuck at Elvedon/Thetford we drove into the Yard at Stalham at 14:25. Into the reception (very nice lady) to book in and then to collect our life jackets then all aboard the Classic Gem 2!! First thoughts were @%*& me I will never be able to drive/sail that thing!(whatever the term is!!) It was mahoosive. Unloaded the car and loaded the boat then it was off on my trial run. The guy taking me out was very good and showed me the basics quite quickly and I soon felt comfortable controlling the boat with him standing next to me. Classic Gem is a ‘bathtub’ type boat, as I am sure most of you know, with loads of living space inside. However, the bedrooms were very cramped and not at all comfortable. No dvd player, though it says it has on the Richardson’s site, and we couldn’t get the cd/radio or TV to work anywhere we went!! A quick dash to Tesco’s for a few last minute stores and away we go at about 16:30. Slow and steady out of the boat yard and down the Ant absolutely beautiful, the sun was shining the birds were singing (just as well as the radio wouldn’t work!) and our 1st Broads holiday was underway. Got to Barton Broad and there were still a few sailing boats around but using my new boat handling skills we navigated the broad with no mishaps and continued on down the Ant. It was now about 17:30 and I was a bit worried about finding a mooring so when we got to How Hill and saw there were a few spots I decided this would be where we moored. Life jackets on, my crew were at their posts and I drifted her in almost perfect, lucky/fluke I imagine, Dan and Sybil tied their ropes perfectly and we had moored. A quick look around the staithe and it was decided that it can’t be too far to a pub and off we went. 30 minutes later we were in The Dog Inn at Ludham Bridge which was very nice, needed a pint after the walk there, but only had time for 1 as we needed food and it was quite a trek back to How Hill. Had a nice meal on board, a couple of cans and a few board games and it was time for bed.

hahaha that was me!! Back now and will give you all a run down of the week later

will let you know how we get on, Thanks

thanks for the info everyone, tomorrow is the day!! All packed and ready to cast off early morning incase we hit Bank hol traffic. Apologies to anyone that I bump into over the coming 7 days, I have got the damage waiver thingy and I am fully insured (I hope!!) Any last minutes tips or recommendations of places to go on the Northern part? I think I have one more of The Rascals video blogs to watch, thanks Robin great information in all of them.

hmmm, picking boat up from Stalham 14:00 tomorrow, first time on Broads!!! Looks like I'm circling until its over!!

aw bummer, i thought we were ok for Potter Heigham, i saw on another site that it could pass underthe bridge. Still a day boat may be an option i will have a look at prices.

Ok guys and gals another couple of questions!! Mosquitos?? I know they will be there but what do people use/do to minimise their impact on the holiday? I have heard about the marmite thing and do eat it regularly on my toast. Anyone have any other tips? As long as the weather is good, we quite fancy a day at the beach, although maybe not Gt Yarmouth!! I am sure I read in another post on here someone visiting the beach near to the Nelson's Head PH, I have found the pub and it is in Horsey, are there plenty of moorings around Horsey mere as the map only shows the staithe? Thanks again for your assistance