Broadsword

S. Walsham is a long way in from the salt!

Service with a smile it is despite which we still visit there often... I really do like the place and where possible, am happy to support local trade... Our last little spree saw us looking for sundry small-ish items and we were not exactly made to feel welcome at first! However, when we went upstairs to spend a much larger sum on clothing, we were treated royally!

Good one ST... I should not refer to my warps as painters!

We refer to the 'line' in shorthand, as in, 'can you release the stern line', but I think painter is acceptable on a small yacht? We also both understand warps, but neither us would call them ropes!! We usually teach youngsters that there are no ropes on a boat (so that they learn to refer to them correctly rather than just say 'pull that rope!' - but Peter is right... however, what do we imagine the bolt rope is? I use it to refer to the rope sewn into my sail luff... Is that right?

They make things idiot proof and then someone designs a better class of idiot...

And that Polly, was the time Griff came to our rescue and I got to drive BA! A nice highlight of an otherwise very frightening experience!! I have forgiven Harry, but always check his boats VERY carefully now!

I tried to cross a little early once and ended up punching the ebb heading back North, in an auxiliary yacht... Horrible experience! We made very slow progress and struggled to keep our line... eased to the wall at Yarmouth and tied up until the slack arrived!

Working with the tides definitely helps... It can make a very substantial difference! Personally, I get quite fed up if I empty a gallon can of unleaded in a week...

Beautiful day indeed... gutted I wasn't spending it on the boat!!

A video blog with Rascal and Griff would be a sheer delight...

Funny how varied our boating styles and expectations are... Ali and I were in Go Outdoors today buying a few bits and bobs and had a conversation about whether or not we would re-instate the 12 volt system on OBY! We actually could happily manage without most of the time, using rechargeable lights, a solar charger for phones etc. and little gas stove for the hot water and cooking. We use shore facilities when possible for showers and have a portaloo on board. We probably will go wild and put the battery back... just for a cabin light and a cigar lighter for charging... Even our nav lights run from batteries! In time we might go to two rings on the gas stove - Waiting for the kettle is no biggie when we are on the boat...! Please, please don't read this as criticism of anyone else's approach to boating... It absolutely isn't. For me, our boat is the escape from all the other stuff and I love it simple and basic... I have been on board Broad Ambition and love her to bits... Even got to take the wheel once (thanks Griff) a complete joy... So, completely understand that for others a boat can be a lovely home from home. Just interesting what a wide spectrum of approaches there is here!

I have only ever done it sailing BTW - engine only through Yarmouth and sails back up at the dolphins... I don't mind people disagreeing with me, but if I only had a week, I wouldn't bother. Mind you, I can fully understand why those in the South want to come up to the beautiful North

Ah, well that explains it!! Yes, each to their own - but I did have hiring in mind - if you get out onto the Broads more frequently, then the trip is less of an issue; I remember a trip South years ago with my Dad and my Uncle, when we hired from Whelptons. My Uncle was determined to be at Oulton for the Power Boat racing and we seemed to be chugging for most of the week to achieve the aim! Not my thing really

OK. Tin hat on but.... What I don't get is, if you want to go North, why hire South? You spend so much of your holiday getting back and forth, I don't really see the point. I have travelled South from North on occasions, but only when I had at least 10 days break, which means I can do it in a fairly leisurely way... I confess I don't like spending a large number of hours chugging... So my advice (see OP) would be 'Want to go North? Hire there!!'

So very sad... Praying for the family and friends involved...

Darn clever those Muntjacks!

Welcome Bob; which boat will you be hiring? We will be out that week and I'll try to avoid getting my saily in your way! Regarding moorings, Horning, Malthouse (Ranworth) or anywhere really - if you are able to use a dinghy, it is a good way to open up your options. At Horning you can moor across the river, at Malthouse you can mudweight, and so on... Worth a thought...

We enjoyed seeing your drawers on Thursday Pauline, thanks for the welcome and a lovely evening!

My early dog walk was actually quite sunny and warm this morning!

Trouble is, they'd stick it out of the sunroof and then take the route that goes under a low bridge!

At nearly 57, I'm clearly still a youngster... I have always enjoyed this gem though... From the late and great Pete Seeger: http://www.songlyrics.com/seeger-pete/my-get-up-and-go-has-got-up-and-went-lyrics/

Lovely picture! Thankfully not taken on a Thursday evening in the high season!!

Absolutely like that here today. Sun; hail; snow... Nice weather for early February. Unfortunately it's late April!

I'll chat to Ali... would be nice... We will call at the boat at some point but weather looks grim... Whereabouts will you be? We could grab a drink together?

Love the Horsey Mere view... Definitely a favourite of ours, sunset or dawn, both beautiful. On one visit, the dogs had me up and about very early and we stood at the top of the Mere enjoying a beautiful sunrise and the sound of the dawn chorus - fantastic!