BryanW

Just uploaded the video to YouTube, this is the link: Sorry it's about 30 mins long and even then I've trimmed a lot out.

Hi John & Mary-Jane Camera is Olympus OM-D E-M5, Olympus lenses as follows: Gosling - 70-300mm @ 75mm Sunset - 25mm Wherries - 25mm All others - 60mm Macro ISO 400 for all. I love the OM-D having 'cut my teeth' on OM film cameras in the 70s through to 2000s, I also prefer to use fixed focal length lenses where possible although as you can see I do own a long zoom. Remember with MFT lenses you double the focal length to get 35mm equivalent.

This is the full write up. By the way I have sussed out that my photos were too big so I have limited them to 1600 pixels on the long edge which hopefully will work. Saturday 6th June A lovely sunny day but a little breezy with a cool wind. On arrival Sue was very chatty and told us a few things that were happening with regards to some hire yards, however, at this stage I don’t feel that I should be the first to share this information. We hadn’t had Gala III for a few years usually going for Gala II and as said in the preliminary notes we noted the CO and Smoke detectors and the Welcome Pack. As soon as the car was unloaded Paul did the usual completion of the tick sheet and let us take the boat out of the yard unassisted. Once on the Bure we thought that we would go for Ranworth since it was fairly early instead of our usual first night at Cockshoot. We found that the Bure was pretty busy, almost as many private boats as hire but not too many Day Boats. On the way through Horning we met a load of Hampton Safaris, presumably going to their Meet at Salhouse. Once on Malthouse Broad we found the staithe to be full but after a couple of passes a cruiser indicated that they were leaving so we stood off until they were clear of the Staithe and then slipped in between a hire boat and a private one. There were quite a few comings and goings through the late afternoon and by evening the staithe was completely full again. During the early evening three Wherries came into the broad, rafted up and mud weighted. Sunday 7th June Woke at about 6 o’clock to a chilly boat (10℃) but a lovely sunny morning. After bacon sarnies for breakfast did the usual engine (note: the Dip Stick on this boat must be the most awkward ever), weed filter checks and topped up the water then we decided that it would be Barton Turf/Paddys Lane for the afternoon. Going past How Hill we saw that two Wherries were moored up. Barton Turf staithe was full in the inlet so we settled for Paddys Lane and moored on the port side, then, because of the security light in Cox’s yard decided to turn the boat using the ropes (Summercraft always supply a spare rope (and Club Hammer for the Rond Anchors) so it is easy by joining this to the appropriate bow rope). We then took a walk over to the parish staithe and on the way got some Water Iris photographs and saw two deer (Chinese Water Deer, I think) on the path between the dingy moorings and the staithe but they disappeared into the undergrowth before I managed to take any video or photographs. Once back on the boat we spent some time watching a bird (Great Tit, I think) having a fine time feeding on insects on one of the posts at the head of the island. We also spotted a Grass Snake swimming across from the island but again no camera handy, this is the third time we have seen snakes swimming over the years. Over the afternoon the mooring became full but, again, later in the evening spaces appeared once most of the private boats had left. Monday 8th June Another chilly morning but sunny with lovely mist rising from the water. Boiled eggs for breakfast this morning. Once the usual checks were done we moved over to the parish staithe and topped up with water while my wife washed her hair (the water now being just warm enough). Today was going to be Womack, we did note that dredging was taking place round the Womack Island diversion opposite the moorings, there was plenty of space at the staithe so no problems. After a visit to Thrower’s we settled down in the sun for the rest of the afternoon, it was then that I found I had been eaten alive all down my arms by the flying bugs at Paddys Lane, I really must remember to use insect repellant. We were going to visit The Kings Arms for a meal but after much debate decided to wait and try The White Horse at Neatishead instead. Tuesday 9th June Another chilly morning but sunny with quite a keen breeze coming over the fields and straight onto our stern. Spotted a Kingfisher, flew up the broad and then back down at the usual supersonic speed. After the usual checks and filling up with water we departed for Neatishead (mud weight just in the river to wash it). Fairly windy over Barton Broad but on arrival at Neatishead we found the staithe to be empty (it didn’t stay that way for long) so moored on the end to make life easy in the morning. We did find that the water levels were somewhat low. We took a walk to the village, checked out the menu at the pub and booked a table for the evening, visited the shop where we bought some local fudge and cheese. In the evening went to The White Horse, my wife had Fish & Chips followed by Banoffee Pie while I had Duck Breast and then the Rib Eye Steak, all cooked to perfection and very friendly staff. Wednesday 10th June Not such a nice day today, rather cloudy. Usual checks and water filled then we were the first to depart, after a slow run down Lime Kiln Dyke we decided to go up to Dilham but by the time we got through Wayford Bridge it was still quite early, so rather than risk having to pass boats coming down from Dilham or finding no space, we changed our minds and decided to try for Instead. On coming up to Instead we found two boats, one on the inner section that had not moored very considerately, while the other looked as if it was about to leave. We passed the staithe and turned at convenient point, coming back the first boat was leaving and the other one was making ready so we stood off until the inner section was free and then moored up making sure that we were right up one end of the staithe. The water was very low and we had to raise the fenders as high as we could so that there was no risk of getting trapped under the quay heading and added an extra mooring rope to stop us moving around too much when other boats passed. Took a bit of a walk and found that a farmer had attached a kite that looked like a Marsh Harrier to a pole as a bird scarer. Late afternoon another boat pulled in behind us while a private boat took the outer section. Thursday 11th June A lovely sunny morning but still chilly. Usual checks and then couldn’t make a decision but finally said Womack again. We managed to pull into Ludham Bridge for water (why no posts or mooring rings on the water point?) and then changed our minds regarding our destination deciding, finally, to make for How Hill. We passed through the bridge and then, when convenient, turned to go back upstream. Again we passed How Hill, turned and came back to moor, I do prefer to moor on the port side since I can judge the distance from the quay better. Again the water seemed to be very low. Again added an extra mooring rope to prevent too much movement. We had decided to walk the Wildlife Walking Trail since it was years ago that we last did it so it was off to the little shop and pay our £2 each and I must say that it was well worth the money. On the walk we saw a small deer (again I think it was a Chinese Water Deer) in the distance just entering the path at the “Cow” symbol going towards the “Primrose” symbol but we were too late for any video. Plenty of Damselflies of two varieties, flowers and even a butterfly, plenty of photographs taken. The rest of the afternoon was spent in the sun (almost too hot) watching, and feeding, a very cheeky crow that would sit on the mooring posts, and even on the boat, waiting for scrapes of food. Friday 12th June This was our last day since we always go back to the yard and then home on the day before we officially finish our week. Usual checks and then left in the hope of getting rid of our rubbish at Ludham Bridge since there are no bins at How Hill, found a mooring at Ludham Bridge so that was the rubbish disposed of. We stopped at Cockshoot to pack and do the final clean of the boat, whilst there we walked the “Board Walk” but as usual not a lot to see apart from Damselflies and a Dragonfly that had just crawled up a reed ready to metamorphose. Back at the yard we received the usual friendly welcome and directed to moor undercover which was nicely accomplished. The tank was dipped to find that we had only used about 4 gallons of diesel so we got £77.50 of our £100 deposit back; even though we did about 3 - 4 hours per day on average this is all down to running at low speeds, tick over mostly, and not rushing but then that is what the Broads is all about. Overall another super week on The Broads, no rain, sunny but chilly wind and a nice comfortable boat. We did find that it was busier than last year but this is all to the good for the hire yards although we like it nice and quiet. Now to do the video editing, I hope to complete that this week and will post a link once uploaded.

First of all we are hirers. We use the filtered water for drinking and filling the kettle but for everything else the water is used from the standard tap. When re-filling I always run some water from the hose and also rinse about the first 12" of the outside of the hose and when rewinding the hose I am very careful not to let the end drag along the ground or fall in the river. We never use bottled water for anything either in the UK or Northern Europe (never had a problem), elsewhere, in Africa or Asia then we would definitely use bottled water. I sometimes do wonder why people spend pounds on bottled water when that from the tap is perfectly safe and as somebody else said small amounts of bacteria can build up the immune system.

This is just a preliminary to a full weeks (6th - 12th June) tale which I hope to upload later in the week and also get the edited video on to YouTube. We phoned Summercraft (Sue) at about 11:15 on the Saturday to be told that the boat was ready, since we were at Coltishall it was only about 10 minutes to the yard. We had a chat with Sue and then loaded the boat and being allowed to take the boat out of the yard by ourselves we were on our way just after noon. Summercraft are now providing a welcome pack of cakes, biscuits, coffee, milk, sugar & tea, we also noted that they have fitted CO and Smoke Alarms in the after cabin. As usual the boat was immaculate and proved to be well behaved, it also proved to be very economical only using £22.50 of diesel even though we did 3 hours plus cruising each day albeit at mainly tick over speeds (GPS was showing 3 to 4 mph). I should also mention that the mattress is of the sprung type rather that rubber and my wife found the pillows to be nice and soft. Sue also confirmed that Summercraft will still be in business for 2016. I was going to attach couple of photos but am getting an error saying that "No file was selected".

Hi Iain I don't recall them being particularly sluggish (Moon Light/Tide), the only problem we ever had was a soaking wardrobe in the after cabin due to the gas locker leaking, they were always well turned out.

I remember taking boats through Wroxham Bridge myself when we used to hire from Belaugh Boats although I did chicken out on one occasion when the gauge agreed exactly with the boat's air draught and phoned the yard who came down and took her through.

Hi John & Mary-Jane Thanks for merging this. It appears that full control is now available, I have just been using it. At least I can get my fix prior to coming over tomorrow for a week on Gala Girl III (the one with the rails fore & aft), I see that the bridge clearance is just over 7ft so we may go up to Belaugh.

Unfortunately it seems to be with a fixed view at the moment, no control to look at the bridge.

Not sure if there is another thread running on this but I have just found that Barnes' webcam is operational again.

Very sorry to hear this, I have never hired from Swancraft (we always stay north) but always admired their boats and heard good reports. I was worried a few weeks ago about Summercraft but all is ok there for at least another year, really do hope the smaller yards don't disappear.

I should have added that my phone is an iPhone 6 and my wife's is a 5C. I do believe, as do others, that a straight forward non smartphone gives better reception especially if you have the old type with an external antenna. I wondered if my post could be edited but it seems not.

I have used Vodafone around the Northern Broads for many years and found that I can get a signal pretty much everywhere but no 3G, just sufficient for phone calls and checking the weather with the Met Office Weather App. This year my wife moved to BT Mobile (SIM only, £5/month if you have BT Broadband) but she could not even get a good enough signal to make a phone call in most places, they use the EE network. Some years ago my son was on O2 and again problems with a signal in a lot of places. So, my vote goes to Vodafone.

Summercraft now appear for 2016 on the Hoseasons site.

I usually find day boats are the worst at overtaking on the wrong side, especially between Wroxham and Horning, and the problem is you quite often can't see them until they are right alongside.

Absolutely appalling, I hope they throw the book at him. I dread to think what would have happened if this had been at How Hill or Instead. We have seen plenty of speeding boats in our time but nothing like that.

Thanks Alan for doing that. I was very glad to hear this, we have hired from Summercraft for many years and always found their boats and service to be very good, plus they have what must be about the prettiest and well kept yard on the Broads. Looking forward to June with Gala III.

Hi Maxwellian Phew, thank goodness from that, I was going to ask Sue myself in June when we have got Gala Girl III. Could I suggest a new post on this so that nobody else gets the wrong idea or I can do it tomorrow, when I have more time, if you like. Regards Bryan

Hi Wendy & Geoff Not sure what the air draught of Barnes' Topliner is but you may not get through Wayford Bridge next time. You took more photographs than us but having been so many times we now stick to mainly video. Regards Bryan

Hi Simon Don't know why you can't see the YouTube link, I can see it and it works both on my computer and iPad, here it is again. The original link should be at the top of the writeup and also below my signature. http://www.youtube.com/user/BryanWillmore I do notice that the forum replaces some characters if the link is too long but it still appears to work. Best regards

Hi Robin Something I would be interested in, being 6' and fairly large, is the size and orientation of the beds. I noticed that in your review of Barnes' hybrid boat that the beds are only accessible on one side (as usual) but their boat layout shows walk round beds. It's a pity that the yards, in their description, don't specify the bed sizes.

On all the hire boats we have had, bearing in mind that we shower in the evening and generally finish cruising about lunch time, the water has still been slightly warm the following morning. We generally do about 4 hours cruising at a slow pace in the morning.

Hi Alan Yes, the link does take you to the Hoseasons site but when you change the date to any in 2016 it shows no availability for any of Summercraft's boats and only shows 3 yards in Wroxham (Hoveton).

Hi Alan June is Summercraft on Gala Girl III, a boat we have had many times. Just as an aside I've been looking at the Hoseasons site for 2016 and Summercraft do not appear on it, any thoughts?? Hi David We saw quite a few Marsh Harriers but this was the only one when my wife had the camera running, initially she thought it was a heron which as you can probably guess from the video is her forte. Yes, I have had a read of your account, it was pretty windy up north but probably not as much as you had since most of the mooring spots we chose were relatively sheltered. I suspect that it has been fairly hairy this week judging from the winds we have had in Cambridge. Regards Bryan

The video record of this holiday has been up loaded to YouTube for anybody interested. http://www.youtube.com/user/BryanWillmore This was the first time that we had hired a boat from Royall’s and I have to say that we were extremely impressed with the cleanliness and fit out. A very windy week with cold nights but I will say that in general virtually everybody (apart from one in particular) was taking it slowly and gently (as it should be) and we didn’t see any mooring hashes even at stern on moorings, however, we did notice that the amount of wild life seems to have diminished. I should also point out that this boat very very, well draught proofed. The boat was very well equipped, voltmeters on both banks of batteries, bow thruster and electric winch. Nice slow tick over (shaft drive) so that you can trickle along at not much more than 1 or 2 mph, stays in a straight line with no wandering (apart from that caused by the wind). Oven gloves provided and a gas hob that was the most controllable we have ever had. We did play ‘hunt the vacuum cleaner’ but found it eventually in the locker underneath the tv. There was so much storage space as well, the main settee back hinges up to reveal a massive space, good to store bags. The bed is ‘walk round’ which was nice although not much space down the sides but full size at 4’ 6” by 6’ 3”, the foot does extend under the side deck but was just long enough for me at 6’ without my feet having to be under the deck. Saturday 25th April Since it was the first time with this yard we did a short trip on the Bure to confirm that I was competent and aware of how to use the bow thruster (first time with one) then we were away to our first night (as usual) at Cockshoot. Got a little bit caught out when mooring by the fact that when I gave a burst of forward throttle on full lock to bring the stern in the rudder/wheel straightened (I am used to the wheel staying on full lock without holding it), still, all done gently and no damage done, soon realised what had happened and I was now aware of this ‘quirk’. Sunday 26th April A quiet night was had apart from the rain which my wife heard but I didn’t. Woke in the morning to an interior temperature of about 5℃ so it was heating on without starting the engine having checked the battery voltmeters to ensure that the batteries were well charged, once the boat was up to about 12℃, which didn’t take long, the heating was shut down and we had bacon sandwiches for breakfast. Took a little bit of video of some Goslings and their parents one of which actually slipped off the quay heading, just shows how slippery this can be if the wild life get caught out. Once the days coffee flask was made and the washing up done it was a case of deciding where to go for the day, decision made that it should be Sutton Staithe. After reversing out of Cockshoot we proceeded down the Bure and just before coming up to the Ant turn off noticed a Marsh Harrier in the distance which my wife managed to get some video of (rather distant I’m afraid). Had a good run up the Ant (no problems seen at Ludham Bridge, went straight through) at our usual slowish pace and once on Barton Broad decided to go to Gays Staithe for water (remembered the rudder centering with burst of forward throttle for stern on mooring) since we didn’t want to chance Sutton Staithe for that (even if we could get on the water point, we far prefer to be at the other end). Once the water was topped up (never takes long here, a good pressure and fast fill) we left and back onto Barton Broad and then Sutton Staithe. Shortly after we arrived the sun came out to play which was very pleasant. Spent part of the afternoon watching the local Grebe catching his tea. Late afternoon we decided to move the boat up by one post since, due to another boat leaving, we had quite a big gap. Monday 27th April Once again woke to a cold boat but a lovely sunny morning. Noted that there was rather a large clump of reed bed almost blocking our exit which was only moving rather slowly if at all. Bacon sandwiches for breakfast again and then it was time to leave for Womack since we wanted to stock up at Throwers in Ludham. The clump of reed bed had now moved sufficiently to allow me to reverse out of the mooring before turning the boat on Sutton Broad. Had a lovely sunny, slow cruise down the Ant, once again straight through Ludham Bridge, and on to the Bure. At around St Benet’s we were passed at great speed by a Herbert Woods cruiser (must have been at full throttle) whose exhaust was smoking badly (see photo), shortly afterwards there were large quantities of steam/smoke coming out of his engine bay hatch, he did open the hatch then closed it and continued on but about ½ mile further on we saw him mooring up by the pumping station. A short while later we passed one of the wherries from Womack, under sail but also using their quant poles. Once we were on the Thurne we passed another wherry and all of a sudden an object the size of a person dressed in green and yellow was thrown overboard, a quick thought and I decided that it was a ‘man overboard’ exercise so carried on. If it had not been rather windy we would probably have turned and videoed the whole exercise. Onto Womack and moored right by the water, bow thruster came to the fore in the gusting conditions. After our visit to Throwers spent the rest of the afternoon lounging in the sun and keeping the ducks at bay. Hurricane came into moor next to us for a short while, she didn’t appear any the worst for wear apart from the hull being rather dirty. Tuesday 28th April Another cold night but a lovely sunny morning, not going to mention the temperature again suffice to say every morning was the same. Having filled up with water (note to new comers, a slow fill here) the evening before we didn’t bother this morning. Back on the river having kept the mud weight just in the water to clean it (am I glad we had a winch, getting too old to pull it out of the mud at Womack) and a slow cruise round the back of the island, just two boats moored there not like last year when they were double moored. We had decided on Gays Staithe for the night so, it was down the Thurne and up the Bure and Ant again. Once moored (couldn’t get on our favourite side mooring) we witnessed the boat next to us filling up with water and noticed that there was a massive fountain of water from a leak in the hose, it’s about time the parish council replaced this hose. Got the Duct Tape out and made a temporary repair to the worst leak. Spent the rest of the afternoon in the sun and watched the local Grebe fishing. Wednesday 29th April Woke to another sunny morning and spotted a heron opposite stalking along the bank. Topped up with water and decided that a nice slow cruise to Wayford was called for and then Neatishead for the night. All went well but the wind was getting up again, on the way back we were crossing Barton Broad and as we turned towards Neatishead there was an almighty clatter from the top of the canopy, I guessed immediately what it was and sliding the canopy open confirmed that we had lost the boat hook. Now normally, if it is windy I will tie the boat hook and mop to the rails but on this occasion I didn’t because the boathook was in clips and the mop had a bungee strap round it. Anyway we proceed down Lime Kiln Dyke at a very slow pace with Royal Stuart following us, ended up using the bow thruster to swing us into the staithe because the wind was stubbornly trying to stop the bow from turning. Moored right on the end so it was going to be easy getting out in the morning. Contacted Royall’s to inform them of the loss and they sent another one out to us, together with a bungee strap, with Paul on his way home from work that evening. Excellent service. Walked up to the village to get some of the nice cheese from the shop only to find they don’t start to keep it in until later in the season. Early afternoon we were hit by a strong squall of wind, rain and even hail but it soon cleared again. Thursday 30th April Since it was our last full day we made our way slowly to Gays Staithe to top up with water and then onto Womack again for the night. Once moored we just relaxed although we were again hit by quite a vicious squall early afternoon. Late afternoon Royall Swan came in and moored next to us, they had only picked the boat up late morning and made a good job of reversing in. A new Richardson’s low, single level boat came in, did a cruise round the water and then decided to moor up to the trees opposite the staithe, put a stern rope round a branch of one of the fallen trees and then dropped his mud weight so that he was facing us. I thought “hope the wind doesn’t get up again” but he was still there in the morning. Friday 1st May Having topped up with water we left Womack for Ranworth where we moored for a short while next to Royall Commander, paid a visit to the shop to get a few bits and pieces. Left Ranworth for our final mooring at Cockshoot where we packed and cleaned up the boat, not that it was really dirty anyway. Once we left Cockshoot we proceeded back to the yard, got about £70 back from our £130 fuel deposit and booked the same boat for April and June next year. (Only living in Cambridge we do usually hand the boat back in on the Friday afternoon). In summary a very good week with quite a good amount of sun and little rain, the wind was a bit challenging at times but no real problem. Pity not too many young wild fowl but did see the odd Kingfisher (flying) and more Herons than we expected having read that they seemed in short supply earlier in April. Excellent boat and yard. Back in June but with a different boat and yard.