Bexs

We stayed at Ranworth overnight. Put the kids to bed and got take away pizza from the hut in the Pub garden. Woke up yesterday and it was a glorious morning, even though rain had been predicted. Our destination for our last evening is always Gays Staith and the White Horse in Neatishead for a meal. I wanted one last cruise through Horning before heading back up the Ant. So we set off in that direction. When we arrived, there happened to be a 42’ space on the Staithe, I wasn’t going waste the opportunity!! Spent a gloriously sunny morning and lunchtime in Horning, husband and kids at the park, so the boat to myself. Sat and just drank in the lovely surroundings of Horning and the river on a stunning day. Utter bliss! Sent from the Norfolk Broads Network mobile app

Wednesday morning dawned overcast, but the strong wind soon blew the clouds away. Unfortunately for trying to reverse out of Thurne Dyke the wind stayed! I had watched a big Barnes Brink craft and Broadsman manage to turn around down the bottom of the dyke, but at 42’ with no bow or stern thrusters, i didn’t fancy our chances... Ended up coming out backwards quite nicely after a slight miscommunication between myself and my husband who was untying us, which lead to us being blown on to the leeward bank. Cruised to Womack and then came back down The Thurne and up to Ranworth to mud weight and wait for a space on the Staithe. Haven’t bother with Ranworth for the last few year, and after a bit of unpleasantness probably won’t again for another few years! Sent from the Norfolk Broads Network mobile app

Tuesday morning dawned and turned to another sunny day. My husband took the children and Dog for another explore around Salhouse whilst I read my book. Salhouse may well be our favourite location on the broads. We normally stop there once or twice in a holiday. But I was itching to get going because our destination for that nights meal was the Lion in at Thurne Mouth. We love the White Horse at Neatishead, and we stoped at the Lion just as it opened last year. But they weren’t yet serving food. So we had been looking forward to returning for 12 months! Cruised down and moored in the dyke without a hitch. We were on the Lions moorings, which also happened to be on the windward bank. It was pretty windy and the forecast was for it to increase overnight, giving me slight trepidation for leaving in the morning. Took the children to the play park for a couple of hours and booked our table ready for that evening. Well we weren’t disappointed, the food, atmosphere & Gin were fantastic!!! Sent from the Norfolk Broads Network mobile app Sent from the Norfolk Broads Network mobile app

We stayed at Coltishall overnight. Such a peaceful spot and it was a lovely sunny evening. We almost had the place to ourselves. Woke up to another beautiful sunny morning, played with the our dog on the green for a while. Then set off to mosey back to Wroxham. We haven’t been up to Coltishall in a few years, we are glad we made the effort again, as it is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful cruises when it’s sunny. We stoped at Wroxham to stock up on yet more supplies (alcohol) at Roy’s and to buy BBQ meat from the butchers next to the public moorings. Once the pilot had taken us through the bridge, we cruised down to Salhouse and moored up for a glorious afternoon and evening. It is a perfect location for children, parents and the dog! Sent from the Norfolk Broads Network mobile app

We decided to leave RWC early and cross Breydon on the morning tide. I am not ashamed to admit, we had the Ariel up and the T.V tuned into the preamble for the royal wedding all of the way... Crossed BW in beautiful sunshine and cruised with the tide up to St Bennett’s. Managed to grab my favourite mooring spot close to the Abby and be tied up in time for the ceremony itself. ( I am a girl and do like pretty dresses, just not a much as boats!) We stayed there that night and left on the misty Sunday morning. Heading for for Coltishall via Salhouse to view the last of the revellers!!!! Managed to cruise through Salhouse (with a few ducks hitching a ride) just as Broad Ambition, Malanka and Trixie started to depart. Love to see the classics! Sent from the Norfolk Broads Network mobile app

Spent yesterday pm and this morning in Beccles. Shopping for provisions, playing in the park, eating in Prezzo (Tesco clubcard vouchers makes it free spreading our holiday fund further) and drinking rose in the sun! Slowly cruised back to the RWC so the children could have another swim. Destinations have become very much dictated to by children’s activities these days.. Now chilling at the RWC marina in the last of the evening warmth with sundowners. Trying to decide whether to cross Braydon water tomorrow am as planed, OR cruise up to Rockland St Mary (never been and want to one day) and watch the Royal Wedding... Sent from the Norfolk Broads Network mobile app

We did discuss popping by, but will probably save you all the pleasure of our children running riot ... they can take over any gathering!!! We did cruise past you all last year as you were packing up on the Sunday. I was being noisy, and wanted to also see Broad Ambition in real life.. Sent from the Norfolk Broads Network mobile app

We saw Trixie moored up alongside when we can down through the bridge on Monday. Splendid with new cover and colour scheme! Hope everyone has a brilliant time this weekend!!!! We should be back up on the Northen rivers by then, so might cruise past to see you all lined up in your splendour!! Sent from the Norfolk Broads Network mobile app

It’s glorious out on the river Waveney this morning, cruising in the sun whilst munching pork & onion chutney pies from The Galley in Horning. Had to share the bliss... Sent from the Norfolk Broads Network mobile app

I have only ever stopped at Somerlayton once before, probably 10 years ago. I remember the Dukes Head being very good and their website and menu makes it high on our list to try. We had already had a very enjoyable early dinner (so the children could be put to bed as we crossed Breydon Water), enjoying the sunshine in the Ferry Inns Stokesby beer garden. So had to give the Dukes Head a miss this time. I really enjoyed staying there this time, quite a beautiful spot. Our children enjoyed a bit of train spotting, especially our 2 year old son.

Crossed GY at 6pm and arrived at Somerlayton on Tuesday evening just before sunset. We moved yesterday morning, and spent the day swimming and playing in the park with the children at the River Waveney Centre. Still chilling out here now... We love it here for the children, and normally spend two nights here over a holiday. The showers are amazing and saves getting the heads on board wet. One more trip to the swings and we will then depart for Beccles.

Nope it’s massive Spelling and grammer have never been my strong point. Enjoying a sunny afternoon at the Ferry Inn, Stokesby. Waiting for slack water at GY.

Lovely meal and mooring, at the New Inn last night. The kids were very tired from the journey up and spent yesterday evening doing a great impression of little devils. Not tired enough to stop them walking up at 4am this morning.... Sent from the Norfolk Broads Network mobile app

Arrived safe and sound, time to chill out (if only we hadn’t brought the kids).... Sent from the Norfolk Broads Network mobile app

Mums the word! ( And at the helm...) Sent from the Norfolk Broads Network mobile app

Good memory! Yes Classic Gem 2 from Stalham, have a mooring booked at the New Inn tomorrow night. Then heading south on the evening tide Tuesday evening, the Waveney River Centre’s swimming’s pool will be calling our 2 & 4 year old by then... Sent from the Norfolk Broads Network mobile app

Thank you! I am pretty certain we will...

We are all set, and hope to be on the road by 5.30am! The Broads here we come...

I like the aft sun deck!!! Perfect for being stern moored of an evening, especially if moored somewhere with a BBQ like Salhouse. I have never seen this model before, shame they didn’t catch on. Sent from the Norfolk Broads Network mobile app

Big lover of red wine & boats! Great together....! But each to their own. Sent from the Norfolk Broads Network mobile app

Hello, and welcome!! Sent from the Norfolk Broads Network mobile app

The only factor that could change this would be if the numbers of hire craft on the broads was to become limited, then obviously the boatyards would focus on the "Gucci" boats with high hire charges to maximise income. Very much agree with this, limiting the number of hire craft would certainly result in the Broads becoming the rich mans playground mentioned earlier. Let’s hope it never happens... Sent from the Norfolk Broads Network mobile app

For my own sake (budget hirer) I really, really, hope your wrong, but my gut tells me your probably right! But surley there will always be a market for cruisers with familys on a budget...? Fingers crossed there is more money in my piggy bank when Richardson’s starts selling off ‘Broadsmen’ into private ownership.

Eastwoods (and I am sure others) always used to (may well still do) offer tuition for several days of a holiday. I wonder how many new to boating, and first timer hirers opt for a yacht rather than power boat. I would be insterested to know. My kids will learn to sail in time, but first they have to learn to sit still!

We pick up Classic Gem 2 from Stalham on Monday, I will keep an eye out for you. Have a fabulous time, undoubtedly you wil!!