Rincewind

Nicely done, Frank...may you have many happy and hassle-free hours aboard your new boat.

I do have to confess to being a bit of a webcam fan...especially where water is concerned. There used to be a really good one at the Anderton Lift in Cheshire but it was removed for some reason. Many hours were wasted watching that particular camera. Niagara falls has an impressive one too.

We were treated to a sideswipe on Thurne Dyke a few years ago from a boat with metal on the rubbing strake. Proper deep scar inflicted on our starboard side. Not through stupidity or malice I hasten to add, it was a simple accident where the skipper of the hire boat forgot what the stern was doing after he'd turned the boat around and was heading back out of the dyke. Rookie mistake which I suspect we've all made. Richos were simply awesome about it though...sorted the repair at our home mooring, no hassle and I couldn't even tell where we'd been hit. Proper job. I do fear for the new Broom hire boats though...

Yep...very true. I remember our first hire and the way we effortless managed to 'waggle' the boat down the Bure towards Yarmouth. Straight lines? Not until day three at the earliest. Simpler days.

Little chap looks quite comfortable chowing down on insect sticks. Obviously knew he was in safe and caring hands.

Mandy, I admire your tolerance as regards the boat's problems.. An overflowing toilet is disgusting, unacceptable and a biohazard. I'm afraid I would have insisted that...the problem be solved there and then, we get transferred to another boat AND get an additional day or be given a full and complete refund. The "I can't find anything wrong" card played by the "engineer" is a shoulder-shrug cop out and a perfect example of dire customer service IMHO. Attrocious attitude...especially regarding the nature of the problem. I just hope your holiday wasn't spoilt...

The skipper is probably preparing himself and the boat for a Saturday afternoon trip up the river Ant when the hordes of newbies are released!

Siddy, I believe that the Tangle Fairies like to take their vacation in our Christmas lights...

There should indeed be something a little more appropriate for a vessel as beautiful as this. The old stick-on Tyvek label just doesn't cut the mustard. I would love to be able to work timber as well as that but, alas, it's not to be. There is an agreement between myself and timber...I don't touch it and it won't split.

That is beyond awesome, Iain. Thank you so much for posting it. I'm all welled up again here...

Gorgeous timberwork. True craftsmanship.

We were afforded the privilege of having the two Lancasters fly over us the other day. It doesn't matter how many times I hear those engines, they just seem to get better and better.

Crikey yes...I'd forgotten about that one...many thanks for the reminder.

My day started badly today, Iain and it doesn't seem to be improving any time soon.

Beat me to it...

Oops sorry...my mistake...again. Note to self...read the thread properly before posting. You are indeed safe from domestic violence, Iain...at least for now...it's Jim who needs to be a little worried.

We lived not far from Finningley some years ago and were often treated to a display of airborne beauty particularly during the airshows there. My most treasured memory, after the Avro Vulcan of course, is the sight of a Lancaster bomber with a Spitfire off one wing and a Hurricane off the other. Merlin engines all singing their hearts out...such an evocative and fabulous noise. What a marvellous privilege with which to be gifted. The hairs at the back of my neck were well and truly up and tears were welling up in my eyes.

I always like to see a man brave enough to be overtly flirting with certain death in this way. Iain, I do suspect that, if your good lady reads that post of yours, her foot will connect with the collection of dangly objects in your trousers...and rather violently!

I find that, however neatly I put away plugs and adaptors, there is always a covert visit from the Tangle Fairies at some point which neutralises any tidiness effort on my part!

Boom, boom!

We have found the acrylic fabric to be absolutely superb as a canopy material. It's strong, weathers well, folds down easily and is simple to clean. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend it and would happily use it again. As the fabric was supplied via a boatyard when they made the canopy, I'm afraid I have no idea as to the original manufacturer/distributor...sorry.

Just keep looking at any stone statues nearby!

A quick call to the yard enquiring if the estimated takeover time on the letter could be improved upon would have avoided such unpleasantness for the reception personnel. The fault lies with the mouthy and unpleasant customer not the yard. What a berk. People really should think ahead more and be responsible for their own mistakes rather than ranting and blaming the blameless IMHO. Who'd be customer-facing? Not me that's for sure...insufficient patience and an unwillingness to suffer fools...gladly or otherwise.

She's a lovely boat and stands really well. Can't see it taking very long to sell her. Good luck.

Cannot beat a good sunset shot. Some lovely ones here. Thank you all for sharing.