Rincewind

Not sure if it's the same one but we did have one rather adventurous Heron earlier this year who decided that, as one of our party was having fish for dinner, a chair should have been made available for him so as to facilitate his joining in the repast. With the very sharp and pointy business end of a Heron at extremely close quarters, his 'request' was quickly granted and a suitable reward of fried cod was soon placating him. When I look at these birds closely, for me, it is easy to see the connection between some current birds and prehistoric pteranodons.

C45 always looks a superb boat. It's difficult to fault it visually. I'm glad you mentioned the side entrance though...we went aboard one of these beauties in the NYA some years ago and it amazed us both just how tricky that side door can be. Very steep steps...definitely not for those with any mobility issues. Otherwise, a stunning boat for the Broads.

Broadsitus is indeed incurable but, as with many chronic afflictions and with the right treatment, it can be managed to a comfortable level. Many and varied visits to Norfolk and Suffolk will alleviate any nagging withdrawal symptoms temporarily but, the condition will return as soon as the next adjacent county border is crossed on the way back. The only long-term symptom reducer is to uproot and go to live in the area. This, of course, requires a pre-med comprising a very large injection of spondoolicks and an adjustment to your metabolism in order to deal with the pace-reduced lifestyle of Broadland. Remember one very important thing...resident Broadlanders have a word for mañana but it lacks that urgency!

I doubt there's anywhere which is 100% safe from the scumbag fraternity. A very sad indictment on society.

Here's hoping that you have many enjoyable, relaxing and hassle-free hours aboard your new boat.

JSP...yuk, yuk and thrice yuk! The 'nails-on-a-blackboard' voice with the ability to remove Epifanes 2-pack varnish at 20 paces! Pamela Stephenson used to do a brilliant impression of her...

Absolutely love Brian Ward's. Always an extremely pleasant welcome and nothing is too much trouble for the team there. The problem I have is that as soon as I get in the shop, I begin to salivate uncontrollably and to hyper-ventilate at the thought of all that nice shiny stuff. Worse than any kid in a toy shop. They have so much stuff that is so essential to our inventory....even if we didn't realise that simple fact.

We have always found the Ferry Inn at Horning to be a take-it-or-leave-it sort of place. it seems to waiver between the 'good' and the 'below average' markers. The staff are rather pleasant and the pub's position is perfect for a drink at the riverside but I just can't quite put my finger on where it goes wrong (in our opinion only of course) sometimes. Whatever its failings and strengths, having the Horning Ferry in its current incarnation is massively better than seeing the place boarded up as it was a few years ago. That was a tragic time IMHO.

The Maltsters,,,hmmm. Nice looking pub in a great location and nearby moorings at no cost to the establishment. Every reason for it to be the best on the Broads but, sadly, such an accolade could never be given to the place IMHO. Primarily though, for me, there would have to be a change of ownership/management before any money of mine would go across that bar.

Kev, you showed a lot of restraint. Not sure I would have handled the situation so impressively.

Royall Stuart for us. Lovely piece of kit.

It wouldn't be the first time that I'd arranged an exchange of contracts between a 3-pound lump hammer and a Nokia phone! An N97 it was...absolute garbage. It would do anything except allow phone calls and text messages. As much use as a chocolate teapot. May it rest in pieces.

Similar thing near us, Dave. We haven't seen the chap's boat turn a prop this year but he does come down regularly and stays on board so he's happy with his setup and why not? His choice and his right.

Certainly helped me, Jonathan thank you...I'd not really considered the 'drag factor' of additional blades through the water. Then again, I'm just not very bright anyway. Welcome, by the way!

I had a feeling you'd bite, Frank!

You might want to rethink your position in that one...if they were all out on the river you'd struggle to find space to moor your hire boat. Be careful what you wish for...

Which is precisely why it's essential to have a survey before parting with any readies...

A few years ago I set up a multi-page spreadsheet Ship's Log into which I posted all boat-related expenses...from moorings and river tolls to new shiny bits. I checked the total at the end of a season and almost passed out from the shock! Let's just say...that particular ill-conceived, masochistic record-keeping exercise has been sidelined ever since. We now only log miles, time and estimated fuel consumption and only do that because we have no fuel gauge. My good lady and I work hard and spend lots of time and money on our old boat but all the expenditure and hassle is worth it in the end. We no longer have foreign holidays nor do we visit the local hostelries and restaurants as much as we used to but, as Frank's father wisely said, "if you want something bad enough, you have to make sacrifices". Never a truer word said.

Thanks to all again for the welcome. It has indeed been a while, jonzo. Didn't realise just how much time had passed. Scary.

The advert says that there are no toilets, no water and no electricity but hey, so what...£14 per foot is as cheap as chips especially for such a pleasant location. I really don't think the owner will wait long for a taker at that price. No VAT either...result!

My favourite wherry. Great pic, Strow. Thank you for sharing.

Joking aside, I'm pleased beyond measure that Scotland has decided to remain as part of the UK.

Very sad day but the laws of economics are as inflexible as the laws of physics at times. Access by foot, rail or boat only doesn't exactly enhance the place's viability as a successful business IMHO. Add to that the traditional seasonal variations and things look even more bleak. We'd all love to see the place open again but, and I'm no business expert that's for sure, I cannot see how the place can ever earn money at this time. Had I the sufficient funds, I would buy the place and run it as an altruistic venture...basically acting as a clubhouse for forum members. Sadly, my dreams are way larger than my wallet. Guess I can just dream on though...

Thank you all for the very pleasant, welcome.

A boat, moored next to us until recently, had twin Volvo Penta D6 engines on shaft drive and, even though they had less than 40 hours on them, these hi-tech beauties had to be 'flashed' with the latest software before they'd function correctly so yes, modern diesels do need more tinkering...my error for not qualifying my statement. Our 32 year-old normally-aspirated lumps though just need regular servicing, fuel, cooling water and enough 'thrutch' in the batteries to turn the huge monsters over. The only electronics anywhere near them are in the 'smart' battery charger.