Mouldy

Hmmm. Given Three’s claimed network coverage, the fact that very few of their customers actually heard the alarm, seems to indicate a massive flaw in the system. Surely, not all of their network was down at the time, nor all of their customers using ‘old tech’ phones?

How do you set a time at a pelican crossing for people of all abilities to cross safely?

So basically, what appears to be the case, is that it does seem to work as well as the Track and Trace app developed during the pandemic. Probably put together by the same people at an exorbitant price, too. Why am I not surprised? Me, cynical? Whatever gave you that impression??

They only need to alter the sequencing on the traffic lights to allow additional time for pedestrians to cross, as they do at pelican crossings.

Just seen on a FB page that Potter Bridge will be closed to all traffic, including pedestrians from Monday to Wednesday (inclusive) this coming week, but will be open to vehicular traffic from Thursday with a 7.5 tonne weight limit in place.

My pleasure - enjoy! I enjoyed it so much at The White Horse, Neatishead, when I found it was on at The Lion, I just had to try it again to make sure I wasn’t mistaken the first time! 😉

Friday 21st April I woke at quarter past five. No time this morning to get the heating on, we needed to get back to Boulters for pump-out and refuelling by 10:00, when we were booked in. I dressed and went to demist the windows, Deb dressed and took Harley for a short walk to allow the dog time to do what she needed to do. By 06:00, we were on our way across a much calmer Barton Broad. It had been raining overnight and was still raining as we made our way back down The Ant. Once again, I cursed the idiot that positioned the windscreen wiper on MS where he had. Every time we’re on board and it rains, the same thought crosses my mind. It clears such a small area in the upper left hand side of the port side screen, frankly it’s of little use. We had breakfast as we cruised along, then with hot water available, Deb went for a shower. Despite the rain and wind, there was even more clearance under Ludham Bridge, with almost 8ft 6ins showing on the markers. I noticed Kate’s boat safely moored in a corner at LBBY, the bright orange superstructure standing out on a dismal, wet, grey morning. We we’re soon turning onto The Bure and just before we arrived at Cockshoot Dyke, where I’d intended to moor, whilst I went for a shower, we spotted the first boat on the move that we’d seen since leaving Gayes Staithe. It was almost 08:00 by now and I’d expected to have seen some Friday hire returnees out and about, but it was really quiet. Once moored, I went for my shower and got dressed, we tidied up the rest of our belongings, moving them all to the aft cabin, ready to load the car. We chugged round to Boulters, a little early and with room at the fuel berth, we reversed carefully in. The breeze, although present, was nowhere near as strong as the previous days, for which I was grateful. We’d not used the forward heads, so there was just the aft en-suite to pump out and fuel to top up. We’d used 44 litres of fuel, a good chunk of which would have been on the heating, so not bad for what we’d done. Bill paid, we cruised the short distance back to Horning Pleasurecraft, where we moored without difficulty back in our berth. We loaded the car, finished cleaning through and left at about midday. It had been a good week and we were both reminded that hanging on to our half share in Moonlight Shadow had been a good idea, even after we’d bought Norfolk Lady. She’s a grand boat and with recent investment by the syndicate, now free of the management company that had cost so much over the years, was getting better with every visit.

Thursday 20th April The early morning routine continued for another day. A bright, cold start to the day and my first task was to start the heating, before returning to bed for a few minutes. I’d been thinking about our plan for our final full day, which was originally to go for a mooch round Hoveton, but with so few hire boats out, I didn’t think there’d be much chance of mooring, so decided to go back up The Ant. Deb took Harley for her walk and although it was quite breezy, I flew my drone to grab a few photos. After breakfast, we set off. There was little boat traffic on the rivers as we headed back to The Bure, forking right at the junction and continuing past St Benets. The weather forecast was for the wind to increase in strength, cloud to move in and for rain in the afternoon. So far, it had been quite accurate through the week. The breeze was picking up already and the pennant flown at Moonlight Shadow’s bow was flapping briskly. We easily passed under Ludham bridge, with about 8ft 4ins showing on the markers. The works at Horning Marshes moorings were scheduled to start on 20th and I was surprised to see that they’d already made a start. Not all the moorings had been closed and a few boats were still moored nearer the bridge. We continued up the river, passed How Hill, where again, there were very few craft moored. I hoped Jonny Crowe’s Staithe might be empty, but no, out of luck again. One day, maybe, one day! There was space at Irstead, but I’ d decided to go to Gayes Staithe first, to see if there was space there. Heading onto Barton Broad, with the strong breeze heading from the north east, it was very choppy with white horses forming on the surface. Spray was breaking across the windscreen that I’d cleaned the previous afternoon as we made our way across. As we rounded the bend to Gayes Staithe, I was pleased to see that aside from one boat moored side on on the stern on moorings, it was empty. I reversed onto the end, stern on spot that we favour and we tied up. A few more boats arrived and I chatted to a couple of crews for a while. Lunch was a park pie, bought from the Ludham butchers, with a bag of crisps. Not exactly the healthy option, but enjoyable nonetheless. Deb knitted and did some sewing, I cleaned the interior windows through the boat and we both tidied a few bits and pieces in readiness for the end of our trip the following day. During the afternoon, the promised rain set in, although it did stop in the evening, when the sun emerged for short periods between the clouds. Dinner was lamb chops, again from the excellent butchers in Ludham, with boiled new potatoes and green beans. We watched TV for a while, before retiring for our final night on board, on this allocation. We had an early start the following morning. I dozed off thinking about how quickly the week had passed, but how much we’d enjoyed it.

It’s a brilliant little drone and quite capable. There have been a number of firmware upgrades since it came out which have greatly improved it. I’m also very impressed with the RC controller. Although the screen isn’t as bright as the more expensive DJI ones, having it built in, instead of using your phone, is a massive improvement imho.

Drone time has been limited by the wind. It’s really been quite breezy this week with some quite strong gusts. I’ve been using my Mini 3 Pro due to the proximity of uninvolved people to comply with flying regs.

Job on!

Wednesday 19th April We woke to another bright, sunny but very chilly morning. Just my luck that I sleep on the open side of the double bed in the aft cabin, as I was sent to the heating controls in the saloon to turn it on! The morning followed the usual pattern - Deb walked the dog and I took a few photos. We had our breakfast and set off for Potter. By now, cloud cover had moved across and the breeze was increasing in strength. We got lucky and snagged the last space on the BA moorings - any prior thoughts I might have had about sneaking in to Woods yard to moor and get water were dashed by virtue of the fact that it was rammed with their own craft. Deb had a shower before heading to The Temple of Tat for a few bits for us. While she was out, I showered and when she returned, I went for some cleaning materials and a new frying pan for Moonlight Shadow. The good news (if you think of it as such) is that the hole in the bridge has been filled, with a bit left over for good measure. The bad news (for us) was that Nippy Chippy was closed for ‘technical reasons.’ No chips for lunch, then! Back on board, we cast off, heading for Womack Dyke. It was still breezy, but the cloud had cleared and the sun was shining again. It was very chilly in the breeze, but quite warm, where sheltered from it. There were only about four boats moored along the dyke, so I turned into the wind and moored. With the strong breeze, it was a bit awkward, but we managed. We had a relatively light, early lunch, as we’d booked a table at The Kings Arms for dinner - Wednesday night is carvery night. We’re big fans of their carvery! After lunch, I walked into the village to get meat and veg for Thursday evening. I was back on cookhouse fatigues for our last night on board. Due to Harley’s arthritis, one walk into the village would be enough for her, so Deb stayed on board with her. There were a few boats moored at the Staithe, but it wasn’t full, but I did see Fair Regal 2 moored next to her sister craft there. I carried on round to the butchers and then to Throwers (as was) for necessary supplies, before walking back to the boat. I spent some time writing my blog of the previous day and Deb did some knitting. Her nephew and his wife are expecting their second child, so she’s knitting them a jumper for the baby. We set off for the pub just before 18:00, to give the dog time to make the walk and arrived just in time for our booking at the pub. Deb had a wine and I opted for my usual tipple (when the establishment has it) of Ghost Ship. I asked for two carveries and was pleasantly surprised when the bill came to exactly £30. Apparently, currently on a Wednesday, they have a ‘winter special’ of two carveries for £20! Happy days! As usual, it was very good and exceptional value. The rib of beef was so tender it really didn’t need chewing. No wonder it’s so popular. We had a slow walk back to the boat and watched the glorious sunset before watching TV for a while. By 21:00, I was feeling quite tired, so went to bed, leaving Deb watching a Star Trek film on Prime. It didn’t take long for me to doze off and I didn’t stir (so I’m told) when she came to bed sometime later.

Try telling them that, though. All they’re interested in is profit and lots of it. If the bank branch isn’t frequented by sufficient numbers of customers to make it viable, they will close it. Obviously, some banking transactions can be completed at a post office, but even proper post offices offering all of the available services are few and far between now.

Our paths will probably cross somewhere on the A11 or A14 on Saturday. We have to go to Milton Keynes to collect some jewellery from repair in CMK and visit family. Have a good time and be sure to try the beer in The Lion called ‘Somebody Call Chris.’

Whether we like it or not, more and more services are going on line. Our last remaining bank (Barclays) in our closest town, Watton, closes next month, meaning that should we need to visit a branch, it involves travelling to either Swaffham or Dereham. As the majority of folk who don’t own a smartphone appears to be the elderly, this is either a car or bus journey to go to the bank, both of which involves a cost, either in time or money, so it’s that age bracket that are hit hardest again. There have been several reports on the BBC recently about bank branch closures across the region and even reasonably large towns are either now, or will be shortly, without a single bank in the area. Sadly, it is the way of the world, where big businesses control how we live. It’s all about money and profit, not about looking after people and their needs.

That looks positively unappetising and a double sausage and egg McMuffin at the Golden Arches, complete with a coffee and hash brown, look like an absolute bargain.

We came in around 18:45, so I’m guessing you were suffering from over imbibing of copious libations by then! I’ll bear the plum rum in mind for my next visit, whenever that may be!

Don’t want to lose your balance, Ray, especially when transferring beer from the bar to your seat! 😉

I didn’t notice anyone staggering uncontrollably. Were you there then, MM?

Tuesday 18th April We had a really peaceful night and woke to a lovely, sunny morning, but it had been chilly again, so the heating went on whilst I enjoyed a few extra minutes in bed. When the boat had warmed up a little, we both got up and got ready. Deb took Harley for a walk, while I took a few photos and flew a drone. There was a bank of clouds on the horizon. Sure enough and before too long, it had clouded over. After our breakfast, we set off. I headed down the dyke and onto South Walsham Broad. The plan for the day didn’t include a great deal of cruising, so I continued onto the inner Broad, where I cruised around in an anti-clockwise loop, before returning to the outer Broad. Spring hasn’t quite fully sprung yet, so the true nature of the area has yet to emerge, but it is a lovely part of the northern rivers. We chugged back up to the junction with The Bure and turned right. We needed water and Acle seemed as good a place as any. By now, a fairly stiff breeze had developed and I was a little concerned about getting onto Bridgecraft’s moorings if the hoses at the old Horizoncraft basin hadn’t been put out, but fortunately there are two there. I moored close by one and after showering, we topped up with water and set off again, destination Upton Dyke. We wanted to have dinner at The White Horse, so we went down the dyke, hopeful that there’d be room to turn and moor. Most of EW’s fleet appeared to be in, but there was space in the dyke itself to turn and with use of the bow thruster I managed to reverse the last fifty yards or so to the moorings. We tied up and had some lunch. Not long after we’d moored, the cloud cleared and the sun reappeared. It was a lovely afternoon, but there was an edge in the breeze, making it feel quite chilly. I’m not sure why, but it occurred to me that maybe I ought to phone and book a table. Just as well that I did as it was their quiz night and they were fully booked! Slightly miffed and with nothing on board for dinner, there was only one option! The Lion! We hastily cast off and set off back up The Bure. There was plenty of space down Thurne Dyke, so with the breeze blowing quite briskly, I elected to reverse into the dyke and moor on the mill side. With the boat tied up securely, I took a few photos before wandering down to the pub to pay the mooring fee and book a table. Deb was busy knitting and I relaxed with my book (on Kindle), until it was time for dinner. A few more boats had arrived, but there was still loads of space. It really seems very quiet on the rivers this week indeed. We shared a baked Camembert as a starter, followed by chicken supreme for Deb and chicken, ham and leek pie for me. Deb had wine and I had a beer called ‘Somebody Call Chris.’ Improbable name for beer, but very palatable nonetheless. It was all very good and the pub seemed quite busy, which was good to see. Finished and with the bill paid, we wandered back to the boat and watched Hammond’s Workshop on TV, before retiring to bed.

Could well be, however with the future of the shop and surrounding buildings down for redevelopment, I wonder who will invest in the upkeep of the moorings. I thought that planning permission had already been granted for the redevelopment to take place.

Monday 17th April Once again, it had been a chilly night. I snuck out of bed to turn the heating on and had another half an hour under the duvet, eventually getting up around 07:00. It wasn’t a bad morning, no fog or mist as the previous day, but some cloud. As usual, Deb went for a shortish walk with the dog and we had breakfast when she returned. I’d been sitting on the helm seat, camera in hand, hopeful of seeing the otters that I’ve been told are frequently seen there, or snatch a glimpse of a kingfisher, but there was an almost total absence of visible wildlife - just a heron returning to fish where he (or she’d) been fishing on Sunday afternoon. Two of the hire boats moored there overnight, both Richardson’s, had left at about 08:00, but I think it was about 9(ish) when we set off, more to get hot water for showering than that because we were in a hurry. We’d only gone a couple of hundred yards when we passed Simon on Pipedreams and exchanged cheerful waves as we passed. I guessed he’d be bagging the mooring that we’d just vacated. We crossed an almost deserted Barton Broad and were soon heading slowly down The Ant and through Irstead. Both moorings were full, as was Johnny Crowes Staithe, scuppering any chance of mooring at either, so we carried on to How Hill, where there was plenty of space. I moored at my favoured spot, opposite Turf Fen Mill, where the river is a little wider and with less chance of being hit by passing craft. The clouds had cleared, leaving a clear blue sky, but by the time we’d showered, there were clouds coming in from the east, visible on the horizon. We set off again, heading for Ludham Bridge, where we planned to moor and get rid of our rubbish. There were only a few craft there, so I stopped on the shop side. With so many mooring posts missing, it wasn’t easy securing the boat, but we managed. Deb fancied an ice cream, so after depositing the bags of rubbish in the bins, we wandered round to the shop. I went in and bought a couple of lollies and as I came out, I noticed someone walk by with a familiar looking dog. It didn’t dawn on me until later that it was fellow forumite garryn. Back at the boat and with ice creams consumed, we cast off and set off for our overnight mooring. We turned left onto The Bure and then right onto Fleet Dyke and found a suitable spot at the broad end of the recently refurbished moorings on the bends. The clouds had rolled in by now and it had turned chilly in the breeze. We had lunch and settled down for a quiet afternoon. Deb did some knitting and sewing and I downloaded a new book onto my Kindle and read. A few boats passed, but it was generally very quiet. We had dinner of chicken in a kind of barbecue sauce, with potatoes and sweetcorn, all washed down with a glass (or two) of wine. There was nothing much on the TV, so I set up our Firestick and we started to watch old episodes of Shetland, before heading to bed as usual around 22:00.

Wonder if will work as well as their Track and Trace initiated during the pandemic?

I was just coming out of the shop when you walked past with your dog, but the penny didn’t drop immediately! My wife was there with our Staffie, Harley, who couldn’t be bothered to get up and investigate. It was only when I thought about it that I remembered being introduced last year at Womack Dyke when you were there talking to Lulu (Sam) and Graham. Please don’t be offended when I say that it was your hound and not you that I recognised!

We moored at the bridge earlier today, on our way back down The Ant to get rid of some rubbish. I too was disappointed to see that the spaces on the shop side, that will have to serve the shops and pub during the works on the opposite bank, were missing several posts. I can well imagine the chaos that will inevitably occur as novice crews heading downriver, unfamiliar with rhond anchors and their use, try to moor with nothing to tie to.