Mark

Hows it gone since Matt ? hope you were assisting at Ranworth We,ll be doing the first night at Rockland next month and then staying South

The real test for the new Top Gear will come after this run has finished and the threesome are back in the Autumn via Amazon on "Grand Tour" as a comparison can then be made. Will this fire up Amazon prime sales ? like albeit it on a much grander scale, football fired up Sky in the early days back in the 90,s If enough people are prepared to fork out for it then GT will be considered a success. The puerile Evans who treats the audience as children with shrieks of "WASNT THAT GREAT" (er No !) and his celeb culture orientated take is never going to win over the majority of the old shows fans, so its a question of can he raise up a new set of fans that are sufficient for the Beeb to invest further (it was previously their best overall global selling product I believe ?) and will the current fans of the old show put their money where their mouths are and pay to see the threesome. Remember also that we are talking global viewing figures and not just UK. For me , I just cannot see Evans persuading too many in or outside of the UK...

Here's a couple from Sat 21st where she was showing off her new engine and left us for dust on the Lower Bure. If any use can send over to you ?

Not at the moment Bill, but its an ambition that I hope to realise in around four years or so. As Eric says its a lovely looking Boat you have there. Interesting what you said about Wayford. When we took Thunder through last Oct the gauge stated 7ft and we were 6'10'' before allowing for the nav lights which are 2'' and they only just made it under, so can vouch for the accuracy on that one.

Bill what is the airdraft of your Sheerline pls ?

Like Matt says best to hit GtY at 11:00 for LWS and so the knock on likely means Acle around 13:00 i/o 11:00. Not being pedantic, but just that if you intended to stop for lunch at the Bridge Inn then its quite likely to be pretty busy by then especially for the May bank hol.

We are prepared to "suffer" for our addiction. Go for it you could even have a sponsored version for a charity?

Robin. An idea for any future (hire boat) blog. Invite Charlie out with you. You of course remain as skipper to avoid any trade description clash with the "Captains Blog" and then just banter, I am sure any creative block will swiftly be overcome and you will likely win over a new generation of fans ... ?

We have always found the owners very helpful and as has been mentioned make a great brekkie and always attentive with the tea and toast top up requirements. It comes into its own (for us) on a late crossing. You know you are going to get a mooring no worries, and it makes for an earlier break especially if coming direct from Brundall. Can eat on board late knowing that you get the breakfast first thing next day, and other than the A47 which eventually just fades out into back ground noise as the dark tightens its grip in the Summer , its pretty peaceful. The menagerie is also a nice quirky touch other than the Goose poop. It is sometimes tempting to continue on, but Stokesby always likely to be full by that time of evening , and Acle potentially too. so let the others rush and we,ll enjoy the peace thats left behind.

... disturbed only by me

The stillness towards the head of the Thurne

For me its easily the Ferry House at Surlingham - although that should not take anything away from the Bridge at Acle on the other side of the water (Okay guilty of hedging my bets but have taken the liberty of evolving the question somewhat to having a favourite on each side ) At Surlingham the welcome and service is second to none, you can use the extra fendering they supply for high tide , they are happy to lend us the adapter for use on the tricity socket on the down stream end supply. Inside the atmosphere is exactly what we like from a pub , but so rarely find. Food is always excellent, served well and portions are always "full" and nothing sacrificed on quality. Choice on the menus is also great and even when busy the service from the staff is never found wanting. Whilst other locations have some or many of these attributes, we have not found another one with all of them and so consistently.

D,ohhh ! now he tells me, and it was for my May trip Thunder reading.

Forgot to add it was the last copy in stock and yes they were wondering why the sudden interest.

Thanks for that , am popping over to Seamark at lunch time to pick up a copy myself now

Fully agree with that, its always nice to be able to try other style of boats and also if just going for a short break then the ability to start from a different location North or South.

Ah right ok thats my mis understanding. On the other matter, as Sunrise is around five- ish from the w.end and you,ve managed to get up before to load the cameras and wire the boat for the live blogs at this time .. and still get from Womack to Bramerton I,m sure you can do it again for this innovation. Besides Shiela wont, so its down to you !. Think of your public Robin we expect now Have a great few days, looking forward to viewing the finished product regardless .

I,ll try that if the alternative liquid remedy fails Iain

The time lapse you did on the Chet a while back made be mentally try to navigate Thunder at that speed and consider where the Stern was going at same time whilst watching it - gave me a headache

Looking forward to the "new release" Robin. Have been missing the fix this year when not out and have been working way through the older ones again ! Have a good time and hope no illnesses

Interesting last two posts. In the Feb Broadsheet this is part of the overall work listed as being completed up to March 2016 so hopefully "go live" is imminent as they are indeed very welcome additions once useable.

You "Drifted" the Yare then. Seriously though sounds like a terrible trip on the River and you must have done well yourself in those conditions. Hope it stays better for you for the rest of the week

I still think its a job for the chairman/secretary to sort out Where are you off to today ?

A swift trip up to the Waters Edge might still be in order then

Getting ready for the w/end ? watch out on Monday if heading "over the Water" Have a great week and enjoy