vanessan

But that was only yesterday!

And in normal daytime conditions too, that’s where a lot of drivers fail miserably. I am by no means a perfect driver (who is??) and I find I have to concentrate a lot harder as I get older. About 15 years ago I did an advanced driving course and that has stood me in good stead over the years, I would heartily recommend it to anyone wanting to brush up their driving skills. Helps to make you assertive not aggressive.

It’s the driving at 40mph in a 60mph limit that gets me, because it’s still 40 when they are in a 30 limit!

I have used the NDR a few times now and I am a ‘foreigner’ so don’t know it like many of you do. That, I believe, is the problem, there are many drivers on that road that don’t know it. I know how to use roundabouts etc and I don’t scare easily (neither do I drive slowly) but I can imagine how terrifying it could be to someone not used to that road. I came along there this evening around 5pm - going home time for many. I lost count of the number of aggressive drivers of large 4x4s, white vans and the like just barging their way through, tailgating slower vehicles and just behaving like utter p***s. It doesn’t take much to behave courteously to others on the roads but some of these peoples behaviour just beggars belief! I’m sure none of you regulars are like that are you?.............

Reminds me of the guy having a meal in a Chinese restaurant. The waiter asks how his meal is, ‘this chicken is rubbery’ the diner says. ‘Aw jorry good’ says the waiter.

But how did they taste??

which is exactly what we did yesterday, on returning from a trip to Cromer where everybody seemed to have a box of fish and chips! I doubt if any of them compared to Bridgestones though. (It’s odd isn’t it - the signs outside clearly say Bridge Stones and I think the menus do too. Some of the other references around though are for Bridgestones. Matters not, it’s the recommendations that count. )

They are absolutely stunning. Fortunately I can admire without partaking as I am more of a savoury person (take that as you will). I am known for being partial to a really good chocolate cake however but often find that something that looks special is actually quite bland. Rather disappointing sometimes as tea room or cafe cakes are not normally cheap!

That’s what makes it a bit off-putting I think. I hope they make a go of it whatever.

I was rather amused by this ‘drop off point’ issue. Southern Comfort arrived at the 24 hour moorings about 2pm, a big sign saying ‘drop off point’ was on the bank right at the abbey end and the paddle steamer duly pulled up there and disgorged its passengers. There it stayed until the service was over and they all got back on again. Bear in mind the service was at 3.30pm so it was probably 4.30-5.00pm before it got away again. That’s a long drop off!

I have read a lot of good things about Bridgestones at Potter and have finally been able to sample it for myself. Visited Potter by car on Sunday and decided to rehydrate so ended up in Bridgestones about 12.30pm. As you would expect for an August Sunday, Potter was heaving but with the turnover in the cafe it looks as if you can usually get a table quite easily. I was surprised at the number of tables there are anyway. It has a good, varied menu and the food was well presented and very tasty. Service was quite quick bearing in mind the number of diners and the staff, although very busy and very hot, were all brilliant and friendly. The air conditioning was an absolute boon with the outside temperature around 30 degrees! We enjoyed the experience so much we returned again late yesterday afternoon for another bash (and another cooling off) and I have no hesitation in recommending it. Potter has certainly benefited from Bridgestones. I haven’t seen much about Norada yet, what used to be the Broadshaven. Looking at it from the outside, it is not exactly inviting. Anyone experienced it yet? I know you should never judge a book by its cover!

Funny how a short break write up, even a trip by car, can be as good as a tale from a week’s boating holiday! Winterton Church sounds very interesting and well worth a visit. We’ve been past many times in the car when taking the dogs to Winterton beach but never stopped. Lovely photos too. What is Wroxham Barns like these days? Worth a visit or not?

That was a very interesting read Wildfuzz, thank you. I’m feeling really sorry for wasps now! We do seem to be forever trying to encourage them to leave the boat as they worry the dogs who try and snap at them, not a good idea! I got stung a couple of weeks ago, I moved my arm just as one had settled on it. The only things we actually kill are mosquitoes, everything else gets sucked up into the spider catcher and waved away back into the open air. So if you see someone madly waving a long tube like thing, it will probably be us!

No, next to the white elephant with a pink parasol.

Looks like a mouldy prawn to me!

We always appreciate it when flappy helmsmen give us directions as to where they would like us to go. Could I just ask though, what does one finger (usually the middle one) mean when it points skywards?

Thanks for sharing your tale, look forward to next year’s now.

A roll of string might come in handy so you can retrace your steps, the route is not exactly a straight one! A torch would be useful too.

Have you never seen a parrot in disguise??

Ps - don’t let her see the chicken in a can thread.

Is that an African Grey? Does it talk? Sorry if that is a silly question, my knowledge of parrots is zilch!

I don’t recall enjoying a holiday tale (plus associated bits and pieces) as much as yours Jono. I suppose because it goes back to a good era, you and I are very similar in age but now please forget I told you that! It always seems to me that things were more simple then, probably mainly to do with the lack of technology. We got a tremendous kick out of trying new things in those days didn’t we? As Vaughan said, ‘please tell us more’!

The Cobb is certainly a great bbq for boating. If you use the cobblestone for fuel, you can start cooking in 5 minutes. They are not cheap, the Cobbs or the cobblestones, but worth every penny imo.

Not to worry folks, JP is meeting with NR so it will all be sorted........................

That is so true. I am also inclined to agree with you that fb groups may well die before the forum does. There is so much good and useful information readily available on here that I believe makes the forum the ‘go to’ for help. Younger members may disagree but there will (I think) always be the older element looking for guidance/help/information. That is partly because many hirers buy their own vessel when they retire or are getting near to it and that’s when the nitty gritty questions arise and help is needed. Also older hirers may well be in a position to holiday more than once a year on the Broads. The forum is easy to use and answers to questions never seem to be very long in appearing. All in all I think the forum has a long future ahead of it.