Wonderwall

So, the decorations are down, the over indulgences of food and drink are kicking in . A new year , a new me beckons . Ive never really been one to make resolutions , but this year I seem to be challenging myself to a few. The big "50" happens this year , so maybe that's what is driving me on to make changes . I've kept most of them to myself , but thought if I put it on here , it might shame me as the year goes on to drive on with them , should in the more than likely event I slacken off!!! Most of them actually come under one heading " stay off the couch"!!! The targets here , amongst others are to do at least 100 lengths of my local pool every week (25m) and to get my step count on weekdays to 15000. Not a drop of alcohol on a school night, and no more than 2 cigs a day ( very rarely have any more than 2 a day anyway, but boy I enjoy them.!) More fruit and less biscuits. Achieve , a break of 50 at snooker . Reintroduce myself to the guitar which sits in my living room , which I learnt late in life , reached a very basic but enjoyable standard , but sadly fell out the habit and is now alien to me. Even though I have set a few, they are all quite easily achievable so hopefully my mojo holds up,and both physically and mentally I should feel the benefits . Made a good start today , cleaning out the garage , which ain't a quick job but I'm already looking forward to carrying on tomorrow . There is something therapeutic about losing junk and clearing space for some more !!! The attic is next . So, what's everyone else hoping to target?? Hopefully we can check in here as the year goes on for some moral support and the odd size nine up the backside if and when required Happy new year all. Neil

Just me , the boss and the young lad. Feels very strange, usually have folk round or go out . Trivial pursuits in on the cards I think . Going visiting tomorrow , so will have an unusually clear head for New Year's Day , which will be nice. All the best to you all , Lang may yur lum reek

I agree , this is a great place with lots of knowledgable and kind people . The hard work which goes on behind the scenes , I can only imagine , my heartfelt thanks goes out to them all . Before I " submit " anything , here or any other site , I always ask myself if I would be prepared to say it face to face ? And if the answer is yes , I send it. It's also the advice I give to my not so young kids. It stil, didn't prevent me from being sent to the naughty corner here for a while , in a post which I genuinely meant as light hearted! . I didn't mean to cause any grief , and has resulted in me not posting on here very much . We live and learn by our mistakes , and being human, we will always make them I suppose . My best wishes are sent to all , and I look forward to booking a boat in the new year and telling you all about it , and finding out all the latest " hot spots" Happy Christmas everyone . Neil

Well done , lucky people , I'm sure you will have years of great times onboard. Also , without knowing him personally, Alan ( Ranworthbreeze) appears a top lad and will I'm sure help you out all the way. Have fun and keep us posted

I've just re-read this and want to point out, my young lad didn't say pooh!!! the missing letters are are I and S. A Scottish term for below standard

Sitting at the tea table one day , good few years back , I asked my young lad who was about 6 at the time how he got on at school today? " boys v girls at basketball " he said "did you win" "yeah, the girls were p@@h" he replied all innocent!!! Tomato soup then burst out my mouth over the table!!! We just informed him that's not a good word!!! He obviously learnt a new word in the playground that day , and didn't realise it was on the "banned list" I swear too much , truth be told ( not in front of kids etc of course), but it often seems the best way of expressing myself. Never heard a swear word in my house growing up, ever.

In what respect is it any different to having fun in today's goings on? I certainly have a lot of fun when on the broads, doing nothing much different than I did 40 years ago as a young lad.

Only had time to watch the,first 15 mins , will watch the rest later . Fantastic viewing!! Couple of points of note, not a,life jacket in sight and the water levels look quite high which seems to blow away some of the myths.

The boat " Lady Linda" appears to be taking on some water and they are trying to inform the owner. Dosent say the location which might help a bit. I seem to remember seeing this boat but can't remember where.?

pacific cruisers were a good experience for me , and I plan a week on them in July hopefully. Just awaiting the word from my daughter who is now at uni and "might have a better offer apparently" though goodness knows what that could be??? Clubbing it on some sun drenched island , with the hunks and beauties of youth is a poor second if you ask me!!!!, also as I point out to her, the bank of Dad doesn't operate in such places ( I aint half getting old ) But with age comes wisdom , and she should listen to her old man. I must admit, the stretch between stracey and reedham aint the prettiest and I prefer toddling around all the other gems above and below. Cruising north to South is for a 10 day break at the least for me. That said , there is for sure worse things to spend 5 hours doing . Better get some work done , or my holidays will spent doing the garden!!!!!

Apologies if this information is already in the archives, but it appears Pacific cruisers have a new boat called Vista. It has the look of an Alpha cruiser , am I correct in this assumption? It looks a lovely boat but is the top end of their price list by a bit. Or, as usual , am I just talking no sense

Are there any examples of, since the broads being given status equivalent to a national park, legislation which has come in which is detrimental to the well being of the place? All I see is more boats, (and bigger ones than previous), more fisherman, cleaner water etc. Genuine question, as nobody wants to lose the broads as it is , any more than me.

Keep the chin up mate. You strike me as the sort who can overcome most things. Keep us posted

To be fair , maybe she seen this Loving your adventure, I hope you keep us informed all the way. Following your dream is the key to life, I wish I had your attitude ( the funds would help also ) As in folk waiting for you to falter, they are not worth a second of your thoughts for sure. The only people in life who haven't made mistakes, are the folk who have not done anything. I know who id rather be. All the best oops, that pic was met to be Hector the tax inspector , but as ever on a pc, I failed

That's great news Charlie . Onwards and upwards. I like a happy story

A well deserved award. take a bow sir

It was a Christmas / new year tradition that my family, my grandparents and my uncle , aunt , and cousins would browse over the Hoseasons/Blakes brochures during the festive holidays choosing our boats or chalets for the coming summer holidays !!

Hope you've had a great day . 3 score and ten is a great time to start living it up!! All the best

I do like a few tins when fishing, but as Grace said, if I am moored outside a pub, its only polite to pop in and say hello.

I certainly contribute to riverside pubs when im lucky enough to get to the broads!! The broads cannot afford to lose many more, but you just need to look at the carry outs aboard some craft , to see where the problem is.

My sister dropped her phone in at Salhouse this year, spent a good while dredging the bottom with a net with no luck. Though even if we had landed it, all we would have was a piece of plastic , was known as a phone!! lost a fishing chair in oulton broad. My Grandad once dropped his keys in at Ludham , and amazingly retrieved them with the boat hook!!! Dropped my Mums ashes in Salhouse , but of course that was intentional.

I don't think I entirely like my own company enough to solo hire, though a bit of me does fancy it. Good preparation and knowing your limits are vital I would think. As stated , life jacket at all times is a must, I would imagine that is why some yards don't hire solo, more to do with personal safety than a worry about the boat. I'm sure they lose more sleep when they see a crowd of young uns leaving the yard!! Good luck, look forward to hearing all about it, maybe one day I will pluck up the courage!!

Housebreaking is a particularly disgusting crime. Also, if you don't catch the lowlife in the act, its very hard to catch the perpetrators. Here is hoping this is the exception. I assume some people just have no conscience in their actions.

They are industrious little blighters, they can't half cause some destruction.

Looks fantastic.