Wonderwall

How sad

Why would you need a PMR radio on a broads holiday? what am I missing

My perfect lass got a perfect 7. "A" passes in her exam results today . I am a super proud super happy dad, and want to tell the world. So I've told the broads world !!! She ain't daft, she loves the broads !!!! Yeeeee haaaaa!!!

iain Without meaning to sound big heided! My memories of piloting it were that it wasn't that difficult. If your gauge was less than showing it was get straight and carry on through. The boats are getting bigger and the gap less I imagine though!! Neil

When did it become the norm to need the pilot for wroxham? Is it rising rivers and boatyards sick of collisions that have driven this? I would guess about 5 years ago I piloted it myself without any problems. My mind could be playing tricks with me of course!!

You've not exactly covered yourself in glory with that quote.

You make very sensible points, but the uk gov do subsidy other industries. Many many others. The broads is only busy for 6 weeks a year. You only have to look around the pubs which are no longer there to come to the conclusion that something needs to be done before it's terminal. The broads without holidaymakers would be a very grim place IMO . The idea would not be specific to only the broads of course. Many companies large and small need a helping hand. Not handouts, a help.

I repeat I am no money whizz kid!!! The government would receive a pay back in tax and vat on otherwise money not spent here at all. Nobody would be forced into the scheme, but 90% of 500 is better than 0% of 0 ? The area ( well the whole british holiday resort) could do with a shot in the arm of some kind. Just a crazy ill thought idea!!!

It might encourage them to come here in the first place. Or eat and drink aboard rather than pay pub prices. I did say it was a flawed suggestion

Financial expert I certainly am not. I have recently wondered if this is a viable idea, let me know what you think , or more probably the huge elephant in the room I'm not seeing!!! Many people holiday outside the uk. Spending billions I would imagine on flights, hotels, eating and drinking, and all different types of activities. All taking much needed cash and ultimately employment and wealth from our purse. If let's say you purchase a family cruiser in peak season for £2000 , the government could give you a rebate of say 500 " broads pounds " which could be spent in participating businesses in the leisure , food and drink industry. They maybe then receive 90 pence in the pound from the government when cashed back in. That's all maybe a bit simplistic, but surely everyone's a winner? More boat yards , more moorings, more pubs and restaurants , more entertainment venues would be encouraged to invest in the area. No doubt it has been trialled elsewhere, but I'm not aware of it. What do you think folks? What glaring fault am I missing?

From a solely visual viewpoint, the broads ( rivers)do appear cleaner than they were 30 years ago. Scientifically, that may not be the case , but I would be surprised if they are more polluted now.

Hey sir. What about a scottish sign " nae radgies past here" Apart from that, a very sensible post. Folk getting their knickers in a twist over a rare numpty.

My highlights were simply being there. Too many to actually pick a special moment, but getting under the bridge was a first for my (big) kids , so that was nice. The storm was tremendous, if more than slightly unnerving thinking we may have been adrift a one time. It was, blowin a hoolie , as we say in my local! Being booked for 10 days and turning it into 12 was a big bonus. The weather was very kind, when it did rain , it chose appropriate times!, thank you! 90 % of our meals out , we ate out almost every night, were excellent. A very small % of private and yachters (?!!) could do with a wee lesson in how to smile and wave, and show a wee bit respect to those they deem not worthy. The people of norfolk are a great reflection of our country. I really respond to their ambience. Herbert Woods staff, have always impressed me, and I will probably hire from them next time. I'm going to set up a company in norfolk, specialing in needless signs, I will make a fortune!,,, I hope to take my , well in the future grandkids! , on the broads. I really believe a vist to the broads, opens your eyes and mind and makes us better people..it's a utopia This high speed rail track from England to England , should be extended from at least edinburgh to norwich. 2 hours max would be worth the billions getting spent on it I think!!!!! Thanks for listening to my ramblings folks, I'm sure I will add to them when things come back to me xx

I'm maybe being a tad over critical , I also had very pleasant experiences with both private and hirers. The broads definitely need both parties for it to prosper. Every year their appears to at least one other pub closed / boarded up, and really the place can't afford for any more to close.

Thank you for your kind words. Very much appreciated. I've never really written anything like this before on tinternet, but it was actually quite easy , simply typing my feelings/ experience. My only concern was I was banging on a bit, I'm glad some have enjoyed the casual read of it . Not sure when I will be back but the plan is to treat them to a week of winter sun and get back to paradise next summer. Better get the hours in then!! Easier said than done. I'm a self employed sparky, so if anyone needs their waterside homes rewired , I'm your man!!! Neil

We actually cruised up to Womack on 3 different occasions. Once on the final day :-( to eat in the lovely pub up there. So that was six times I passed the island , hoping to get a short term mooring there. But as in my previous few holidays it was always busy with private boats. The same two boats occupying the prime berth on two of the occasions. It was if they were using the " hotbed" technique of one in one out! It seems a bit unfair but I suppose if I was in there shoes(boats!) I would do the same and take advantage of the rules and regs.!!! There does seem to be a bit of a " them and us" culture , I may be well wrong, but both parties belong on the broads and I wouldn't like to see the divide drift apart any further. Womack straithe / common is a fine substitute though, which always has that magical mix of busy but calm. Again , the magic of the broads. Moored for our final night on the thurne , just a right turn from the entrance to Womack. Despite the sadness of handing back the boat next day, and packing away fishing gear for final time, we still had a magical night. Caught some fish and played some cards. A beautiful but short cruise up the boatyard , all crew together was very enjoyable, despite the reality knowing it was all soon to end( not the end, just a break!!) The overall joy for me on the broads , is the precious time with my wife and kids. It means so much and is enhanced no end by the atmosphere and scenery which the broads give us.Give everybody I can only imagine. It holds so many memories of being their when I was a lad, with my grandparents, and mum and dad and sisters. Large family boats with cousins also, chalets with day boats, houseboats , I've experienced the whole lot. A cruiser is just not to be beaten though. The weather was very kind to us, but that really is a bonus. You don't holiday in the UK expecting Spanish weather. You take what you get and never ever let it get you down if it's poor. There is no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes!! My wife loved the broads the first time I took her as a courting couple on an Aston boat. I think she loves it more with every vist. She has good taste!!!!! My kids love it, and time will tell if they carry on the family tradition and venture down in the future with their own families But hopefully we have a few family holidays left before they fully fly the nest. Then it will be back to me and Elaine , which again is a treasured thought. I love to go when the daylight is at it's longest, it really opens your options for the days ahead, with lots of leisure time and still lots of cruising. I now await the end of summer when we start discussing next years holidays. Of course our family is a team and I've been very lucky the last few years we have chosen the broads. However the option of guaranteed sun and a beach holiday is always on the agenda. I think you will all,be able,to,work out where I hope the vote goes!! The people of Norfolk really are a pleasure to be around. Even small things like guys in Herbert woods yard coming over and saying " you were here last year!" And again on return shouting " oh no, here's Scotland. I am missing the people and place everyday. I shall be back!!!

Remember the boat steers from the rear. Small bursts forward and reverse in a straight(ish line) And remember everyone has( and still will) make a mess of it from time to time, stay calm , try again take help. No problemo!! Oh, and savour every minute!!!!

Gracie I have some pics , well my daughter does from our venture up there, will post them when I'm in possession of them. Glad a few seem to be enjoying my ramblings! Overall we were all delighted with radiant light. One or two small faults but I've never had a perfect boat, and I missed having a well at the back , but the main space in lounge area was perfect. Toilets and showers were good , probably the best boat I've had. Herbert woods run a tidy ship!! I lost a couple of fender ropes mooring at reedham when a sharp edge caught them and cruised up to potter for a few bits and pieces 2 days later. I mentioned this to one of lads and by the time we were back from lathams it was all repaired. Year after year they impress me. Had to laugh at some guy in a very beautiful boat at ranworth ( private). On arrival I backed along beside him , slowly without touching him and he was already at the stern to take the ropes from the crew. I thanked him and he grunted something about putting down my mud weight. I hadn't even tied the back yet !, I returned the next morning after a night on the island and it was the only place left and the exact same happened again!! I think he was the mud weight police. ! He then spent the next 3 hours watching every boat that came near him, telling folk to drop their weight and not sitting down much at all. He appeared to have everything one could want but he didn't seem happy. Certainly not relaxed. Quite sad really, human nature is a strange beast. I travelled up and down the ant passed ludham bridge. That part never fails to amaze me. So much is always going on, and I can see why people spend all day around there, the bridge is never 5 mins away from chaos!! And on the river you just never know what is round the bend! I love it, and it is always a challenge to pass a yacht which is only doing 2 miles an hour. It's been said on here a thousand times I'm sure but some of the yacht crews could really do with a lesson in manners. You slow down , give way to them, try and read their minds, change direction and some don't even have the courtesy to look your way. I'm not talking here about folk fighting their craft in a strong wind, I'm talking casual sailing. It's pure and simple bad manners and ignorance. Of course the majority do give a nod but many don't . I just laught it off but I can imagine people cruising for months on end , having a bad day and saying, stuff you yacht I'm coming through!!! Bought a no.1 of the 50's cd at wroxham ( before even my time!!!) waltzed,with my wife while my son was driving and now the teenagers are partial to Elvis , cliff, bobby Darin and Connie Francis to name a few. I'm sure these tracks will remind them of this holiday forever. It certainly will me!! Some of the waterside houses around the broads are just stunning. I can't help but be insanely jealous!! A house at st olaves even had a helicopter in the garden!!! I would settle for a motor launch!!,

We cruised,onto west somerton and had our first game of pool and an early afternoon pint. We had to back at potter for 3 to get through unless we stayed another night, I lost the vote and the through we went!, It was all too quick but the peace and tranquility up there was a joy. There is much to see on broads and many faviroutes to vist I won't leave it as long to go back through and intentionally left a few wee stretches undiscovered !! Tide and time allowed us to do the big cruise through yarmouth to st olives A song a dance an eat a drink and a shower each and we were there!! Only,thing of note was some dude on breydon waters trying to wave me over nearer the posts!, I was right of centre with plenty room for,booth of us with still the centre free, but some folk just get wound up about things!! I just waved back like he was my long lost friend with my son joining in!! We made good time and now could settle in for a few days of the calm peace which down south offers. Me and the boss sat on deck before bedtime and tried to take it all in. We had waited on this holiday for a while and had had a few bad runs of luck in the first six months of the year but it was behind us now. The broads was working its magic!! Yet again the meal in the pub was 1st class , as was the beer and service.

On arrival we were told our boat was good to go, which is always great news and the pilot over the river said we could get under the wee bridge. Happy days all round. So under the arch we sailed with at least 2 inches to spare!! The cruise up to hickling was both magical and emotional as the last time I travelled it , 4 of the crew are no longer with us. It makes you realise how vulnerable we all are, and also how important it is to treasure the good times. Up to pub with music playing and spirits high. I was in good a place! Got a mooring on the end and tried to set up my fishing tackle but it was too windy. Watched the many dozen wind surfers/ sailors pick up some crazy speed on the broad, looked like fun, if not a bit skilful. Lovely meal then set off to the quiet public moorings just down river. Caught a couple of fish , chased a few whisky , shuffled a few cards. I was on holiday, I had arrived, i was with family, I really couldn't be happier. Woke at 6 and was up like a shot , only to find the chap in boat next looked like he had been up for hours!! Had my coffee, fed some ducks, gazed at the beauty, started fishing. The fish were biting but a bit breakfast and we headed for horsey ! Well, someone had pinched the sign telling me I couldn't turn up the end of the small cut!! I had a 50+ metre reverse with a few worried sailies!watchin on but thankfully I never touched anyone. Team work being the key, with all being eyes and fenders!! A nice chap in a yacht gave me some advice and a nice round of applause and thumbs up when I was eventually facing the correct way !! It was a good wee test for 1st full day!! My daughter took over the wheel and I sat back and started to unwind, saviouring every minute Skillful wee pilot she is, she has the perfect temperament for the rivers, never in a hurry. The laddies more technical, good at tight situations but is always sneaking up the revs!!! I did at one time convince the kids I knew everyone on the broads, that's why they all waved at me, but they've seen through that one now!!!! I had now been in possession of the boat about 22 hours, where was the time going!!!

Mooring up at stracey arms I got a beaut of a splinter in my nail bed all the way down to the cuticle Ouch was not a word I said at the time. After a butcher attempt to get it out and a vist to a pharmacy and health centre it was off to a&e to get it removed. Kids went onto the PB while me and the boss travelled through yarmouth and gorlstone which was less scenic than our previous few days travels!! After an un enjoyable 2 hour wait a very efficient and skillful doctor relieved me of my foreign body and back on with my holiday. Yarmouth has many special memories for me and I kinda like its rough edges. Always enjoy my vists and this time ( hospital apart!!) was no different. Had a meal at the dog track which was a very enjoyable evening, different but recommended. Taxi back to Stracey after a long eventful day. Taxi driver gave a history lesson on windmill restoration on way home. I nodded enthusiastically pretending I knew what he was banging on about!! Another friend made, thoroughly nice chap. The morning was glorious and I shared my breakfast with the very tame but demanding goats who were nearly onboard a few times. Heres some random pics in no particular order. Can't spin the dinghy one around. I'm a thicko!!

Another thing we noticed was the lack of ducks on the southern broads. Not sure if we were just unlucky, it was a duck holiday or the otters or geese are taking their toll. Plenty at wroxham / horning but has anyone else noticed this? My faviroute pub was the shed. Went back twice and really liked the feel of the place. Wroxham itself is really a place not to missed. Just has a buzz about it. Also love the sign on the lawn of a waterside home" please do throw stones at this sign". My sense of humour and hopefully a dig at the endless needless signs outside some properties. Always makes us laugh Spent a night in salhouse. My mums ashes are there so always go and drop some flowers in and say hello. Well this year they were no sooner in the water when a gaggle of geese came along and eat them !!! Stems , buds the lot!! She would have laughed!! The big music boat came round and done the twist in the broad to music. By this time I was in party mood and danced on my deck as the boat sailed by!! Much to the amusement of the partygoers but not my daughter !! Apparently dad dancing on boat half canned isn't cool. Strange girl!!!! I love Salhouse and hope my mums happy there. Well I know she is, she loved it too. She was the best xxxxx

Well said. The best advice I received from my grandad and pass it on whenever the time is right , is to remember the boat steers from the back, and keep revs down. Once folk get their head round that it's onwards and upwards.

Heres a couple of pics. Most are on my phone.

The fishing was okay. I caught plenty of littleuns and junior Wonderwall caught a big bream about 4 pound at oulton dyke. He also caught more than me over the holiday which cheered him up no end. I don't know if it was the heat or the recent fish deaths up potter way but I felt there was a lack of action on the fishing in comparisons to previous years or maybe I'm just rubbish and getting found out!!!, Took the pleasurly cruise up the Chet to loddon where myself and junior played a couple of locals at pool. Scotland 2 England 1 , we returned british champions which was nice. Then off to reedham for a beer and game of pool, getting chucked about a bit with the river passing through the bridge. Managed to moor up though then headed down just before berney arms and a family game of frisbee in the cow field before they all took my cash at cards as we planned our return in morning over " the waters" Seen a seal on breydon but truth told it's not a very Bonnie place. It's the one place I like full throttle and get through as quick as possible. Passed through Yarmouth bridge with roof still up and it was a bit tighter than I thought!! Probably had a foot ( nearly!) but for a small second I thought wait a minute!! Up past yarmouth , moored at stracey , taxi into yarmouth for a day at pleasure beach and dog racing. Details to follow if you've not all fallen asleep!!!!