SwanR

Always good to see new members posting. Let’s hope that next year is a better one for our holidays on the Broads.

I think you will be right JM. We are only a small family but will have to watch for any rules around numbers of households that can mix. But maybe a low key Christmas will allow people to focus on the real meaning rather than the party season. However even that will be hard for many if families can’t visit each other or are forced to make choices about who to spend their time with.

So interesting to read this. We stayed in a cottage that was probably on that same row as where you have been last week. It was many years ago now but I came to a similar conclusion. Location, location, location ... Hope the weather clears up a bit for you today.

Wonderful news! Congratulations Great Grandpa!

There are actually plenty of Christmas face masks out there that I'm sure would look great on you.

How is mistletoe going to work with social distancing?! I bought some very pretty face masks this week as I think we're going to need them for a long time.

That would be Malthouse Broad and it's Ranworth Broad that is closed off as a nature reserve, unless I've got confused too. Why does that answer not surprise me?!

Walked down to the river at Hoveton earlier. A lot of debris and bits of trees lying everywhere. The path towards the side on moorings was taped off as it was flooded. And this is the park area just past the stern on moorings.

I do think that's a good point. I always ask for whoever is doing our handover to run through the controls of the boat as a refresher. But we have only had actual trial runs on our first two hires back in 2012 and 2013, one on the south and one on the north. Since then the yards we've been with have been happy to sign off on a minimal handover and we've been happy to take that as we've mostly hired boats of similar designs to what we've had before. But I always ask questions. The handover we had on the first dayboat we hired was sadly lacking in anything useful, possibly because we said that we had hired holiday cruisers before. But we definitely knew more about the rivers than the chap doing the handover did. To get a true picture of how successful or well received they are now, you would really need to ask a few first time hirers. I do agree that the competency of the person doing the handover is critical. Probably all the yards are sending out boats of varying ages and designs. I don't for one minute mean to insinuate that any hireyards don't take their responsibilities seriously, but I'm sure we all know people who find shortcuts to their job in all walks of life.

Wow! That must be amazing. I’m not sure whether I could go out for quite that long. But then if it’s your own boat you will have made it really comfortable and to suit your needs.

Or Mary Poppins’ carpet bag!

I thought the same. And for anyone who took a boat over yesterday. And anyone who has arrived early around the area and is waiting to get their handover today. Still wet and windy.

It’s a shame that at times through this thread there have been posts that started to turn personal. The topic has clearly stirred emotions and we have members who are passionate about the Broads, their experience in the hireboat industry or whatever personal background they may have. Any life lost or irreversibly changed is one too many. And safety should always be reviewed. But let’s not lose sight of how many people every year enjoy their time afloat or just visiting the Broads without incident.

We need a “wow” reaction for posts. Wouldn’t feel right to “like” your photos Helen. What a 24 hours this has been and there’s more wind and rain in the forecast for today. Take care whatever you decide to do.

It’s certainly a foul day out there Friday morning. And looks set in for the day. Hope your day works out well whatever you end up doing. Indoor pursuits only here!

Hope it all gets sorted out ok. Trips away are supposed to relieve our stress rather than add to it.

Whatever it holds it’s 3 months today!!

A slight aside from Breydon but relevant to this point. My first hire of recent years was on the southern rivers. So not experienced and a little nervous. Rockland Broad was really confusing! I didn’t know why red and green posts are on the side that they are. Or the significance of a yellow post. And the fact that they change halfway round where the Broad meets the Dyke down to the Staithe meant I had no idea which red and green to keep between.

Ha ha ha ... I might even buy cake in Roy's to go with a nice cup of coffee ... or a glass of wine ... unless Jay prefers mince pies!! They sell amazing fresh cakes in Roy's ... I never knew. I'm working my way through the range and buying a different one every time.

And you can order your food and drinks via the app as well as make payment so there really is minimal contact with staff

Oooooo I must go and have a proper look round Roy’s soon then. Might visit a garden centre over the weekend. They’re usually good for Christmas tat. And I haven’t made it to Latham’s either!!

Lovely photo Sam. And a great idea for a topic. :)

Rather than start a new topic I thought I would add here that it is reported by Hemsby Lifeboat that a man badly broke his leg today when he jumped from his boat onto the bank at St Benet’s. The air ambulance was needed to take him to the N&N hospital. A salutary reminder of the care needed at all times.

I usually enjoy Strictly and had been looking forward to seeing some of the best movie week routines. I was therefore disappointed with the format of this programme and gave up after about 20 minutes. :(

What a lovely write-up and great photos. I still haven’t tried the Ferry at Surlingham yet but it sounds like the place to be. Here’s to your mum and dad and let’s hope that you’re able to get back in November.