SwanR

Sorry to read your news Ian. Hope the scan gets done without delay and your head wound is healing up.

I’ve never stopped in Stalham. For me though the upper Ant is all about Wayford Bridge and Sutton along with Paddy’s Lane. Then I love crossing Barton Broad and the stretch through Irstead.

Right now it’s quite good because you can order from your table using the Greene King app and pay that way too. This keeps contact with anyone else to an absolute minimum.

I’m the same about hiring from Richardson’s - the Ant becomes a transit route instead of a destination to be enjoyed. So I like to hire from different yards to vary our likely routes for the week. Horning makes a great start and finish point which is just one of the reasons why I like hiring from Ferry Marina.

Sounds great. Yesterday turned into a beautiful day. We like a day at Ranworth in the middle of a holiday and do very similar to you, cruise early then moor up and chill out for the day. Was the Staithe full? Have a great day wherever it leads you.

Definitely. I almost feel cheated if it doesn’t happen just once on our boating holidays. Love it in the caravan as well.

I have a feeling that I had a similar problem with Zircon Emblem and have experienced it on at least one other older boat from a different yard, possibly Sonnet. I was needing the bow thruster for mooring assistance in a strong wind. You couldn’t use them for too long at one time. I thought that it was down to the kind of bow thrusters fitted. On Swan Reflection it’s never been a problem but you definitely activate those differently.

Hope you’re having a great time. The weather is looking quite decent. I will enjoy following your tale.

You’ve certainly had a rough year Ian. But you’ve tried to give back as well with your fundraising. Keep your dreams alive and I hope you can enjoy the rest of your time afloat.

Wow! That must have been a bit of a shock! Best wishes for your recovery and your trip to Norfolk.

I’m sure you’ll be fine. We treated ourselves to Zircon Emblem last year which is similar to other boats WRC have for hire, and didn’t regret it. With 3 to 4 hours cruising per day you should be fine, batteries well charged up. And it’s easy to cruise for that number of hours on the southern rivers. The yard will show you how the electric hookup works on handover. You need £1 cards which they probably sell and it’s very straightforward. But you don’t have to use it and not all moorings have it. You certainly don’t want to be running your week around finding it. I’m sure you deserve the treat and it will be fine.

We’ve had Brinks Sonnet a couple of times. I’m sure that’s all electric even though it’s by no means a new boat now. Never had to run the engine at moorings other than using the microwave. No issues with the heating or the hot water. We hired it in May and June.

If you’re looking for comfort for two I would highly recommend Ferry Marina if they still have availability. Prices can look higher but remember that they include the fuel rather than charging a fuel deposit.

Just to say that we are consistently advised when hiring to run the engine to use the microwave ... but nothing else. That’s been with all boats old and new from a fair number of yards.

Hope you’re doing ok Ian. Take it easy.

Lovely write up and photos Helen. We were fortunate to overnight at North Cove once some years ago now. One of our most enjoyable nights on the Broads.

Oh my goodness. It’s really not been your year Ian.

Hope your recovery goes well Ian. A nasty shock for those around you as well. Best wishes for whatever your plans are from here.

Hope you’re ok Ian and can get back to the boat soon.

Wow! I’m seeing some great photos online this morning. Looks like a better day than the weekend.

Good to here that Bridgestone’s is open. Haven’t managed to get to Potter Heigham yet this year and do enjoy visiting there. Have a lovely day wherever you’re headed next.

Wow! Loving your photos reminding me just why I love Norfolk and the Broads so much.

They do still run this. We’ve encountered the road restrictions around Lowestoft each year when they arrive at Pleasurewood Hills. Must be quite a sight, presuming you mean the Norwich to Pleasurewood Hills day out returning via Great Yarmouth.

Wow! That looks amazing. Nothing but cloud here in Essex!!

You might be surprised. There was a photo of a boat on one of the FB groups a few days ago. Someone bothered to take the photo and upload onto social media to say that boat looks in trouble. Mud weight down and sideways across the river in the wind. Not one person who replied, including the OP, said they had tried to find out if they needed help or even called it in to the boatyard or other appropriate authority.