After a couple of years lurking on here, I'd better introduce myself!
I had a string of Broads holidays with my parents in the late 80's and early 90's and fell in love with the place and the slow pace of boating. After a few years away whilst in education, I returned in 2001 with my soon-to-be wife and we had a perfect week of 20 degree plus sunny weather. To my subsequent regret, I then decided that this could not be improved upon and that there were plenty more places in the world to see. I then got on with my life, got married, had kids and gradually forgot about the Broads and boating.
This changed on a visit to my parents in early 2013, when I brought their post in and found a Richardson's catalogue amongst the pile. Having opened it up I found that I could not put it down and then spent weeks trawling the internet to update myself on all matters Broadland. This forum and Robin's blogs were responsible for me getting the bug again and making me desperate to return and introduce my kids to the delights of the Broads. For my 40th, my wife arranged for us to stay in Norfolk and a trip on a day boat confirmed that the kids were as keen on the place as I was.
Following this, we decided to book for this year and our holiday is now just over 5 weeks away. We were a little concerned at how we would deal with mooring a cruiser and checking on our youngest (who is 6) simultaneously, but a conversation with my parents revealed they were keen to return as well. The net result is that they will be joining us as we depart Herbert Woods quay aboard Magical Light on 15th August. To say that I'm looking forward to it is an understatement.
Thanks to all of you who have contributed tips for itineraries, moorings etc over the last few years. You did not know it at the time, but I have been taking notes to help plan our forthcoming trip. I intend to write about it in the "Holiday Tales" section on our return to allow me to (hopefully) give something back. I hope to see some of you about in a few weeks time (it feels so good to be saying that)!
Kind Regards,
Andy.