Arniethehead

Yes your right, just googled it and that's where we were.

No, wasn't Beccles, OBYS?

I have the wrong place, like I say my memory is terrible! Looking at the map again, it wasn't that far away from Wroxham and there was a nature reserve walk just opposite with a small jetty to moor up. Between Horning and Wroxham I think??? Behind where we were moored was a large expanse of water where there were lots of birds . I remember being very annoyed that night as a big party boat/paddle steamer came along full of people and blasting out music. They came back past us at around 10.30 when we were trying to get some sleep. Very annoying, surprised that is allowed on the broads when it is so peaceful!

Hooked alright, wish I was there now, great way to spend a holiday, roll on next year!!!

After being back for just over a week, finally got the chance to report back. Wow, wow, wow, what a brilliant week myself and the family had on the broads! So relaxing, weather was great all week and although there were a lot of boats around, didn't feel like it was overcrowed and had no problems finding a mooring for the boat. Didn't drive the boat that much as my son (aged 15) wouldn't let me, wanted to be in charge majority of the time! He loved it and did a great job, especially when mooring. Unfortunately, my memory is terrible but from what I can remember stopped at the following places along the way: Acle - free mooring at what used to be the Hermitage restaurant. Burgh Castle - free mooring Thorpe - £8.50 mooring ouch Lodden vicinity - The Waterside Arms??? Free mooring as we had a meal and drinks Reedham - next to the chain ferry, free mooring (good shower and toilets) Last night of the trip, pub between Acle and Thurnmouth £3.50 mooring - lovely food at the pub and great beer, they had Bass whey hey, love it! We did stay at other places but my memory fails me! Ended up going to Norwich twice, once on the boat and once on the bus when we moored at Lodden. Went to Wroxham and loved the very nice properties along the way. Very soon will be booking again for next year but going for a bigger boat. Crystal light was easy to handle and moor and the viewing position was great (aside from when the canopy was up, couldn't see a thing!) but found the bedrooms to be a bit cramped and not easy to get in and out of the bed (especially for a 16 stone man like me) as had to crawl in as the ceiling was low and sitting height only. Living area was fine but again a bit more room would have been good. Critisicms aside, great boat for a first time out on the broads. Roll on next year, hoping to hire Tolbago light from Herbert Woods and going for 11 days so we can do plenty of exploring. Thanks again for all of your tips and advice. Andrew

Hi Iain, That's great, well spotted, certainly does put my mind at ease and is very good information. Sounds like I have hired the right boat for a first timer! Thanks again Andrew

Even better if itt's nice and quiet. Plan to do my cruising in the morings and then get settled fro the rest of the day os if I do go back in October, the shorter days hopefully won't make much difference.

I have already been thinking I might want to go back again in October when I have a week off if we enjoy it. Seems like I will from what everyone is saying!

Thanks once again Ian, I thought mozzies would be a problem so will purchase your suggestions. Poggymale thanks for more great tips, can't believe how good you lot are, very much appreciated. I am a bloke who has had his fill of foreign holidays where you have to get on a plane, over the years have developed a real fear of it and just completely ruins my holiday. I am hoping that i get hooked by the broads and will want to go back year after year! Andrew

Alan, thanks for the links, the Richardson's video is very informative. I need all the help i can get! Ian thanks you for your advice, all now in my notes to take with me next week. Jean I will report back on my return and let you know how the boat was. So pleased I logged onto this forum, you have all been very kind and helpful! Regards Andrew

Thanks Howard, pleased the boat is easy to handle, especially when it is my first time!

Certainly going to stock up on the wine and beer!!

No need to apologise, Arnie is just a daft nick name someone once gave me. Once again your advice is very much appreciated and you are making it sound so more attractive by the minute, can't wait!!

Hi Grace, Thank you for that, sounds like good advice. I am so looking forward to my week and hoping it will be as relaxed as people say it is. Would certainly like to do some wild mooring as I love peace and quiet and would like to be out of the way of other boats/people. Thanks again. Andrew

Iain/Alan, Thanks very much for your advice and good wishes. Lookign forward t ohear from other and hopefully someone who has been on Crystal Light before. Very m,uch looking forward to having a week on the boat and will try my best to do a report afterwards. Thanks again Andrew