BITTERNBOY

Thanks Griff we will definitely make that one of our overnights next time we hire. We love that stretch of the Broads and we had a great Sunday afternoon at the Locks there was a great band playing (The Gutterboys) and the atmosphere and beer made it another memorable days on our wonderful Broads!. John

Having moored at the Locks quite a few times over the years I just wondered are there any mooring for hire boats at Geldeston village. Are you able to moor after the Cut / Bridge to get to the Wherry pub ? I seem to remember years ago rhond anchoring to the bank just before the Cut / Bridge but this year we had a look and it is too overgrown to moor against that bank. Thanks for any advice. John

Just thinking about technology and the Broads.... Who can remember the blackboards that were placed at the junctions of the main rivers that were used to leave emergency messages for boaters to phone home. I think they must have been operated by the Broads rangers (bit like baby crying in chalet 234 ! ). John

The dreaded red stripy "official tape / ribbon" we saw quite a bit of it out and about last week !!

We were at Cockshoot when these signs and tape were put up...

Thanks for the update Nog,

Hi all can anyone give me an update on the Dog , as I thought I read somewhere that it may be changing hands ? Thanks John

Great blog and photos - thank you. John

Jonathon fantastic photos gives your blog the x factor ! Thanks John

Not been on Suncharm but have hired Sunray quite a few times. In my opinion I think these boats have a great layout plenty of space in the forward cabin and galley. We love the radiator / hot towel rail heating for early and late cruising its great to get out of bed in the morning to a warm boat (comes on auto at 6am). One year we did have a problem with the heating not firing up but Rickos were out and sorted it in no time. You can get under all bridges (if conditions right) , you have bow thruster and 240 volts. Great vision from forward cabin means the crew don't have to stretch their necks to see while relaxing on the sofa / seating (better than on Broadway or Broadlander). hope this helps John

Hi Peter Just looked at Rickos site and a week on Suncharm from 19/8/16 shows £1038 not inc fuel,

I wonder if the deer got out ok ?

Perhaps he was giving a lift to the gingerbread man ! Fantastic photo of the fox swimming.

Brilliant photos!

Hi thanks for the warm welcome. I live in Norfolk and have been hiring boats since 1988, I absolutely love the tranquility (most of the time) and pace of a Broads holiday. My wife and I had our anniversary on the Broads on board a Hampton Safari (Mk3) from Johnsons yard in St Olaves. I remember we could not get to the boat until the Sunday morning for obvious reasons, when we got on board there was a box of chocolates and a bottle of Mateus Rose waiting for us real class for 1988! In recent years we have hired Broadsman and Broadlander (how boats have moved on !) but I still have affection for the Hampton Safaris when I see one - great little boats. John

Thanks for the replies it seems most of you would only use the horn as a last resort. Perhaps the bridge sign should say give way to boats travelling with the tidal flow. John

Hi Alan No not had a bridge near miss but I rarely sound the horn as I think it would be a pain for people living (or moored) near a bridge. Like you I would use it if moving with the flow and spot a boat coming the other way. Although my son is always keen to sound the horn and always says "Dad you must do as the sign tells you !" John

Broads bridges have a sign saying please sound the horn, but I would say most boats pass through without giving a blast ! What is the opinion of forum members and do you always give a toot ?

Thanks all - what a warm welcome

Hello I have just joined your great forum. I have been boating on the Broads since 1988 and really look forward to getting out on the water to chill out. John