YnysMon

Me neither. Haven’t used a log table since 1975 or thereabouts.

Thanks JM. Some of us didn’t have such jocular math teachers.

I’ve also discovered regatta’s online store recently. They have lots of bargains! Don’t know why I bothered buying their stuff in regular stores.

Me too, the stretch up to Coltishall is lovely. There are also some moorings in Belaugh on the way up to Coltishall (one of the parish Staithe directly below the church and a couple more on the village Staithe a bit further along).

Must be difficult for pubs and restaurants opening up again with reduced space to accommodate people.

I read that Go Outdoors were going Into administration too. Is that ‘fake news’? Bit sad if they are, it’s my go-to place for reasonably priced outdoor clothing.

Not opposite the Bridge Inn, but yes above the bridge. The majority of the BA moorings on the north bank upstream from the bridge are taped off at present, as they are carrying out works to install electric posts. If you are arriving late then the Pedro’s owned moorings on the opposite bank are probably your best bet. (£10 fee though.) If they are all full (as they were when we arrived in Acle around 6pm during the last week of August last year), don’t panic. There are several spots suitable for wild mooring just beyond the formal moorings.

Well it looks like they have. There was one boat there last week, a bit different to last year, when there were several boats in the basin.

Maybe the usual summer mayhem, or is it because Jay is back?

Yep!

Don’t care Jay. Just as young as I feel! It’s just a number.

Nooo! Timbo, you’ve lost the youthful sprit of it all. Coot Club = freedom! OK, I’m nearly 60 and trying to re-live my childhood, except that I didn’t discover Arthur Ransome books until about 5 year ago (deprived childhood obviously).

There are a few BA moorings available, though the majority are taped off. Plenty of room on the Pedro’s side. The basin that Broads Boating Company operated from looks empty too, but I’m not sure if you are allowed to moor there. If you are canny, you can wild moor between the Pedro’s moorings and the sailing club hut and save yourself a mooring fee. It’s a bit more overgrown than it was last summer, but still doable. We checked it out last week.We opted to moor on the Pedro’s moorings as we were planning to eat there, and so got our mooring fee taken off the bill. Lovely meal it was too.

Well! For a person who doesn't normally do much to celebrate birthdays, it's starting to look like this one is going to be extra, extra special. We are borrowing Water Rail for the weekend before my birthday from Dave. He is a star, and what a privilege! We did have the option of the weekend of my birthday, but Harry has to work the Saturday, and I would like to be with my boys as well as Graham on the day. Just hoping Harry doesn't have to work Sunday 2nd August. I'm thinking that we could take a walk somewhere or maybe try out a punt in Oxford or Cambridge for the actual birthday, with a special picnic of course, and weather depending. I feel like dancing! Also this... and this Cheers Dave!

There are some recent reviews on Trip Advisor too, so definitely open.

It looked open when we sailed past last week. There were more boats moored outside the New Inn than there were outside the Ferry Inn.

Coincidentally, I've just come off a skype call with my boss who was telling me he's taken out membership for his family with the Haversham club, and how reasonable the annual fee is.

Yup, guaranteed not to have any motor running from a Hunter’s boat. We love it. I always feel like I’m in a boat in the era of an Arthur Ransome story. Coot Club forever!

Even better, take your own gin with you and surprise her with a mid-sail g&t.

Thanks Jay and Howard. In my head I’m still 20. 60 has sort of snuck up on me.

Thanks a bunch Jay. Just what I had in mind for my 60th!

Hi Mr NN. When things get back to normal you could perhaps try a taster 2 hour sail. Dave Whitworth and his Mrs did that a few years back and posted a vlog of their day.

Can anyone suggest any options for a day boat or weekend hire boats within an hour or so from Milton Keynes? To give some context, we are about an hour from both Cambridge/Ely and Oxford and the Grand Union Canal runs through MK. I have a ‘significant’ birthday coming up next month (as has Griff I believe) and would love to spend it on a river or canal but without spending quite as much time in a car journey there and back as a trip to the Broads would involve. I checked out a nearby canal hire company and was shocked to find a weekend break would cost £999. Ouch! So that’s not an option.

Maybe that explains why so many boats were returning down river late afternoon Wednesday, passing us as we were pootling up river and then when we were moored at Belaugh Parish Staithe. I guess Coltishall must have filled up. On the other hand, we went upriver a short way the following morning and no one appeared to have moored on the Belaugh Village Staithe, the BA mooring. There was space for at least two boats. On the whole, we didn’t think it was particularly busy on the northern rivers last week compared to other weeks when we have hired in the first week of July.

Wot, no ukulele? I’m thinking of getting one. Just for fun. Why not? Brass band is off, no choirs, no playing the organ in church. I read earlier today that churches may be reopening but singing will be a no-no. Too risky. Sigh. Seriously though, I’m not really complaining. I’m all for keeping us safe.