CambridgeCabby

The butchers have sadly closed , but the butchers in Ludham are equally as good and as a bonus they are slightly lower priced

Both boats on the face of it seem reasonable value , and both have their downsides . The Macbar with its exposed rudder will make stern on mooring awkward unless two very large fenders are employed , the Seamaster also has its landing platform which will need protecting , plus it only has a portapotti . Antifoul should last a couple or three years and if winter storage is on hard standing then could be done by yourselves for the cost of the antifoul paint , bss is dependant on what works if any are needed so cannot give a genuine guess in that one (Brian May of Maycraft is an excellent assessor ) Broads licence is worked out by the size of your boat , our Ocean 30 this year was £391.44 and both of the boats you are considering are smaller so will cost a bit less . Winter storage , give someone like Sutton boatyard a ring for a ball park figure , remember you will need craning in and out so include that . Choice of which one is and can only really be personal choice , my choice for what it counts would be the seamaster as there are many on the Broads and the owners seem to love them .

We were wondering why we hadn’t “bumped into you again” after exchanging waves on Sunday , sorry to hear of your holiday curtailment but glad you are recovering yourself , and hope that your friend in Harlow makes a steady and speedy recovery

Sunday 19th July 2020 our weeks adventure comes to an end We awoke this morning to the sound of rain pattering on the cabin roof , grey sky’s and angry looking clouds , whilst all around us was damp our spirts were not . We departed Womack at 08:00 the rivers were very quiet and the banks lined with fishermen braving the elements in pursuit of their game. Decisions to be made , under Ludham Bridge and up the Ant towards our home berth , or try our luck at Ranworth , unsurprisingly Ranworth won . A left at the overhanging tree we entered the approach to Malthouse Broad , we passed two boats leaving the Broad and when the staithe came into view there were spaces , at the front and in the side dyke . We turned and reversed down the dyke and were able to sneak into the taxi rank !!! We remained there until 17:00 watching the comings and goings of many many boats , the Broad was its usual hive of activity , numerous cruisers mud weighted around , a couple of sailing dingys zigzagging across , a group of 6 kayaks travelling at a pace that I found astounding (leaned later that they were in training for a sprint completion later this month ). The staithe soon filled Up , many of the arrivals assisted in their mooring by Katie grabbing their ropes and pulling them in , which is her favourite pastime I believe. The weather cleared and the sun decided to honour us with its presence , so suddenly the shop was churning out numerous ice creams of all colours , most resplendent with a flake , so busy in fact I think Steve was almost smiling as he sat in his store watching the tills ringing , numerous day boats had swelled the custom at The Maltsters , its good to see the Broads alive once again . 17:00 after a struggle turning Cerise Lady into the wind by using the ropes , we departed for our home berth in the wet shed . Rivers quiet once more we toodled and hound the Ant , traversed the bridge and continued onwards , past a busy How’s Hill , then Irstead staithe which was occupied by a solitary sailing boat, the leccy side totally empty .Across a deserted Barton broad , and soon we were entering the wetshed , our safe haven. Cerise Lady was soon emptied of various bags , laundry and perishables , car loaded and by 19:30 we were on our way home . Hopefully back in a fortnight for the weekend

Bure Valley restaurant in Horning , excellent seafood menu , but not inexpensive . Alternatively do what I do , pop into Roys of Wroxham where you can purchase excellent tasty fresh dressed crabs and have a homemade crab sandwich/salad aboard , large dressed crabs are £4:60

Saturday 18th July 2020 The Troublesome Toddler visits we awoke early as dawn chorus played its poetic tune , Womack dyke was still and tranquil , we cast off and turned on the ropes so as to moor on the staithe to meet our daughter, son in law and cheeky 3and a half year old grandson . our family arrived at 10:30 and produced the shopping from Roy’s , dressed crabs of course ; I walked down to Ludham butchers with my s.i.l to purchase our barbecue for the evening as we had reserved the shop mooring on the staithe (£10) . We set off at 11:30 , destination Salhouse , as we passed the river island turning we were followed by Trixie, with its helm Robin (London Rascal) and accompanied by the ever youthful beauty that is Sheila. We turned right into the Thurne and battled our way through the numerous sailing boats , and yes as often happens I made a dick of myself trying to avoid them. A pleasant journey ensued , passing the Wherry Maud in her regal splendour as we motored through the bustling Bure towards our chosen refuge . We moored up at Salhouse quay , paid our £5 and enjoyed a picnic and let young Arthur run off some steam . 15:30 we departed to return to Womack for our barbecue , followed the quanting hunters yacht to our prebooked mooring. 18:00 barbecue was a smoke , awaiting Thank the burgers , kebabs and ribs . soon our evenings fare was cooked to perfection (I cooked it so what else could it be , said he with all modesty ), we sat on the green , Pink Floyd playing on the “boom box , Katie’s wonderful home made coleslaw and potato salad , we were soon full and sated . 21:30 was time for the younger generation to depart , so I sat taking in the glorious Norfolk ambiance till it was time to retire, speak in the morning when we return to our mooring till another week .

Another day another adventure 17th July 2020 after a peaceful evening at Upton , we arose early and prepared for our short hop to Womack Water where we are meeting our daughter her husband and our grandson in the morning , the staithe was choc-a-bloc and boats were hovering like a grandmother over the last slice of cake so we turned around and found a mooring on the dyke approaching Womack . Whilst Katie made coleslaw and prepared a salad I walked into the village to purchase supplies from the butchers and the shop for a barbecue , also booked the shop mooring for tomorrow (£10) so we could guarantee being able to return in the evening . Minted lamb kebabs , salad and coleslaw this evening and a bottle or two of Chilean Merlot made it a wonderful relaxing evening , fellow NBN member Robin and the lovely Sheila slowly cruised by aboard Trixie , presumably bound for the island , tired now after a day spent doing nothing except enjoying nature’s splendour , Katie’s cuddles awaits so I’ll bid you all good night , tomorrow the family arrives ........

Thursday 16th July 2020 Our return to the North Up at 08:00 this morning , destination back to the Northern Broads . We departed from Rockland St Mary staithe at 09:00 all checks completed , wound our way down the southern passage only to have to turn about due to it being closed as a large dredging barge and crane was blocking the Navigation , back onto the Broad and a right turn saw us in the alternative exit passage . The scenery here is exceptional , Norfolk at its most stunning. Weather today is cloudy , overcast but dry and warm , we motored along the wide meandering River Yare passing the sights we encountered in our upstream journey yesterday but viewing then in a new wondrous perspective . The Reedcutters passed , then the monstrous but weirdly beautiful Cantley factory , the ever busy chain ferry docking ahead , sailed by the bustling Reedham village quay headings , through an open swing bridge , then left turn toward Braydon , a convoy of large almost foreboding cruisers cutting a deep swathe through the water their wake following seemingly almost menacing . Through Braydon we bobbed , a steady 6mph all the way , soon passing under Breydon bridge then left at the yellow marker post and under the two further bridges continuing on our journey . By now I was suffering from the obligatory numb bum syndrome , so Pink Floyd volume up on the stereo , another mug of tea from my Katie and onwards . Stracey Arms looking resplendent , the goats and pony’s look up as we pass ever hopeful we are going to stop and purchase some food from the shop for them , Stokesby Ferry Inn looking most welcoming but no mustn’t succumb , we soldiered on , next the beckoning thatched turret of The Bridge Inn at Acle fell behind us , Acle bridge passed under and but lo! Upton Dyke ahead , yes !! Turn left crawl along the narrow dyke , yippee there’s a space , we are moored , our nights haven has been found . We relaxed , drank a coffee , then barbecue out , salt and pepper pork belly , sausages and streaky bacon sizzling away , Katie made her wonderful salad to accompany , music on , red wine opened .......,,, bliss!!!!!!!! its now 22:00 food all gone , wine depleted, body knackered , it’s time for bed . mas a footnote yesterday I said 30mins to the pub from Rockland staithe , I meant 30 mins to the shop , the pub is 30seconds away yup 30 seconds please excuse order of photos , unless I load them one at a time it’s pot luck as to order

Ha ha ha we were going towards Gt Yarmouth they were on the way toward Reedham

We passed about seven or eight 50plus footers traveling from Braydon towards Reedham and they were all centre channel (understandably) and all cruising at a sensible pace , yes there was a large wash but that is inevitable , had I encountered them coming through Reedham Bridge I would have thought twice due to the effect of the wash pushing you sideways

Wednesday 15th July 2020 (a day late as no signal last night) up early as usual , now time to decide our destination . Decided ..... Rockland St Mary which was about 3.5 to 4 hours cruising , so off we set on a warm but slightly drizzly morning . The rivers were quiet and peaceful and we made our way . Under Somerleyton bridge once more and then left into The New Cut , which by now was getting busier . Through and onto Reedham , swing bridge was open , not that we need it to be , past the village staithe , which was nigh on full with both hire boats and privateers, after what seems to be ages we past astern of the Reedham Ferry as i docked and continued on our merry way . The turn for the river Chet was the next point of interest which we decided not to go down this time . The looming towers of Cantley sugar mill seemed to be looking down on us across the reeds for the next 30mins until it was upon us , cruised by and past the Reedcutters which last time we visited was still The Red House . Then motored on to the dyke leading to Rockland Broad, and the staithe moorings. This was our first visit to Rockland St Mary in 26 years of Broadland boating . The Broad itself is stunning and the approach to the staithe albeit very narrow is idyllic . Upon arrival there were only three boats moored up and non in the right hand side basin mooring area so we able to get the corner allowing us to stern and side moor , yup another taxi rank has been found. We spent a lazy day avoiding the showers as best we could . Katie made the walk to the pub “just up the road” , Which was a good 30mins each way. The evening we wandered over to The New Inn where the food was pleasant , nothing outstanding , but good honest pub grub. Katie and I shared a whitebait starter then she had homemade lasagne which although very tasty was a bit dry , I had fish pie which was excellent . The New Inn is more a local pub serving food as opposed to a restaurant serving beer and we had a wonderful evening in a very friendly atmosphere , we were even bought a drink by “mine host”. If you like food beer , pub grub , in an idyllic setting then we can thoroughly recommend it . We were back aboard at 00:30 , well sated . Excuse the order of the photos

Tuesday 14th Very little to report today , we decided to stay at Oulton Broad for another night and relax . Rose early as per norm when afloat , fresh morning coffee with croissants and cheese began the day before we walked to the station to catch the train into Lowestoft , a stroll into town then onto South Pier and along the sea front watching the world go by and some brave (or is it foolish) souls bathing in the chilly sea. Lunch today was KFC , our guilty pleasure. A further hour spent window shopping at various bric a brac stores then head off back to the station , watched the bascule bridge open for a commercial craft towing huge fender type objects (video on post Jayfire afloat) then police blocked roads to allow “abnormal load” to make a turn at a junction ahead then back aboard the train for Oulton Broad , excellent value £6:20 return for the two of us to travel. A lazy afternoon was then spent watching the world go by till dinner time which was the carvery at The Wherry washed down with a few Woodfords , very privy pint in the Wherry £4:45!!!!!! Back aboard now , time to get the old head down we will decide tomorrow’s destination in the morning .

Rushing supplies of Stella to the Southern Broads IMG_8191.MOV

Pub moorings ,well Kept and £5 overnight, £3 extra for electric hook up but only 2 hook up points

Obviously the politicians don’t go on boating holidays

Drop Richardson’s an email and ask them , the hull and superstructure was all but completed prior to covid-19 so cannot see why she won’t be afloat by next season

We looked at Camero an Alpha 29 aft cockpit ,when it was at DRL , stank of diesel , if memory serves me right it was bright red and was advertised as ideal for honeymooners , I seem to remember it had a sit bath as well

The Yarmouth bridges IMG_8161.MP4

Left Acle at 0830 to catch the tide to take us under Great Yarmouth for our trip to “The Other Side” , we reached the yacht station at 10:20 and continued through the bridges on to the expanse of Breydon Water , passed about 25 boats heading north and there was a steady stream visa versa , good to see the rivers full of life again .We rode the incoming tide to Oulton Broad and arrived in good time at 13:10 paid our fee for the night ,which is £18.50 side on on the pontoon with leccy, then decided what the hell we love it here we will stay for two nights and get the bus into Lowestoft tomorrow for a looksie . Weather has been warm but cloudy up till 18:30 when we had a sprinkling of rain which has been intermittent since then , I cooked my version of carbonara aboard then we walked round to the Commodore for a pint or two , back aboard for 22:30 enjoying a coffee and a malt before retiring for the night .

Sunday 12th July 2020 Our weeks adventure begins , left Cambridge at 08:00 for a leisurely unhurried drive to Stalham , quick stop for supplies and we were arrived by 10:00 ready to load up Cerise Lady , as usual far too many supplies , well booze , loaded and we were ready to set sail at 12:15 all checks done aboard. Our destination tonight , Acle Bridge , as we are booked into Oulton Broad Yacht station tomorrow . An uneventful glorious cruise ensued passing Maurice Minor as he was approaching Irstead travelling upstream , if I had to hazard a guess at Nyx’s destination I would guess Sutton !! We duly arrived and moored outside The Bridge Inn at about 15:00 , the Ghost ship was calling me .a couple of pints to take the edge off and back aboard to spruce the old girl up , no not Katie , Cerise Lady ! Three hours later ,and one more pint, well you have to, windows were gleaming , starboard and stern fenders scrubbed and shining , cockpit and inside polished and starboard stern gland greaser refilled it is time to get ready for dinner at the Bridge , maybe washed down with a couple of Ghostships then bed will be calling , leaving at 08:30 in the morning to catch the tide through Yarmouth , in the Rascals words , more as it happens .

With either exception of two well known liveaboards every one ,and I have met many, are a credit to the Broads and a very useful unpaid resource in keeping your boats safer

Realise it’s front steer as opposed to centre steer , but the bounty 37 for sale and alluded to in the post on here is a well priced and excellent example

The Silverline boats seem excellent value

Just three

As an ex publican myself I avoid frequenting Wetherspoons establishments, with so many smaller individual pubs closing and struggling to exist in today’s market their position is not helped at all by these supermarkets of the licensed trade. The Regal in Cambridge at one time was Britain’s largest pub and they were selling beer cheaper than many smaller pubs could buy it , most evenings (not just weekends) there are literally hundreds of drunk youngsters spilling out into the road. When I was trading if your establishment had more than three police call outs to it in a calendar year then an objection would be lodged to the Licensing council with the risk of either a suspension to your licence or restricted hours. In 2018 The Regal had the police attend disturbances 196 times , plus the numerous times the police were patrolling and went over to prevent a breach of the peace happening outside , yet not only was no action taken but on application the closing time was extended to 04:00 on weekends and 03:00 during the week . also in 2018 there was 27 cases of taxis being damaged by bottles being thrown from outside The Regal and when stationary in traffic or waiting to pick up a further dozen were also damaged (these figures are only those that were reported to the taxi association there no doubt are more cases unreported). Support your local small pubs , where you don’t have to queue for 30mins to get a drink , yes it costs more , the bar staff still welcome you with a smile , your feet don’t stuck to the carpet . we have lost most of our local shops , let’s not lose the unique British local pub