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Hi Alan / Jemaki The hope and anchor is at the moment closed not sure when it reopen this is because of flood damage which happened February I think before the shut down and my friend has said that obviously no work is being carried out at the moment so they have no idea when it will be able to reopen post coronavirus Susan

I would always choose Hope Cove in Devon even over the Broads. Regards Alan Alan I am lucky enough to say my best friend lives in Hope Cove so we go there quite often beautiful place Susan

Where we are here in Padstow there are loads of second homes in fact we only have 2 neighbours at our address all the other homes are second homes NONE of them occupied at present ,it’s the same in another part of Padstow where we own a second home that road is almost completely holiday homes and as of yesterday all empty. Our letting agent has cancelled all bookings up to and including 5th. June so far a great shame for us as we were fully booked but given all that is happening a small price to pay for our overall survival.

We saw a crane when moored at south Walsham last June it was a wonderful sight in full flight then landing in adjacent field ,took off again an hour later great to see.

Couldn’t agree more love seeing the photos if you can just tell me how I get them from my camera to my I pad I would be happy to share not that I suspect they are very good

Yes Jean it is quite a drive , we always knew it would be but we love the broads so will continue to come back for the foreseeable future. Padstow is beautiful we really love it here Helen I don’t have a laptop only my I pad

I will try this time to make the tale a little less boring but I cannot promise! Having moved to Cornwall in early July although we were not actually in our new home until mid August but that’s another story, we will now have a much longer journey up to Norfolk with that in mind we have booked a b&b in Horning for the Thursday night before we take the boat over ,thus giving us the opportunity to eat in the Bure seafood restaurant that evening somewhere we enjoy. Silent Emblem Friday September 6th. Day 1 After a great evening meal and good night sleep we are ready to start our new adventure , having had a delicious breakfast we left Horning for Potter Heigham to collect some more fishing gear , then headed to Wroxham and Roy’s for the fresh food stuffs and finally back to Horning the butchers and arrived at ferry marine around midday. They said boat was not ready but it looked like an engineer was working on her we decided to just sit in the car and wait weather had turned chilly and there were several heavy rain showers, just before 1.30 we were told we could load up didn’t take long and the hand over was a little more thorough than in June as Silent is all electric and the guy doing the hand over wanted to make sure we were ok with everything finally we were set free around 2:30 it had stopped raining by now so sat up top and left the marina destination unknown. It was a real joy travelling along with only the merest of noise and it made us so aware of how noisy all the other boats were not that it seemed that busy. After a couple of hours we decided to find a mooring for the night and as it looked likely to rain again soon we thought it best, headed down fleet dyke and had a choice of moorings on the first set upon the bend hardly anyone there which surprised us, just got tied up and the heavens opened so no fishing for the time being I quickly unpacked and we sat and watched as a few more boats came past at the end of the day there were at least 3 moorings to be had dinner was a salad of local seafood and some new potatoes washed down with a glass or two of wine no Tv signal so sat and chatted and read until we were both tired and the first night in the nice large double. At handover we had been told to leave the switch in the cabin for the heating and hot water always on the water not fully off what a mistake the noise of it keep cutting in was awful although at the time in the dark I wasn’t sure what it was so I took the spare duvet and went into the saloon to sleep could still hear it but not so bad, we did not make that mistake again off off off before we went to sleep. Day 2 After not such a good night we took our time to get going this morning , the weather was not good heavy rain and quite windy , not sure what to do or where to head we had a leisurely cooked breakfast before deciding. As the rain had eased we left the moorings and headed back up the dyke again we sat up top great views and in the fresh air , once we turned onto the Bure at St Benets the wind was in our faces so not quite so pleasant,took a look down Ranworth and having decided to go to Salhouse came back out again just as the heavens opened quickly changed to inside steering , not such a good view but much warmer and dryer. As we approached Cockshoot dyke the end mooring was free and I was persuaded that we should moor up to do a little fishing , this we did although the wind was not helping trying to push us off the mooring, fishing gear set up I sat inside out of the rain but it soon passed and I thought I would take a walk down the nature trail. Very good too enjoyed it once at the broad I took some photos and sat in the hide for a while, when I got back to the dyke I carried on walking the other bank along towards the Ferry inn albeit on the opposite bank , this was quite overgrown so had a bit of a struggle and it soon started raining again so I headed back. Asking if we were heading off soon it was decided to stay put as wind and rain were both heavy and he was enjoying the fishing , spent the next couple hours watching moorings fill up although again never completely full. Enjoyed dinner on board again Ham salad and new potatoes again accompanied with some nice wine, TV signal ok so watched Stricky opening show then opted for a couple more hours with my book before turning in and switching that heater off. Day 3 We had decided last night to head to Stokesby today hoping for a mooring and a meal in the Ferry Inn , so after a quick breakfast we chose to slip the mooring early just after eight and take a slow meandering down stream and as it was not raining we set off up top. Lovely quite cruise saw lots of kingfishers just past Ranworth Dam no otter though as this was the spot in June we saw one, a couple marsh harriers and several Herons, Went along nice and slow hardly anyone else on the river what a joy that is it was so lovely, only had the boat running on the electric and it was really peaceful probably only saw half a dozen other boats the whole way there. When we arrived at Stokesby there was space on the Staithe with the electric post so we turned around and went into moor, as I am very short I sometimes struggle getting on and off the boats but I found Silent to be perfect for me whether side or stern moored I could get off with ease. Fishing gear set up I went for a walk along the bank the weather was lovely and sunny although the wind was a little chilly, after a lovely afternoon fishing and reading we both got ready to go to the pub for our meal, the food was really lovely we both enjoyed it and will definitely visit again, back to the boat I topped up the electric it had had £0.49 on when we arrived and as the batteries had done all the work bringing us here that was soon depleted On board for a couple hours TV and reading and so to bed. Day 4 We woke after a great nights sleep this bed is really comfy and bigger then usual boat beds, had breakfast and deciding where to go we left mooring about 9:30 and here we had a small problem the bow thruster refused to work and so a bit more manoeuvre was required to extract us from our spot without disturbing the boat behind ( 2 things here we think engineer on boat when we arrived was doing something with bow thrusters and I think I read a review here from someone on Silent who also had issues ) Anyway off we head and think we will try to get into Ranworth again a very slow electric glide back up the Bure so peaceful not much other river traffic and apart from the early noise from the A 47 peaceful. We didn’t see much wildlife on the way and arrived at Malthouse Broad around Midday having dawdled around we were indicated there was a spot down the side so we headed in made quite a show with the people already moored as she came in totally quiet people gathered around to ask about it and have a look inside all very impressed as we were anyway. Weather a little chilly overcast but dry so we headed off for a walk up to the nature trail nice and peaceful walk and when heading back decide to have a pint in the maltsters sat outside although it was quite chilly for me , back on the boat the fishing gear came out, I must just say apparently the fishing has been quite bad nothing much caught and at Stokesby he fished quite a time and did not have one bite , but on the return journey up the Bure we saw several dead fish Pike Roach and perch. Decided to order a curry for tonight from Acle spice the delivery to the boat and it is usually delicious, and it was we always over order so we can have another meal the next day saves cooking and we enjoy it. Early night as we are both tired and surprisingly there are still free moorings here. Day 5 Up quite early and fishing starts we have our breakfast and fill up with water decide to take another walk before we head off and we follow the walk we saw Dave on Silver Cloud do on one of his videos it was lovely enjoyed it and will do that again only about 40 mins but away from roads and glimpses of south Walsham inner broad. Heading off around 11 am there were hardly any boats left on the moorings we are going to How Hill today not far we know but we were on shore power all night and batteries showing 100% again Bow thruster failed on leaving slow cruise back down Bure and I take helm so all the top can be lowered ready for the bridge the idea for How Hill is that tomorrow we want a really early start to go up the Ant on the electric so very very quiet to see what wildlife is up and about. Ludham bridge marker showing 8 foot 6 we need 8 foot 2 take it nice and slow from inner helm and clear with at least 6 inches to spare if not more , when we get to How Hill the corner mooring opposite the windmill is free so that’s where we go. Time for another walk and some more fishing weather ok showers and some sun a little warmer than yesterday , early dinner left over curry sat up top watching sun set and then to bed theses broad days are so tiring. Day 6 After an early night we are up and ready to cast off just after 6 obviously everyone else still tucked up in bed but we are so quiet I really do not think we disturbed anyone off we go at about 1.2 miles and hour up top I need my coat as it’s a bit chilly but stunning sadly wildlife we hoped to see are all also having a lie in. We arrive at Wayford Bridge just before 9 turn around and head back the way we came destination Ranworth again it’s his favourite place I think that and South Walsham I’m lucky that this time I’ve been to Stokesby and How Hill. Again we get moored straight away but on the right of the dingy dyke a little later someone moves out from the side a we quickly take the spot again bow thruster fails once moored we go for another walk and then a pub lunch not the greatest food for us but ok and better than cooking . More late afternoon fishing and I sit up top it’s quite warm the sun is out and we are both content , light supper onboard a bit of TV then into bed to read a bit before lights out. Day 7 Our final full day and it’s raining again we need some food for tonight’s dinner or a mooring with food so trying to decide where to go , we think we will go to Wroxham to shop then back out to Salhouse to moor leaving us a pleasant cruise tomorrow back to the yard. We set of up top as rain has stopped but it soon stars again and we head inside as it’s quite heavy going along we have a change of plan and decide to shop in Horning than head back to South Walsham surprise surprise! All Staithe moorings busy but the mooring in front of river trip boat is free it is now pouring with rain so we quickly moor up and I head off to the butchers get some chops for dinner and some bits for lunch soon back to the boat still heavy rain as we leave from the inside helm just past the Ferry Inn Mick spots an otter but I miss it dam ! Once past Horning the rain stops so we head back up to and enjoy a slow cruise to fleet dyke we arrive around 1 pm and it’s completely empty on the first corner moorings so we pick our spot and head in ,weather nice now sun out and reasonably warm fishing gear out and I head off for a walk I go down to the other moorings and there are space there too have a chat to a couple of boaters then head back past our mooring on up to the main river lovely walk and back on the boat I sit up top first time I have taken hoodie off all week. Sad as it is I need to start packing up which really does not take long we have toned down how much we bring these days so we are all sorted and have a final meal onboard and then a bit of TV before we turn in. Day 8 Up early and a quick tea and coffee and we set off we arrive at Boatyard around 7:30 there is 1 space left which we squeeze into get the car and start loading up whilst coming along I took the helm while the fishing gear was cleared away and the decks cleaned Once car is loaded we finish cleaning the boat and are ready to leave around 8:30 Into the office to return life vests and keys report issue with bow thruster and leak in bedroom window then we set off pop into Wroxham to buy Micks dad some Cromer crabs then head back to Essex to see him and finally set of from there around 12:30 to drive back to Padstow nightmare journey took over 7 hours did not arrive home until after 8 pm. Having said that we have already booked same boat for 2 more weeks next year June and September we really liked her almost almost perfect for us planning to go south in June a first for us to cross Brendon together. I have photos but no idea how they get from camera to blog ! Susan

Jean will be interesting how you get on with Zircon we had Silent Emblem for a week early September ,we really liked her fitted almost everyone of our requirements really good boat so much so we have already booked same for 2 more weeks next year June and September Never introduced myself to forum members before always a bit shy Susan

What boat are you on Jean

Can anyone tell me the current charge for overnighting on the island at ranworth thanks Susan

Perfect many thanks will be out on silent Emblem from Friday

Hi ordered a pennant recently how long does it take for delivery we are away soon and really wanted to take with us

Mick and I retired end of 2017 At 59 spent 4 months in Cornwall 3 months refurbished house for sale and are now days away from moving to padstow permanently loving life back on broads September will always continue until we feel it’s too much

Monday 24th June Why is it that sometimes in life everything happens at once when we booked this weeks holiday our house had been on the market for 9 months hardly any viewers let alone any offers would you believe that only a few days after paying the final balance we have a full price offer buyer in great position so we accept only they want completion on the 5th.July so we really don’t have time to be away this week, hence the last 2 weeks of frantic packing giving away furniture to relatives and numerous visit to the tip and charity shops we are as ready as we can be to leave the house on Friday week. So off around 9:00 we leave Essex and head out we are taking Aqua Emblem from Ferry marina for a week starting today, first call as always Wroxham where we like to do the fresh shop in Roy’s some lovely fresh Cromer crabs will do nicely for dinner tonight with salad and new potatoes That done we head to Horning where we shop in the butchers for sausages bacon eggs cooked ham and not forgetting the black quack.Letting ferry marine know we are in the area we are very happy to hear the boat is almost ready and we will be called shortly the weather was warm and sunny so we sat outside the Ferry Inn and had a drink no sooner had we finished we had the call to say you can load up now great off we go , this does not take too long and we wait for the handover i guess we waited about half an hour before a very nice gentleman came aboard and told us all we needed to know about this particular boat one we have not been on before 15 mins later he is happy to let us on our way. Headed out on the river towards ranworth or south Walsham , a lovely sunny warm afternoon we pull the roof back and enjoy the weather and the tranquility slowly making our way we decide on south Walsham however no soon have we turned into fleet dyke but a large sailing barge is ahead of us going very slowly and it also stared to rain not what we expected after little or no progress down the dyke we about turn and make for plan B Womack water Took about 45 mins to get to Womack dyke and all the free moorings were taken so we carried on to the Staithe and as luck would have it a couple of space were free, we tried to remember the last time we moored here and think it was 2003 or 2004 when we had Braemoor booked with Moore’s but became Barnes before our trip.After the unpacking I realised I had forgotten a couple of things so headed up to the village to throwers the rain had stopped and the sun back out on the boat glass of wine what joy. Dinner tonight on board was easy and soon polished off and cleared up had a chat to boaters both side of us sat on the bow for a while and enjoyed the tranquility but both soon felt tired and decided to turn in as with some previous boats we have hired we are using both cabins I sleep poorly and Mick likes to get up really early so it works best for us first nights sleep very peaceful until 5am when the rain came down in earnest forecast saying it will stop by 10am so we have a leisurely breakfast clear away and by 9.30 the rain has gone and the sun is trying to shine destination today we think will be Salhouse but with a trip to Wroxham first as when he fished yesterday evening he noticed one of his rods had broken set off shortly before 10 had a lovely slow cruise up to Wroxham as we passed the ant and before ranworth we saw an otter crossing the river sadly did not manage a photo though carrying on we manage to moor on the outside at Barnes off he pops to the tackle shop whilst I stay onboard 15 mins later he’s back and with a signal on the phone we make sure all upto date with solicitor and estate agent. Back out of wroxham and down to salhouse plenty of moorings it is about 2 by now so a quick bite of lunch a lovely walk for me and trying out the new rod for him a while later back at the boat chair out in the sun reading until 7 ish when I go in to cook another salad. Not such a great nights sleep could hear some guys who were fishing very late talking and the lady on the boat moored beside us gets off about 2am at the back of us shining a torch through our windows not sure why Mick went out but she had gone he thought maybe she was checking the ropes as he said they were making a noise but it woke us and I struggled to get back to sleep. Wednesday morning overcast windy and about 10 degrees colder we decide a short trip to Ranworth we can have a nice walk and as all the salad has been eaten we plan on ordering a curry from Acle spice, a quick breakfast and we set off about 9.30 I think slow cruise back up the bure lots of marsh harriers about no kingfishers yet though and through Horning the Staithe was free but we did not need any shopping so did not stop passed the boat yard and on to cockshoot dyke where he was tempted to stop as the end mooring right on the river was free a place he has always fancied fishing from , but we carry on and head down ranworth dam several boats going in the opposite direction so we are hopeful of a spot as we near the Staithe someone indicated there was a space down the side in we go but the wind was not helping so we had a second go and slotted right in the electric post behind us was fully occupied so we just settled down had a cup of tea and coffee as it was surprisingly cold and the wind was quite strong we both had a nice hot shower although both bathrooms were quite tiny and a bit difficult to manoeuvre if I left the shower head in its rest the water just went over my head and onto the toilet so I could not step back to make it get me I am under 5 foot tall so I had to hand hold and that’s not so easy in a confined space but it is a boat after all, showers done we are ready for a walk as we set off one of the electric sockets is free so we plug in as we have shore power , a nice walk once out of the wind it was not too bad it was overcast no sun quite thick clouds back just before 1 we head in the malsters for a beer and a glass of wine we sit outside again out of the wind just have the one drink then back on the boat I prepare a ploughman’s lunch which we both enjoy clear away then enjoy watching the comings and goings at the Staithe, some lads come in on a Richardson’s boats and moor bow first off they go to the pub after a while the boat next to them leaves giving the wind chance to spin them round to side on taking up about 3 or 4 spaces , one of the other boaters goes in the pub to get them to move it they had a bit of trouble as clearly unsure what to do with several helpers from other boats finally managed to stern moor then they went back in the pub a lovely couple came in to moor next to us on their private Haines Mick took their ropes and helped then in we had a nice chat and I was invited onboard to have look at the boat ,back on the boat we were ready to order the takeaway they said it would be an hour which was fine by us but 40 mins later get a call to say he is 10 mins away I go out to the back of the boat and he is in the car park as I start to get off he shouts stay there and comes over to me great service paid up and in to eat , it was honestly the nicest chicken tikka biryani I have had in a long time Mick also said his Madras was good we ordered extra sides and naans so we can have leftovers for dinner tomorrow.Again not such a good nights sleep for me the boat next to us ran their heater until quite late and the outlet was right by our front cabin so really noisy I don’t blame them it was cold but still going at 11 pm , I finally got to sleep around midnight but was awake again about 4am stayed in bed until six then got up for a cup of tea and later some breakfast ,we had our showers and talked about where to go today we have food on board enough for lunch and dinner so somewhere without a pub or shops is fine we decide to head up the ant and see where we end up a lovely slow cruise down the bure again lots of marsh harriers and herons but no kingfishers and no more otters onto the ant and make our way up through ludham which was busy but not packed past how hill which was almost empty apart from 2 boats in front of us who decide to moor we continue up to Irstead where it got interesting the boat we were following was going so slow we found our boat did not go that slow so we had to keep stopping at the Staithe a boat was trying to moor but was across the river the boat in front carried on going behind him as another from the Barton end carried on coming straight down we stopped short and let them all sort it out no one hit anything or anyone a few shouts that was all safely through we overtook the slow boat on Barton had to negotiate half a dozen sail boats and then decided to take a look at Paddy’s lane moorings were free so we decided to stay all moored up it was about 12:30 so I made us some lunch put the chairs out on the bank still no sun but out of the wind it was pleasantly warm then the wind got up a bit so I left Mick to his fishing and went inside forecast said it would brighten up later , should not have had the glass of wine with lunch because 2 hours later I woke up. It was quite a bit warmer outside so we sat out until again around 7 chatting to fellow boaters and reading and fishing time to go and put the oven on the heat up the curry a couple more glasses of wine and a pleasant evening was had very quite moorings the lads from the previous day at ranworth came in to moor but were a few boats down from us I think they along with a couple of other Richardson’s boat were back on Friday am because by the time we got up and going they were all gone. Lovely nights sleep right through till about 4 am that was good for me read a bit before I got up at 6 to make the tea and coffee.We had breakfast and thought what shall we do today we were out of fresh food so need to shop / pub for dinner we hired this low boat to try to head to Coltishall somewhere we have never been before so just after 8 I called the pilot at Wroxham to see if there was a chance we could get under the boat said it was 6 foot10 he said yes come along so we set off about 8:20 and took a lovely cruise to Wroxham nothing much to say saw a couple of kingfishers along the ant and once on the bure more harriers but not too many boats it was Friday morning so some would have returned them today got to Wroxham about 11:30 moored up by the bridge was just about to call pilot when he came over the bridge gave us a shout got on board and asked if we were mooring up or going on we said the latter and he passed the moorings on the right and hopped of after putting the bow in just before the railway bridge. With the sun now out it was a really lovely ride up to coltishall took about an hour and 15 mins whilst coming along we took a call from the solicitor saying all ready to go in and sign and we made an appointment for Monday afternoon, quite a few moorings available and we chose to moor near the electric post making sure we had full power to charge laptops and phones which were needed in the circumstances.Once settled we both had a shower it was by then 2 ish and we decided to have a few drinks outside the rising sun and a late lunch sun still shining we enjoyed being out by the river one or two more boats arrived but it was no way full the pilot said Friday was always quiet. Lovely meal in the pub I had the fish and chips Mick had Monkfish both very enjoyable , forgot to say we passed Malanka at Wroxham where she was moored saw no one on board though.Beautiful evening sat watching the cows in the field and some paddle boarders go passed really warm now , still full from lunch I did not want anything else to eat but Mick finished off the pork pie and a bag of crisps a few glasses of wine and it was time for bed, what a great nights sleep heard nothing from about 10:30 until 4am really good for me got up made the tea about six we were going to set off early to get back to Wroxham for the pilot and do a small fresh shop in Roy’s so that we could moor in south Waltham left about 7:20 later than planned Mick was mucking about putting the camera underwater as it was so clear what a glorious morning so calm really warm already saw lots of kingfishers saw a bird of prey just past Belaugh take off right in front of us with his breakfast in his claws fantastic it was quite magical ,what a lovely way to start a morning slowly cruising down to Wroxham we arrived about 8:45 having taken it slow , I hopped off to Roy’s something for lunch and tonight’s dinner was required Mick had said he would enjoy a second crab salad so that’s what I looked for and got him a large ( Cromer crabs are not big ) Crab and for me I purchased half a dressed lobster again not big but with a lovely salad and some more Norfolk new potatoes it would be good also got some fresh rolls and ham to make some lunch once we got moored. Malanka was still mooored at Wroxham but again I did not see anyone to say hello too bridge pilot had apparently already walked past and spoken to Mick so a quick call to say we were ready he came aboard and said the water was low at 7 foot 5 off he jumped at the bridge moorings and we set off down to south Waltham, uneventful cruise lots of day boats some good some not so good weaving in and out quite a few private boats out but more seemed going towards Wroxham than the other way , no marsh harriers or otters today saw a couple of kingfishers, nearly had a collision at the ferry Inn Horning a guy pulled straight out without looking and we and another boat heading upstream had to avoid him , no sorry no care just kept going. Passed cockshoot dyke again the end mooring was free and he was tempted to pull in but we had yet to go to south Waltham and it used to be a favourite mooring, just as we got to the dyke 3 yachts pull in ahead of us so passage was dead slow , Mick likes an end mooring on the bend so that he can fish but both we taken but there was space still for several boats so mooring up was done, we used to like the moorings further down by the broad but since the trees have all grown up it’s not the same for us and you cannot see the fields on the right to watch the owls .Lunch prepared chairs out I realised how hot it had become of course when you are cruising along it did not feel so hot , we pulled the roof back over on one side to give a little shade and I only managed a short walk before returning to the boat and sat out less than an hour before I was too hot ( I hate saying that I love the sun but it was roasting and no shade). Mick had the best fishing of the whole week here caught several nice size bream he sat in the back cabin in the shade and fished from the aft well, the afternoon went by so quickly it was past 6 before we knew it as the air cooled we sat out and enjoyed a glass of wine before I prepared a salad and boiled the potatoes, it was really tasty and ideal for the hot day, I love cooking but on a boat we keep things as simple as possible for meals and eat out or takeaway if available ,after dinner Mick said he would clear up so I went and sat on the bank In my chair enjoying the peace and a glass more wine , then I looked up and saw a first for me a crane flew over and almost all the people on the bank were shouting look look , I called mick but too late for him to see it , our neighbours missed it too and asked me what it was we carried on chatting for about an hour before I returned to the boat just as I stepped aboard the crane returned and flew over again , there was also deer in the furthest field an a little later the owls came out hunting all in all a really great day. Knowing we had to be back Monday afternoon for the solicitor we had decided to go back to the boat yard on Sunday evening so we could get an early start home first thing Monday , I called the yard as we had to pay the bridge fee and said we would leave the boat 7 ish Monday morning. Had broken sleep woke at 1 am the wind was blowing strong and it kept me awake awhile finally got up about 6 still blowing strong, we decided to have a cooked breakfast I had left over potatoes some eggs tomatoes and a couple rasher bacon the frying pan was rubbish,but breakfast was good and we both enjoyed it, cleared away and suddenly decided that rather than stay overnight we would make back to the yard and pack up and get off home today sad but we have so much to do in 4 days we really need the time and we are back in September so not too long to wait. Set off about 8:30 nice down fleet dyke but once we turned up the bure it was really blowing easy cruise back to Horing Mick thought mooring on the main river would be tricky with the wind but he did it with ease and got a well done from one of the ferry marina staff made his day. It was 9:15 we set about packing and cleaning the boat which did not too long about an hour we emptied the rubbish filled the car and went into the office to hand over the key and the life jackets and we were good to go sad to be leaving early but we knew it was the best decision in the circumstances, arrived home about 1 pm washing straight on and ready to start the final packing tomorrow. In Conclusion We liked ferry marine they were helpful efficient and very pleasant, the boat was quite nice a few issues , the immersion heater did not seem to work when on shore power the fridge ice boxed dripped and the front hatched leaked ,luckily on the left berth not the right and it only rained heavy Tuesday am the oven ignition did not work pointed these issues out at the yard and was thanked for doing so , we did not get to Dilham so that’s still to do we went under Wroxham and that’s one of the reasons to hire this boat we are back again with Ferry Marine in September when we have hired silent Emblem a different kind of boat altogether And if all goes to plan this week we will have a long drive up from Cornwall instead of an easy one from Essex but I know where I would rather be. Thanks for reading I took quite a few photographs but all on my camera and I need to upload them onto the laptop before adding them here and that may take awhile.

Thanks Jean We as a couple have never hired on southern broads in a previous life I hired from Alfa craft Brundall with a friend but travelled straight over to the northern broads frightens me now to think of crossing Breydon on my first hire but we did and survive only with the expert help of a private owner at Berney Arms mooring who gave us so much help and advice 2 novice girls not a clue what we were doing yard not really any help We will def hire again south loved it but also love the Ant ,South Walsham et al

Well spotted of course it should read 2018

Southern Adventure Day 1 Saturday 22 September 2019 Late in posting life got in the way ! After and easy drive up from Essex imagine our surprise to find the road closed at Wroxham first stop for breakfast Roy’s and of course the all important fishing tackle shop a detour around some very country lanes we arrive back in Wroxham via Coltishall 35 mins later than planned. Parked and off to the Wherry cafe for breakfast lovely view of the bridge especially when a HW craft decided to go through without a pilot and got stuck it took them a few tries to squeeze themselves back out and through all of this I did not think to take a photo ! After a rather nice breakfast I headed to Roy’s for a few fresh bits and fishing tackle shop for himself onwards to Horning where we visited the lovely butchers now all stocked up it was on to Brundall and broom captain 8 that awaited us. We had told the yard we would arrive at 12 noon but we were running late and arrived about 12:30 the boat was ready for us and moored at the bottom of the basin so we parked up right behind and loaded up shortly after a chap came onboard for our induction / instruction asked if we had previously boated which we have several times always on the northern broads he went over the finer points of the captain that we needed to know and was happy to let us go so onto the river we headed about 1:20 with no real plan in place we turned left out of the yard and set off towards Reedham we got used to how she was handling and took a lovely slow cruise for about an hour before turning around and heading for Bramerton common as our first night mooring ,the weather was warm but overcast only passed 3 other boats all heading upstream to Norwich and a couple of yachts tacking so different from the same week last year on the northern rivers. At Bramerton there were about 4 spaces left so we quietly and slowly did our first mooring, him on the helm me on the ropes all secure time to finish the unpacking sat out on the rear deck until it became a little chilly then inside with great view out of the saloon windows saw a rush of kingfishers all diving into the bushes opposite and a beautiful marsh harrier came right up the centre of the river right passed us.Time for supper a busy day and we were feeling the Norfolk broads sleep-sickness we found the front Island bed a little small and my husband has decided he will use the saloon to sleep giving us both a bit more room. Day 2 After a good nights sleep we are up it was just about 7 and the forecast has changed for the better the thunderstorms and high winds are no more however it was pouring with rain and is set in until late afternoon with this in mind we decide a slow start today is in order and then a leisurely cruise and a mooring with a pub for Sunday lunch, after a lazy start we finally headed off about 10:30 it was raining quite hard and visibility was not the greatest the wiper on the drivers side only did a third of a sweep, cruised south again toward Reedham for about an hour until the rain became really heavy turned around and slowly made are way back having decided we would try Coldham Hall for lunch did not pass hardly any other vessels in the time we were out. Got moored ok and I went in and booked us a table for 2 o’clock it was very busy back on board and we both showered and charged our various appliances then went into the pub for a pre lunch snifter ,well we are on holiday both ordered the rare roast beef it came with a huge amount of veg I counted 8 different plus a Yorkshire pudding far to much for me but himself managed it all , back on the boat and soon after about 4 it stopped raining and brightened up really quickly so a fishing opportunity could not be missed apparently and rewarded with the largest perch he has ever caught he was very pleased I sat in the sun on the rear deck and enjoyed the river and my book until it suddenly rained again quite heavy so we both went back inside and it finally stopped about 7 when the moon came up and shone upon the river very atmospheric, still both full from the late lunch just a light bite and a glass of vino whilst we settled down sleep soon invaded again and we got ready to turn in , there is promise of sunshine tomorrow fingers crossed. Day 3 After a great nights sleep unusual for me we awoke to a very chilly morning heating on quick this was very efficient although for us another outlet in the main saloon as opposed to the front cabin would have been better, decided to have a cooked breakfast today and with only 1very small frying pan it was a case of cook and keep warm in the oven until it was all ready sausages and bacon from the butchers in Horning were super. Breakfast done and cleared away the sun was now shining and showing signs of warming up, after the usual ablutions plenty of hot water available it was decided to head to Loddon today a place neither of us had ever been so cast off around 9:30 we were on our way. Nothing much on the river going south a few heading north I will say the reverse front seat on the captain gives the navigator a wonderful view, after about an hour first one then another boat came storming up behind us we were just poodling along they overtook us a disappeared into the distance, nothing much happened along the Yare we were just enjoying ourselves sharing the helm and watching marsh harriers kestrels, cormorants and herons along the way. Turned at the Chet mouth so narrow after the Yare and even the Ant slowly along and after the first 3 or 4 bends we see a couple of boats heading our way slow right down breath in pass without incident a few bends further on another boat storming towards us centre river going way too fast we pulled into the reeds almost stopped and he flew past no wave no acknowledgment no thanks, Pyes mill moorings only had 2 boats but we carried on up to the Staithe where there were at least 4 spaces moored nice and simply plugged into electric post which kindly had 47pence still on once settled I hopped of and went for a walk around the village and bought a couple more electric cards and some delicious Portuguese custard tarts from the coop bakery. Back on board the afternoon was spent sitting on the front seat on the captains bow whilst I read / watched / chatted the afternoon away and himself enjoyed his fishing although I have to say the cormorants were catching more than either my husband or the guy on the boat moored next to us. After recommendation from the forum members posts we ordered a curry from the raj duly delivered right to the back of the boat and also delicious, settled down for a coupe of hours reading and a little tv then bed tomorrow’s adventure to be decided. Day 4 Awoke to a very vey cold morning ice on the boat roof and a mist on the water truly beautiful heating on and a hot drink before breakfast , showers and tidying up done we filled up with water I popped to the coop for a couple of forgotten bits back to the boat an off, first destination after a very pleasant cruise back up the Chet passing only one boat was short dyke safely moored we had some lunch the weather now glorious t shirt and shorts weather after lunch set off and cruised onto the broad thought of going to the Staithe but had found Loddon a little noisy with some light pollution so thought we would find somewhere a little quieter, back on the Yare slow cruise up passed Brundall and thought we would try the church fen mooring however this was full so moving on at postwick Staithe there was only one boat a privateer however he was moored dead centre and with his dinghy left no room for our 35 foot craft,onward again and to Bramerton where there were several spaces as it was mid afternoon already where do these days go we took the mooring just up from where we had stayed a few nights earlier, all safely tied up out came the rods and the book I decided to go for a walk around up to the pub and down the lane just to have a look back on the boat the early evening sun gave us a beautiful sky and the wildlife flew in abundance, eating onboard tonight left over Curry lovely. Watched a little tv turned in read a while and although not as cold as the night before I had a really bad night woke at 1:45 and could not get back to sleep tossed for a while then heard himself put the kettle on so I gave in and got up I think it was about 5, Day 5 After a slow start as I felt very tired we decided to had a quiet day so once breakfast was done and cleaned up we sat and read and fished nothing much caught we had an enjoyable couple of hours on the river , decided we would like a pub mooring to eat out tonight and had heard again from the forum good things about the Surlingham ferry Inn decided after a little cruise this would be our destination, however once we got there and tried to moor we discovered it was really windy must have been sheltered at Bramerton we did moor up but it was too windy to sit out in for me and even fishing was not happening , we made a call and decided to leave and head of to find somewhere a bit more sheltered back passed Brundall and passed Coldham Hall we could see quite a few people sitting out there enjoying the sun so we did an about turn and moored up , went in to pub for a couple of beers and booked a table for dinner later , by the time I got back to the boat the fishing had started, I got my fold chair out and sat on the grass in the sunshine happily reading and watching the world go by and chatting to other boaters, one who came into moor single handed it seemed on a large private boat he had just purchased and moved up from Essex , where in Essex we said Canvey Island he said where we are from small world, lovely day today sun out and really warm packed up fishing nothing much caught showers had and we went to the pub sat out in the garden in the late sunshine until time for dinner which I have to say neither of us enjoyed we both had the fish and chips again for me far to large a portion although the waiter on removing my plate seem to think that’s a good thing but not only was it too much it was not very nice over cooked fish batter almost burnt and some raw chips tinned garden peas mixed with some mayo not for us, back on the boat feeling tired so head off for and early night. Day 6 A great nights sleep awake refreshed and happy beautiful morning promises to be even warmer than yesterday , decide we will head to Rockland Staithe today and if we can moor we will have lunch in the pub the new Inn, breakfast showers all done we set of about 9:30 we have been quite late getting going this week for us we normally up and going much earlier lovely cruise down the Yare it was so still and peaceful hardly passed another vessel passed the fleet dyke entrance carried on passed short dyke and on toward the Beauchamp arms where we turned around headed back up to Rockland via fleet dyke never been to Staithe before and was surprised how short the dyke is from the broad itself the end mooring looking back up the dyke was free so we stern moored there leaving a space between ourselves and the private boat in the corner , plugged into the electric post which had an amazing £1.22 on it thanks very much , fishing gear out already on bow of boat I jumped off and headed out for a walk it was a beautiful day so warm for late September, I walked to the bird hide and then on to the end of short dyke spoke to a couple moored there and just enjoyed the peace sat at the seat overlooking the broad and wow how wonderful wildlife sunshine peace. Back to the boat we headed over the road to the pub sat in the garden and although by the road it is quite quiet had a couple of drinks then ordered lunch again both chose the same the calamari special did it come with chips or salad I asked as was not clear on board both was the the answer on the main course one or other on the starter we both had main course size it was delicious squid lovely spicy but not too much hubby thought portion a tad small on the squid I thought just right for me salad was delightful a real mix of different lettuce toms cucumber carrot onions with a nice dressing portion of chips and a chilli sauce on the side when asked if all ok we were offered more chilli sauce all in all it was great and at £11 we thought value too , one we would like to return too. Back onboard more fishing I sat / laid on the back sofa but it was scorching so I moved up top on front now seat and watched him fishing a few small roach and perch but nothing of any size although a passing guy said to fish in front of the sluice gate for big bream we did not see any !!! Stayed outside until after sunset the road behind completely quite it was truly a wonderful day light supper of ham salad as still both full from lunch glass of wine on back of boat and to bed . Day 7 During yesterday we had thought what to do on our last night and had phoned the waters edge at Bramerton for a table and a mooring , with that in mind we were in no hurry this morning the weather was overcast and a little cool quite early several guys arrived and set themselves up fishing I think they were after pike , saw them catch about 4 or 5 within a few mins , himself did not bother to fish again here and after breakfast we slowly headed off a turn around the broad out via short dyke turn right cruise along slowly after about an hour of quiet meandering we turned around and headed back towards Bramerton, again not much river traffic in fact most of the way we were centre river slowly going along the boat handled beautifully stayed dead straight with little or no adjusting will not want to give her back pass Brundall pick out lottery win boats saw half a dozen kingfishers all together at what I now have named kingfisher corner just after last house boat at Brundall, continued up passed Surlingham on passed Bramerton and continued up river as far as postwick viaduct turned around and moored back at Bramerton as mooring at pub was from 4:30 fishing gear came out and I did the packing and cleaning which did not take very long after quite a few boating holidays I have finally learnt to leave the kitchen sink behind , showers had and then we moved up to our allotted space out side the pub young guy came out to assist and very soon after 3 other boats all came to moor up table was booked for 7 so a quite hour or so before heading in for a pre dinner snifter. The meal was lovely we had starters and main course my husband again thought portion size a little small but for me it was perfect I had mushroom pots to start followed by chicken supreme this was small with dauphinois potatoes huge spinach and mushroom sauce lovely Mick had pigeon breast salad very small followed by calves liver and bacon on bubble mash only 2 small slices of liver but all very tasty washed down with a lovely crisp white not cheap at £90 but very enjoyable would definitely return. So back on the boat last few bits to tidy in the morning planing to leave about 7:30 to be early back in brooms read for a while before heading to bed for our final night sleep onboard. Day 8 the Return Would you believe it there was thick fog this morning cannot possibly sail in this will have to keep the boat , honestly it was really thick , had a coffee and tea packed away last bits and waited as the sun rose the visibility improved slightly and himself decided to make a move a very large private boat was moored right in front of us and very close too but with the bow thruster and skill out we popped and set off the only real worry was that Mick had watched 4 sets of rowers and their coaching boat go downstream before we set off very aware having seen them from Bramerton that they would soon have turned around and be heading our way in the fog we took it very slowly both on the look out for them all going well until a broom skipper came flying up behind us to undercut us on a bend we pulled over and let them steam ahead sun was trying to break through but it was still very foggy, made it safely back to brooms but had a bit of trouble mooring being directed by 2 different guys as to where to put her finally secure we are pumped out topped up and a fuel deposit refund of over £65 was returned which almost paid for that nice meal last night boat moved down little dyke to spot where we had loaded her from so car was still there unloaded packed up and disposed of the final rubbish into hand over the keys and collect car key we have a spare so we can pack the car and we were free to head home how fast the roads seem after a week afloat. In conclusion We loved the southern rivers although on this trip did not venture far it was a learning curve about where to go tided moorings etc we loved everything about the boat apart for us the sleeping arrangements we have lately hired Barnes concerto and both used separate cabin I sleep badly and we like a lot more room than boat beds supply , the steering ,living area inside and out were superb for us I guess in the heat of last summer driving in the inside with no sun roof opening would have been very hot but in late September sunshine it was perfect , would we visit southern broads again oh yes would we hire from brooms yes definitely great service hand over boat ready at 12 even though we weren’t. Would not eat at Coldham Hall again but would definitely return to the New Inn and Waters Edge. This year we have hired Silent Emblem from ferry marine a first with this yard for us that’s for the first week in September and feeling that was a long time to wait we have just also hired Aqua Emblem from them for the last week of June and were given a 5% discount on second hire this year. I hope if you have made it this far you are not bored senseless I will endeavour if I do one to make any further tales a little more interesting. Susan

Thanks guys all great info looking forward to the trip not been on southern broads for almost 20 years and then it was just a straight trip north. Boat looks great and we cannot wait to get going and explore staying south the whole week. may even try to do a blog although never done one before Susan

Hi Mark we are on broom captain week after you can you please give me some answers is there a non stick frying pan and are there wine glasses thanks Susan

Hi new to the forum have been on northern broads quite a few times and only once on southern when we went straight over breydon where exactly are the fleet dyke moorings is that on the way down to rockland staithe ? will be hiring from broom next year and staying south need to get some ideas for mooring thanks susan