Bluebell

I’m slightly concerned that this party could br me and mine…😎

And me - thanks for the heads up

How about a chalet/cruiser combination? Maybe try Herbert Woods - with the advantage of direct booking…😎

I arrived at Potter Heigham on Tuesday afternoon to take off the winter covers ready for a BSS inspection on Wednesday morning, it was cool and damp, but Wednesday morning dawned with a very heavy frost making the side decks treacherous. I wandered over to Lathams to get some butter that I had forgotten while Tim Waters carried out his work. Anyway, back from Lathams with a carrier bag of assorted bits and bobs, but no butter! By the time I got back from my second visit to Harrods I mean Lathams, Tim was done and it was time to get under way - destination Boulters. The seal on the loo needed replacing which they did while I waited. Topped up with diesel and water sand emptied of waste i headed to find a rare mooring at Horning Staithe. A pleasant evening there with a chicken casserole to keep me company while I watched West Ham beat Norwich City 2-0. Thursday and a leisurely trip with the tide to an empty St Benedict’s church mooring for coffee and on to Ranworth for lunch (cheese on toast if you’re interested) and back to Potter. A lovely couple of days out in the winter sun…😎

We used Trimnet in Chatham when we had new carpet on Bluebell, mainly because Alan their representative was so good (sadly no longer with them). It’s not cheap, but it is really good and we thought good value for money. We will be replacing the carpet on Chiltern Lady in the near future and will definitely consider them again. Hope that helps…😎

Thanks - hope to see you in the new year…😎

Yes, I wondered that…

Oh dear, very sorry to hear this. I hope it doesn’t mean we will be fearful of mooring at these popular winter spots.

There’s been some quite derogatory comments made about boat hooks from time to time on this, and other, forums. I popped over to check on the boat today and my boat hook had a few comments to make. ”Whilst I haven’t ever been used to hook or prod another boat, don’t forget the times I pulled out of the water the chair you use for fishing, the landing net, the old fishing bag and last, but not least the boat bucket”. Fair enough I say, what about others? Happy New Year all…😎

As a mostly solo helm I find the occasional use of the bow thruster very useful when approaching or leaving a mooring…😎

We cook our gammon, smoked or green, in the slow cooker, covered in cola (the cheapest available!). The Admiral (shore based) then sorts out a glaze involving honey, mustard (Dijon) and something magical and bakes it for shortish time in the oven. Hope that helps…😎 Oops - time to put the oven on for the turkey and ham pie mmm…

Turkey and ham pie made for tomorrow night, had the turkey soup last night, tonight had cold ham, egg and chips (naughty, but nice!). Still got two turkey legs in the fridge…mmm

Nothing, nothing at all. We’re in the middle of a renovation, well I say middle, we started in September and the bricks we’ve been waiting for are promised for January. Maybe we’re nearer the end…😎

I may have mentioned this before, I once did a perfect stern on mooring at Ranworth when no one was there…😎

Thanks to everyone who makes this forum work the way it does and a Merry Christmas and Happy (& Healthy) New Year…😎

Like Grendel I often cruise solo. His advice about having the mooring ropes to hand i.e. front and rear down both sides is a big help. Also the bit about going slow: if you do bump into another boat when drifting slowly, the fenders will take the brunt of the impact and there should be no damage. Keep practising on a quiet stretch of water. If you can use the boat in the winter there will be plenty of room at the moorings near to Broadsedge such as Stalham Staithe, Sutton Staithe and Barton. Good luck, don’t worry too much, you’re doing the right thing by asking for some advice…😎

Despite everything, I’ve managed just over 100 days (mostly on my own) aboard Chiltern Lady this calendar year. Now our building work at home is paused for Christmas, there may be a few more days possible before the year end. Here’s hoping…😎. In the meantime wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy (and Healthy) New Year…

Wow! And Ray just wanted a speedo…

Because I had one kicking around from a previous car, I use a Garmin turned on to cycle mode to accommodate the speed to two decimal places. It also gives miles travelled, hours for movement and stationary. It also records the maximum speed , but that is easily zeroed if necessary (nudge, nudge, wink, wink).

I’m still following this with interest, and a big dollop of optimism…😎

Know what its like to be the only boat there (and elsewhere tbf!!) Hope the weather improves soon…😎

I’m following this thread with interest. My shore based admiral and I have been reminiscing about Pan Yan pickle, especially this time of year. If any of you chefs care to sell a jar or two I’ll be front of the queue…😎

Yes it has!

This was me September 2020 wondering if I could get back through Wayford Bridge! (I did, but it was tight!) Hope you get there (and back) on Christmas Day and enjoy your lunch - sounds like fun…😎

I used to catch the 79 in the 50’s