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Lulu
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Posts posted by Lulu
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49 minutes ago, Mouldy said:
What type of loo do you currently have, Sam?
Jabsco with what i think is such a complicated system (for me to remember anyway) - pump water in, do your thing, pump out. Im just used to a foot pump and its gone arrangement on Luna 😂
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7th March
Graham was owed some hours so left work at lunchtime and we both booked Friday off as we decided we needed a proper shakedown weekend and actually stay onboard before our week’s holiday to make sure we had everything or needed to change anything. We arrived at the marina mid afternoon after following a very slow police escort from Acle and it was too late to go out so reluctantly stayed in the marina. We had our first meal on board using what Kate told me is the magic table. Ingenious design how it just pulls out from the bow. The new cupboard proved invaluable in storing all the dry goods and things we use all the time. An Amazon flatpack purchase for £37. Bargain!
8th March
Woke up to a beautiful day and set off early. Destination Ranworth. Had the most lovely cruise. I dont mind being so low down. As I think Ray said, you see the wildlife up close. The Ant was quiet. No one about at How Hill. The bridge marker was measuring a lot different to a few weeks ago. The wind was increasing though as we got to Ranworth. There were a few other boats when we arrived. Graham reversed and Mermaid did her crabbing to starboard thing. This is our main worry. We are used to a bow thruster but know its just a matter of practice and getting used to the different handling. I took Desmond for a walk before I gave Mermaid a good clean. We then spent the rest of the afternoon lounging about watching the very choppy water. The wind eventually died down a bit.
9th March
Woke up after a bit of a disturbed night. Desmond didnt want to sleep in his new ‘donut’ bed so ended up in the saloon with me and the geese woke us up having some sort of party when it was still dark and a lot of rope creak which we just couldnt resolve but it was quite breezy and choppy on the broad. Think I’ll swap Desmond’s bed for his old cave bed which takes up less space anyway. This was the whole point of the weekend, to see what was working and what wasnt for us. The sun was shining again , beautiful blue sky and we set off quite early as we had a family celebration in the evening at home. Graham and I practiced stern mooring at Ranworth island for a while before setting off for another stunning cruise, heating on and sitting comfortably. I cant say how much this has changed things for the better. Standing for hours with no heating in the helm on Luna wasn’t doing our old bones any good! We got back into our mooring better than last time!
It was nice to visit Ranworth while its still free. Some more tweaks to do, little stuff like putting up some hooks, changing the tv aerial, putting down some more treadmaster pads and adding caravan step in the stern well. The other thing that has been brilliant is how dry Mermaid is. Hardly any condensation both mornings.
We got home at lunchtime with the intention on tackling the garden on Sunday but rain stopped play. Cant believe how lucky we were with the weather while we were onboard. More meanderings to come….
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We’ve made a few visits over the last few weekends to the marina to get jobs done, including fitting a new water pump as the pressure valve wasnt working, and a Victron battery charger which Graham is loving as he can monitor things from an app on his phone. We measured the holding tank and water tank as we had no idea of capacity and will be fitting gauges at some point. We put up a cupboard on the wall for extra food storage and basically a lot of sorting out finding places to put things. We are absolutely determined not to have so much on board. We ended up with a ridiculous amount of stuff on Luna for those ‘just in case’ we need it times.
I will admit downsizing has been a lot harder than we thought but we are getting there. The main issue is trying to keep out of the way when Graham is pulling things apart! Desmond and I sat in the bedroom until order was restored. The BSS was done a couple of weeks ago and passed with flying colours.
We are in a debate about the loo. We feel its using way too much water and we dont know how full or empty the holding tank is at the moment unless we pull the wall panel off and tap the side of tank. We are going to see how things go on our week onboard that’s coming up then maybe go for an electric one which I believe uses less water?
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Just gone past at 9.00am approaching Ludham
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Not sure if its been posted before
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Have no clue but good luck! There’s mention about wearing a mask
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Warm welcome to the forum Tony from myself, Graham and Desmond. It was great to meet you on Saturday.
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Lo and behold, here she is on our maiden voyage along with Pipedreams!
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17th February 2024
Well the big day finally arrived, pick up Mermaid day. We had an easy drive to Horning and got there about 8.30. We were a bit worried about the road being flooded. It wasnt too bad and I came equipped with wellies. Desmond isnt a fan of water but he sloshed his way through. We got the keys and I hastily put blankets on the sofa. Desmond got on board with ease, found his spot on the sofa and went to sleep. Not phased at all. Graham took the car to Stalham. Chris from NYA brought him back and after handover we set off back to Stalham. We cannot fault NYA. The team are absolutely brilliant to deal with.
The river levels were high but we knew we wouldn’t have to worry about Ludham bridge. We both took it in turns to helm to get used to the different handling and being aware of more boat behind us and the bow being only a few feet away. I decided to be brave and took her under Ludham Bridge. I couldnt see the path either side as it was under water so but we got through safely …phew!
We waved at Pipedreams who suddenly seemed very high up and had an absolutely delightful cruise up the Ant. It was such a treat to be sitting whilst helming. Heating on. At one point we did see what it was like with the roof back but not for long. Cannot wait for the warm weather. Graham took over to put her back in our mooring. It was a bit tricky. We are used to a bow thruster and Mermaid does like to crab to starboard in reverse but he did brilliantly and after a couple of attempts got safely in. I then drove to Wroxham to get another set of keys cut while Desmond helped Graham sort things out on the boat. I also bought some new boat slippers for both of us along with much needed sustenance in the form of sausage rolls.
It was a long day but we are so happy. I knew she would be a game changer for us. I know it was really hard for Graham saying goodbye to Luna but we were getting more restricted with our back and knee issues so a ‘bungalow’ boat was the way to go.
I didnt take many pictures. There was a lot to do and also a lot of concentration learning how she handles but now really looking forward to settling down and off on our meanderings.
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Lovely to see you. You suddenly seemed very high up compared to before! We were wondering if you would be able to get under the bridge.
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8 minutes ago, kpnut said:
Well, Sam. A CnC up there then. Even I’ve gone under there, albeit there’s only been two suitable tides since I bought Springer’s Retreat, but ever hopeful.
Let’s try Wroxham first ….
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Just now, MargeandParge said:
I think the Safaris go under Potter better than others due to their beam.
Kindest Regards Marge and Parge
Let’s not run before we can walk 😂
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Thank you everyone. We pick her up tomorrow and take her back to the marina. Mermaid is obviously a very different type of boat from Luna. Got to remember theres more boat behind to think about and being so much lower down will take some getting used to. I understand we will have a good view of the reeds from now on!
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I have been to both places when on holiday with my parents but Graham hasn’t so can’t wait for him to see both places.
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4 minutes ago, Broads01 said:
Brilliant, I'll enjoy reading your blog. You don't need me to point out there's so many stern moorings you'll be able to enjoy. I've always found Salhouse to be a great doggie place and always plenty of other dogs around for your dog to socialise with. Bit confused as to why you mention Coltishall though as it's not stern-on there and wasn't Luna able to pass under Wroxham?
Luna could have passed under Wroxham I’m sure. We just didn’t have the nerve to try! Graham has never been to Coltishall or Dilham so we are excited to go to those places also.
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A little update - Luna sold a couple of weeks ago. We went to clear her out and also view a Hampton but it sold before we got there. It must have been meant to be because we now are the proud custodians of Mermaid.
It’s all been a bit of a flurry, emotions and sleepless nights as its happened so quickly. I have been in contact with Alan who in turn has spoken with Marina and they are very happy for me to start a new holiday tales thread which will be called Mermaid’s Meanderings. She will be much loved and looked after.
It is going to change things a lot for us. We will be able to stern moor as Desmond will have easy access and go to places we couldnt with Luna (Gayes Staithe, Womack Staithe and Coltishall). Thank you Luna for the fantastic times we had with you x
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What a truly wonderful send off. RIP Ian
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I much admired his dedication to Hemsby Lifeboats especially when he was battling so much with his health.
2 hours ago, Bikertov said:A worthy cause indeed, and it is clear one that was very close to Ian's heart.
Glad to be able to help support them too, in his memory.
Absolutely
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Wishing you a speedy recovery Bern
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So, so sorry to read this. Graham and I send our condolences to Marina, Alan and the rest of the family. x
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I’m hopeless at remembering names. I can be introduced and will instantly forget. I do however remember dogs names and will say , ‘thats Finlay’s mum’ for example. Think his mum might be Kate? 🤔😉
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That’s such positive news Alan. Thank you for keeping us updated. He’s such a fighter
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I’m so sorry Alan. Graham and I have been thinking of you all every day at this such difficult time x
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Mermaid’s Meanderings
in Holiday Tales & Blogs
Posted
Yep Traveller on Luna. Much more simpler arrangement! We just want to know how full the holding tank is without having to dismantle the side panel. Sounds disgusting but with the Traveler you could just look down the hole. Hope people dont read this while eating their dinner!