catcouk

We awoke to yet another superb morning on the Broads. 3 out 4 good weather days so I am not complaining about the one half wet day we had. Although I felt robbed last night by mooring up here at Wayford Bridge, there really wasn't much road noise and the predominant sound here is still bird song. The views from just above the bridge are awesome, especially around sunset and sunrise. Yes, I know there's a road right by but, if you can ignore that, it's beautiful. After treating myself to an early morning peek, it was time to consider how to get off the mooring. Because I knew there would be several boats needing the Wayford Bridge mooring, I had moored up close to the boat behind. The next boat then moored close to us so they would fit on (four of us on there by the end). The result of this kindness was our boat being inches from the boats either side. Ideally, the boat just needed to move sideways... I decided to retie the bow line so it would slip off the post and could be tightened up from onboard. We then released the stern line and watched the stern gently slip out. An onshore wind would have required the engine but she just swung calmly out. The wife kept tightening the bow line so we didn't hit either boat and, once clear, I reversed us off the mooring as she let the bow line loose and pulled it back aboard. I was very chuffed with the team effort and the end result! The cruise back to Stalham was uneventful. Although, there were quite if few birds of prey which were impressive. Again, we had the river to ourselves until the Stalham Dyke when, suddenly, we were part of a convoy heading to home port. As we chugged down the last dyke back to Kingfisher Quay, I thought about my son. This was the first boating holiday he would remember and he has loved it (he doesn't remember the trips when he was 2 and a half, 1, or 8 weeks old - probably fair). Whether it was driving, spotting wildlife, spotting boats, using the horn, or his special job when mooring (see below), he has loved our adventure and had no end of questions about the facts and figures of the Broads. I'll finish this post with another quote from him later. I haven't shared this yet but we have established a clear routine for mooring. Before we get close, I call "mooring stations" and we all get lifejackets on. Mrs Catcouk typically stands on the bow with a line ready to go (or me if she's helming) - obviously she would be on the stern for stern mooring. This year, we had to tell the boy what to do - he would stay in the wheelhouse. Once the bow line is on, I go and secure the stern line whilst my son has the very important job of looking after the wheel (he immediately sits in the helm seat and looks serious - very cute and funny). Once we are secure, the boy was then responsible for cutting the engine - a job he took very seriously! I just wondered if any families ha e operated similarly with young children? Side note - on one occasion he stopped the engine too soon so we had a fair bit of line heaving to do. If I'd done that at his age, my Dad would have been furious - I found it rather funny. To his credit, and bless him, when he realised that we had still wanted the engine, he did investigate whether he could restart it (I found the throttle, which I'd left in neutral, in a very odd place and he owned up when I asked). He wasn't successful (thankfully)! Back at the yard, we found we had used 35 litres of diesel (and got £18 back on the fuel deposit). I had also, for the first time, stern moored back at the yard perfectly. Typically, no staff were there to judge. I also found out why the washing up liquid was missing - they haven't had their delivery yet. The yard crew apologised. Overall, another successful boat "charter" with Richardson's (I noticed they call it charter rather than hire). I was impressed and then amused by Richardson's updating of the yard facilities (now we know where the money has been spent from the sales of old cruisers). The cafe looks lovely, reception looks very modern, and the toilets wouldn't be out of place at a posh Chinese restaurant. It all looks great but the old fabric is still there underneath - I noticed the old wood doors are still there underneath the fancy new veneers (one of the veneers had a patch missing where a coat hook had pulled it off). None of this makes much difference to us but I suspect it will help raise the appeal to new boaters. We're now heading home via Banhan Zoological Gardens (a way to sneak an extra bit of holiday in). If anyone else travels in using the A11, I'd recommend to any zoo lovers out there. It was really well set up and larger than I had expected. I used my mobility scooter to get round but they also had them to hire. As promised, I'm ending our story this year with a quote from my son which I think sums up our experience: "Daddy - how long until we can come to the Norfolk Broads again?"

Yeah, not quite sure what happened there...

Here are some photos from yesterday...

This was Ranworth Staithe at lunch yesterday...

I saw the NBN sticker but didn't recognise the boat name! Hi! We didn't stay long as I wanted to try out the Barton Boardwalk.

I knew there were other train people on here! Thanks!

Disaster... (Today felt like it needed a subtitle) The morning I woke up to was nothing less than beautiful. Whilst the pubs had been a bit noisy as patrons left last night, the mooring has been otherwise spot on - I even spotted some bats flying around (not for the first time up here)! Sadly, my wife's sore throat had become unbearable for her in the night and she really wasn't feeling great so I walked over to the little shop to see if I could find anything for her. But the shop is no longer there! We would have to travel back to good ol' Roys and seek out the pharmacy which is a little over an hour's cruise away (and also doesn't open until 9). When I returned to the boat, I found that both the wife and boy had been tempted out by the sight of some Egyptian geese and their goslings (rare geese as referred to by my sister-in-law). They were incredibly cute and well worth the delay to our departure (well, I would say that, I don't have the sore throat). Now, Mrs Catcouk is desperate to see a kingfisher. She went back to bed whilst I took the helm back down to Wroxham, leaving about 7.30. Guess what flew over me with a brilliant flash of blue? Yep - she missed the kingfisher. However, we once again found ourselves with a private river. We didn't see another hire boat until Castle Staithe (Wroxham) and the private boats all looked out of use. And the water! It was so still this morning that it was like a mirror in places. Stunning! A slightly dodgy stern moor at Hoveton St John Staithe (a slight bump on my first go so I abandoned the attempt and went again - second time perfect) and a quick dash to Roys and we were ready to carry on (plus a pack of the tastiest custard donuts I've ever had). Before I called the bridge pilot, Spring Horizon 1 pulled alongside - coincidentally it was the boat we had passed at Castle Staithe. I chatted with the family onboard and we all agreed that these old bathtubs still give great holidays. They too loved the river above Wroxham and would definitely be returning. We also both took photos of the sister 'ships' side by side particularly because they are different colours (Spring Horizon 2, 3, and 4 are all greyish; 1 is a pale blue)! The pilot was very cheerful and was able to take us straight through just before 10. The boy was unleashed on the helm as we crossed Wroxham Broad again which brought us back to the ice cream boat by Salhouse Broad at about 1030 - both the boy and a sore throated wife indulged. The chug was largely uneventful as we continued to Malthouse Broad. I had planned to have lunch on Malthouse Broad and, given the current mooring fee situation there, it felt like a bit of a show of independence as we mudweighted in the broad for free. We'd always planned to mudweight rather than stop but still - it's the principle! Lunch was lovely - for us and the ducks who had the last of our duck food. The sound of just the water lapping against the hull was lovely! Mrs Catcouk, feeling a bit better, got us under way after lunch and she was looking forward to the challenge of Ludham Bridge (this is called foreshadowing). A couple of mallards hitched a lift on the roof which we found funny - especially my son. The river had been getting gradually busier as we had travelled down the Bure but we actually had to wait for traffic in order to turn up the Ant! Prepare for a minor rant... As we started up the Ant, we were the third of three boats. I'm sure you all know that this part of the river is quite narrow and bendy. Well, a day boat sized vessel decided that 4mph was too slow and they blasted past. No yard marking that I could see so I have to assume they are locals. A day boat being silly here I would have understood but a local? It gets worse... Our informal flotilla of three (plus the impatient day boat) had to wait to pass Ludham Bridge. The day boat (who, again, I can only assume are locals) didn't predict why the two boats ahead had stopped like I had and they went for an overtake of boat number 2! Why?!?! The crew on boat 2 shouted and waved as the day boater was clearly looking to over take the lead boat on the blind bend too. If they are locals, surely they must know about possible traffic here?!?! They did eventually pull in between the 1st and 2nd boat, collisions avoided largely thanks to the skills of boat 2's helmswoman. With all that excitement, the wife decided that maybe today wasn't the best time for her to have a go at Ludham Bridge and quickly handed over to me. As we were holding station just around the bend, I couldn't see what was coming through but I think we waited for about 3 boats. The helmswoman of boat 2 then gave me the thumbs up and our flotilla of four then proceeded through the bridge. The drama was surely over... As I approached the bridge, I saw a yacht getting a bit close to the portal on the other side. As the sign instructs, I sounded the horn (well, the boy did actually) just to ensure they had seen us. Either they hadn't seen us or didn't care as they continued to come across the channel between us and the boat in front! I put the engine astern under the bridge (not ideal in that narrow channel) but we managed to avoid each other. A bit of careful steering on my part avoided their bowsprit coming through our windows. I was not amused. So exciting had that been that I hadn't noticed the boat ahead had been required to take similar drastic action to avoid the yacht. They now found themselves head to head with another cruiser and... well, it was just a mess of boats. Easily the most excitement I've had there but it had been totally unnecessary. I once again managed to hold station - far enough from the bridge so the yacht could squeeze desperately through but also giving the boat in front the space they needed. Someone looked on grinning from their moored up Broadsman. I cheerfully asked how much they had paid for such prime seats for this entertainment! The plan was to visit a few places I hadn't been to on the Ant before going for Dilham. First stop was Toad Hole Cottage at How Hill - despite the reasonably busy river, the moorings were really quiet. It was good for a little explore and nice and close to the moorings. We even took the short walk up river to the wind pump and saw the 'Electric Eel' out. By 3.30, we were ready to attempt a mooring at Irstead. Wow! That is a SMALL mooring. Swan Ranger was already on and we had to hang over the dinghy dyke to fit on. The private boat owner on the second part looked alarmed when I headed straight for his bow until I calmly used reverse to bring the boat around for mooring. I don't blame him - us hire boaters are definitely the true peril of the broads (see earlier rant about a privately owned day boat - we all have better days and worse days!). The staithe says it has two moorings there - it is drawn on the quayside. Well, a 35ft boat does not fit into one of the spaces! We had stopped here to explore the Barton Boardwalk. Clearly too far for me to walk to, I came with a plan. While the wife and boy rode their scooters, I used my electric bike (literally just have to sit on it and the motor does the work). The boardwalk is fantastic and very accessible even having benches to sit down on at regular intervals. Very impressed. By 4.15, I was doubting the wisdom of heading for Dilham but we were going to try! My son steered us rather competently across Barton Broad through the narrower East navigation and even a little up the rather narrow Ant. I am amazed by how much his boat handling has improved in just a few days. Proud Dad alert! We chugged past the Stalham turning and I began to explore new territory - I've never been up here! It is wonderful - especially when you are greeted with the chocolate box scene of the mill and cottage. An easy pass under Wayford Bridge and we found ourselves in the truly wild and narrow Dilham dyke. I'm a bit confused by where the Ant actually goes here - the North Walsham Canal goes North and the dyke goes West so where is the river? My general geographical confusion to one side, this area was a real treat. Again, we hadn't seen another boat since the Stalham turning (ignoring the boatyard at Wayford Bridge) and the whole family were just enjoying the view. And then, in the distance, we saw that flash of blue. We were treated to a kingfisher who we followed down part of Tyler's Cutting. This made up for the various maladies and minor disasters that had befallen us today. Truly wonderful and definitely the highlight of my wife's day. Dilham seemed wonderful too but I always knew this was a gamble. The staithe has three mooring spaces and I was crestfallen to see it full. It was a very tight turn to get us heading back but this looks like an amazing place to spend the night. I was really gutted and we will have to return. It also meant that we really needed to find a mooring at Wayford Bridge or it would start to get a bit late for my son. Whilst I was truly disappointed not to get on at Dilham, this does now mark a personal milestone. I have reached the ends of all the navigations on the Broads (discounting the Thurne above the impassable bridge at Potter Heigham). A pleasant achievement but it didn't really make up for the loss of that beautiful mooring (three private boats all tied up, all occupied). Instead, we have found ourselves at Wayford Bridge. We were the second ones here, arriving just after 6, but there are now four. The other two boats had also tried Dilham but returned (I did shout warnings to both but they either didn't believe me or were keen to see the end of the navigation for themselves). The evening view from upstream of the bridge was glorious as the sun began to set but here at the moorings... It's a far cry from that idyllic scene in Dilham. The main road on one side and a fairly industrial boatyard is our view out the front. Ah well... Of course, all of today's problems will pale into insignificance tomorrow as the worst is yet to come. Our return to Stalham and the end of another holiday... Boooo! [If I can post this, it will be without photos as there is almost no signal here at Wayford Bridge. If I can't post this, it will be a bit late...] [Posted from just downriver of Wayford Bridge when signal returned - photos to follow]

I can exclusively reveal for NBN that... (drum roll, insert tension here) Yes! The rubbish skips are in place on Coltishall Common. I made a deposit there personally less than two hours ago. They are surrounded by a minefield of mud bit they are available.

It was my turn for the lie on today so I didn't see much of today's morning over the river. Mind you, when something woke me up at 5, the indicative sound of rain on the roof told me not to rush. I do love that sound - same as when we're in a tent - the weather might be rubbish outside but the atmosphere inside is great. By 8.00, I was up and Mrs Catcouk we ready for a lie down (unfortunately, she has found herself with another sore throat). My earlier premonition had been right, there wasn't much to see out the windows (except an NBN sticker - hi Cool Breeze!). We had a lazy start to the day but were at Hoveton and Wroxham station ready for our 10 o'clock train to the coast. I needed to walk straight there but the wife and son went back via Roys for some Pick 'n' Mix! Although the weather was a bit miserable, it was a good choice to use the train. My son loves trains and had been telling anyone who would listen that we were going on a 'FLIRT' train (the name of the new trains up here and no, I have no idea why they are called FLIRT either). To be fair, I enjoy a train ride too and a heritage railway was our destination for the day. I know this is a boating forum but I know there are a few fellow train enthusiasts here as well. I never realised just how many train related attractions Wroxham hosts! There is Miniature Worlds, the Bure Valley Railway, the Barton House railway (never open when we're here), Mystleigh Model Railway, and, of course, the actual railway which leads us to... The new trains up here are amazing! So comfortable and quiet and quite the upgrade! We arrived at Sheringham to catch the 11.00 departure of the North Norfolk Railway (a.k.a. the Poppy Line). Again, I very much know this is a boating forum but the train that awaited us was absolutely beautiful. Everyone we met there was so incredibly friendly and we found not just one but three different model railways. Add that to the impressive sea views and this is one of our favourite steam railways. As a teacher, I was particular interested in going in their replica Anderson Shelter so I could share the experience next time I teach World War Two. I was also very excited to find out that Weybourne was the filming location for Walmington-on-Sea's station! "They don't like it up 'em!" (Dad's Army reference for the uninitiated). Needless to say, the boy had a whale of a time. The wife soldiered on but was probably more ready for a rest than me by the time we got back to Sheringham just before 2. Here was where I made my first 'Long Covid' misjudgement. . The high street looked like a beautiful seaside town complete with red, white, and blue bunting. It didn't seem too far to the beach and, that being my wife's favourite place, we strolled along in search of ice cream. Who eats ice cream in the rain, I hear you ask? We've eaten ice cream on Boxing Day in Wales! By the time we found the seafront, I was knackered! A rest on a wet concrete wall became essential before I could make the walk back to catch our train. Not much of a seaview sadly, thanks to the weather. Sheringham seems lovely and exactly the sort of place we would have spent a few hours exploring in the past: charity shops, a lifeboat station, a seaside museum, and even a model railway shop! If I can ever regain enough stamina, we both agreed we would have to visit again. Although not on the Broads, I highly recommend Sheringham as a day trip! With us all in need of a rest somewhere warm and dry, we were very appreciative of the 45 minute train journey back to Wroxham. Mrs Catcouk detoured via Roys for some final provisions before we then left the Hoveton St. John staithe about 4.00. We once again went through Bridge Broad so the boy could have a steer (not quite so good today but he was tired) and then I was left to take us up the Bure (Mrs C doing her best to have a nap in our berth next to the engine whilst the boy had some chill out time on his iPad). Like much of yesterday, it honestly felt as though we had the river to ourselves. Also, just like yesterday, the sun re-emerged and I was treated to the most glorious evening chug toward Belaugh. Maybe it's just me, but I always feel a little bit like I'm exploring the upper reaches of the Amazon or somewhere when we come up here. This part of the Bure has a beautifully wild feel to it. We arrived at Coltishall Common just after 5 and moored up very easily (aside from a bow rope being tied slightly too tight) - we appear to have the entire mooring to ourselves tonight. More ducks and geese were fed by the boy and then it was dinner. We almost had it in the well deck (what a change from lunchtime!) but the sun hid behind some clouds just as we were about to eat. We settled for having the forward door open instead. Today was the first day our son asked for the TV (pretty good for a 5-year-old). We never have the TV on when we're up here. Far too much of a faff and much more fun to play some games or feed some ducks. I don't blame him though - he is exhausted. He also complained that we hadn't spent enough time on the boat so it wasn't all bad... I'm getting no signal here on Three and the boat's 'WiFi' (based on EE) has either stopped working or can't find signal either. I'm relying on some patchy signal from the pub next door! A very different day to yesterday but still a lovely family holiday day. The walk to Sheringham beach has certainly done me no favours so the rubbish and washing up will have to wait until morning whilst I lie down for the rest of the evening. I had hoped to have a quick look around the little shop here too but that will have to wait for tomorrow too. As I type this up, the colours of the evening sky are beautiful. The photo won't do it justice but it was a lovely way to end the day.

I have no signal on Three here and the boats WiFi on EE either has nothing or isn't working. For now, the local pub is obliging but I don't know if I'll be able to post today's diary...

Definitely off white if not grey!

The anonymous branding certainly makes for an odd business decision. Maybe everyone just uses Google these days so branding on the boats attracted no paying customers? I do find them a bit drab though - I would have preferred a two tone scheme.

They do look a bit more privately owned, I guess but I enjoy the clear and colourful branding. Horning Pleasurecraft use a similar all white aesthetic but they still have names (and the boatyard name).

How do I contact him!?!?

Yeah, the same cynical thought had crossed my mind...

I find myself with a few spare minutes to opine and ask. As a self-confessed hire boat geek, I've noticed a fairly serious rebrand going on of the Richardson fleet as we've been chugging around this year. Is this new for this year? Whilst I'll admit the garish colours of old probably did need an update, I'm sad to see some of the boats loose their personality. Most of the bathtubs seem to have been painted ina ghostly grey/ off white - it's genuinely difficult to tell them apart. Saddest of all, in my opinion, is the complete absence of any marking on the side. The R logo is still on the bow but, other than that, there's no yard logo and no way to tell which boat it is. The names now only seem to appear in silver lettering on the stern. It makes identifying the largest hire fleet on the broads quite a bit harder. Anyone have any ideas why they might have made this decision? Do you think the boats are part way through the repaint and the branding will return to the sides? Is it actually just really unimportant and I should find a new hobby...? Ha ha.

Oh, we found that! With no accurate map, we went down there to find the dead end. I decided the boy probably wasn't up to a three point turn yet... Lol It does look like an amazing place to mud-weight. What is the train noise like there though?

I saw Neatished's from below St Benet's today. It's such a visible landmark that I was embarrassed I hadn't noticed before. What a relief to find out that it wasn't there last time I cruised! It wasn't my mind!

Sorry - I might have written a bit much today. There will be less tomorrow as we're not spending all day on the water...

First things first - we survived the 'freezing' cold night. As we got into bed last night, the wife and I both looked at each other and realised we'd forgotten our sleeping bags (we always bring them as a just in case). However, no one got too cold, the boat did a reasonable job of retaining the heat, and an extra blanket layer in the night was all that was needed. A 6am wake up (heralded by our son) saw a beautiful morning at Ludham Bridge. We managed to convince the boy to snooze until 7 and Mrs Catcouk was able to enjoy a lie in until nearly 8. I snapped the sunrise at about 6.30 as I turned the heating on. The floor was freezing cold but all seemed well by 7. We trotted over the bridge for a quick mooch around the shop. A new coach (with opening bonnet and engine detail!) was added to the boy's toy collection whilst we focussed on a few essentials. Thanks to all who messaged about the bread bin. Whilst we did find the bog roll and tea towel in there when we left, there was definitely no washing up liquid... We also visited the new bakery next door. I'd assumed they had appeared somewhen in the past two years but it turns out they only opened two weeks ago. We treated ourselves to some massive sausage rolls and a few other bits but decided against the fresh bread purely on the grounds onlf not being able to use it whilst it was still fresh. We ate these for breakfast as they were all warm and fresh; sausage parts were a bit oily but it was all so yummy. Lunch was served quite late as a result! Sadly, the 'Circus' shop wasn't open yet (sensible not to be up at that time and working really). Great to see so many businesses here. The bakers told us they had moved here from Wroxham and I wish them the best. Must be easy for a business to get lost amongst Wroxham's other offerings but I hope they'll attract a captive audience looking for some baked treats. Just after 8.30 and we had cast off. I opted to go astern up river to give myself space before proceeding through Ludham Bridge. We decided to chug down to Stracey Arms for 2 hours and, although I get bored of the many reeds, we actually saw loads. The beautiful and bright weather was already rewarding but we also saw several herons and even some oyster catchers. Lovely! I also had to navigate an absolute armada of sailing boats (all hired from Hunters Yard? Correct me if I have that wrong). Honestly, I lost count of the number of yachts but the winds were all favourable for us this morning. No issues whatsoever. At other times though, it felt like we had the Bure to ourselves today! We had to go against the tide to reach Strachey Arms so the engine did have to work a bit harder. Our last bathtub had an engine under the rear deck and, whilst not really an issue before, Spring Horizon's inboard engine definitely made itself known! I'm glad that we won't be needing that sort of engine strength again actually... Our morning at Stracey Arms caused my first essential 'therapeutic rest break' of the trip. Although we moored against tide wonderfully and smoothly, the wind took the stern out requiring me and the wife to heave some ropes. Maybe it didn't need to be quite so neat but, with the tides there, I really wanted the security of the stern spring. A 10 minute break was then essential before I could stand up again. Long Covid strikes again... We had hoped that the Donkeys might be out on the bank (as we had experienced previously) but they were in the field today. We still enjoyed waving to them as well as meeting the goats. Nothing in the shop for us this time but we did stay for some drinks in the cafe (which we had completely missed last time - I had thought it was their private garden). Everyone was lovely so, despite the lack of donkeys, it was a worthwhile excursion. Aiming for Wroxham via Salhouse, we left Stracey Arms about 11.30. Still feeling quite full (see the earlier bakery visit) only they boy needed lunch at this point. I also gave him his first experience of helming on the river. He found it more challenging trying to keep the boat straight but I think he did a pretty good job. He did admit to finding the river trickier than the open Broad. Just before Ranworth Dyke, I encountered a few sailors who I did need to dodge. I find it remarkable how these sailors have the patience to perform all of those short tacks. Fair play. I enjoy sailing on a lake but river sailing looks too much like hard work to me! If you sail up here, I tip my cap to you! I always love cruising through Horning (and the Wroxham below the bridge). The houses are stunning and, by Wroxham, the plethora of cuttings make it feel as though they are just normal streets but made of river instead. A part of me has always wanted to go an explore up there... We stopped at Salhouse Broad about 2.40. Plenty of space - it felt quite quiet. I haven't moored up here since I was a child but it felt like everything would be nice and close to the quayside. The attendant was on us before we had tied up but he was actually very friendly. At this point, I have to talk about charges... £2.50 was the price for an hour (I had expected £5 as a whole day price so I was very happy with this as an hour would be perfect). What I didn't know was that this included topping up with water! Ludham Bridge had wanted £4 for water this morning (I don't fill up there). As far as I'm concerned, this is a no brainer. £2.50 seems sadly reasonable as a water charge but to get a picturesque mooring spot too? I'll be doing that again! I explained to the attendant that I hadn't been here before (well, in my limited memory capacity) and asked what was here. In addition to finding out about the free water (still love this) he pointed out the coffee shack, a little playground, some woodland walks, and there is even an Easter letter/word hunting trail! Unfortunately, a walk around a trail is beyond my ability at the moment but I know we'd have loved finding the letters. The walk to the top of the hill was fine - a bit daunting but fine. Regardless, there are plenty of benches and large logs to have a rest at the top. The 'Dark Skies' viewing platform intrigued us and both my son and I had a quick climb over that. I think Mrs Catcouk has added this as an overnight stop for a future trip! The boy enjoyed climbing up the cargo net and the slide on the small but well made playground. He even had a go at the climbing wall (assisted significantly by his mum). Ice cream was the natural progression here before I needed to top up the water tank. My son (who is autistic) found the "posh" vanilla to be a bit too "gritty" so his mummy got to enjoy an extra two thirds of a pot. We had to move (and stern moor again) to get closer to the water but it all went like clockwork. On our last venture, the boatyard accidentally launched us without refilling the water tank - it took an hour to refill! Today, after 24 hours and showers all round, it only took 10 minutes. I definitely think water refill charges are something I can cut back on. Whilst I watched for the overflow, my wife and son were in the boat's well feeding the ducks (with the special duck food we traditionally get from Ludham Bridge). My absolute highlight of the day happened as we left Salhouse - we found the Ice Cream boat! I thought it was a myth of times passed! So, having missed out on the posh ice cream, we naturally tied up and got the boy a new one. £3 for three scoops and a flake seems very reasonable - I had expected such an overt tourist trap to be extortionate. The guy was also really friendly and very eager to give advice on how to moor up. Another small business that I want to firmly recommend there - I do hope other hirers make use of him. On the tight bends between Salhouse and Wroxham Broad, we encountered a few more tacking sailors. Very little wind here and I could see they were struggling. One particular group (looked like youths with an instructor) had just tacked when I saw their jib back. Assuming they had stalled, I crossed to the 'wrong side of the river' ready to pass. However, they got their sail set sorted and, assuming they were about to find a sudden burst of speed, I came back to the 'right side' of the river. Sadly, the wind took forever and I had to bring us to a complete stop. The instructor looked so embarrassed - she had clearly made the same assumptions that I had. I told her the wind was definitely there somewhere and gave her space to get going again. Sure enough, they went and I wished them a good afternoon. A detour through an empty Wroxham Broad allowed my son another go at the helm. He was amazing! Pretty much kept our boat arrow straight. So good that mum took over supervisor responsibilities whilst I called ahead to the Wroxham Bridge pilot. He took us really neatly all the way to the exit with only one slight missteer - even I'm not that good at times! The call to the pilot did give us some concern though. He said they finish at 4.30 (I thought it was 5!) and doubted we'd get to him from Wroxham Broad in the 30 minutes left. Well, never has a 4mph boat trip felt so tense. Sure, we could go through at 8am tomorrow but we could get so much closer to Roy's... 20 minutes later, having very carefully watched my GPS speedometer (I do take wash and erosion very seriously), we made it 10 minutes before closure. I rang the pilot and gave our location just as we approached the hotel. Worryingly, he said that he could probably just about get us though (I imagined he was busy with a queue). In truth, I saw him on the opposite bank just as the call ended so I feared a possible jobs worth... However, he was lovely and got us through to the staithe and even stern moored the boat. Paid our £15 return journey (I did laugh at the thought of telling the yard we weren't coming back through after only buying a single) and really that should have been the end. But... Having helmed so well across Wroxham Broad, and having had to cut that short to make the pilot, I indulged the boy and let him have a drive around Bridge Broad (which is obscured on literally every map I looked at this evening). It is more of a dyke than a broad but did give him enough space to do a few loops. He took us back out, under guidance, through the North exit and steered back down the river to the staithe. I was going to take over as we passed the moorings but he was just doing so well. And, of course, he could then drive under his first bridge - the railway viaduct. He took this very seriously and was very proud of himself! So, I completed my third successful stern mooring of the day, and we now sit at the public moorings. We indulged in a browse around Roy's Toys (I had to go and sit down though sadly). I had expected to need scooters and my e-bike here but we are literally moored at the back of Roy's car park - easy walking distance. After a cheeky McDonald's, I sat out the front and just soaked up the evening atmosphere whilst mum read our son his book from McDonald's (it was about Elton John!). "Was today a good day, Daddy?" the boy asked. "I think it was a really good day.” I couldn't agree more!

The crew guy admitted that they rarely get to drive boats (as a staff perk they are allowed to take out any boat of their choice for one day a year). So, when you think about it, all they really experience is stern mooring.

This just in! Further excuses for the terrible stern mooring - I was being closely observed. Moorings are always worse with an audience!

At last! After two and a half years, I have finally found myself helming a broads cruiser again. Ill health, lack of funds (due to having to leave my job), and, of course, the Covid lock downs have all caused this longer than wished for break. But, by 2.45, our 5 hour drive to Stalham was over... After the traditional swift check in at Richardson's, we found Spring Horizon 2 moored up awaiting us on Kingfisher Quay (which felt very special as I associate this as where the 'posh boats' moor). Added to the truly glorious blue skies and sunshine, it felt like a very warm welcome to our returning family. We did have a bit of a wait until we were allowed aboard - 35 minutes which is actually the longest we've ever had to wait. Felt a shame that we couldn't start loading our gear on to the boat whilst we waited for our hand over. I'm sure there's a good reason but it would have been a better use of time. After the handover, we were underway by 4pm. A quick note here - I always own up to having been before but always ask to be told everything. I'm really not the know-it-all type and I don't want to be "one of those boaters" when I only get an annual outing (moreso this year with such a gap). However, I was very pleased that the crew member said my boat handling was very impressive. He knew I was going to be alright as soon as he saw me leave the steering alone when in reverse. Of course, he made that judgement before he got to see my terrible stern mooring (a tradition for me at Stalham). Bathtubs are not my favourite by any means, but Spring Horizon 2 has been a perfectly good way to get afloat again. I did notice that she hates turning to port (which, looking back, I am going to claim affected my stern moor earlier...). When we moored up, I found that she only has a three quarter turn of the wheel to port but 2 and a quarter to starboard. Guess something isn't quite right there then... Before too long, we were on Barton Broad and this seemed like the perfect time for my son to have his first go at the helm (he's just turned 5). Of course, he was closely supervised but the wide open space would give him room to make mistakes safely. He was already thoroughly excited by the whole affair but getting to "drive" was his highlight. We're working on the nautical terms this week... With the sunroof open, our slow chug down the Ant could have been a summer scene (save for the wonderful lack of traffic). The beauty of that first house in Irstead always strikes me (I think it's called the Ice House). The wife and I always wonder what job you have to do to afford houses like that! Today's cruise ended, as is tradition at this point, at Ludham Bridge (ready for the shop in the morning). Unfortunately, some private owner clown was taking up two spaces on the shop side so we are relegated to the marsh side tonight (but still satisfyingly close to the bridge). I am ashamed to admit that our first mooring did not exactly coat us in glory. My first choice (which, irritatingly, was going to be perfect) ended up by the 'mooring only for water' sign. A rushed abort meant a minor bump into a barge. To add insult to injury, I then shunted the quayside when the wife told me something and I forgot to apply reverse. That crew member at the yard definitely judged me too soon. Bad things always come in threes though... The wife, bow spring in hand and standing on the bank, looked at me and said, "I can't remember how to tie this." My plan to throw the stern line ashore was over. As our lasagne cooked, we had a quick walk over to the stores. An interesting shop called 'Circus' has appeared since my last visit (or at least, I don't remember it). We could only look through the window but it looked full of interesting wood carvings. I don't know what time they open but I'm hoping for a mooch around there tomorrow. We were just heading back for dinner when, lucky as ever, the boy was treated to the arrival of an ice cream van! We did discover that we have no washing up liquid or cleaning cloth. Do the yards not supply that any more? Our plates had to make do with a campcraft clean tonight - run under water whilst the entrails are still warm (improvised with a face cloth) until they look clean. Well, it's due to be very cold here tonight (below zero). We're wrapping up warmly and hoping for the best! It's going to be cold in the morning!

Shh! (I saw her whilst on the handover handling bit. The yard guy said he hates her because she is so difficult to get on or off. Of course, I defended her honour but can happily say to everyone else that is just another reason NOT to hire my favourite boat...)

My third review is planned for this week (hopefully published during next week) now that I'm back out. You can expect a review of Spring Horizon 2 very shortly. Also, thanks. I do enjoy it and Robin's were definitely an inspiration for doing it. I wanted to give something back.