kpnut

The answer of course is for councils to have more money for these, what many would call ‘extra’ things. They are in fact basic services. And for councils to have more money, they have to be given it from somewhere. Either council tax payers of their area, or from central govt through an increase in general taxation. As the saying goes, you can’t have something for nothing. The sadly logical outcome of footpaths /cycle paths / bridleways / green lanes being overgrown is fewer people bothering to venture out. Eventually the network we have in this country of accessible countryside falling into disuse and passing into the history books. I hope not, for my children’s and grandchildren’s sakes.

Saturday 24th June. Up early for a shopping trip to a diy shed in Great Yarmouth for among other things, a paint tester pot to keep on board in case of mishaps. I treated Finlay to a cooling mat and he made good use of it today. and managed, at last (after numerous visits to the shop) to buy a matching rug to two I’d previously bought at Lathams. Not often my shopping trips are completely successful. It was still only 10.30 when I set off down the Ant, a bit later than I’d ideally wanted. My plan was to visit the nature reserve at How Hill as I’d never been round it before, take the dog on a good long walk and move on. I managed the first bit, leaving Finlay on the boat as dogs are not allowed in the reserve. Halfway round I found a spot I just knew I’d visited before, in 1997. All that time I’d been wondering just where it was on the Broads I’d taken a photo of my two children pond-dipping. It makes perfect sense, we’d have been on some activity day they were holding. I used to look out for activities like that when on holiday with them. No wonder Catherine ended up as an aquatic ecologist! I’ll show her the photo I took this time without telling her why and see if she can remember. She’d have been 9 at the time. I encountered hundreds of dragonflies and damselflies, and some snail shells, but not really much else apart from picking up my first midge bites of the season. The little guide book I was given is very good. It was far too hot for a long dog walk and the boat was penned in by this time so I stayed put. The wherry’s dinghy at my stern and a boat with its nose over the end of the quay (helping to protect mine from any ‘events’) over my bow made me snug in what Lulu calls Luna’s Nook. I did a bit of painting, got some woodwork ready for varnishing, stuck down a bit of flooring that had originally not stuck well, and also replacing the ‘screw fixing’ bit of an electric back box that I’d noticed was cracked. So my shopping trip had been worthwhile. Jobs ticked off. We went for our walk towards evening, the reverse of one I did last week, exploring further than the normal circular walk down the moorings and back along the lane. Finlay seemed to enjoy himself, prettying himself up in the process of rummaging about. A spot of whistle training on the How Hill field to conclude his walk saw him very steady on the rabbits that had come out to graze. At one point, with him running towards them then dropping to the whistle, while they ran off a bit, and then both he and they all sitting stock still looking at each other, wish I’d videoed it! They must be quite used to dogs to have not run off into the bushes immediately. It was a beautiful warm, calm evening.

That’s no lie-in for me tomorrow then. I’ll make an early start and be out of the way. Thanks for the heads up.

That’s exactly how I feel Jim. Same for everyone. Follow the rules, respect the communal space.

I fully agree about the handover Gracie. I’ve never had one where I feel shortchanged. It was always thorough and the first time, we were asked who would be helming. We replied both. But at the handover I was too lacking in confidence to volunteer to try in front of the yard lad. He insisted we had another little trip out with me doing it, just so I could find out if I had any questions. It was fairly low season so they weren’t particularly busy. I was very grateful for that. I think it’s what you make of it. You can read and hear all about good practice but if you don’t actually listen, you’ll go on oblivious and not realise the trail of mayhem you might be leaving behind you. It should be a matter of pride in a good job done, regardless if a hire boat or your own.

Funnily enough Simon, I said something very similar to myself during the week. Not a good example to hirers.

Yes she is. She’s replaced Hathor for the season as Hathor is having work find on her. She does go out on certain days on charter though, so perhaps look on the wherry trust website for those particular dates before making a journey specially. She’s worth going aboard. And pleased you enjoy reading. It’s a useful diary to myself plus all my musings about things that puzzle me along the way.

Friday 23rd June. starting with my attempt at a Thurne photo last night (admittedly taken from inside the boat). The forecast overnight mist burnt off quickly this morning and the day has been oppressively hot, but not that I’m complaining really as a ‘dry dog towel’ day is a treat. We stopped off at How Hill as we’d booked the electric boat trip into the marsh for 11am. An hour of very quietly moving down the little dykes at water level, seeing mainly dragonflies, and then a short walk to the bird hide overlooking Reedham water, with birds and waterfowl getting on with their lives. A quick look-see in wherry Ardea and in Toad Hole cottage rounded off a really enjoyable few days. Both are certainly worth a visit. Of course we had the obligatory icecream too after our lunch. Each trip I do with guests on board is different as each guest has different interests and different perspectives in what they see. This week was a ‘chill-out’ week due to mobility issues, sometimes it’s a ‘route march’ week which the dog loves, and others it’s an instructional week on how the boat works, with me getting nowhere near the helm apart from mooring.

Thursday 22nd June. Upton Dyke was so peaceful overnight and we woke up to another sunny morning. As seems to be the norm at Upton, the early morning local dog walkers all seem to be spaniel owners. Maybe that’s where I need to move to?😄 For info for dog owners- quite a scum of blue green algae on the water in the dyke this morning. First port of call was Potter Heigham for a view of the bridge and to buy milk and duck food. No spaces were available on the 24hr moorings, so I cheekily asked if I could moor on the pilot moorings for 10 mins. Ray nipped over to the shop while I stayed onboard in case I needed to move for someone wanting to come into the mooring. Lesley and I chatted to the young ranger, in his first season of work in that role. He told me he hadn’t known that paddleboards needed a toll before starting the job. I suggested a public information campaign by the BA might be in order. He also said the rangers were commenting on how quiet it is at the moment, which makes me ponder about the shortage of public moorings at Potter Heigham. No spaces on a quiet weekday mid morning in June. (I don’t think double mooring is allowed there, but could be wrong, not that many people do it nowadays anyway and it seems to me a bit unfair to count double moorings in the ‘no. of moorings available’ statistics). The loss of the ‘quiet moorings’ previously provided by the chalet owners is a real blow, the moorings are overgrown and if the BA were to spend any money on new moorings, it would be a very good place to start. Duly topped up with provisions, we made our way to Womack staithe where I had no intention of stopping, it was just sightseeing. There were no spaces anyway. Then back down to Womack Dyke moorings for lunch. And then on to Thurne Dyke for our overnight stop. I had hoped to be on the river end, mainly for the view but also ‘cos it’s out of the way of boats going up. I managed a tight little spot a couple of boats up the dyke. Lesley managed to walk right up to the shop, which is big progress with her back problem. And later we had a very nice meal in the pub as a treat for their last night on board. I expect Finlay is wondering what’s going on this week, he’s only had one walk of any distance, but he seems happy enough in this heat to just chill out. He decided to check out Alfie’s little Jack Russell sized bed at one point. Yet again, posters on Facebook groups seem to have caught the sunset last night at Thurne, but it just looked misty to me. The mist came in about 9.30pm and is still here early this morning. It’ll undoubtedly burn off fairly quickly though.

You might well come across Sprjnger’s Retreat, Helen. New granddaughter’s first trip (6 wks old) from 1st July. I’ll tell Catherine to keep an eye out for you.

Looks like a neat job done.

Wednesday 21st June. Another beautiful morning to wake to and it stayed that way all day as we headed off on the long trip from Coltishall lock to Upton Dyke, via a stop at Ranworth for a climb to the top of the church tower for Ray and me. I don’t intend mooring at Ranworth when on my own during the ‘season’ but have the quandry that if my guests would like to, it’s their holiday and Ray duly paid the £5, with me keeping the receipt for future use. I voiced my disapproval to the attendant who sensibly didn’t get into a discussion. I had the last spot on the staithe at 12.30pm, and by 3pm when we left, there were 4 empty spaces. Anyway, deed done and I feel cross about having to feel like I do about it. We had a nice lunch in the Granary so I at least have contributed to the local economy. My mood brightened markedly when I found the end of Upton Dyke available as it’s one of my favourite spots. Lesley managed time off the boat to sit on the bench while Ray and I walked the circular route to the black mill and down the track into Upton. As we passed Eastwood Whelpton three yachts were readying to leave, all with ladies on board. It was their Wednesday evening sailing session/lesson. Bookable in advance for £20 for a two hour? (maybe1.5?) lesson. I am seriously thinking I will do this one Wednesday when I’m on my own, to at least learn how to ‘read’ yacht movements for when I want to pass them. It did look a lot of fun. The sunset, which I didn’t take a photo of, no idea why, lingered for ages and then a crescent moon appeared with Venus sitting below and to the left, very clearly visible.

Tuesday 20th June. Sunny start and I was again surprised at how little river traffic went past early on. Two boats by 8am. As we departed, the sky looked rather black and sure enough, by the time we arrived at Wroxham it was raining hard. There were three boats waiting for the pilot at the bridge by seeing as none of them seemed ready for the off, I nipped through, filled with water at the yard and moored up after the railway bridge. This was for a Lesley to try having a little walk. Once the rain had stopped, we set off. She managed to get off the boat well enough, but walking with crutches to the town end of the mooring was enough for her. I know so well how she feels, having been there numerous times myself. Back on board for the journey upstream. I’d read about the amount of loose weed on the surface and it was pretty bad, but no worse than I was expecting after the weed cutter had been at work towards the end of last week. We moored up at the lock and spent a warm, sunny afternoon chatting and with the dogs swimming. Very relaxing.

They certainly are. I always thought people encouraged them onboard but no, she decided to just fly up as we were going along. Good thing she didn’t fly straight in through the sunroof and land on a dog! Finlay’s training would have really been put to the test. Not sure she’d have fared so well with a Jack Russell!

June trip. This will be a brief log (sigh of relief by many) as I won’t be doing much walking, but written ‘for the record’. Wednesday 14th June. Springer’s Retreat had been delivered back to my mooring the previous Friday after it’s final but of work. George at LBBY had had an issue when 2packing the shower floor and didn’t want me having the boat back till he was 100% happy with it. Kind and conscientious of him, if frustrating. The end result is wonderful. With this fantastic weather I therefore decided to arrive a day earlier than originally planned. After a thorough watering of the allotment and leaving Tony with a list of instructions for the rest of the month, I made a day of the journey, heading for Holkham Hall, near Wells Next the Sea. I’ll put a post about it in the ‘places to visit’ thread, if I can remember it’s proper title and find it. An excellent choice of day out. Well worth the detour. On arrival, immersion heater was switched on and in a while I was able try out the new shower. I don’t like showers at the best of times and this one had been horrible to use as the space was only 500mm square and the curtain stuck to you. The controls were on the other side of the room! And difficult to get the right temperature, entailing numerous ‘stick your hand out of the curtain, lean over to the controls to adjust, getting the toilet and the floor wet’. The floor was also bouncy. Well, now it’s a dream. Still a curtain as I couldn’t work out how a screen could be fitted without vast expense of bespoke shaped glass and even then it would be in the way as on a piano hinge it would still have stuck out too much. So curtain it had to be, but with the floor being taken up to rectify the bounciness, George cut the lip at the edge of the shower tray off, meaning I could extend the space with the new curtain long enough to divert the water into the tray. Although the bottom of the curtain still has a 500mm square footprint, the rail at the top is about 750 x 1000 and the useable space while having a shower is so much nicer. It’s thermostatically controlled using controls in the shower itself! The wc has also been turned 45 degrees, with the plinth being reshaped and lowered and somehow the whole room just seems much bigger. So a complete revelation. As it turned out, the floor was really the only bit we wouldn’t have been able to ourselves, but that’s hindsight and with a husband nearer 80 than 75, the work would have taken just as long, with a lot more frustration in the form of arguments!!!!!!! Thursday 15th June A day of little jobs getting done, going nowhere in the boat, just relishing having her back. Friday 16th June. First full day of the fishing season and I was amazed to see so many wild moorings down the Ant still unoccupied as I followed MM on Nyx down the river. I pulled in at Johnny Crowes and there I stopped in the heat. My aim was to walk to Catfield Fen to see if the swallowtail butterflies were out. Having no red shirt like advised by Grendel I made do with blue! I knew the walk there would be generally shady, so wasn’t too worried for the dog about setting off in the early afternoon heat. Once on the Fen, there is no shade but the reeds along the path were as tall as me. And I found three butterflies just getting on with life, taking nectar from a purple-red thistle looking flower. I’m hopeless at plant ID. On the return to the boat, Finlay had a swim and was happy to lie in the shade on the stern for the rest of the day. Saturday 17th June. After spending the morning reading and watching boats go by, we explored more of the area’s footpaths, ending up at How Hill for an icecream. Sunday 18th June. I arrived back at Stalham at 9.30am to prep the boat for guests later. Not a lot more was done, the general banter of the moorings passing the day. My guests duly arrived, a feat in itself considering Lesley had contacted me the previous Tuesday to say she had prolapsed another disc in her back and could only crawl on the floor at home. A mixture of the body’s healing power and more probably strong painkillers has meant she’s mobile enough to get on board with crutches and will probably not disembark till Friday. Her husband Ray, dog Alfie and I with Finlay will still do some exploring. Her recovery doesn’t surprise me as having had three prolapsed discs myself and a discectomy operation 12 years ago, I know how quickly the acute problem can resolve. That doesn’t mean the problem disappears, just means it becomes bearably painful!!! One episode I had was on a Friday and I was walking up a Wainwright in the lake district on crutches the following week, probably doing more harm than good? Monday 19th June. 2 excited guests and a little Jack Russell now settled, so after a bacon butty breakfast we set off. The rain overnight had cleared the air somewhat and it turned out to be a beautiful day. A leisurely journey down the Ant following a couple of equally leisurely hireboats, noting again how many wild moorings were free. We could also have stopped at either mooring at Irstead if we’d wished, our destination of Cockshoot Broad soon arrived and we had choice of mooring spot, choosing the river end of the Horning side with its lovely view onto the river. MM waved on his journey back downstream as I was mooring up. Why is it that every time I take a wander to the bird hide at Cockshoot, there’s never anything to see? For an expanse of water protected from boating and human traffic, there’s a noticeable absence of wildfowl on that broad. There’s far more on the main river, including a duck that decided to hitch a ride on my sunroof, peering down at me for quite a while, not at all bothered by the two dogs below and neither did they take any notice of her.

Sorry from me too. On the boat , limping along with under 100mb data left so thought I daren’t join in. Only got to last till 9pm tonight. Serves me right for deciding to have a very quick view at a video last trip and falling asleep - it ate my data!!!!

What a lovely uk mini break you two have had. The real reason for being there must be so disheartening for you but you have managed to turn the week into a very positive experience. Thankyou so much for sharing.

I can wholeheartedly second that recommendation. I’ve only been once, quite a few years ago, my sister took me (she lives in Cambridge). I enjoyed it so much I’ve always wanted to return but didn’t actually know where it was, so thanks Sam. Good luck with the rest of the week, Ian. You seem determined to make the most of it, well done you.

Yes, due to the thinning of the ozone layer, more of the harmful uv rays get through the atmosphere. It is repairing now by all accounts after the removal of CFCs from coolant products etc.

Part of my degree is in oceanography and I still don’t understand them!

Not sure if I’m misreading this as I’m looking at it on my phone, but if I’m not mistaken, broads.org tide tables have now been update until 2028 (be aware GMT only from 2024). I know some folk were asking about them. I printed some tables off for my next few trips only two or three days ago and it said up to 2023 then, very recent. Sorry if I’ve got it wrong, but worth a look for anyone needing to know.

You do have some beautiful places round you Grendel. Are they hopvines or grapevines in that photo of the sloping field?

That was jolly Helen, enjoyed it, just right in a sunny afternoon. Nothing can beat a brass band for cheering you up. Funny how you can always tell when a brass player is about to start playing again, the licking of the lips gives it away!

Just in time to get sucked in to the big commitment of the banding world on your retirement. I’m surprised they have too many trainee trombonists. It’s a scarcity instrument across the country. Did you see that video of the poor trombonist at the trooping of the colour rehearsal. He fainted. Once they’d sorted him out, a trumpet player stepped forward to play his trombone. Only thing was the slide inner had ended up in the sand/dust so I expect the trombonist won’t be too happy with his colleague once he finds out. Grit on the slide is not good news.

It certainly was warm. Yesterday morning I went out in my winter fleece across the fields. Today short sleeves. Winter to summer in 24 hours. First peas and strawberries picked at the allotment. And after 6 days work, I have caught up enough to be able to return to the boat later in the week, leaving Tony in charge of harvesting and processing the above produce, along with broad beans, rhubarb, salads and spinach, I don’t really like missing out on the harvest, but most will be eaten by Tony and friends or frozen and the strawbs will end up as icecream, so not a bad deal.