kpnut

Stokesby is generally well off for footpaths, some short, some long, mostly circular. I don’t mind the heat as it’s been this weekend, as long as I can find a breeze. And Finlay manages well too as long as he can find some swimming/paddling water every now and again. I wouldn’t want to take him off down the disused railway line where I live for instance, but round here is ok.

Does anyone know what sort of nest box this is? There were two of them in a patch of reed bed that had been cut.

Sunday 14th August After yesterday’s excursion I felt in no hurry to get up. Good thing too as I woke at 5 something and the next thing I knew it was 7.30. Today I needed to move towards Wroxham to meet Tony (hubby) and our friends who are arriving tomorrow. So a good dog walk was on the cards, seeing as he’d spent most of the day on the lead yesterday. On the opposite bank to the Acle Bridge Inn is a footpath that leads to Stokesby so that was the plan. It starts by going across the main road and through a gate between the two sheds on the 24hr moorings side of the river. Nicely kept all the way down to Stokesby with nice views through being slightly elevated. Walking opposite Acle Dyke I mused as to whether the odd black and white boat that’s always moored there was, in fact, owned by a baddie in a James Bond movie. I also caught sight of ‘Daughter’s Inheritance’ that always makes me chuckle when I go past. Is it ‘this is my inheritance to you, dear daughter’ or, ‘daughter, I’ve spent your inheritance’? The path meets the pumping station and then carries on by going back up the bank rather than along the bottom track which leads to a cottage. It was nice to see the cottage by the drainage mill having some renovation work. What a lovely spot to be. Getting hot by this time, there was the choice of returning to Acle bridge from here on a circular route or carrying on to Stokesby. Finlay answered the question by finding a swimming spot for himself to cool off and have a drink, so knowing he’d be ok, we carried on, past the moored private boats on the left on the way round the bend to the village, onto the lane, across the green and you can guess where I was headed - the Ferry Inn, for a well earned drink. An enjoyable stop and then we set off back again, retracing our steps as far as the cottage and then walking up the concrete track (Muck Fleet on the map). It’s full of dragonflies and I was wowed by a kingfisher whistling past us on a straight route up the track, surprising as by this time the track had turned at right angles away from the river. I had always presumed they stayed along the bank. On reaching a ‘crossroads’ with another farm track, just past a concrete hardstanding for FYM, (maybe that’s why it’s called muck fleet?) the path continued in front and came out into the lane between Acle and Stokesby Turning left over the little bridge on the lane, you could then do a circular back to Stokesby by taking the path along the dyke side to the right, but I was heading back to Acle bridge, so walked along the lane to the main road (the old road to Yarmouth), crossed it, walked left along the headland of a field to avoid the road for a bit (not an official path!) and did the last few yards on the road in the lay-by and back to the Dunes cafe which was very busy by the time I arrived. A couple of swans with 8 children (is there a population explosion this year?) deterred me from letting Finlay cool off in the water, so he went in at the start of the moorings (on his lead so I could pull him back out). I still wasn’t back at the boat though because I got sidetracked talking to a friendly couple on a Hampton 25 for a while. I think Finlay was pleased when we eventually got to the boat. The walk was about 3.5 miles, about 3/4 hour each way.

Saturday 13th August The day for my adventure off the boat arrived with another super sunrise. I was underway before 8, early for me and 3/4 hour later I was moored up at Acle bridge. The dog and I both had our breakfasts and set off into Acle up the path that goes alongside the main road to catch the first of two buses. I usually walk into the village by going along the river and up Acle Dyke, but this way was quicker according to Google maps. Might be quicker, but less relaxing as there are various ‘exits’ into the road. So a word of warning for dog owners, be careful of letting them off lead along there. A bus was at the stop when I got there, it was the one earlier than mine that was running late so I hopped on and sat next to a chatty young man, we talked ‘dogs’ all the way into Norwich, so much so that I missed my stop and ended up at the bus station! The next bus I needed started from there, so it was easy to get off one and straight onto the next, parked in front. I must say I was very impressed, and pleased I’d chosen a route only involving one bus company as I know you often have to walk a few minutes in Norwich to get to the next ‘hub’ of bus stops if changing company too. It was £5.30 return from Acle into Norwich and out to Beccles, just the one ticket needed. In Beccles I walked down to the yacht station and very soon felt welcomed by one and all at the wooden boat show. After chatting to Ynys Mon (Helen and Grahame) and PetersJoy (Paul) I found a little cafe along Fen Lane on Helen’s recommendation, to buy a bottle of water and a cup of tea. Highly friendly owners and again, very chatty. The whole day was a blur of chatting and looking over beautiful boats, thank you all so much. I managed to fill in half the quiz questions through spending far too long talking as usual!! After the prizegiving, Grahame had offered me a lift back to Acle, but we then ascertained that the owners of Eastwood Whelpton boatyard were going that way, so they kindly took me back to my boat. Again, conversation flowed in the car with common places we knew etc. I arrived back sometime after 7 and was surprised to see a few mooring spots still free. No photos of the boats, too busy talking I’m afraid! A lovely day out and I’d urge anyone around the Broads next year to get themselves along there.

I’m now moored at cockshoot, I passed two nice wild moorings between ranworth and here ( mind you the one I decided on had a wasp nest in a hole in the bank, just my luck!) and there was a space at the church mooring. Now at the dyke, there are only 5 boats here. Acle bridge last night had spaces for a few boats too. I’m sure the main ‘busyness’ is just day boats scooting about.

Hi there. Sounds like you have the right mindset to go with the flow’. Enjoy every minute.

Thanks very much to you all for being so welcoming yesterday. What a lovely relaxing sociable event. I especially liked seeing all the many different interior configurations, brilliant use of available space. Especial thanks from me to Helen and Grahame for sharing their day with me so generously and offering the lift home and then to Annie and Andy from Eastwood Whelpton for being the eventual lift home, after we’d ascertained they were going virtually straight past Acle Bridge. Most appreciated. And to Dave who I’m presuming organised it, thanks for the BMC info and yes, it’s there! Enjoy the rest of the meet.

Friday 12th August A misty start was lovely to wake up to. The bright sun showed the promise of the day ahead. After breakfast I was in a rush to take Finlay for a good walk before it got too hot. Not thinking much about it, I set off upstream towards Fleet Dyke. Ok for the first bit to the pumping station with the two dead trees, but decidedly overgrown past there, all the way round to Fleet Dyke. Having only put on shorts and t shirt and walking sandals, I was extremely wet up to the waist by the time I got to the Fleet Dyke moorings. The morning mist and dew hadn’t yet burned off the waist high vegetation. I met a very nice man to talk to by the moorings, we discussed firstly the fact that they’d been moored there on their own overnight (or maybe with one other boat, but certainly extremely quiet), and the footpaths and being local, he was able to confirm what I suspected, that they are worse than previous years. I had intended to go as far as those moorings and turn back, but really didn’t want to go through all the long stuff again, so I continued round past the straight length of Env Agency moorings, along the lane past the boatyard and at the corner by the phone box, (now converted to an info centre), turned left to go up the lane to wards Pilson Green. Just on the left is a footpath across two fields which cuts off a bit of walking and more importantly got Finlay off the road as I hadn’t brought the lead with me. At the end of the path, turn left on the lane and it takes you past a cottage and onto the track across the marsh. It’s a straightforward walk up to the ‘2 dead trees’ pumping station and a right turn there took me back to my boat. All in all, about 3 miles and an hour and a half. I grabbed a plastic tub and the water bowl for the dog (he’s better drinking outside when really thirsty as he’s very messy!) and went to pick blackberries. There were just so many and really pristine. It didn’t take more than 10 mins to pick a tub full. These are now converted into blackberry gin. I can assure you it’ll be less sweet than the lot I took to the meet at Salhouse! 500g blackberries, 215g sugar and 1litre of gin, with plenty of room in the demijohn for more when I buy some more gin next week. I’ll probably take it home for safekeeping until ready for straining and bottling in December. Not a lot else done today as I decided I had enjoyed the peace and quiet so much the day before that I’d repeat the experience. I quizzed in the evening after checking I had a good signal. I promised the quizzers I’d post a photo or two of the sunset I’d seen while online with them. You can just make out two boats going past in the second photo. I also took a lovely moonshot later. Then off to bed in readiness for a busy day with early start on an adventure to Beccles!

I might have put a ‘ha ha’ on, but I hope she was ok.

We need a ‘hugs’ button

Buy yourself a few sheets of that nonslip kitchen drainer matting. I had the same issue of stuff walking off the worktop but that’s cured it!

Quick update on my tomatoes. They’ve obviously enjoyed being on the boat in their canopy greenhouse. The waterbutt was nearly empty, so that 47L has lasted them for 3 weeks in a hot summer. Thursday 11th August A trip to Tesco early on, and a walk round the yard with the dog and we were ready for the off. With no particular destination in mind, I enjoyed the trip down the Ant. I seemed to be the only boat going south, plenty coming through other way. No one to wait for at Ludham Bridge though so straight through and onto the Bure. I thought I’d go and see if the wild mooring slightly upstream of Ranworth Dam entrance on the opposite bank was free but seeing as it wasn’t, I headed back downstream to the wild moorings alongside the pumping stations. It was lovely and breezy and I did something I’ve never done in the middle of the day before - got my picnic chair and a book and watched the boats go by under the shade of a tree. Finlay came and sat beside me which is unusual, although he couldn’t resist a few scoots round seeking out evidence of mice in the dried grass. A dad with two children came along on bicycles and a walker later. Finlay and I had a super walk round to Thurne mouth and back across the marsh in the ‘cool’ of the evening. I forgot to log it, but from the riverbank I headed through the gate on the levee along to Thurne mouth, and when I reached the black Upton Mill drainage mill I turned down past the cottage/shed, through the gate and down a shady track. The paths round the river had been very well maintained, no issues apart from a wasp nest in a hole in the ground on the path at one point. The track from the mill comes out into the concrete farm track that services the fields on the marsh. A tractor driver was working late, topping the grass to get fresh growth for the cows, or perhaps actually mowing for a hopeful cut of hay. And towards the end of my walk, I came across a beautiful clump of blackberries, earmarked for picking in the morning. After feeding the dog, I sorted out some plums I’d brought from the allotment and I was looking forward to leek and potato soup i’d also brought from home. On opening the bag, it turned out to be stewed apple!!! So a change of plan with a salad instead, with apple and plums and crème fraiche for pudding. Once all the boat traffic had died down the evening was very still with a lovely sunset. I would have liked to have stayed up for the potential meteor shower, but couldn’t keep awake. There seems to far more dayboats out than I remember from previous years and it was nice to see a couple of small sailing boats with teenagers on board having a great time late afternoon. Just the sort of thing I’d have done at that age, apart from the fact I don’t know how to sail! I used to go on walking/camping adventures instead.

Back on the rivers for a couple of weeks and I seem to have a continuation of the weather I left in mid July Boating’s so easy isn’t it!!!!! (On ‘dry dog towel’ days). Wednesday 10th August Rather a slow journey, seemed like every tractor on the fens was out on the roads, but at least they can get on with the harvest, even if there’s not so much to actually harvest this year with all the dry weather. After the usual round of greetings to fellow boat owners, unpacking, filling the water etc and taking the dog for a quick run (too hot for more) I decided on a trip to Sea Palling to check it out for my guests who are arriving next week. I’m not really a keen seasider, I detest sand (give me a rocky shore to clamber about on any day) but thought it’d be a bit cooler. Finlay played with a young girl who came to make his acquaintance but even he didn’t want to eat the sausage roll she buried for him! And I’m pleased he only paddled, rather than wanted to swim as, unless he has a training dummy in his mouth, he tends to drink as he swims. I certainly don’t want a dog with salt poisoning. I had fish and chips and then treated myself to an icecream too. It was very busy at the beach, a real little holiday spot with an arcade and a little parade of shops. Parking was plentiful, cost £1.50 an hour or £7 all day I think.

Yesterday evening I walked along the Bure from the pumping station with the automatic grabber on Upton marshes (end of the concrete track that goes across the marsh) along to Thurne mouth and on to Upton Mill drainage mill, turning back across the marsh and along the concrete track. The riverside path was excellent and the walk highly recommended. This morning I headed the other way, upstream up the Bure, past the pumping station by the two dead trees, along to Fleet Dyke mouth, down Fleet Dyke and back round across the marsh. All started well with the path between the two pumping stations as good as last night. Someone obviously looks after it well. But when I went past the dead trees pumping station and along to Fleet Dyke it was another story. I got soaked to my waist by the overgrown vegetation, mostly reeds but some patches of thistles. This is one of the paths I reported on the council website online form. I really hope that next year NCC keeps on top of it before it gets this bad. I don’t believe that public footpaths need to be pristine, but they do need to be more passable than this! It does say on the NCC website that it’s one of the paths on their ‘cutting schedule’. Even the path alongside Fleet Dyke isn’t brilliant until you get to the moorings on the bend.

My thoughts go to you and your family. I think the worst part of. cancer is the initial not knowing, waiting for results etc. As long as you are happy that the medics have it right, and no reason to doubt them really, then it’s just what it is. Go with the flow of it. You personally cannot do much about it apart from do what’s asked of you treatment-wise, so use each day as you wish-if tired, just relax, if energetic, get out and about. As ‘the family’ of a patient, my advice is to share your thoughts with them. Don’t keep it to yourself until it becomes a subject difficult to broach.

As much for anyone else who may be thinking of going as me, the bus service from Norwich to Beccles is quicker than the train (and won’t be on strike on Saturday). Buses from Wroxham or Acle to Norwich link in well with the one to Beccles. There’s a route planner on the First Bus website.

Hum, I’ll look at trains on Friday, coming back in the evening. Don’t think it’ll be easy on saturday with the train strike and doesn’t sound like it’ll be worth it by the time I’d get there in Sunday. Thanks all, might see you. If not, have a great meet.

Can someone tell me what is the best day to go to Beccles(by land transport) to see all the boats and crews? I’m on the rivers (north) from tomorrow and am considering catching a train to Beccles for the day. Bet you’ll say Saturday - the day of the train strike!!! Many thanks in advance

I took my 90yr old mum last month in a bathtub (my own Horizon 35), so hopefully this post will be of use to you. Not the same mum that Grendel was talking about, but could well have been given the description of setting off down the road! Saying that, she was noticeably less fast than last year and less confident getting on and off the boat. Last year I had to tell her off for jumping down the big drop onto the Potter Heigham quiet moorings, heaven help us! I would agree with the avoidance of a big tidal range, maybe the northern Broads would be more suitable? And this year I did have my sister with me too, which was a blessing as it meant getting her on and off, (along with stopping the dog from trying to push her off) was far easier than me on my own. Advantages of bathtub - 1. single level so once in the boat, very easy. No worries about her moving around while underway, apart from the slight lip over the door into the front well. 2. She could see nicely when sitting out in the front well. She did want to sit up on the deck bit of the well, but I persuaded her back down again! Disadvantages of bathtub - 1. She couldn't see so well when sitting on the sofa. She is only 5' nothing! I'd suggest a design with a 'bench seat' for helm (rather than a single helm seat), that fits two people facing forwards. or a few of them have another bench seat on the starboard side as well. Or take a stool with you for her to perch on. 2. - the steep drop down into the aft well on a Horizon 35 was not very easy to manage. Last year she was fine but this year, her knees didn't want to bend very well when coming down them (backwards) and she didn't want to go forwards at all. I do already have a caravan step on the middle step which makes it slightly less daunting, but obviously you have to get one that fits the step with no overhang! The Horizon 35 has a noticeably steeper set of steps than many bathtubs, so asking the boatyard for advice would be sensible. The ones with the engine outside the boat have a larger flat platform to stand on. I have a folding step too, which I did use once for her to get off the side, but unless the quay is horizontal, it's a bit useless. eg wild moorings. When the deck was at the same height as the quay heading, it was oh, so much easier. Things you don't normally think much about for yourself. I'm sure other types of boats will also have their list of pros and cons. For me, the fact it's on one level when underway was the major bonus. Elderly people often don't realise their limitations and don't like being told to 'sit down, you cant wander about up and down the steps when cruising'. See photo

After re-reading your original post and looking up what an alpha 32 was, I was going to say -just keep it, as you already have the easiest design (in my opinion!) and put in the bow thruster, centre clears and reversing camera, (and wing mirror if you can) but you came to that conclusion yourself and especially cos you’ve already got those things. Have fun learning new ways around things!!! I like MM’s idea of a rope with loop, I’ve see it on a video before but maybe a bit awkward when on you own with forward well access rather than out the side.

That's a lovely ramble Helen. Very interesting is your description of how families moved further afield and spread along the canal network. It make sense. Tutbury was one of the places I went to, mainly to pick up registration forms for the GP. Then a lovely walk along riverside meadows where the cows took no notice whatsoever of me and the dog, along to a weir, across a few more fields and then headed up to the castle. I hadn't realised when I set off from the car that there was a castle there so had no money with me to pay the entry fee. But it's in a very imposing position overlooking the river valley and I'm going to find out more about it sometime when I go again. I also went from Barton under Needwood to Dunstall (I think that's what it was called), I think an old estate village with a large Hall, church etc and lovely woodland walking. And Yoxall which was pretty, although some of the paths were awful.

I’ve spent the last three days exploring the area round where my daughter and son in law have just moved to. A few miles west of Burton on Trent. Right in the ‘National Forest’ and absolutely heaving with footpaths and lovely little villages. Finlay springer and I are certainly going to enjoy getting to know the local area. I’m looking forward to walking some of the canal towpaths too. No photos I’m afraid though. Maybe most areas of the country are actually just lovely if we all just had enough time to get to know them intimately. I for one have certainly fallen in love with the Broads by getting OFF the boat. Without a dog, I doubt I would have done!!!

Send them the bill for a new one Helen. That’s just downright thoughtless and stupid. You can be as slapdash or as careful with a chainsaw as you want to be. In the right hands, they can be used to carve very intricate sculptures, and Tony cuts to within half an inch of the edge of small trunks/branches when hedgelaying. They don’t have to be ‘driven’ full pelt all the time. Charge them!!!!!

I’d only ever used bounty 37s and 42s when hiring and loved them so much I bought a horizon 35. I now use her on my own much of the time and as others have said, forward planning with ropes etc is the way to go. It’s so easy to access the bank from the front well and with the stern rope brought up to the bow, simple to take hold of both at once. I’ve bought a couple of centre cleats to fit. I also keep the rhond hooks handy rather than storing them away, so any time I see an enticing wild mooring I can use it without any faffing about. My top criteria for buying was definitely easy access from front and back with the ability to see out of the back door. The horizon 35 has a central door, whereas the bounty 37’s door is offset and not so easy to see down the boat and through it. Bonuses that came with my boat purchase were bow thruster, (very handy when on my own but I think I could manage without with practice), reversing camera which takes some getting used to and good for when going very slowly stern on. I find without it I tend to leave a bit of a gap, try to get off and have to go back to the helm and reverse some more! (With other people on board I don’t mind leaving her in reverse gear to hold her to the quay, but don’t like leaving her in gear if leaving the helm seat when on my own). The reversing camera doesn’t show the sides of the boat though. And a port side wing mirror which is just BRILLIANT. So good I’m thinking of putting one on the starboard side too. The other thing I have fitted is a safety ladder, pull down type. I don’t intend using it! And don’t think it’d be much use if I were to fall in when going along, but then how would I do that if I were driving! But if I were to fall in on a mooring I’d at least have a chance of getting back on board. Maybe it’s over the top, but for less than £40, potentially worth every penny. Oh, and I wear my life jacket all the time when on my own. Whatever you do, don’t get a boat with no side decks. I have seen some hire boat designs without them.

Apologies from me this week. At my daughters viewing her newly acquired wedding photos.