NorfolkNog

Did the Barking Smack to the station in September - only about 15 to 20 minutes max

Exactly, in an ideal world the best time to leave Norwich would be just after high water, ride down on the ebb and catch the flood up to Oulton. I'm assuming Adam has set his plans, as I say he'll be ready for that pint!! Wonder how he's getting back? Never thought of that

Hi Adam Norwich to Reedham is 18 miles so assuming that you set off at 8 ish its likely to be 4 hours. If you did set off at that time you would catch the end of the ebb at Norwich and the incoming flood would start to take effect around Bramerton/Surlingham probably. As you head down towards Cantley the effect of the tide will be stronger. Having sad that I don't suppose a kayak has a lot of drag so it shouldn't be too bad. Sadly when you turn into the New Cut the tide will most likely to be just starting to ebb and that will continue all the way to Oulton Broad I'm afraid. Reedham to Oulton Broad is around 11 miles so another good 2 hours. Basically you continue down the New Cut (about 2 1/2 miles to St Olaves then continue up the Waveney to Oulton Dyke. Sadly if you maintain the 5mph speed I don't think you will get much benefit from the tide! Its just the way it goes on the day. Generally the Broads should be getting quieter although I'm not sure when half term is. Bear in mind (which I'm sure you are aware) you are very low in the water and need to look out for other craft. Wearing some bright colours might help too! The New Cut is narrow so keep an extra look out for passing craft. You do have the advantage of minimal draft so you can keep closer to the edge than other craft. Otherwise just fingers crossed for good weather!! You'll be ready for a pint after that!! Best of luck!!

Hi Adam Assume it has to be Thursday? The thing is that low water at Norwich will be around 8.30am so it means that the tide will be flooding up the Wensum/Yare until lunch time although the tide will 'turn' at Reedham around 12. It would then ebb although this would still be against you at the New Cut as the tide ebbs and flows form the Yare end. I think kayaks move quite quickly from what I've seen. If you could give some idea of your likely speed it might help the other questions. I'm guessing Thursday is probably cast in stone but if it were a day when the tide was ebbing it would make it much easier! Good luck!!

Oooo err I sent the pics to the first one - do I need to resend pls?

Have a good one and any feedback welcome JF Like beers available (not that Kronenbourg stuff) And where Colin Smith has gone. If he's got another pub I'd like to visit it! Enjoy! (you lucky person)

I'll go with that

The boats I've seen under construction seem to have tanks fitted under the decks. From the photo of the new HW boat (and presumably the Broom) there doesn't seem to be much in the way of a side deck so I wonder if space limitations might dictate a smaller holding tank?

I'll take your word on that one JM!

http://www.freedomboatingholidays.co.uk/

Yes thanks indeed JF The Nog's are flattered and humbled indeed to be included in such eminent company, many thanks indeed for your support folks. Dave - I have sent the photos to James as requested. However I am very concerned about Mrs Nog's photo of the Hunters yachts as it was taken on her tablet and is quite low res - it may not be good enough so perhaps a reserve will be needed. Apologies about this.

Of course they are I know Carol has hired from Pacific in the past, small family yard and I believe their prices are very reasonable. Just a shame about Swancraft

Mmmmm, interesting stuff. I think its true that hirers expectations are greater now then in the past. That's why the 'Big Four' are all busily building luxury craft. I imagine kids want all the comforts of home too. Regarding the electric toilets - most Swancraft boats had them and we could go for 10 days in winter without a pump out (judicious use of shore facilities as well). It must be down to the holding tanks. The trouble with microwaves is that they are battery flatteners. They draw tremendous current. Again Swancraft had generous battery banks and good charging systems so, no problem. We used them sparingly and ran the engine when using them. We get a microwave on Freedom of Light in February but rarely, if ever use it, mainly due to lack of space. They are certainly not an essential. As long as a boat has a decent heating system and good batteries and charging I'm quite happy. Oh and a hob for a cuppa!

Don't think my wallet would stretch that far either JF!

Looks like HW are getting on the Brooms bandwagon? Wonder where the moulding comes from? https://mailchi.mp/herbertwoods/gleaminglight?e=9b04e49491

Looks like a good time was had by all and glad to see you supporting the local hostelries!

Looks a bit like the Waveney going upstream just before Somerleyton..... but there again..............

Hi Mark Long time since I managed to be passing and find it open. I seem to recall the beer was nothing to write home about, probably Greene King from memory. Can't speak for the grub. I've a feeling it operates fairly restricted hours so it might be worth checking carefully if you are planning a visit. Others may have better knowledge though.

This is a photo (sorry not very good) which shows the moorings. As others have said its in front of the Fishermans pub. As you would expect in that vicinity there is considerable tidal variation and it can be quite a scramble to get on the bank at low tide (as Mrs Nog can testify)

Their favourite pitch seems to be on each corner of the staithe at the entrance (where the seats are)

What's a half?

Just catching up with this. Its a shame Colin Smith has gone, he was/is an excellent landlord and actually understood the unique nature of running a Broadland pub. Bit like John and Tracy at the Berney. You need to understand that you can be packed in season and virtually empty at quieter times. Mrs Nog and I often chatted to Colin when we the only customers in the pub. I would certainly rate Grain as one of the better Norfolk breweries, they play it fairly safe with the beers but they are of excellent quality (IMHO of course). The Stanford Arms was part of the divorce settlement too I believe. Its gone from strength to strength since becoming a free house. Nothing wrong with Grain as I say but its nice to have a choice. I don't know if Colin left or was booted out but he will be missed, who else would run a pub where you can literally be surrounded by water for days on end!!

I agree. I've mentioned before that we hired Swan Royale many times. All the advantages as above but a 32 foot version which always seem to squeeze in the smaller gaps. A lot of boat for the length. Getting on a bit now but still my favourite of the boats we've hired. There are some quirks with the canopy but Swancraft set them up well and no problem with draughts. Anyway back on topic, have a good one Simon and please report back!

I thought you were a roughty toughty Firefighter JF Seriously though Neatishead is one of the worst spots for freezing. You need to dice with fishermen too, best to arrive late afternoon by which time they've usually gone Superb pub

good to hear from you again John Yes good choice indeed you're very lucky, the Eagle I guess, I'm less keen on the GK stuff I must admit but tried the 2 bays in Norwich a couple of weeks ago and was very impressed!