NorfolkNog

Ha! Not quite but yes, if I had the choice of sitting on a boat in the dark when moored or being in the pub it's not too hard!!! We like to cruise as much as we can during the day athough it's suprisingly sunny quite often and you do get heat through the windows. We usually put the heating on for half an hour when we get back from the pub and then get under the duvets. If you're quick with the comfort breaks you don't get chance to get cold. Pop the heating on again before we get up. I can't say we've ever been cold and I'm sure that Mrs Nog wouldn't hesitate to let me know if she was!

To be fair I think it's more the customers than the staff. I dont go in them very often but from observation when I do (eg Glasshouse in Norwich) customers will try to cluster particularly as the evening wears on. This puts pressure on staff and is uncomforable for other customers. Paradoxically I have found that the smaller pubs are safer as they are easier to manage and customers seem more willing to stick to the rules.

True, although we have been finding that the good pubs (not your Wetherspoons etc) are run very well and staff make sure everyone sticks to the rules. It's probably safer in the Bridge Inn for example than your average supermarket. A lot of people don't wear masks in shops and are rarely challenged. We use public transport a lot as we don't drive and the same applies there sadly. https://beertoday.co.uk/hospitality-covid-1020/

Ah, thanks Lady V - that was taken last year. Apologies to the OP They did offer to pay so no harm done I'm sure

........there yer go..... but no reason to see it when you moored up, I wouldn't worry!!!

Great write up and pictures, thank you. I wouldn't worry about the water at Beccles. There is a fee to moor there (certainly overnight) and the sign giving the details is near the harbourmasters office I think. But you weren't to know and did offer to pay, I think your conscience is clear! The guys there and at Oulton Broad are very good and helpful. I'm wondering if your missus doesn't drive? Its often said that children handle boats best as they have no driving experience. That stretch of the river to Geldeston is beautiful indeed. Glad you made it. Again you did exactly the right thing going slowly under. That bridge is deceptive and caught many people out. There is quite a substantial rise and fall there so care is needed. Enjoy the rest of the trip!

Always worth bearing in mind. Not being able to go South would be a drawback. Always done it in winter but it's necessary to juggle your dates to fit the tides with the reduced daylight. As has been mentioned, the peace and tranquillity is amazing. you can moor anywhere and certainly, in December, pretty much have the river to yourself.

Rain, I agree. Done every December for last 16 years. Magical. The only thing that will stop me this year is Covid and that's looking almost inevitable. ....or even better in the pub Helen!

I had exacly the same thought when this thread started. I've come across private boats when they clearly hadn't a clue. Helped several. It makes sense that they may well let friends and relatives take them out.

So it does appear that Richardsons are NOT hiring in November which may just leave Faircraft Loynes and Herbert Woods?? With local lockdowns coming thick and fast now, November might just be the last chance to get out. Busy now though apperently.

Update

Leaving a 15 foot gap between boats being one of them!

Live a board?

I think the OP might stand a good chance as I think the gauge is a bit pessimistic and a big advantage of this boat is the narrower beam. I think it would be well worth checking with the pilot. The mobile number should be in the Skippers manual. Mrs Nog has the number on her phone but she is in the land of nod ATM.

You might be in with a chance, give the pilot a bell, they'll soon tell you. Could be quiet up there if not much is getting through.

Glad you're enjoying it and supporting the local pubs too!! Always good to have life jackets on too particularly in this weather when surfaces can be wet and slippery. Please continue to let us know how it's going if you can!

Look out Helen!!!

Know exacly where you're coming from H. It does seem a bit random but we must not get political must we I'm sure you'll have a great time.

I think some do but maybe have to be PAT tested? Local charity maybe?

Look forward to it H Don't think you'll have any problems in sunny MK, things not looking too good in Hovis and flat hat land though

Ditto, thanks for the info. I wonder what the air draught is? The thing that worries me about these sedan styles is getting under the bridges particularly in winter. Somerleyton for example can be quite tight. I've got so used to Alphacrafts that will pretty much go under most things at any time.

Nigel Royall used to build replicas, maybe still does. He used to produce a very interesting blog, certainly knows his stuff.

Thanks for the clarification folks. I did honestly think guns were a no no. Mind you Carol, Nigel Royall and others have published some fascinating information about gun punts, fowling and a guy called Scientific Fuller who inhabited Rockland Broad in days of old and shot everything in sight.