NorfolkNog

It's amazing how often that happens. We moored on the deserted quay at Reedham. Big steel Broads Authority work boat moored slap behind us. No obvious reason to moor there. With a fast ebb behind us I had a tricky manoeuvre to reverse out.

Good idea if you can spot someone I've moored on the river corner before but it's very low down, usually get protests from my mooring assistant (Mrs Nog) and it takes up more drinking time

Hi Kate enjoying your tale and photos glad you are enjoying the peace and quiet of December cruising! I believe Eastwood Whelpton are members of the hire boat federation but I'm sure they would let you moor there, no shortage of space! Might be worth someone enquiring in future as it's less muddy and quite a good height. Worth it for the pub

Thanks for the update Kate. This was Cockshoot Dyke on Sunday, so sounds about he same. The heights at Ludham seem a tiny bit high but not too far out for the time of year. Glad you got up to the Fur and Feather. We needed wellies (which we have now left with Bridgecraft) as it was even muddier than normal. Worth the effort for a drop of Norfolk Nog though. I've already made a mental note to visit the Stag at the next opportunity.

Mrs Nog seems to think Wroxham was about 6 and a quarter so you never know! Hope you get moored at St Bennetts, no shortage of space!

Sounds very similar situation to when we were out. If it's showing 7 feet ish at Ludham it would sound about right. St Bennetts was above water but not a lot! Looks like you have a low air draught which is ideal in winter

How are you finding the levels generally? Are they starting to drop again?

I think we could be tempted indeed!

Hi KP, sorry to have missed you! Lovely and warm at the mo but levels have gone up a bit in the last couple of days so please be careful!!

What a lovely tale! Thank you Andrew. Had the pleasure of sharing a beer with you in the Maltsters a while back but not now sadly!

Certainly will M February and May, with Bridgecraft of course And all the best to you both for the festive season

Massive thumbs up to Bridgecraft, boat ran impeccably, very economical and heating fired up every day without the need to run the engine. Fantastic personal service from this family run yard, highly recommended

Fair comment Jean. If only say 25 per cent of a village supported a pub it would survive. We can't all like the same things!

Very friendly locals (and dogs) at Upton. As I say, the day I can't drink in a pub I'll give up!!!!

...... And of course me and Mrs Nog doing our bit

Well every single table bar one booked this lunchtime. Busy with locals already. Doesn't feel like a failing pub.

Quiet and peaceful at Upton

The debt ridden pubcos are trying to squeeze ever last drop out of their leaseholders. Add business rates, fuel, staff etc the pressure is certainly on pubs now. But the Red Lion in Cromer was rammed yesterday. Rick Malt has done an amazing job with the Lion and White Horse. On thr Broads it's often the pubco pubs that struggle eg Maltsters, New Inn etc. But speaking personally if I have the choice of a well kept albeit five quid pint in a warm friendly pub or a pack of John Smiths at my kitchen table the pub wins hands down every time for me. Mind you I might have to drink more slowly or put Mrs Nog on singles....

The wind has dropped a fair bit now.

Definitely a South Westerly! Blowing from the end of Faircraft Loynes yard. Fair bit of creaking but after a few St Giles gins Mrs Nog is sleeping like the proverbial top

Red Lion when Mrs Nog has finished with the 2p pushers

Nice day for Cromer

Will certainly try! Safely in Faircraft Loynes yard and it is literally persisting it down