LondonRascal

Honestly it depends how many of my numbers come up, if it is only 3 of them then I’ll have a burger from the van at Richardson’s Seriously, if I had a few million pounds I would personally never buy a boat ‘off the peg’. I would have something designed from scratch for me, suited to the Broads then get Clive's chaps to build it because frankly they seem to know there stuff and do a fine job on what effectivly are at the end of the day products to run a business off - they need not therefore be of such a perfect finish but they clearly have a lot of pride in what they do.

Jonzo, Whilst it is a great looking boat, it is not one I would hire. If I had the money I'd opt for Carousel because I prefer the higher up steering position. Having said the above, I do in many ways prefer the more ‘classic’ boats as while they may not be new, or as ‘cool’ looking inside and out, they afford the same experiences when you are going along, the same places you can visit and in some instances even have some of the same inventory onboard such as fridges, cookers, stereos and heating systems as their ‘new sisters’ but cost a great deal less. I confess I was disappointed to see the same old JVC CD/Radio fitted and not something more fitting for this type of boat, but with a more premium model of television and two of them at that, digital temperature controlled heating and LED lighting a plenty and some scrumptious upholstery in a neutral colour Broadlander sure does have the look and feel of something premium. However honestly when it comes to ‘things on board’ I think I am simply too fastidious. The list of things I would include would be prohibitively expensive for a hire boat – I’ll save them until the day I own my own.

I saw her out on the water twice - Once on the Ant and then once just coming into Wroxham from Coltishall. Perhaps as she is on one level the boat looks longer than Broadsman and Carousel - I like the design as a whole, because it has a forward well where other forward drive boats in the past have done away with this. I'm not sure about the placement of the helm however - it does look a bit far back from the front screen and while one can open the canopy to see out that does not help if it is raining. The blinds give it a very upmarket feel - but not sure how long they will last without being bent and slates no longer aligning from hirers being perhaps a bit rough with them. Why no reversing camera though? I've not had a look at what the type fitted to Broadsman etc is - or how good the screen is inside) but for under around £40.00 they could have got one I use - wide angle, full colour complete with flat panel monitor all on 12v - I guess being able to see out the rear door from the helm may negate it's need, but even so they make great additions whatever the boat for seeing what is coming up behind or to aid in stern mooring. Overall a very nice boat which from the internals on Richardson's FB page looks very nice as if they were practicing on the other new builds and now have hit the nail on the head. Very high quality look in a unique package and design. Good stuff Richardson's!

I just happen to get my 'left and rights' confused at times..

You make a good point here Martin - but it is like the high streets in many towns with more and more closed shops - who would invest in an area where the 'heart and soul' has already gone? So with the Broads if you were looking to come to the area with a new venture - IF you ever got planning permission, then would you want to risk a lot of investment when the holiday makers who would make a lot of your income are on the decline. Probably not. I've not idea what - but I think what is needed is some 'regeneration' and not just another pub etc but high quality facilities that attract locals - people from the wider area too like Norwich (so you have some sustainable income) and then in the season naturally the passing tourist trade. I was not boating during the times so many boatyards closed – but I imagine that must have been a pretty awful time where each season another couple would have gone and their long standing customers had to look elsewhere. One wonders where it may end up in 5 to 10 years. I just thought perhaps there are forums like this to do with camping or caravanning or other areas where they too are discussing less bookings and things being tight. I’m sure it is not just boating holidays that are not as popular.

I’m guilty because I recently used a discount website to book a boating break. If it had not of been for this site I would not have gone (would have cost too much and their usual prices are too high anyway for me) so with two days before the Friday I was going I made the booking. I also felt guilty because in so doing I just joined those who may very well only use such sites and take what is left when they are able which of course makes forecasting for the boatyards for 2014 a nightmare not knowing how things may pan out. That said their boat was then out – had earnt money, just as Roys did for my shopping, Lathams for ‘bits & bobs’ and Greater Anglia for my train fare. Whilst not a lot, 4 businesses got some money they would not have because one had a discount and enticed me to go. As Clive says, the problem is with discounting it makes the usual ‘advertised price’ seem expensive – and then you are on slippery ground – when does the discount end – does the discounted price become the usual and a new discounted price then have to be that much more then what let staff go, standards slip – you would risk unhappy customers who simply desert you. It is very short term thinking because while those boatyards who partake in such may get some bookings – it clearly can’t last in the long term but more worryingly as Andy drew to the fore is the fact you’ve got boats out there with 30% off last minute bookings and yet are still not let! It makes me wonder therefore is it really about price, of a sea change in people who now no longer want to do activity holidays – or holiday here in the UK at all and instead despite not being as cheap as once was, head off to the likes of Spain where at least you will get good weather, a tan and still read The Sun. This is not something I feel should be put at the feet of businesses to get out of but where tourism authorities and the like need to step up to the plate and help promote the area – I mean it seems Norwich as a destination – Norfolk as a whole is somehow the forgotten part of England – even the trains that take you there are decidedly shabby compared to those heading south or west.

lastminuteboathire.com is affiliated to Herbert Woods - and as far as I am aware providing you book within 7 days of booking do indeed get 30% off. However, I used lastminutenorfolkbroads.com which (although not clear) is affiliated to Barnes Brinkcraft. Though they are looking in to correcting matters, the price the website currently quotes is not the full percentage as advertised. In short, if it says for example "25% off these dates" grab a calculator and take 25% off the hire cost yourself to see if that tallies with what is shown when you click 'book now' - if not, call them and book over the phone to ensure you would get the full as advertised percentage discount. As I understand matters this is a glitch between the discount and 'proper' website and more than likely a mistake in some code between linking the two. I have to confess feeling a tad guilty when I booked using the discount site because if everyone was to use such and wait till the last 7 days before going it would surely not be a good thing for the hire industry as a whole. That said, at the end of the day I simply could not afford the usual prices that Barnes Brinkcraft charge – for what are in the main very high quality fitted boats with ‘all the mod cons’ so it enabled me to treat myself, give them some business which would otherwise have not been had. I would likely use such again for weekend breaks when you can think a few days before you are able to go and then get a deal as I guess as far as the consumer goes you get a deal, and as far as the boatyard despite not being as profitable as normal, something is surely better than nothing. I do suspect these discount sites may be the first things to go by the wayside the moment business picks up to more usual seasonal levels.

@ laffingfish: Well welcome here and thank you for your complimentary words. Choosing a boat can be tricky because there are many styles out there, and then small differences within the same style of boat! Generally speaking I think a good all round boat is centre cockpit for they are not too hard to get on or off (their freeboard is not that high) and with the canopy down means at the right state of tide bridges like Wroxham, Wayford and Beccles (old) can be passed. Sometimes a boat that might look more ‘boaty’ – like Belmore – was not designed to be a Broads river cruiser, thus while it looks good you have to compromise in terms of practicality. To some that is perfectly fine to others not so – so I would especially for your 25th wedding anniversary, and since such is an extended break – take time to choose a boat that is less of a compromise for you. Many boatyards are happy for potential clients’ to have a look on the boats when they are not on a turn around day. You could always make a day out of it, call in advance and a nosey around yards and then maybe finish the day off with a couple of hours in a day boat – and not necessarily from the popular centres like Wroxham or Potter Heigham, you could pop along the quiet river Ant for example from Moonfleet at Stlaham. Just an idea...

I should have said in my write up what those who have watched the video would have seen, that Barnes Brinkcraft emailed me personally to apologies for the issues and will alert the engineers to such. I felt that they needn't bothered to reply to my 'feedback' which I had submitted to them from an email after the holiday asking for my views etc. No boat or boatyard I don't think can be perfect all of the time, but it is nice when points are addressed even if that is after the event - it shows they care. I think Barnes Brinkcraft have a good selection of boats, but perhaps would suit me more for weekend/short breaks and stick to Richardson's whose service and overall boat choice and a keen price I value for week or longer breaks.

@ Brian: An area developed for them – it is fine by me. I have to confess, I remain surprised people actually watch/read what I say as I do much the same things when I come. This time around I even toyed with leaving the camera at home – but fat lot of good that did and longest single episode was the result. @ Hylander: I may have some skill of writing handed down by my mother, the Author of the family – but while it may be something to look at doing ‘one of these days’ I think I should get a few more years of boating in before I start writing books. Just think what will happen if I ever get my own boat. @Trambo: My onboard diet is the least of my concerns – it is indeed far better and infinitely more healthy than the fare I usually have when I am not away. However, I am thinking of putting a stop to the naughty food and going all good and healthy and loosing a bunch of weight. I know this will be hard, I used to smoke for over ten years but stopped in a week – going on a diet will be a big struggle but I know will be the right thing long term. @Lori: finny thing is when it comes to writing these, it all comes out pretty easy from memory and I tend to perhaps say a little too much but I find the tale adds a good background to the film.

Sunday 26th May - Day Three: Now you've all been most patient reading all about the trip, and the final day's account is below - but you can now settle down and watch the Captain's Blog - a feature length edition none the less - enjoy I was keen to leave my over night mooring at the mouth of Womack Dyke early – I had worried that because of where I had to moor it may cause issues for boats wishing to enter or leave the dyke in seeing what may be coming. One of the things that I noticed at this time of year is every one seems to get under way later – whereas out of season people are up and off making full use of the available light in the shorter days. It is often the case in Broadland however that the early bird is treated to some of the most amazing sunrises and should you take a stroll along the bank at such time the bird song and activity is equally impressive. Since yesterday’s ‘easy day’ had turned into anything but – finally mooring at around 7:00pm, I was determined today would be a day of not very much – I’d decided that my over night mooring would be Salhouse Broad – a place I had not moored on overnight in the past, but was an easy morning cruise back to Barnes Brinkcraft to hand the boat over the following day. I passed the mouth of the Thurne and the sailing boat crews – some making preparations for the day ahead, but there was a different feeling today – despite the fact it was not long after 8:00am now the sun was in a cloudless sky and it was already a lot warmer than yesterday. With the sunroof open, and ‘patio doors’ slide back this made for an ideal fine weather boat. Whilst you may loose some space internally to the seating area outside, on days like today it was all made up for. I wondered where I should head for – Salhouse in one trip – or break up the journey stopping here and there. I noticed that the water levels were lower than yesterday, but still on the high side and frankly I had given up on the idea of getting up the Ant. I decided instead to head back to Hoveton Little Broad where I could make breakfast and sit in the sun. As I came towards St. Benets things were getting busy – the moorings were pretty full still, but there was activity of all types of boat on the river – small weekend boats, sailing boats, large hire boats it was nice to see so many people out and enjoying the water and the fine weather for which we seem once more to be having very little of so one must make the best of a good day. I did however find myself having to be far more ‘on the ball’ and aware because of the increase in traffic – not just boats deciding to turn at the last moment but then you would spot four canoes hugging the starboard bank and one would need to give them a clear berth and I always slow – many seem not to bother, as if the canoes as they have increased in number in recent years are akin to the cyclists on the roads – many a car driving seeing them as a pain in the backside and I wonder if some helmsmen may see the canoe paddlers in the same vein. Ranworth Dam came and past and I continued up the river and it was not too long before I was on the ‘outskirts’ of Horning. By now the river traffic had reached a new high – and I was often left perplexed – I mean sure a sailing boat needs to tack and you may well not have much of a clue what their next move may be, but you expect that none the less – they are driven by the unpredictable wind – but a motorboat is a different story, but today it seemed as if they were the unpredictable ones on the water. From boats weaving about, being towed, coming to a stop and when I used caution and slow up behind this often as not those behind me would pull out and over take only then seeing what it was I had slowed for. In short I got the impression many were i a rush to get from place to place whereas I was just content to take it easy and be patient – is that not what being on the water is all about? As I came past the New Inn it was busy enough with a boat waiting to turn and moor outside the pub, but it was just a little way along I was greeted with the sight of Gold Gem – a forward drive boat straddled across the river. It looked impressive neither going forward nor back and seemingly to hold still just where it was outside the Swan. A chap in a Dinghy zipped out – I slowed and came almost to a stop, Gold Gem moved forward and for a moment I thought I may have done the wrong thing to then begin to pass behind their stern – I said allowed ‘please don’t reverse’ but all was well and it was clear the lads bedecked in gear and bunting were simply in need of some held as to moor, and the chap in the Dinghy was proffering his wisdom. It is nice to see when it all goes a bit pear shaped, there is often help on hand on these rivers. I made the sharp left hand turn and was greeted ahead with a bunch of small sailing boats that had come from Horning Sailing Club. They were heading down river but not moving very quickly as the wind on the river today was far less stiff as it had been yesterday – I was soon in a ‘sail boat sandwich’ with 4 or 5 in front of me and 2 behind. I could not over take the ones in front for as one tacked left, two might tack right as if I was part of a game show where someone must make a run through a line of swinging balls and not be hit. I was actually rather enjoying the spectacle and meant I could get in some ‘training’ on slow speed manoeuvring keeping a watchful eye for those behind catching me up and those in front doing their almost ballet like routines. As it happened we were all moving at the same speed so I was able to be in amongst them but not cause alarm of evasive manoeuvres from crews. The real issue was they were all going onto Hoveton Little Broad – just where I was also wanting to go to do my breakfast – which was fast approaching to become a brunch. I was to begin unsure if the turning they were going down was indeed the Broad, but upon seeing the sign I could see it was and they had lost a lot of wind in the trees and were paddling up the channel. I decided therefore to continue up river for a time, turn and head back thus they would all be on the Broad and I’d have clear passage up the channel to it. Once I was on Hoveton little Broad (does anyone know why it is called this or also referred to Blackhouse Broad?) there was nothing short of a spectacular sight – it seemed liked 20 or more boats were all out perhaps of two different classes completed with a floating ‘starting line’ – sorry chaps, but I am not sure what these are but no doubt the sailing people will know where they have hoisted little flags. Anyway it matters not what it was called, or indeed if they were formally racing or just having a fun day in the sunshine – it was great to watch. I mud weighted well away from the action had my late breakfast and then seemed to go a bit mad. I had packed a lot of my things away so that the last night would be relaxed and no rush to pack up before the morning – but then I went further and began cleaning. I seem to do this with boats and before long all the windows have been cleaned inside and out, the aft well mopped the floors wiped down. Now this was all done Belmore positively sparkled in the sun. I decided too it was far too nice of a day and early to stay on Salhouse so I departed and headed for Wroxham As I was coming into Wroxham having not long passed Wroxham Broad I had been following a large forward steer boat – nothing out of the ordinary there, but I had latched on suddenly that the two (it turned out to be three) young girls on the back were not accompanied and they had shut the stern door – leaving the parents in the forward saloon unaware of what was now going on out back. One of the girls then sat with legs over the back of the boat and kicking the fender, lifting it and so on. I simply could watch this no more and actually got a bit tense – she was very young and if god forbid slipped she would be at best in the water and have to be recovered – at worst to go in and the other kids scream and dad put the boat hard into reverse to stop – well I’ll leave you to work out what may happen then. I needed to get alongside and tell the parents what was going on at the back – I was along side in a shot but it would appear from those now approaching that I was the biggest fool of Broadland trying to overtake a boat where I was – I of course was not and while the parents were most grateful and got the girls he forward well where they could be seen, it is moments like this when being safe on the water is all about not taking a risk because even if you did it 99 times without bother the 100 could be the time you forever regret. When I arrived in Wroxham it was busy but because of the boats which were out on hire found a few spaces in Barnes Brinkcrafts’ yard so popped in – loving the way the boat could be turned on a sixpence and fit into just about any space – it was as I was turning the whole event got highly pressured and me very nervous. You see I hate, absolutely cannot stand and will run like a girl away from Wasps. And now there was a big bugger in the boat going mad trying to get out (but as ever being stupid and hitting the windows – you would have thought flying insects would have evolved to know glass is not able to be got through) but the Wasp was getting ever more worked up and buzzing around me I wanted to get out the way but was half way turning the boat so could not. I probably made the fasted stern mooring – and as it happened one of the best – under the pressure of wanting to get away from the Wasp. Once out the back and on the Quay I was away from the crazed insect – phew! Oh damn I thought for in the rush to moor and get off the boat I forgot to grab a line and now Belmore gentle began to drift away from the Quay. Thank goodness for stern fenders, grabbed one and brought her back to and could make the boat fast and get onboard and deal with the Wasp. I had travelled light, so a can of fly killer was left off the list, a tea towel would have to do to encourage the now angry Wasp out of the sunroof – well let us just say the Wasp was not playing ball and the tea towel controller was not being the most persuasive in encouraging the way to the sunroof. I had no idea the humble tea towel could end up quiet as good swat as it did. So with one Wasp down it was time to shut up the boat and head into town. Wroxham by now was heaving with people and it seemed everyone wanted to get either Fish & Chips or an Ice Cream – my craving was that of an Ice Cream and it went down a treat and I took the time to wander about and look at the river, but before long the constant moving out of peoples way on the pavement and waiting forever to cross the road got to me, this was like being back home on a Saturday afternoon back to the boat I thought and so I did. Sitting onboard I remembered when I had met with Charlie on Broad Ambition they were going to be meeting up with The Corsican – at Salhouse later and having met with Simon and Sonia when we had travelled to Southwold it would be lovely to see them again. I wondered if such was still on, and seeing as it was now fast approaching lunchtime and I was heading for Salhouse anyway I’d head up and take a looksie. I left the sanctuary of Barnes Brinkcraft yard and headed out on what effectively had become the M1 – you see when it is a Bank Holiday, the sun is shining and Wroxham is busy you can be sure of one thing – many, many dayboats will be out. Now to be fair many of them were having a great time but you always get the silly buggers – and as I was approaching Wroxham Broad one such dayboat full of young men was going all over the shop – three had decided to clamber out and sit on the front legs over feet in the water when one got up, slipped and in the water he went...oh they laughed and grabbed him in and it was such a funny sight – not for me though I’ve always been the person to think ‘what if’ and whilst it meant he was wet and his friends were laughing at his misfortune, I think of all the bad outcomes that could happen – I guess I worry too much. With Wroxham Broad passed next up was Salhouse – only I had no signal on my phone oh the joys of using O2 on the Broads. I did however have my MiFi unit and an App ‘TuGo’ which uses a data connection to send texts and make calls, as if you dialled them from your O2 phone – thus texts and calls come out of your inclusive bundle of minutes etc. This in principal is a great idea, however as I found out while it works, the delay between sending a text means you may as well send a carrier Pigeon up to send a message. Salhouse was pretty full so I did and ‘in and out’ and carried on down the Bure towards Horning. It made no sense, I was simply burning fuel for no reason other than I was enjoying the day, enjoying the boat and driving and with some good music on was having a great time of it. I got to Horning turned around and then saw The Corsican – I was 2 or three boats behind when I had a reply to my text I had sent at Salhouse – i duly replied to this, well lets just say it was delivered over an hour later. TuGo not perhaps the fasted communication tool therefore. At least I knew it was all on to meet at Salhouse – what time, where no idea such instruction lost to the wilderness of the data super highway so I continued up river back to Salhouse – not a long journey as anyone who has done this trip will know, and when I arrived I dropped the mudweight and promptly swung around, dragged a little and then was in front of the entrance. Back up with the weight, move the boat this time drop the weight from a greater height – and my god is Salhouse mud something. Hoveton Little Broad is sandier almost, but Salhouse is thick and dark and makes a right mess. I looked at the goings on – it was very busy, both at the stern moorings and with boats on the broad swinging gently in the breeze. It looked lovely actually, and it was not long before The Corsican arrived – looking out for a Richardson’s boat they were surprised to see me on one from Barnes Brinkcraft – they headed out to moor and after I had got the mudweight up in the most graceful way I could muster so not to cover myself in mud, I headed on over to moor stern on. We were lucky that there was space for three – we positioned ourselves much the same as a young man does on the bus – one seat, but he is taking it all with his legs open – Simon text Charlie his phone being on a network that actually works and so it was that Broad Ambition was on the way. They duly arrived and when Broad Ambition does it seems to get as many looks for her good looks as does the skipper for his ability to turn 40ft of boat and come in to a mooring. I would not call it graceful, more like an old Triumph that turns up with a roar of revs – looks amazing, sounds great and everyone stops and looks. Once we were all tied up it was time for drinks and conversation and then the most wonderful BBQ – Sonia should really enter for Masterchef her cooking is simply divine, and after the food it was time to be merry and enjoy time in the company of friends as the sun set over the Broad. What a great end to a wonderful weekend.

Terrible Dan I know - I was not even keeping a tally but sometimes a good offer presents itself and - you know how it is, hard to say no. So how about we all party and not make war. Oh the drinsk are not on me, spent all me money on boats haha

First off - Belmore was the boat name. Honestly, a nice boat - really nice - but for every positive was a negative (which I may add was not a lot to do with boatyard but design of boat) however something were to do with boatyard - as you will see, this caused an issue with the second days dinner cooking. Saturday 25th May – Day Two: I had not had the most restful of sleeps partly because when I had made the berth up the previous night, I found under the starboard mattress quiet a bit of water – I was not sure where this had come from, perhaps from the window seal (the forward cabin windows did not open) but wherever it was from, it should not have been where it now found itself – and of course foam being what it is happily wicked the moisture up. The port berth was dry and after making this up found another problem – the ‘escape hatch’ would get a lot of condensation on it (they often do) but because it had no arm to adjust and fix in a partial position, it was either open completely or shut and this hatch formed the only ventilation for the cabin. Said condensation would now drip happily onto the floor – I could take it no more so got up and made up the dinette – this became my sleeping accommodation for the remainder of the trip, comfortable, large but annoying to put up each night and then put away bedding in the morning. I had a lay in by my standards – but now up and about it was time to think about where I should go today – Potter Heigham for sure so after I had attended to the ungracious messing about with the external vynal window covers trying to wrap around me, then blow off in the breeze – I left the mooring and headed up the Thurne. Upon mooring at the Broads Authority moorings I did something I have never done before, I ‘plugged in’ the boat to the electric post. Why not, someone had left a little credit and some free leccie was welcome – I presume that is how it worked, either that or it sat plugged in looking fancy and doing not a lot lol. Anyway I needed more kitchen towel and Lathams sold jumbo rolls of the stuff so it was first stoop Lathams but as seems inevitable when I visit this place I ended up getting more than I ever really needed . Once shopping was complete popped over the road to Waterside Marine Sales – I had seen a boat on their website that looked tidy, and good value – however in the flesh she looked unloved and clearly one would need to undertake a lot of work on the superstructure around windows and so on as the wood was rooting. It made me think just what a big step ever taking the plunge to ownership would be, come the time – certainly something that mind would need to rule over and not heart. I had a wander around and was surprised despite the fact it was early morning no one was about wanting to take over day boats – they were lined up waiting expectantly for someone to have a day out – the only activity was the teams of cleaners working over the hire boats in Herbert Woods – I looked on thinking how ‘up and down’ this boatyard has been over the years, and how now it is looking mighty fine the buildings painted and smart, the boats lined up looking very smart. I walked back over the bridge, only 6ft was showing – I made an educated guess that likely meant that Ludham would be around 8ft clearance – and then took on board that I would not be on my favourite river, the Ant this time around. Back on board it was time to do some breakie simply a sausage on toast with some scrambled egg. Went down a treat and the cheap Kenco Rapor coffee I had bought was not actually that bad of a cup. I sat sipping wondering – if I could not go up the Ant, what could I do? Well going down towards Acle was not exactly going to be full of interest – and with the Thurne Mouth Open Regatta on surely would prove to be a trip where ones wits would be needed at all times. No I thought, I’ll head back to the Bure, check in once again on the Ant and see just what the clearance was under Ludham and if no luck then I would make for Wroxham via Ranworth and Horning. I am not sure of the time, but I left Potter Heigham and heading up the Thurne – taking it easy and despite the stiff breeze, pleased the weather was warming up and brighter than yesterday. Not too long into the journey and past the turn off for Ludham, Thurne Dyke (well the drainage mill) came into view. It was only as I past the mouth of the dyke I looked back and saw Broad Ambition was moored – so about turn and came down the dyke to moor just behind them. Griff and Macie dog were on the bank and after showing him the boat spent some time later onboard having a chat and a coffee and meeting a very nice couple who were onboard for the weekend. I also gave some of the goodies I had been given in my hamper Barnes Brinkcraft had given me. The wind had not eased any by the time I was back on Belmore ready to depart the mooring – I had guessed I could turn her in the narrow width of the dyke and use her ample power to get the boat round. Well first attempt mother nature was not helping and I was once more perfectly ‘moored’ against the bank where I started – second attempt the boat won against the wind and whilst it was not the smoothest of turns and nothing ‘3 point’ about it I was none the less now facing the right way and then it dawned on me it would have been far easier to have backed down the dyke using the mouth of it to turn in, rather than turn in the narrow confines of it – live and learn you do though. As I came to the mouth of the Thurne there was some good racing already under way and several sailing boats making of the buoy to turn at – just as I was approaching to turn right and head up the Bure – I stopped and kept close to the Reeds and not only did I not get in their way, had a great view as they came for the turn, the sails catching the wind once more, the boat heaving over and the look of concentration on the crew was amazing. As I headed towards St. Benets a couple more were taking up the river - but good timing and the fact I was starting to learn from watching the ripples on the water and reeds blowing where the wind was, and a quick look at the sails I had some idea when a tack was going to begin and at what angle such would be at as their direction would change. As I came past Fleet Dyke there was nice swell and the narrow beam of the boats ‘V’ hull meant a good bit of roll was the order of the day – and a smile on my face, indeed I contemplated turning back and going through it all again for sedate waters are all very well, but a slight roll and pitching is just as welcome. I opted not to as I was trying to be as frugal as possible with fuel – this after all was a trip which was on a tight budget and the likes of food and fuel had to be carefully calculated. After the fun of the sailing it was time to head towards Ranworth Staithe – I am not sure what I was thinking – I mean it be free on a Bank Holiday weekend, no of course it was not but Ranworth Island was. I moored up and stepped on to what later seemed the only bit of wet soggy mud along the whole quay and now most of it was on the ropes, and in the boat. Still I waited there for about 20 minutes keeping a careful look out at the staithe to see if anyone would be going and might I be able to get lucky – I fancied a walk and around Ranworth are some lovely walks. It was not to be so I departed and headed for Horning. As I came past the Ferry Inn it dawned on me how many boats were now out – lots of day boats, and a lot of hire boats – not long after one passes the Swan you come to Little Hoveton Broad (Blackhouse Broad) and despite the fact I was to begin going to head to Salhouse overnight, I decided I would instead mud weight on Hoveton Little Broad. By the time I arrived, found a nice spot, put the mud weight over it was getting on for 5pm now – wherever had the day gone to I wondered – but I was now having a right dilemma as the sign at the entrance of the Broad stated no mooring or shore side amenities. The map simple stated it had no mooring facilities – this left me wondering therefore if mud weighting was also considered mooring – was I allowed to or not? Well after some thinking about it the lack of single on my dongle and the fact the wind had got up and the water was once more slapping at the hull made my mind up – I would be leaving, so up with the mud weight and head back towards Horning. I thought to begin I would go all the way back to my previous nights mooring at Womack Dyke just off the Thurne, but felt sure I’d also find somewhere to moor long before I reached there. Horning was full, the moorings at the Swan, and New Inn – even the island opposite the Swan was full – passing the Ferry Inn it too was full indeed some had double moored and Cockshoot Dyke had no space. By the time I had reached the mouth of the Ant I knew the Thurne was not too far away, and seeing as the moorings as St. Benent’s were all taken I knew I would be best to carry on – after all I still could not get under Ludham Bridge. Once on the Thurne the sailing boats which had been taking part in the Regatta were all moored for the night and while sunset was not going to be for another couple of hours there was that feeling of everyone (including nature) was winding down. When I got to the dyke that leads to Womack Water – all the usual ‘wild moorings’ were taken, as was the formal Broads Authority ones – and those on the island. There was only one thing for it – I’d have to have the space just at the mouth of the dyke – which would not be ideal and I was aware that I could not stick around in the morning for long either as I was concerned mooring here may cause some sighting problems for boats leaving the dyke or turning on to it from the main river but it would do for the time being and it was getting on for 7:15pm and frankly what had begun as a day I intended to do very little in fact had ended up with me doing rather a lot – at least as cruising was concerned. Not long after mooring up I decided to it would be a good idea to put dinner on – I’d bought one of these Lamb Shanks that had been pre-cooked and you put in the Microwave – well I thought, give it a whirl – so I duly started the engine, put the Lamb in the Microwave and after 4 minutes the microwave made some rather unhappy sounds and the inverter ‘tripped’ – yep despite having the engine going at 1,200RPM the volts had dropped below 11v and I was now having to wait for some charge to get into the batteries and start the Microwave again. This process of cooking, waiting, cooking and so on went on for some time – especially since I was also doing Microwave Mash and could only seemingly keep the thing cooking for around 4 minutes a pop. It was not actually too bad of a dinner – the mash was buttery and fluffy, the Lamb minty and tender – carrots and peas and some wine added to make it really rather nice, but goodness me what is it with boats and their batteries these days – I really get annoyed because it is one thing someone not doing enough hours cruising, or trying to use power hungry things without the engine running, but when you do things ‘by the book’ and you still encounter such it boils down to the fact the batteries are simply worn out, have done too many discharge and recharge cycles. Another niggle to be put on the growing list of points for the boatyard to be aware of on my return. Still, since this was only a weekend away I would not let it bother me too much and so after dinner sat out on the aft well deck and enjoyed watching the sun as it set, feeding the passing ducks and enjoying the wine. It had been a lovely day, and tomorrow was forecast to be even warmer – I could not wait.

I should preface this to say this is not just a ‘Holiday Tale’ but a story of my experiences prior to booking, arriving and the trip itself. So as you will see this is a ‘all in one’ account the last instalment will feature the ubiquitous ‘Captains Blog’ so settle down and enjoy the journey. I have got used to starting a boating holiday at either Stalham or Acle and doing business with Richardson’s. It made a change to start from Wroxham which meant I could simply walk to the boatyard and having Roys close by would mean for easy access to supplies. I had decided to take advantage of some of last minute deals that were being offered – had I not done so I simply would not have been able to have afforded the higher costs this time of year bring. My experience with the booking of the holiday was not the most streamlined – I used a discount website that linked in to Barnes Brinkcraft – the first problem was when I noticed that while the website stated “25% of these dates” it was not quite correct, upon working out what 25% off the price was it did not tally to the sites advertised pricing. It turned out that the percentage the site shows in real terms was not 25% off, but 23.35%. I decided therefore to call and point this point out – whereupon I was asked where I had seen such a discount – for officially they were offering 20% off over the Bank Holiday weekend – I did get the feeling I was being asked to show and prove something to which the company should have been aware of (in short how much they charge for they holidays). I decided to not book there and then, but wait – for though the main website showed special offers ending on the 21st May, the discount site was showing 30% off prices without an expiry date. With just over a week before the May Bank Holiday I bit the bullet and booked my train tickets (for these were steadily rising in price the closer the date of travel was getting). To cut a long story short with the website freezing at the crucial point and then showing my boat chose was booked, booking another alternative then the following day finding my first choice was available after all, calling – changing the booking – getting a 30% discount - I was happy. I had a lovely looking plush boat booked at a price less than a basic boat such as a Calypso. Friday 24th May – Day One: Looking at the weather forecast things were looking very much typical for the Bank Holiday – cooling temperatures, high winds and rain – lots of rain! I left my house – the sky was thick with grey cloud and it had rained over night but appeared to be holding off for now, down on the Underground it was not long (two stops actually) before the train came to a stop in the tunnel and the driver came on to announce that due to a failed train ahead we would be held here for some time. This is why I always leave so much extra time to get to Liverpool Street. After many delays I emerged from the tunnels and into the bright light of the station and found a ticket machine. For the first time ever I had opted to collect my tickets rather than have the same posted to me. I put my card in the machine, then entered the booking reference and up popped my details. I pressed ‘print’ and the machine whirred into life however problem number 2 of the morning, I had two travel tickets but only 1 seat reservation had been printed. Without the seat reservation (outward as it happened) my travel ticket was invalid. After a long queue I spoke to a chap at the ticket office – he would not have it that the machine could have not printed the seat reservation, and told me to check the machine number and if the ticket was in the shoot but not dropped into the tray. I went, I looked and it was (as predicted) not there. Back to the ticket office – queue again – and this time a lady again told me this was just not possible. I protested, she got a manager and he got someone to open up the machine – ahha! no ticket paper left in it. So now I had to wait while some rule and way left over from the days of steam most likely was brought into effect – where was the paper ticket book kept – they looked and shuffled and then ahah! it was found, hand written ticket and full explanation duly given and signed I was set to catch my train – urm no. At the automatic gates I was stopped and told ‘that ain’t been stamped mate’ – with 8 minutes before departure this slight issue with a bit of paper and a Greater Anglia office stamp was not going to stop me getting to the Broads. Out with the Oyster card, gates duly opened and I was through and off – I’ll deal with the ticket inspector on the train... As we left Liverpool Street the rain began, and got worse the further out of London and east we travelled. The ticket inspector came, and did nothing more than a cursory glance at my unstamped travel pass which served as my ticket – I settled in expectant excitement for Norwich to come. I changed trains and it seemed all very matter of fact and increasingly ‘every day’ to me to get off at Hoveton & Wroxham. It was raining but I was prepared – umbrella and black bin bag to protect my wheeled case I set off for the Boatyard. I was not expecting however to find Riverside Road flooded and impassable to wheeled case traffic – I had to lift it up and carry as my feet splashed through the couple of inches of water outside Royalls boatyard - the walking boots were water proof after all. I opened the door to reception and was expecting a warm welcome ‘hello how are you’? or ‘terrible weather isn’t it have you had a good journey’? – What I got was ‘yes’? – I was back in 1993 in the head mistresses office of my Secondary school – I felt as If I was somehow in the wrong and hesitantly presented my paper work (which seemed to not be needed in the end) a radio call went out – the boat was ready – a few crosses put on the large blackboard behind the desk and I was taken off to my boat. Well, it was an efficient if ungracious service. Before long a young man came aboard to talk me through the boat. I said to him at the time that his service and attention to details was second to none, going through the points that needed to be shown but knowing to miss the points I clearly knew such as how to use the throttle and so on. I must be fair their overall service was good and the 'people on the ground' were working hard, attentive and taking care of people - or requests - I asked for an extra bow line so I could have such along both side decks making it easier for me to moor whatever side of the boat I came to moor on – a line was duly taken from the adjacent boat – I hope another was found to replace it before the boat was allowed out, the insert for the forward cabin to make such into a double berth I had asked to be taken off the boat to free up a little space – and that was pretty much that – I was let to get on with my trip it was now about 1:20 in the afternoon, so not bad going having only got off the train at around 12:00pm First things were to go off to Roys for supplies – but I thought since I had not had anything to eat I might as well grab a McDonalds – it was rather new to me being given a cup and ‘fill your own’ at the self service machine, and then someone called my name – yes it had only taken about an hour and half since arriving in Wroxham to be spotted and I was introduced to a family who were avid watchers of my Captain’s Blogs and come to the Broads from Scotland a couple of times a year. I’m still getting used to people who ‘know me’ popping up to say hello or shout my name and me surly to have a bemused look on my face in return ‘who are you’? With shopping done – and a decent windscreen wiper from Roys DIY obtained – it was back to the boat, the rain had stopped and dare I say the sky looked a little brighter. I packed the supplies away, during which I found the first water leak of many on the boat forming a pool on the galley floor – good thing I bought plenty of kitchen towel. Next up how to get out of the small berth she was in – I’d have to back out on to the main river, the high level of the helm affording a good view over the double moored boats along Barnes ‘outside’ quay moorings which front the River Bure. Job done, no scraps I passed the moored private boats heading towards Wroxham Bridge before I made my turn and then headed down the Bure – destination Womack Dyke. Not too far into the journey I stopped at Salhouse Spit to take some photos of the boat and found out just how high the freeboard on the boat was when mooring side on – no exaggeration this was likely a 3 ½ to 4 feet foot drop from deck to terra firma – one simply could never step off this boat, it was a leap. More over the even harder part was then getting back on the boat. I soon found out there simply was no graceful way to get back onboard, one having to cock up a leg, get one’s knee on the deck grab something and hoist the rest of you up. Blimey I was not expecting to have a work out – but having been asked if I was staying for any length of time by a very polite lady in a dinghy collecting fees, it was time to be off – I’d attempted to fit the new wiper but butter fingers had put pa t that, dropping the correct sized plastic adaptor for the arm into the Bure. It was not too far after departing Salhouse that the rain came down in rather epic proportions – but as soon as it had come, it went as if the tap had been turned off – this repeated itself the most spectacular was when I turned off on to the River Ant to see what the levels were like at Ludham Bridge. 8ft dead – in a 9ft air draft boat – I think not. With the rain brought a new menace some serious condensation – the wiper to be fair wiped 50% of the time, that is to say right to left juddered and did nothing, but the return left to right cleared the water to some degree. I was then up and down with clothes wiping away at the condensation – fortunately with the patio style doors open at the rear it began to clear. By the time I had turned on the Ant, returned to the Bure and was heading towards the river Thurne the rain had once again stopped. It was busy, but not overly so with boats and upon reaching the Thurne (whose mouth was full of beautiful sailing boats and several wooden cruises including Broadsventure XII which was looking mighty fine) for the Regatta which was to take place over the weekend. I headed on and suddenly thought where on earth at the Rhonde Anchors? – Come to think of it what about the curtains for the front screens (they would be the Vinyl type which clip over the windows outside). I found the Rhonde Anchors in the gas locker – no sign of the window covers though. It was time to take the left turn onto Womack Dyke – and moor where I had just 3 weeks previously on Distant Horizon 2 – the mooring was free – it might not be quite as scenic as ones found on the Ant, but it offers the ability to be able to go for a nice walk along the bank and once can see for miles around over the marshland. Honestly, I think my true favourite wild moorings are on the Ant – but since I cannot get up under Ludham Bridge, this would have to suffice. Not long after mooring, and as I was taking photos – Crusading Light passes by ‘Oi London Rascal’ gets shouted over – yep I’ve just been spotted by more followers of the Captain’s Blog. Now moored it was time to get to know the boat some more – I found another locker on the left side of the boat, it contained the vinyl covers for the forward windows – from their dirty nature and manner in which were folded it seemed as if these had been hidden away here for months – likely most hirers unaware the boat had such and put up with less privacy afford by their use. They fitted – in parts – but with some missing ‘press studs’ it made securing them a tad tricky – but the Velcro tabs in the end held firm and once were up it actually felt very cost and nice inside. Let me be clear this is a lovely boat – it has laminated Holly & Teak effect flooring, comfortable seating and a modern light wood interior with lots of drawers and storage. It has a larger than average flat screen television, Microwave, gas hob and oven (these days increasingly rare to find on Barnes Brink craft boats) and the most effective and controllable water heated heating system. No less than 3 heater outlets in the saloon, one for the dinette/galley and one for the forward cabin – the heating also heated the domestic water supply – so no need to run the engine for piping hot water it was on tap whenever one required it. It also featured two thermostats so one could have the forward cabin at a separate temperature to the salon – what a boon and while on the subject of the heater no annoying ticking of a fuel pump. I settled down for the evening, the rain had cleared the sky was putting on a grand show with the sun setting – I sat in the after cockpit with a glass of Merlot and some ‘moody music (ambient) which fitted the scene perfectly. Bliss.

Hello Si, First of all the boat you are on is handy as it will (water levels permitting) get under all the bridges. Depending on how much time you want to be spending ‘at the wheel’ greatly influences how much you will be able to do and I suspect with an 11 year old in tow, they may get a little fed up if you are spending too many hours going along and not enough time doing things on the shore so to speak. There are a bunch of pubs to pick from – you’ve got the Dog Inn a short walk from Ludham Bridge, you can also head up to Dilham should you wish to the Cross Keys – but there is of course the White Horse at Netisihead too – Sutton Staithe hotel at Sutton Staithe... So just a short distance from your base of Stalham you’ve got a good choice of places you can see – and once there pop off for food and drink. Past that you have at Potter Heigham the Falgate Inn which is about 10-15 min walk from the old road bridge (if you walk away from the bridge with Lathams on your left-hand side) – lovely food here. Malters at Ranworth Staite, King Arms a short walk from Womack Water – Ferry Inn, The Swan and The New Inn all in Horning. As you can see most places are within a few minutes walk of a pub – just have a look at places you wish to visit on Google Maps – then see what is about – pubs and so on, how far from the river they are – some have moorings right outside such as the Ferry or Bridge Inn at Acle. You may be surprised how quickly you get to places but also how long it may take to get to others. For example from Horning to Wroxham is just over an hour but should you place to got from Wroxham to Potter Heigham in one go you are looking at getting on for 4 hours. It is really hard to give you a good plan of what to do, where to go – a bit like something who loves Ford and trying to tell someone who loves Renault why they need to get a Ford lol – one thing that does stand out that you and your daughter may enjoy which is often missed off peoples itinerates is the Bure Valley Railway – a short walk from Wroxham Town Centre (like literally a short walk) it is a narrow gauge steam railway and very much a good little ride. Try not to plan too much though – and have a look at www.mynorfolkbroadsboating.co.uk as that has guides and cruising times between places to get an idea how long places will take to get to and better plan your time away. Have a great time!

Thanks for the compliment Lori - and I remember as a kid coming with my parents how I would want time to slow down when on the boat to soak it all up as much as possible. I don't think there is any holiday quite like boating, it is what makes it all so special. I guess the only reason I tend to take the boat to the yard on the last evening, is not having a car I can be all packed and ready for the off in the morning ahead of others and get away to the station.

Day Seven: Watch Day Seven Captain's Blog Below: I am not sure about others, but for me the last day of a boating holiday is always one of reflection – where it all began, how the boat which is now your familiar home was once unfamiliar and new. It is also a time for taking things at a slower pace – as it was today. I woke and after getting read began to do the more tedious of things just so it was out of the way – packing my case and checking I had not left anything in one of the many shelves and drawers this boat has. After that it was time to depart Womack Dyke and I headed down the river Thurne to where it joins the Bure. The Broads Authority ‘Thurne Mouth’ moorings were free, the wind was kindly blowing towards the bank so I knew mooring here would be easy – and it was a mooring I had not stopped at previously. Once there I remembered why I much prefer overnight moorings on the quieter, narrow rivers – for here on the exposed Bure the wavelets were hitting the bow of the boat and creating the usual racket ‘splash splash splash’ on the hull – I thought how annoying this would be should you be moored here for any period of time. But it was a light breakfast and time to watch the world go by instead. I had absolutely no idea what to do or where to go today so decided upon a bit of a meander about the rivers. First it was down to Acle, a quick look in at Horizon Craft – they had space in their basin so at least I knew where I would be mooring tonight, under the Bridge an onwards down to Stokesby – where I moored again and went for a walk about the place and generally took the scene in, watching passing boats and so on. You can tell that today was one of those days where you can just spend the time doing very little and yet feeling very happy with doing that at the same time. Back to the boat it was time to depart – I headed back towards Acle, this time back to the Thurne mouth, where I turned left and headed towards St. Benet’s – I’d wanted to stop off here again since I had found it so nice a place in March. Since the moorings were busier and I could see people about the ruins I decided not – this place for me I think will be viewed another year in the winter when the place is quiet and you only have the bird song and sound of the wind – one can then reflect and ‘be’ without distraction. I turned the boat just off the main river at the head of Fleet Dyke and then as I headed back along the Bure, the wind returned – it had never really been still all week and made filming anything always a challenge. I had made the decision that today I would not film very much at all, this was time for me to take in and see and not worry about recording it for the ‘Captain’s Blog’. But you see that meant for an odd feeling, I actually felt guilty. At the last check my videos had been seen over 47,000 times and about 6,000 people a month come and see them – a diehard following always comment on them and let it be known they are keen for more – or what they wish to see. That is actually no bad thing, but it means when the camera stays in its case a short and not very interesting video comes as a result you tend to feel as if you let those avid followers down a tad. I continued down the Bure and decided despite the time being early in the afternoon to head to base – I could moor up put the last of my things away and tidy up and clean then head off to the Bridge Inn. I took it slow and when I arrived Sparking Horizon had the same idea as I – so I let them go in and moor and then followed in and moored at the far end of the basin. The wind had really got up, the sky was looking anything but nice and I knew I’d had the best of the weather all week! Since I was there I had a look at some of the other boats that were moored up – Prisma Horizon, while a good looking ‘boaters boat’ seemed very hard going to get up to and down from the fly bridge and like Far Horizon would not pass under anything but Acle Bridge. After getting everything sorted I headed off to the Bridge Inn and had a lovely meal and some lovely Aspalls Cider – which because is so refreshing and tasty is easy to have rather a lot of and then remember it is alcoholic after all - I think I’ll have a nice sleep tonight then. Back to the boat and settle in for the night - but I would not have such a peaceful night as I thought. I woke up not only to the sound of the rain beating heavily over the boat, but to this terrible growing and squeaking sound which resonated through the boat and was coming from the aft end. I knew exactly what it was, and there was nothing for it – I was going to have to get up and go out in the rain to put it right. You see Distant Horizon 2 has a ladder at the stern which is great for getting on and off of the boat when moored stern on, but unlike in previous seasons where I had seen a fender on the ladder – it was this time bare. So here I am in the wind and rain on the quayside untying one of the stern fenders and putting it on the ladder – it must have taken me but a couple of minutes – but upon getting back onboard i was soaked! Well if I smoked it would have been a ‘Hamlet moment’ but instead I sighed towelled my hair as dry as one could be bothered changed my top and got back into bed. The next morning after fuelling one of the chaps at the yard drove me in the minibus to Acle Station and it was during this moment your heart sinks, good by Broads and before long I would be back in the big city. Distant Horizon 2 is a cracking boat, very good value for money and well equipped with a super cooker – quality crockery, utensils, glasses and pots and pans for those who cook. You have comfortable berths, plenty of storage and then from the outside helm wonder views over the marshes. If you want a duel steer boat and don’t want to pay the earth but do want a good looking boat, this would be for you.

Oh dear I can't go anywhere now without being spotted lol.

Day Six: Watch Day Six Captain's Blog Below: I had an appointment to keep this morning, which when you are on the Norfolk Broads is a rare thing to have to do – but I was to meet Lord Paul – photography extraordinaire and as it turned out pretty nifty with gadgets and electronics and the cherry on the cake an all round good guy and very welcoming too. So what was the deal with meeting him on this sunny morning? The previous evening I had a call asking where I was moored and would it be ok to meet and take some aerial footage of me on the river – since I was on the Ant and he was going to be coming down from Stalham it was ideal – in fact he came down just as dusk came and the sky does that beautiful transition from day to night and moored a few corners down the river from me. I left my mooring and just a few minutes later I spied his trust Freeman moored by Clayrack Drainage Mill and kindly helped with the Rhonde Anchors and ropes and invited on board his boat. He has taken an ‘off the shelf’ quad copter radio controlled flying machine – okay it is a bit more than that, I mean it has built in GPS and can using this know where it is and keep pretty still within an area of sky without user input. But Lord Paul was not happy with bunging a camera on that and away you go, so he has rigged up a monitor and various bits of kit to downlink the cameras image to the screen – which even clips on a camera tripod so he can in real time see what the ‘Drone’ sees. Absolutely amazing and I am sure he is the sort of chap who gets excited when the next Maplin catalogue comes out and can tell you what half the gizmos can be used for. Back on Distant Horizon I set off towards Stalham, turned and came back – upon which I heard the noise of the rotors and then there it was – higher than I thought but holding station in the sky – it filming me and me filming it. I passed by then towards How Hill made a further turn and came back for another run, where very expertly Lord Paul turned the Drone 180 degrees as I passed by and then followed me. After this back to the bank and review the footage. I’ve no idea what the boat moored behind us must have thought was going on lol. I left Paul and headed down the Ant – the water point was occupied with boats filling up their water tanks, so I instead head for the Bure and onward to Ranworth. Not long passing the Bridge, I had a shout from the bank ‘did you just come through the Bridge?’ No I said, I went under it – the chap looked at me in a bemused state, the joke was lost on him but he was on Brinks Concerto and worried if he would get under, I assured him he could. Today seemed a little different, the sun was shining but it was not as warm as earlier in t e week, there was a lot more activity on the river – plenty of hire boats to spot and note how they looked ‘in the flesh’ and because of the breeze the sailing fraternity was enjoying the day too. It does not take too long to get to a place I need to stop miss-naming. Ranworth Dam (not Dyke) I will try harder in future. Heading off towards Malthouse Broad behind a small sailing boat, under power. I kept my distance and matched their speed and upon reaching the Broad looked through the Binoculars – hmm things were looking a tad busy but it appeared there was space ‘around the corner’ on the side of the staithe’s moorings. The sailing boat went left then right then did a complete 360 degree turn and slowly put their fenders over and I could not really continue to stay where I was being pushed by the wind to the private moorings on the far bank from the Staithe, I gentle overtook them – perhaps passed them since they were virtually stationary – and then the woman in the cockpit told me off. “Where did you think I was going?” I said, “Sorry I’ll back out if you wish” but as ever with comments on the Broads you never get an answer back in such situations – I am a calm person but if someone begins a dialogue like that again and upon me replying in a gesture of ‘Sorry you go then’ type response, and they ignore me I will not bite my tongue. There was about 4 boats widths of space to moor, and a classic and beautiful wooden boat was already moored on the mooring closet to the pub – the name escapes me, she lives in the Wet Shed at Richardson’s though. I knew I had enough space to turn and the wind was blowing me away from her so my heart was not in my mouth – but a friendly lady came out – offering to help – I was almost berthed and thanked her for the offer and she said “I think you’ve done that before” – tiss true I have, but I still worry just how well it will turn out going, thankfully this time was perfect. I spied Corsica (the beautiful private boat not the hire boat) and they were coming in to moor where I had just arrived. I’d never met Simon or Sonia before, nor they me – but I knew the boat and I knew it was they who would be join myself, Griff and Russ on the sea trip to Southwold the following week. What timing to meet now I thought. I introduced myself and before long Steve and Maggie moved from the front of the staithe’s moorings to the side – again I had not only never met them, I had not seen their boat Magellan so it was a case of meeting four members of the Norfolk Broads Forum in one afternoon. We talked, Sonia made a lovely cheese and Ham toasty and I got to see both boats and hear of their history. You are fine people with lovely boats and thank you for taking the time out to show me around and have a natter. While aboard Magellan there was an awfully loud crunch – a Fineway day boat with a group of women on had effectively gone at full revs in reverse into the bow of Pearl Horizon and done some damage too – but the day boat had simply engaged forward gear and departed – I think they moored where they should have all along at the moorings for day boats. I know a group of people having a good time on a boat they have only a short while ago taken over, likely having never driven a boat in their lives – but it amazes me having clearly done damage they did not after mooring, come over and check – say sorry – something. But no, it turned out the hirers were on board at the time and the chap came aboard and Steve provided some witness details – it turned out the chap on the hire boats wife, had just put their baby down to change it when the day boat hit which was most lucky! Time for me to depart and with good advice, and help from Steve with my ropes – for the wind had got up – I was able to leave the Staithe and head off over the Broad. Today was turning out to be a lovely day not only in terms of whether but experiences and people I had met. But, I decided equally that today and tomorrow were going to be lazy days – in fact tomorrow I felt I would do as little as possible – but where should I go to now? Fleet Dyke and South Walsham Broad – two places I have not been to for some time and so it was that I turned into Fleet Dyke and notice where some of the reeds have been pushed down and people are ‘rediscovering’ the wild moorings that were most popular on this stretch before the flood defence and bank works were carried out. I suspect it is not for all craft, but if you are small and draw little water I can see it being a lovely place to moor. Further down at the formal moorings there was very little activity and as I came into the outer Broad I can see why this is such a popular destination for people to put the mud weight over and swing around on a still evening and watch the sun set. For me, today it was a mere in and out job, to see what was what and then head back to the Bure. It was not at all late, early afternoon in face but I wanted somewhere I could have a stroll along the bank, yet not be sandwiched between other boats – I know, Womack Dyke was nice when I was there on the Monday so despite the time being early it was here I made for to overnight. When I arrived the mooring in the cut away of the bank was free and since the wind was blowing me onto the bank mooring was a doddle. It surprised me just how many boats will come down here – go around Womack Water and then head back out – it also surprised me how fast some boats will come down this narrow waterway – having had a week on the water and having been here many times previously, you truly do not need to rush anywhere and in fact being able to drive outside and take my time I have seen more wildlife and heard more birdsong than I think I had previously. I went for a walk and took time to think things through, I remember as a kid with my parents saying how one day I wanted to live in one of the bungalows that lead into Potter Heigham – these days I just like the boating part and fear if I lived by the water but could not get on the water I’d go mad. There is plenty of rivers one can explore in this country – but for me there is something special about the Broads, something that captured my parents and then they bringing me has captured me and yet some may think I am obsessed – or mad to spend out what I do to visit – but if my drug is boating on the Broads, it sure could be a whole lot worse. It is beautiful and as I walked back to the boat felt that excitement that this was and had been my little home and I had seen so much from it over the last few days it was a shame tomorrow would be the last full day to enjoy – I was going to be lazy I decided on Sunday.

Day Five: Watch Day Five Captain's Blog Below: The overnight rain had meant for a less settled sleep, the fact that the aft cabin of Distant Horizon has a lower ceiling over the double bed seems to make the noise of the rain hitting the outside deck above all the more loud – or maybe it was that special Norfolk rain. When I woke and peered out the window the wet scene that greeted me did not make me want to rush to get ready – so I took my time and had breakie and listened to the radio – these two simple things are both things in the morning at home I usually skip – more a case of a slice of toast and out the door to work. By now the rain had stopped and there were some breaks in the cloud, perhaps today was going to be another sunny day after all. And so I left the mooring at and slowly headed down the river Ant – my intention being to stop for a top up of water before the bridge and dispose of my rubbish. Just after I had filled up with water a couple walked past – they asked me about how I found the boat, and as I was talking about this I asked if they used You Tube – well that is as far as I got because they then let on they knew exactly who I was and were avid watchers of the Captain’s Blogs. I think they were on Siesta from Richardson’s and very nice they were too. The being recognised is rather nice because it means that despite the fact I may have hired the boat alone, along the way I bump into people – be them members of a forum, or just people who watch videos on You Tube – of followers of my Twitter account. The only disconcerting thing is they know me – well as far as the person in front of a camera, but I have no idea who they are – and am terrible with remembering names. After heading down river to the Bure, it was time to turn right and head towards Horning – I had thought of stopping off here but then figured it would be better to carry on for Wroxham and stop on the way back. Just before after passing Cockshoot Dyke I experienced my first ever telling off from a Broads Authority Ranger. I had been following a large Barnes Brinkcraft centre cockpit boat full of lads – one moment it would be going along slowly, the next speed right up and then almost come to a stop, drift a bit and repeat this – I wanted to get past them to stop this game of ‘guess my next action’ but seeing Cock Shoot Dyke approaching thought better of a move – and then saw the Broad Authority Launch and thought that it was a good choice to have held back. Past the Dyke around the bend I took my opportunity to pass – and just as I had almost completed the manoeuvre (without going very fast I may add) I spied a bright high vis jacket in the reeds on the port side, following by: “Oi! What do you think you’re doing?” In a split second I wanted to say “what does it look like” but he was already sticking 4 fingers up at me and reminding me this was the speed limit. I shouted back over “very sorry” and eased back a little on the throttle only for the Barnes Brinkcraft boat to speed right up and now over take me! I shrugged my shoulders and tried to not get too annoyed. About 5 minutes after this episode the Barnes Brinkcraft boat once more almost came to a stop and reverted back to the ‘guess my next action’ game - I passed – once and for all this time. I saw the work that had gone on at Salhouse and just how much mud has been pumped into making this new bit of land – and it reminded me once again that I have never spent a night at Salhouse with on the Broad or on the Spit – I don’t know why that should be the case for it is a lovely spot. It was not too long past the Broad I decided to call Royalls Boatyard and enquire if they would sell diesel – I got the impression to begin this was not a good time to call being a Friday afternoon – but they were very helpful and said I could pop along but could not moor for the day for they were busy with their boats. Now I know it perhaps is not the most ‘accepted practice’ for someone to top up with fuel but you see I had been worried about the fuel (I worry a lot you see) and had begun to think of many possibilities – had the boat been up to Stalham for the winter, taken to Acle and slipped through not being filled up prior to me taking it out? I knew the fuel tank was smaller (located on the port side) but the slight list to starboard since returning from the southern rivers seemed noticeable outside the boat on the waterline at the transom – the only thing I could think was there was a lot less weight on the port side – and the majority of that weight would surely be fuel, less of that = me worrying if there would be enough. I digress, so it was I was greeting at Royalls with really warm welcome – what a lovely small yard, with boats gleaming and staff who had to put themselves out to get the hose from the shore, over the roof of one of their boats and to mine. I asked for £40.00 and it seemed but a moment and it was done – receipt issued – and then we turned the boat on the ropes. And you know what, it made no odds to the slight list to starboard lol. I left them and made the very short journey round and past Barnes Brinkcraft – full – and then spotted the moorings at the Café – in March I moored here and was charged £10.00 – this time I was charge an hourly fee and I think it cost something like £4.00 – same mooring, but paid the chap iat the day boat place. I’m confused but pleased it was not another tenner. I am getting ahead of myself here since you pay on return. I had read about Ken’s Fish & Chips now being under new management, so instead of popping into Grays Fish & Chips – which is my ‘usual’ I went to Ken’s, and alas since I was last there (admittedly that was October 2011) the large choice of fish had gone – they were however doing a roaring trade – I orders Haddock and chips – both freshly fried. I took them back to the boat and the verdict: Well the chips were a little fluffier on the inside, perhaps also a bit more ‘random’ in length and shape compared to Grays – the fish however was very close – fresh, crisp batter which was neither too thick nor thin – perhaps the size of portion and overall cost was better so Ken’s you win by a whisker. Once this was had back off the boat for a walk about. I popped into Roys where I chanced upon a bargain – bottle of Shiraz reduced down to £3.99 (turned out to be very good actually) along with a few household essentials like kitchen towel, bottled water and the like – and then I saw someone with an ice cream – not just any but a huge one with both strawberry and vanilla in the same cone – I could not help myself, I needed one too and so I stood by Wroxham Bridge watching the world go by enjoying a cool ice cream in the now once again warm afternoon sunshine. Lovely. Back to the boat, mooring fee paid – and time to depart – I wanted to go back to somewhere quite and out of the way again, and I do love the river Ant – so despite being there only last night, headed back. I do like the changing scenery as you leave Wroxham, and the broads and then the scene as you approach Horning and the Swan. I did not much like the fact behind me was blue sky and sunshine and ahead of me was bleak, dark clouds and surely rain. The further I made down the Bure the more imposing the sky seemed to get, the wind had got up the warmth was gone and it was getting chilly. By the time I turned onto the river Ant, things were not looking good to make How Hill (my intended destination) before the heavens opened. What surprised me were just how many boats were now heading past me down the Ant having taken over from Stalham, not just one or two but 5 or 6 in a line – I’d expected this to be the case on Saturday, but it seems many perhaps decide to take over on a Friday, or weekend breaks are increasingly popular. It was not too long before How Hill came into view and with the rain clearly falling ever closer behind felt I would just make it – I did only Challenger was there with a bunch of lads who had already cracked open the tins and their dancing on the roof made me question if a peaceful night would be had – I continued on – the rain now falling. Past my previous nights mooring (now taken up by Melody) and then a few bends later – yes it was free the mooring between the two trees. By now the rain had stopped, and once secure and engine off it was silent... I went for a walk – there seemed a rough idea of a path and despite the midges and spiky plants that wanted to rip my waterproof, it felt like I was a kid exploring again – and then I spotted a nest – I’ve no idea of what bird – but complete with two eggs. How lovely that just the other side of the river bank this little world was going on hidden from view. Just a moment later and Bittern from Whispering Reeds came past – a lot more than 4 MPH despite the fact they had eased off the throttle a touch when saw me. I felt a touch annoyed when people do this on such a narrow pretty river as the Ant. But it got worse, walking back to the boat I spotted a complete carpet left on the bank, with the leaf fall over it clearly it had been there some time, then a black bin liner full of rubbish floating in the soak dyke rotting – oh how can people be so selfish? I thought of how much we pump out from industry and how this in comparison was nothing – yet this was individuals, people who visit and apparently love the wildlife and so on the Broads is famous for – then deposit such waste as if would be picked up by the bin men as if were a street. Still, I did not want to moan too much or get too upset over this – but the final straw was when I heard the noise of a boats wash approaching, some male voices and laughter – to begin I thought it was going to be a ‘stag party’ and as a laugh on camera was going to hide and film the men in ‘the wild’ and do a David Attenborough – only the idea of more bits from midges and scratches from thorns put pay to that. Low and behold it was Bittern back – this time no easing off and full pelt down the river – while oddly a chap was cleaning the front windows as they went. Not a lot I can say to that – I got back on board, opened a can of beer and thought of happier things.

Lori, I have never had a problem personally with Ludham Bridge - while the boat says it is 8ft 5" I went under at 8ft 3" and had bags of room. I also always steer from the upper helm as I go through this bridge, but be read to kneel down quickly as you do! As for the Rhonde Anchor tip - I did that once, and caused the one I was hitting (with the other Rhonde Anchor) to dent in, so I now just stomp on them with my foot and so far have had no problems - but I got big feet lol.

Day Four: Watch Day Four Captain's Blog Below: Waking up to the sound of rain and heavy grey skies reminded me this was April after all – and made me stand out all the more with my sunburn on a grey day – it seemed quite amazing only yesterday I was in a T-Shirt being gently roasted and yet today it was on with the waterproof clothes and a fleece. I had a rough plan to leave Acle, stop off at Horizon Craft and pick up an extra blanket for the nights were forecast to be cooler too – and while there get a top up of oil to the bottle that had been provided with the boat – not to say it was out, but at the current rate of use I feared ending up somewhere and not having any to top up with. As it turned out I did not need use hardly any more oil from this point in – showing that the only reason I had previously was the 7+ hours spent cruising for the last few days. Horizon Craft really are a great team and asset to Richardson’s if you need anything they are very helpful and when I mentioned about the oil it was a genuine look of concern from one of the engineers who came over to the boat to ensure there was no leak. There was not – and while he was there put a couple of turns of the greaser for the stern gland to stop it dripping which later proved most beneficial when sleeping in the aft cabin with no drip drip every few seconds. Departing the boatyard destination was Potter Heigham and Lathams – would they have suncream? I moored at the Broads Authority 24hr moorings and said hello to a boat with a family displaying the Norfolk Broads Froum logo in the window – this honestly is the first time in my travels I’ve seen such and actually been able to stop and say hello – they too were displaying the signs of sun and like me looking most odd now it appeared the weather had got back to April’s usual mix of showers and wind. I have to say however the rain had cleared by now and the sun was breaking through the cloud. Into Lathams and not only did I get some sun cream also picked up some healing cream for burns and the like, together with the usual mix of things you never knew you wanted until you got there and took a chance with some Rump Steak – looked lovely (and turned out to be very nice indeed). I got back to the boat and as I got onboard I did not much like the look of the after line riding up the mooring post. You see on this type of boat, with the aft being so high up it means the cleat too is very much high than the bow cleat and if the mooring post is not very high it puts the rope at an angle. Not long after being onboard, and unpacking the shopping there was a bump from behind. I thought I’d been bumped into by a boat mooring, rushed out to find it was me who had bumped into the bow of the boat behind – Rhapsody as it happened from Stalham. The stern rope was now off the post and thankfully the wind was blowing me onto the bank and I only had nudged them. I was very embarrassed but the blushes were being well hidden behind the burnt face – oddly they had seen the rope slide up the mooring post, come off and yet sat waiting for me to nudge into them without saying anything, still no damage but I’ll have to be double careful with the stern ropes on posts in future. Back onboard it was time to have some Hot Dogs. I’ve not had any for absolutely ages and it was only the fact Weatherspoon have added them to their menu of late that made me think it would make an ideal lunch. I looked at the tin, I looked at the old fashion can opener – just how on earth did the thing work? After much struggling and having only made a small hole in the top of the tin (I think now I was using the can opener the wrong way round) it was time to unleash some ‘man engineering’ on the tin, out with the flat head screwdriver. Let us just say, it was at time dangerous with jagged metal at every turn, but I do now know how to get into a can with a screwdriver – also noted to get a can opener later when I visited Tesco in Stalham. The Hot Dogs were actually very nice and with some soft baps and ketchup went down a treat. Departing Potter Heigham it was not long before I was turning back onto the Bure and heading in the direction of Wroxham. The wind was once again blowing hard, but the sun was out and now it was getting warmer all the time – perhaps the unseasonal warmth was not going to go away after all. Past St. Benet’s Abbey ruins and soon the mouth of the Ant was upon me. When I was hear in March they were working on the banks and re-profiling them with, now with the lack of rain the previously dark earth was now a parched grey colour – yet already there were some green shoots coming though here and there – nature is already taking over. At Ludham Bridge there was a bit of confusion, I was set to go through when I noticed Broads Sunrise approaching – I stopped and waved them to come through for the current and wind meant I could hold station easier my side of the bridge – only they also stopped and began drifting – I again gestured them to come through and after what seemed an eternity began to creep forward through the bridge – I can’t imagine how on edge I would feel having my boat moored on the approach to the bridge and how at risk of being hit one would be here, especially in high season. Once the other side of the bridge it was very quiet as far as boat traffic was concerned and as I came through Irstead a lady was tending to her garden – what a perfect place, and perfect (as far as I can see) life to have to tend to the flower beds, and have the river and birdsong for company. Soon after it was onto Barton Broad, it seems the more I traverse this stretch of water the smaller the scale seems to get – but I have many found memories of Barton Broad – it was always exciting (still is) if you have just taken over a boat and arrive when there is a bit of a swell going on and the breeze is up and many a time have gone over, only to turn about and go back enjoying the slash of the wavelet’s on the bow – today though all was quiet. I arrived at Richardson’s Stalham yard and despite there being a fair few boats out, there were plenty in – such a shame I thought, all this lovely weather – a Price Band A cheapness and so few had decided to holiday. Still, for those who had we had some great days and little traffic to worry us and the best moorings to pick from. I moored next to Eastern Gem – a boat I really can’t make my mind up about. I like the sleek look, I like the recent re-paint and internal spruce up – but that beam of 10ft 9, only side door access and narrow side decks have so far stopped me plumping for this boat. I popped into Reception and chanced my luck if Clive may be about, having met his brother at Acle – I got the look of ‘and who are you to ask’ and then when replied It is Robin, ‘London Rascal’ the look changed to ‘ahh that is ok then’ but alas he had left for the afternoon – maybe another time. Off to Tesco then where I had to deal with people looking at me – horrible I know, but the face was now about to peel and not very nice to look at one bit – I kept my sun glasses on – at least the ‘Panda Eyes’ would be hidden – however I was now finding it hard to see what it was I looking at. Shopping in shades ain’t that easy! So with some beer and wine and a can opener (whose price was steep and quality questionable) it was back to the boat. It is nice to pop into somewhere full of people, and then pop out back to your floating home to be able to then head off and moor up once more with just Swans for company and have complete peace. And so it was that back on the boat it was time to head down the Ant once more – not as I had planned to what is one of my favourite ‘wild moorings’ but instead to the one which has it’s own little lawn – that of Johhny Crowe’s Staithe – and having moored sat out on the aft deck with a can of IPA and some bread feeding the passing Swans. Life can be perfect sometimes, even if I am not tending a flower bed and own a large house by the river.

Lori, Beccles is nice, never been to Loddon - perhaps one day I will have to spend a week down south - personally I do prefer the northern rivers as there is a lot all within easy reach and can pop into Potter Heigham say, then head off to Ranworth - two very different places, but not too far apart. As you probably are aware from previous trips, each boat you hire has a different ‘feel’ about it – even ones in the same class. This boat, while no spring chicken is far from over the hill and never missed a beat all week despite hours and hours of cruising in long stints. You soon know (from the upper helm) what noise the engine make, vibration etc that is a good reference to the RPM – you can also glance down the hatch and see the interior helm and gauges to be sure. In short the lack of a gauge up top is not much of an issue (least was not for myself). The ladder on the stern was a godsend for getting on and off the boat when moored stern on, and when you do moor stern on as long as you go real slow in backing up and allow an extra ‘foot’ of space for the ladder it makes getting on and off the boat far easier than boats in this class which have no ladder. The only point I’d make (and did so upon return to the yard) is having a fender tied to one of the ladder rungs – not only help protect the ladder, but will mean it does not rub against the quay heading (and thus make horrendous noise inside the boat). I found this out when moored woken up by this awful groaning and squeaking sound at 1:00am – and had to get up, in the rain to take a fender off the back and tie it to the ladder – and then silence was restored. But if the only thing to ‘write home about’ is a missing fender and no RPM gauge up top it sure is a good boat – other things I liked about it was the endless drawers and storage, the plush carpets in the forward and aft cabins, the cooker that cooked as good as any home cooker I’ve used and the really good heater for a chilly night. She is a boat that if you look after her, she will you – the water and oil checks are needed each morning, but the engine never failed to start, the batteries lasted very very well never dropping below 12.5v even after an evening of TV and heater being used so as far as I was concerned the boat was faultless.

@Captmatt: You make a good point - but I have been to Beccles and so on previously, but never been along the Yare towards Norwich. The only reason I had, and indeed why it was a whistle stop tour was because I had said I would do a live stream along this stretch so had it not been for doing that I'd have never gone there this time around. However, seeing as it was very nice I'd certainly say it will need some more exploring in the future. Perhaps what is needed is not so much a new full on new southern boatyard but more a 'satellite base'. A select number of boats from say Stalham and Acle are sold as ‘one way cruises’ – for a period of not less than one week you depart the north, head south and ‘hand back’ your boat at the drop off location. I suppose this technically could be another boatyard that is already down there with a deal being made with them. You would then be met in a mini-bus and driven back to Stalham to collect your car and head off home. Meantime someone has to drive the boat back to Stalham – that would cost hmm that is why I’d never make a good strategist lol – unless you could do it so you had a party who then takes over the boat on the south to one way cruise back north taking the hard part out of the equation. Anyway in day 4 I attack a can of hot dogs with a screwdriver and show you how to get back from Tesco’s to the Stalham boatyard on foot.

Day Three: Watch Day Three Captain's Blog Below: After a lazy start and a breakfast the sun was soon out and I could tell today was going to be another scorcher. I toyed with heading into Norwich for it was not too far along the river – but I felt pretty certain if I did this I’d miss the tides for the return crossing over Breydon Water – so instead opted to get something to sooth my now very poorly skin at Reedham. Brampton Common is a very nice over night mooring and the scenery here is lovely – I however do think that it would be better to hire on the southern rivers to explore this area more than come here from the north to do it justice and soak up the area. That way one can enjoy without the need of having a long slog back to your boatyard on the northern rivers. Shortly after I left the moorings I did a sensible thing – went below and used the inside helm almost all the way to Reedham. It is funny how the night before I was going along here feeling a tad tense wondering if I would get to where I wished before sunset, and now I was taking it easy and enjoying the sights. My only real negative points about the southern rivers are the lack of easy to get to amenities such as water points – they are out there, but with far longer stretches between them than you find on the northern rivers. The other is to do with the tides – not just the rise and fall at a mooring, but the fact on the northern rivers they run so slowly you barely notice them, down south going with the tide makes a real difference and one can cut the revs down save fuel and yet maintain the same speed – but you need to think, work out and plan your moves to coincide with mother nature – rather than get up and go. All in all I think one of these fine days I shall have to go from a southern base – even if it was just for a short break because if you like an out of the way mooring, or a decent pub which is not chocker full of boats outside you will find this sort of place on the southern rivers. Cantley came and went and it was not too long before the chain ferry at Reedham came into view – upon reaching Reedham itself I was surprised how busy it was – with other Richardson’s boats all seeming to be doing what I was about to – moor up, wait for the tide to turn and use it to head over Breydon. It was handy the Broads Authority ranger was there to take my bow rope – but I was confused by the signage. A black board had low water times at Yarmouth – but they were very much different to shorebase.co.uk (who I had used online to get the tide times) or the tide table in the Skippers Handbook – then the fact the Ranger said water top up was £3.00 but the sign said £2.00 . Topped up with water, it was time to head off and find some sun cream. The Post Office was the first stop – now selling basic provisions, but alas none was to be found there – I did however get myself a Cowboy hat - I then headed up the steep road to the store which had all sorts of things for sale, but no sun cream. Indeed I could find nothing of anything that could help soothe the burning – but at least now I had a hat. You can imagine the looks I got as I walked about, red face – white rings around my eyes and a large Cowboy hat. I went into ‘Cupcakes’ - www.cupcakes-reedham.co.uk - for a coffee, but then found they did a wide selection of food – from sandwiches to light meals. Now perhaps it is because I am from London but it never fails to surprise me how these establishments may very well be missing out on trade. You see the opening times seem a bit funny, and closing at 4:00pm – even in the season – could well be a waste of good business because while there are pubs not too far away, I am sure many people who moor there might like something light and tasty and not just a pub to pop into. To shut up at 4:00pm and stop serving food half an hour prior to that may not be the most savvy of business decisions even if it makes for an easier life for the proprietors. I had a Panini with cheese and Norfolk ham, salad and a coffee – and it was scrumptious and had a lovely atmosphere inside with people talking about their trips and planning ahead for Breydon - the view was idyllic seeing the odd boat pass by and the quietness that the quayside at Reedham as about it I’d toughly recommend popping in – just make sure you get there early. Back on the boat I prepared all I would need for the next stint in the journey north – when your solo you need to prepare so things are to hand – then off to the Ranger to let him know I was off and would he mind once again helping with my bow rope so I could spring off the mooring and head out away from the quay in reverse. He was most helpful but seemed surprised I had chosen such a boat alone and not a small aft cockpit – big lad needs a big boat I said as I departed. Under the railway bridge and the tide was going out at a good rate – indeed it had been doing so for over an hour, but I was betting on me getting the last of it over Breydon and by the time I turned up the Bure at Yarmouth should be slack water – well that would have been bang on the money but I could not help open her up over Breydon and arrived at Yarmouth a lot sooner than I had expected and caught the last of the ebb tide as it ran down the Bure. Of note as I head over Breydon Water was the new Broads Authority launch Spirit of Breydon. Now some have said this will consume great quantities of fuel and others that it would only do so if it was flat out when required to do so – such as in a response to a call for help. I had to smile as it shot up from Yarmouth, turned and then shot back down again – impressive but by the time I had got to Yarmouth myself it was again doing the third high speed trip back up to Burney Arms. Still, I thought to myself who does not like to be throttle happy at times. Past the yacht station and the tide was slight – and once I was out and into the marshes as the river widened it was neither going or coming and I followed Broads Sunset up the Bure. I like these boats a lot and it further confirmed to myself that I had seen countless Richardson’s boats, but only three or four two from Herbert Woods, a couple of Barnes Brinkcraft and one from Faircraft Loynes – if overall hire figures are down then it would seem that Richardson’s are doing something right if the number of boats on the water I saw was anything to go by. It soon cooled off as the sun went behind the clouds and so I popped back out to the outside helm – funny how on a less than bright, cooler day going up to Acle this stretch of river seems such a slog – I had decided that I was going to moor at the Bridge Inn – tuck into some lovely grub and nice pint of Ale rather than the Lasagne I had on the boat. After what felt like forever I arrived and moored up – phew! I am not sure I would recommend to others you go almost to Norwich and back in two days, but it was an experience – I left pale, and now was red and burnt. In fact I did have second thoughts, did I really want to be seen in a pub looking as I did – yes I did the locals would just have to be scared – and a lovely meal was had and a very peaceful night’s sleep after.