LondonRascal

Clive, I had no idea about the existence of the boat which (as yet) never got off the drawing board with the ‘Eco boat’ and thank you for the latest updates and photos to see what you were talking about as regard to space (or lack thereof) in the bow of the boat. Still, that is why you build boats and I look on and make suggestions – I know nothing about much but might hit up with an idea of merit every now and then  As it has progressed it really is looking quite something now and you seem to have cracked the problem of how to make a forward steer boat somehow elegant with a bow that is not urm ‘bath tub’ in shape but over all offers all the things forward steer boats have in terms of practicality. I look forward to when she is all finished and actually in the water.

In all honestly boats are boats – so if it floats and goes that is the first hurdle over with. Next up is style – new and shiny does not always mean practical and easy to handle – Far Horizon, amazing boat, lovely but try getting on and off at a ‘wild mooring’ with the high freeboard – swings and roundabouts. Internal fit out – sure a new boat will be in pristine condition having not had 20+ years of hire but even then one must be cautious. Barnes Brinkcraft favour having ‘electric everything’ on their new boats, so if a combi-microwave, electric kettle and hob is not your thing because you prefer to cook onboard and running engine to make a cuppa or fry an egg is not your idea of peace and quiet then you might not like those. You need to take into account a lot – not just the cost. Smaller yards will win over on personally attention – larger yards will often compete on price. I could not possible recommend a particular boat or yard because they are so individual and I myself have often found myself frowning at someone’s choice in boat, but then the people in question having a ball and that goes to show just how unique we can all be. I have to say Richardson’s service has come on in leaps and bounds over years, together with the boats – even their ‘classic boats’ having things like new fridges, cookers and upholstery yet the bottom end price not increasing by much. But what keeps me coming back frankly are rewards they offer which are unique. Be it the loyalty scheme, or just the second holiday discount which is worth it (at 20%). I am bias because of this and it means I get to enjoy the Norfolk Broads more often which is what it is all about.

This looks actually very elegant in the shape of the bow, modern with the curvature of the window line as it goes aft but (if I can say) 'retro' with the forward screen and well. If one did not have the constraints of money, and 'will it hire' to fear I do believe one could produce a single level, forward steer boat without conforming to anything that has been before. E.g. no forward well and keeping helm forward of the saloon not ‘part of it’. If you put the helm in what would be the well, and then have a single curved transparent front and roof that curves up over the saloon. Modern, risky too - but then think back to when Wilds moulded in GRP and the design they did – it was not like anything that had been before. Very popular now. Really though you got to say hats off to decide to build a forward steer when everyone else is moulding either fly bridge or centre cockpits – I never have likes a fly bridge cruiser with a rounded bow, they need some point to them and look like a ‘proper boat’.

I did not want to say anything in case I had got the wrong end of the stick, but on a recent posted photograph on Freedom Boating Holiday's Facebook, it shows what appears top be 'Fun Time' moored to the right of Absolute Freedom, and then to her left what was 'Super Time' an Alfa 32 centre cockpit. Freedom had said some time in late 2012 about finalizing their fleet for 2013 on their Facebook also, and then nothing was said until it was announced their move to the south. It could be that Freedom bought a couple and City Boats the rest - Either way City Boats is an established yard while Freedom have to pretty much build one from scratch - leave aside the economics that is tough especially this time of year with all the cold. Some of the southern rivers are beautiful and so it would of course be better to have more businesses attracting people than more closing and boats being sold into private hands. PS Waterways Holidays is a good site as reference because, when putting in a search it will show the number in the class of boat that would be available. A recent search showed that Magic Gem for a date I was seeking would be No. 6 - this is handy to know if have hired one before, or know one in a class may have had a refit and you wish that one to be the one you hire.

I’ll begin with what are in my humble opinion the let downs and general comments on boating hire, so this won’t just be limited to the new brochure – but a personal take on things, some food for thought... I understand what the new icon of the bridge means (you know it is this small grey picture of a bridge next to some of the boats) – This basically states said boat may not pass under all bridges or will need things taken down like screens or canopies in order to go under them. Personally I find the icon as stands is not clear – it is a bridge - and it may be seen to imply this boat will pass under all bridges (as in the bridge icon is used to show this is a good boat for navigating bridges). The same icon with an exclamation mark under the arch of the bridge however would draw more attention that this is a boat that either will not pass under all bridges, or greater care/action is required for the navigation of bridges. Let me use the example of my old friend San Julian; this now allegedly will pass under Beccles Old Bridge according to the brochure (we know it would not, but this has been omitted from the text) however on the website it states it will only not pass under Potter Heigham bridge – a simple error but to a newbie they would not know their Wroxham from their Beccles - it will in fact not pass under Potter Heigham, Wroxham, Wayford or Beccles Old Bridges. Also at any bridge the lowering of the screen is required (correct) this apparently ‘leaves the interior open to the elements’. I think not. I think errors like this have crept in somewhere between the brochure company and the website design people taking it upon themselves to ‘re-jig’ things and such jiggery pokery not being spotted before the final print run. Another gripe (and to be fair this is not a Richardson’s issue) but ‘industry wide’ – Non-refundable security waivers: Now I understand why they are there but effectively what one is doing is indemnifying themselves against accidental damage done to the boat or its inventory – or indeed to a third party. However surly the risk decreases with less physical time spent on the boat – so therefore the ‘premium’ should reflect it – a short break attracting a lesser amount than a week, two weeks attracting more than 1 week. Because it is not actually a real life insurance policy, it cannot be sold as such, nor regulated against (by say the FSA) but I am sorry to say there is a perception that if (and surly most hirers are) careful and return a boat undamaged and without third party claim against them, where does all the waiver monies go to? If it is in a general pot to fund winter maintenance/boat improvements I think that is not fair, if it is held in trust for times where expensive repairs are needed to one of the boats due to accident damage (take Bolero incident or Challenger) fair enough but some transparency I think in time may be needed. Personally I will be looking to try and save up more money and pay a £300.00 combined security and fuel deposit, and have the ‘security part’ of the deposit refunded upon return – keep this money and use again on another hire – as per clause 13, option 2, of the booking conditions – this would have equated to a personal saving to myself in 2012 of £138 had I taken this course of action over the non-refundable option. Credit is due however for Richardson’s allowing the ‘old method’ of deposit still. This sounds like one big moan – no, because there are some real good things – the Platinum collection has grown, and hallelujah they now feature the much nicer ‘Holly and Teak’ wooden flooring and the red and orange lino has been banished – it has even made its way on to Symphony which is not a platinum class cruiser (though my pet peeve ‘tub chairs’ have arrived on board ruling this boat out as a choice for me). Air drafts are included – though to some degree they vary within class which can be because of the placement of a particular hand rail, vent or ballast it makes choosing something that is more likely to get under certain bridges easier. Good on you for listening to many who asked for this inclusion. The brochure continues to keep start days, price bands and pricing clear and with each boat – not separate thank goodness – and I do believe the prices have been frozen in the main (well done) and now we have 2, 3,4 and 5 night breaks – however this is not made clear in the price sections as they show 7 night or 3/4 night break prices. In the front of the brochure (page 7) it is headed ‘Choose your holiday duration’ this is where mention is made of the 2 and 5 night breaks an explanation is given about what Saturday (previous or following) such a start date would apply to. All fine and dandy, but it does not mention in the brochure that short break prices are 60% of the full week hire charge. New pictures a plenty – continued improvements across the fleet go on, the – hmm how can I say ‘corporate colours’ of light blue and white are slowly spreading (nice) and it is nice to see more and more boats having small (but tangible) changes being made – a new fridge or cooker – inclusion of a DVD player and so on while the price remains the same. And those fridges are not cheap by any standards – so hats off there – my only comment would be a more ‘standardised fleet’ where the curtains are the same, upholstery etc so that one has pretty much a set single standard on a classic boat and a more decadent standard on a platinum. Frankly it all comes down to three things which keep me not just coming back time and time agains with Richardson’s, but singing their praises too: Value, Service and Choice. You simply cannot find better value than Richardson’s – take Clear Gem – it has had a refreshed paint job, and new touches inside such as the worktops, cooker and so on – but the hire charge begins at £311.00 for a week – amazing! It sleeps up to 6, but say it was 4 people who split that cost – without fuel/waiver that is under £78.00 per person PER WEEK! And people say boating is expensive (all in that is £126.00 per person per week – or - £18.10 a night per person). It does not end there – you get discounts if you go mid week, you get a HUGE 20% off for a second holiday (no other boatyard comes close to that) you still get to save up your ‘loyalty rewards’ and you get the discount card for places you and your family may actually want to go to – and if you book wisely you can ‘add up’ these offers if a couple booked a 4 berth boat you get £50.00 off, book said boat mid week if it was available and save some more there, and if was your second holiday have 20% off that as well. Richardson’s (Clive) honestly this is the sort of thing customers value and will attract new people but when you are met with a warm welcome and a ‘nothing is too much trouble’ attitude it keeps them happy and coming back - from reception team who genuinely are helpful and kind checking on take over times, boat engineers who are polite and help with things, not just about the greasy bits and a team of support people that getting an extra pillow or blanket is not a big deal – makes the difference. I am sure Joininghttp://www.trustpilot.co.uk must have been a tough choice as no sign up is needed form those who contribute and people can say what they like, good or bad – but at time of writing 134 people have reviewed the service and 8.9/10 sure is not bad going. So apart from the odd typographical error here and there, this brochure is better than last years and when you look back to years past really is good – it is clearer than many other boatyards offerings too. I just wish you had a small selection of boats that covered Valentines – I would not need to consider going elsewhere then with the misses lol. Keep up the good work!

The fact is the bridge has been there for hundreds of years and it is fair to presume over this time it has sunk and the river level has risen. When the bypass used the old railway bed the bridge is not much higher than the existing ‘old potter bridge’ (though there is no worry of the shape of the bridge causing wide beam craft issues regardless of actual centre height). You’ve got a ‘few’ keen boaters wanting to get under the old bridge and whilst it could be argued about increase in business if it were more or less guaranteed a boat could get up to Hickling etc, you have to bear in mind too this is a wildlife haven so any increase in boat traffic put the industry and business in conflict with the green lobby. As I am sure we all know in anything like this, cost vs environment – unless it is a road that will affect many thousands of people and prosper a whole town or city, usually the environment wins. So if I turned up with several million and a team of civil engineers, do you think Norfolk County Council would let us raise the bridge, move it or otherwise dig canals? I say not. It is not a lot to do with money, more with public opinion and I’d guess there are more people wanting things as is or even ‘no boats’ and it be left to nature as a wetland habitat than boaters wanting to use the area more. Also, I have a feeling that slowly boat builders (and hirers) are worrying less about where they can actually go – Look at Far Horizon from Horizon Craft at Acle. It won’t go anywhere much, not under Ludham, not south of Yarmouth even – yet it seems to be rather booked up for 2013 already. It looks the part, and having hired it very much feels it too, though completely impractical really for a river system such as the Broads. The point is when is a boat builder going to go double decker? Forget the bridges – you are limited to 12ft 6†beam on most of the northern rivers, so I recon you could do a 46ft long boat that was say 14ft -15ft tall (and no not two ‘bath tubs’ on top of each other) that would look horrid, but take Fair President style if the bow line took off in a curve to a roof line of 15ft with a sheer back end (complete with patio on the lower deck) it might not actually look too terribly, sleeping upstairs lounges downstairs. So I recon the future is bling boats which bring in the pounds and hirers – and who don’t much mind if their boat cannot fit under certain bridges. Finally, as a bit of a turn about to the norm – if I could, I’d raise Ludham Bridge to accommodate taller craft rather than Potter...

I've just finished reading the 70+ pages of threads about the RC45 build. Only seeing it from conception to first hire do you see what goes into building such, and after all as you rightly say these boats are for hire not bespoke design for a private buyer. I’ve also got to admit I’ve seen Richardson’s (as a business) and your staff in a new light. You really do have an honest to goodness passion for boating, and as a business you keep the family at the core. Very few business can honestly say that these days, and it shows in even how you interact through Facebook with customers – not just posting things because you feel you need to, but because you want to share. Keep up the good work and look forward most especially to the sedan version when that is complete and on hire. Oh, and I can keep posts short too

I just found this thread, and while the action took place in August wanted to add my views...I apologise I got carried away and this is VERY long post..But I hope not a ramble and will raise some thought. I like the design of the RC45’s but for me personally that is where my enjoyment of this and other newer boats ends. You see it is about the interiors. I can only presume it is down to cost to mould as much of the interior as you can, and not have to fit out an interior using valuable labour, man hours and materials. My issue is there is too much white shiny plastic on show and not enough ‘warmth’. The seating is great, the tinted windows, wood floors, power showers – right down to the design of the helm seat. Lovely. But because the bottom of the bed, sides as it the bow curves up and even in saloon lower part of seating is all left bare white it makes it seem (and sorry to admit) cheap. Naturally others will prefer this, saying it is modern and clean and elegant even. But one of my favourite classes of boats is the Aquafibre Pearl 38. Despite being built in the late 1980’s they look lovely – curvaceous not too jagged on the outside, internally the way the galley is usually laid out just aft of the centre cockpit means it is compact yet has a feel of space none the less. The only downside is making a cramped double of bunk bed cabin just after of the forward cabin – apart from on Sunlit Horizon and Sensation where that has been turned into a large bathroom with sit bath. I must admit I’ve booked Sunlit Horizon for 10 days in October because in my view that boat is the most luxurious and well kept of this class of boat. Back to the point. Design. Back in the 1960’s we had come out of everything being constrained, grey and built for purpose not aesthetics – which to a degree is fair enough, after all we were not long out of war. Then through the 1960’s it was like someone went crazy in a paint factory and raided the materials factory next door. New shapes, vivid colours and designs hit us – and so too our homes – and this filtered to boats with Frank Wild taking things like a fitted kitchen, a free standing drawer unit and sofa complete with proper beds and putting them inside his new boats. They also were revolutionary in their look and design. People would holiday on them not only in style and comfort, but it would either reflect what they had at home or to some may even be something they had yet to be able to afford in their home and the boat fit out was seen as luxurious – even warm air heating for goodness sake! The 1970’s passed bar, summed up with orange, brown and vinyl and nylon everything. But then the 1980’s yuppies and money to spend, everything seemed endless from money to expectations. You either had it all or you had nothing and it was all about modernity, symmetrical shapes, colours that were punchy yet simple –red accompanied with black – even our furniture turned black to match the black televisions and black stereos. Boats got bold fly bridge cruisers with sharp lines appeared, everything seemed to need to have a point – a sharp line – yet still the humble ‘bath tub’ had its place. The 1990’s and Faircraft Loynes wooed us with their revolutionary and quite amazing looking low wash hull. At the same time with many hire boat yards having hard times since the boom years of the 1980’s boat production slowed and what was being produced seemed fairly conservative – even the fit out had gone all, well ‘Mondeo’ on us. Practical, but uninteresting. Velour upholstery seemed about as exciting as you could expect. But the 2000’s yet more yards had vanished from the map and Aquafibre had also ceased to trade. Here was a vacuum sure Faircraft Loynes was still there with the ever bold and like no other moulds, along with Horning Ferry Len Funnel had taken his ideas and began to produce an interesting looking boat. Low wash, full head room and forget how the outside looked seemed to be the remit. And here we are now most yards buying in moulds that frankly look all the same – Alfa Craft moulding business sure has a captive market, but when will they update that hull! The superstructures seem to change yet all remind me of the same thing. Inside even the likes of Herbert Woods efforts to fit them out, just feel again conservative, shiny nice but nothing actually new. At least Richardson’s seem to have had a look through some home design brochures and seen what people are actually into, fabrics and such like and how the modern household aspirations are. But even then, as I began we are left with great swaths of white. So what to do? I want another Frank Wild, another Herbert Woods. I want someone to come along and turn the boat design upside down – just like Herbert did with his Light boats to begin and everyone copied but never quite did get such quality. And then just as Frank invented a new type of boat and fit, so others copied. I think it would be nice to experiment with new materials – I think you could do much with forward steer – but have no forward well. I think you could have elegance without looking like a bubble or a bath tub. Look how Plexiglass changed car design. The headlights you see, before the glass had to be the lens, now the headlamp can be moulded to match the curve of the wing and so on – why can it not be used to produce a pillar-less front wrap around window on a boat? A sunshine roof that covers the entire forward part of the boat – the sides can be standard fibre glass, the weight is less and the strength is still intact. * Why can’t we have multi-zone audio? Who does not own an Mp3 player? So why can’t we have each cabin with speakers so people can plug in and have their music in their cabin or through the boat – not expensive that. * Why do the L.E.Ds need to be just white? Sure I think ALL boats should have L.E.D lighting on pure grounds of no maintenance and low amp use. But RGB L.E.Ds are not that much more expensive but can create whole moods in the evening – you could even ‘colour’ some of that boring shiny white plastic to glow a cool blue in summer or a warm orange in winter- thus they do not just perform the function of illumination to read or eat by. * Why use inefficient ‘hot air’ heating when water coveys and convects heat better than air? No not radiators either – water heated matrix in each cabin with fan blower – controllable heat on an individual cabin basis. compared to ‘arm air’ they again are not much more to buy. Do you see what this is about? It is about having something that is bigger, better, more luxurious, has gadgets, has extras - you name it - It is like selling a Fiesta that is cheap to make, adding a bunch of things to it that don't cost a great deal and calling it the 'Eclipse' edition and sunendlyu people see it as more desirable. Yes, it is a Fiesta but it is better than just 'any old one' and so you can do that with a boat - surly? It is saying we have this and no one else has and people love buttons and things that light up – premium hotels have had this figured long ago – now it is time for boats to catch up.

Sounds like you had a lovely time and looks to be a lovely boat too - very homely inside, one of these days I'll get south to see some of these places in person.

The final Captain's Blog link was not click-able here is the correct one: www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTO9XJvJpsA&feature=youtu.be @ Johnny: Yes she is lovely inside, comfy bed and soft seats - at night the saloon is cosy and well lit. As I said in video, everything you need in a small boat and some things you might not expect to get. Plenty of drawers and hanging space too!

Some Photos:

Day 3: Day Three Captain's Blog: http://youtu.be/jTO9XJvJpsA Having spent the night moored on Womack Dyke I awoke early and rested. This is a lovely still stretch of water, and being alone without the noise of other boats makes for a lovely mooring. Increasingly though these type of moorings are being coming rarer and those that are about are soon snapped up. I wanted to get underway before everyone else had got up and ready, and so just after 8am I was underway heading towards Acle. It was a lovely morning, mild with a slight breeze, high cloud meant the sun was casting an almost filtered light over the rivers and marshes. Other than fisherman on the banks of the Thurne, I past no other boats until well on the way to Acle on the Bure. I was not taking things fast and just taking in the scenery and morning calmness. It is a shame others were not of the same idea – two boats charging up the Bure from Acle and whether they were doing more than the 6 MPH posted maximum on this stretch really is neither here not there for it was clear they did not consider what their wash may do to those moored up especially the smaller boats. When I arrived at Acle things were beginning to ‘wake up’ but spotting the water house I made a quick about turn and came in for a quick top up. Water tanks filled it was time to set off again – and the thought crossed my mind why not head down to Yarmouth? It was a lovely morning, weather was meant to be sunny later in the afternoon but shortly after Stokesby I decided it would be a foolish trip only to have to return with a very long cruise back as I was taking the boat back the next day – I’ll do that next time I thought. Coming back from Stokesby the river had a good swell on, a whole stream of boats where using the ebb tide to help them down to Yarmouth and now against it I was having a hoot the boat rocking, the small waves seeming larger than they were when hit the almost flat bow of Salerno and a big ‘explosion’ of water shot up. It was great and for a moment reminded me of the swell on the Thames when aboard Broad Ambition. Still calm waters are all well and good, but a good breeze and a swell sure makes for a good time. Past Acle and heading towards the junction with the Thurne, I took a left and headed on up the Bure towards St. Benet’s. I made a silly school boy error thinking I had suddenly arrived at the syke leading to Ranworth so took it only to find it was Fleet Dyke and so did an about turn back to the Bure. By now traffic was really thick, going up and down the Bure and had to wait to pull out on to the main river and once done thought about going to Ranworth – however after a bit of thinking thought better of it and headed back up the Ant. Upon arrival at Ludham Bridge I remembered seeing a sign in the shape of a duck with 2nd September on it. It made sense now what that was for – but boy it was packed! It also seemed that the sunny Sunday had got half of Broads Edge out for the day for there were private craft of all sorts heading down the Ant and mooring at Ludham, mixed with hire craft and on the whole everyone behaving themselves and taking it slowly through the narrow bends these moorings occupy. Just then a boat went and I hoped I could pass the moorings, turn and come back and nab the mooring. This I did, and though was an ‘off side’ mooring it all went very smoothly. I had some food and drink then headed off to catch the end of the first duck race across the river with Ludham Bridge Boatyard doing a great job of traffic management with Big Tow the other side of the bridge allowing the race to proceed. After this back to the boat, wuick clean up and then underway again. I wanted to turn the Stalham side of the bridge and noticed a space on the other side of the river had become free. I could turn here and not risk any drifting into anyone else – not least the very shiny private boat opposite me. All went well, only after turning I somehow unwittingly performed a perfectly executed mooring on the other bank. Quite what people must have thought I am not sure, but now had to do departure number 2. This ended up going smoothly thankfully and I did not end up back where I began lol. Going up the Ant I witnessed a worrying moment wne a couple on Ruby Gem tried to moor at the now very busy moorings at How Hill. As I turned the bend I was greeted with said Ruby Gem in the middle of the river facing me, a woman on the bank holding on to the stern rope with such gusto trying to bring the stern in. At the same time her partner at the helm, going away for the bank under power. She was pulled closer and closer to the edge refusing the let go of the rope, then hit a mooring post with her shin, tripped and dropped the rope. So thankful she did not trip towards the river or she would have been in and with no life jacket and a boat now heading for the bank. A private sailing boat behind offered some help – it was ignored – the helmsman then deciding to go flat out forward towards the bank I looked away but heard the crash of fibre glass on wood – she then leaped onboard at the bow only for the helmsman to leave and walk to the stern while the boat was still under power! By now the owner of the sailing boat rightly in my opinion had enough and shouted ‘what the *#$? Are you doing’ and gave them a good push away from his shining gel coat. The helmsman was back at the controls, turned somehow and proceeded back in the direction of Stalham bouncing of the bank twice more and with no apology given. Fun and games over with the rest of the meander along the Ant was lovely. Upon reaching Barton Broad I headed to the left and up toward Lyme Kiln Dyke to Nettishead. It was so beautiful, quiet and lush green – though the staithe was full, it was a pleasure to go along this almost hidden backwater. Once I had turned and headed back to Barton Broad it seemed as though everyone was heading back to Broads Edge at the end of the afternoon as boat after boat came over the broad and headed for Stalham. I thought and smiled at the same time how habitual people are, they may not hire boats but they still have a timetable to get back, load up the car and head off home ready for the reality of Monday morning. Back to Richardson’s boatyard, moored up and got under way with packing – better do it now and get it out the way. Through clean of the boat – I can’t help myself even doing the inside and outside of the windows. Salerno was gleaming, everything was packed and now time to walk into Stalham for food. There are so many places to choose from – I went to one (I have no idea now of the name) but a Chinese that did Thai Food and had neither Chinese or Thai but a Malaysian Satay Chicken dish with rice. Back on board this went down great with some beer I had in the fridge and then with the sunroof back sat and enjoyed the last warm rays of sun and recounted the days adventures thinking the weekend had past by so quickly and it would be time to head back tomorrow. So it may not have been the most interesting of trips to write about, but it was none the less a lovely escape for me from the rush of life and work. Since feeling nervous in the past about solo cruising, I have the hang of it now and love the fact I can come up I have money and have a break like this for just a weekend. So, until next time thanks goes to Richardson’s for a lovely little boat, a keen price and to those of you who read this and watched my Captain’s Blogs thanks too. Until nest time then...

Thank you for the kind comments, and better late than never here is day two... Day 2: Day Two Captain's Blog: http://youtu.be/rctruSAdMH0 After a lovely sleep it was up early and I was gutted to find it was raining lightly. Today was going to be spent cruising into Wroxham, getting a few bits and bobs from Roys and then going ‘live at twelve’ and then cruise all the way to Potter Heigham with a bunch of people watching me. Every time I want to put cameras outside (which are not meant to be outside) it has to rain. And so it was today and 20 minutes of wrapping up webcams in layers of PVC tape later I was ready to figure out where they should go. I also had bought a new toy along – a PTZ (Pan Tilt Zoom) camera akin to the ones you can watch from Barnes Brinkcraft – only mine was smaller and far far cheaper I wanted to give it a go none the less. I also had purchased a suction cup camera mount that would enable a full 180 degrees panning from just above the water – this was all scuppered when I broke the arm of the camera mount just getting it out of my bag! Next time... As it happened I had three cameras out – two forward and one to the rear once all that was done, cables run and plugged in it was time to leave Le Boat before the rush of returning holiday makers came back for 9:00am. I left a drizzly chilly Le Boat boatyard at getting on for 8:00am and headed for Wroxham. Not long after turning on to the main river the heater which I had put on to take the chill off suddenly went from its usual humming sound to a completely different tone – also far less air was coming out from the floor vent right next to the helm. I actually punched the air and laughed – as if on cue something had happened to me again on a boat. I got concerned rapidly though as the rev counter began to do funny things and then the whole dashboard and throttle arm began getting warmer and warmer. Off with the heater and thankfully into a recently vacated space outside the Ferry Inn. On the phone to Richardson’s and then I began to think what could make the heater change its usual noise, less air come out and then the dashboard all get so hot? Not long after making the call (I’d guess at 15 minutes) a Richardson’s van arrived, and I cringed thinking it would be the same chap who fixed the heater on San Julian back in April – For surely he would think I was a serial heater messer-upper. It was not and in fact a chap who once took the panel off under the dashboard had the problem solved in about 20 seconds. The ducting that leaves the heater and then goes the length of the boat had half popped off the outlet of the heater unit, once this happened half of the hot air would have had nowhere to go but in the small void behind the panel, thus heating up the metal throttle body, and causing the rev counter to behave erratically through it getting hot too. Back on, clip that held in place tightened we had a chat. He had worked on Far Horizon and the Broadsman class boats and asked what I thought of those, together with the fact he liked Broad Ambition which got me talking about the cameras and what I was doing and how such had been used on Broad Ambition during the Thames Pageant. It is nice to come across people who do a job but also have a passion for what it is they do – be it a man who works on boats in a yard to a train lover who drives trains. Time to leave the moorings at the Ferry Inn and head into Wroxham – along it seemed with everyone else who had moored over night at the Ferry Inn. Despite the fact it was early in the morning there seemed already to be a mass of day boats coming up river from Wroxham but very few cruisers, this worried me as I really needed to go to Roys and so began to consider I may have to go under the Bridge to moor – looking on the webcam at Barnes Brinkcraft showed a full yard too. Damn! As I came into Wroxham I suddenly remembered the moorings at MC Marine Leisure – the day boat operators next to the Café just past Barnes Brinkcraft on the right hand side. They had a space and so a quick turn and I was coming in to stern moor – the reversing camera meaning everything was so much easier. The chap took my ropes and as I came out the rear door said: “You expecting trouble?†I was taken aback and had to ask him to explain “You’ve got more cameras on this boat that my house!†Ahh, I the penny dropped and I explained again what they were for and what I was going to do. Came into the office and gave them the web address to go to and watch proceedings from and then rushed off to Roys. I had also been tasked by my girlfriend to get a Norfolk inspired mug, fridge magnets and pens together with a selection of postcards so she can send these home to her family. What with going to Roys and trying to figure out what postcard scenes looked the best to get took more time that I had hoped and it was now 11:45am – blimey had to get back to the boat and upon doing so set up the live stream and depart for 12:00pm. Upon getting back, everything went smoothly the stream began and even my mum was watching and in the chat room – I was waived the mooring fee and off I went – Dave Flames (a member of this forum) somehow had control of the webcam at Barnes Brinkcraft and took a series of snap shots as I left the moorings and went live. I know this is all not very holiday like, I know too it is very much geeky and frankly a right pain to set up – but when it was all going, people are tweeting, chatting and watching the show it seems proper worth it. Along the Bure we went but I had been having problems all morning with getting a decent mobile signal on the usually very reliable Three MiFi unit – even in Wroxham I was only able to get 3G and by the time we left Wroxham broad (being turned around because of the racing that was going on) signal was lost completely. Once I got it back we were well past Horning – and I had suffered a problem with the USB hub which powers and connects all the webcams. The power pack for it had stopped working. Some on the fly changing of cables meant we had at least got 2 cameras back up and running. It was then along the Thurne and to Potter Heigham. Not much to report, most of the afternoon was taken up with just cruising along. When I arrived at Herbert Woods it was my intention of getting some water (I’d forgotten to use the hose right behind the boat in Le Boats boatyard) and was surprised to see Herbert Woods so completely full. I slowly went around looking for hoses and a space to moor. The only thing I could find was a stern on mooring partially blocked by a dinghy. After two attempts it was plain to see a 12 foot wide boat was not going to fit in a 10 foot wide space. Time to leave – DRL Marine had water and so just shortly after leaving Herbert Woods to head to Womack Water I ended the live stream. Phew. I could relax now, for when I am doing that I ma always more on edge – aware people can both hear and see everything I do from cock ups to exemplary manoeuvres. Once in Womack Dyke, it was as I expected full. My favourite ‘wild mooring’ was more overgrown than ever – but the other ‘back up one’ past the corner on the left was free. Down past Hunters yard, over Womack Water and moored at DRL where a very helpful guy asked ‘what can we do for you’ and actually got the hose and put it in the filler. It seemed to take an age to fill up – surely I had not used that much water? Then I began to see what seemed to be happening. There are two tanks, both have a small hole which will spurt water out to let you know when it is full, but while the right hand one was dribbling out the left hand one was positively spurting out. I wonder if in fact this was a siphon effect, where once the water had began to come out it carried on and on – anyway – they certainly were full and it was time to head off and see if the mooring I had spied on my way was free. Incidentally the public staithe was full. And so as I came down the dyke the mooring was indeed free, and I took my time to prepare and moor. This time I did not get off the boat with it in gear, and this time I was much more confident with the rhonde anchor/rope dance routine. Before long I was settled, a cold beer on the go and the sun setting with nobody around. Lovely. I put everything away, tidied the boat and while Salerno is not very big, she has everything you could wish for aboard. I am still amazed at the price and despite it being one of the cheapest boats you can hire its inventory included 3 saucepans and a frying pan, a colander, a sharp pearing knife, bread knife - hell even egg cups! I also like the pack Richardson’s give you, toilet roll, black bin bag, little bottle of washing up liquid, tea towels and jay cloth together with a scouring pad. I wonder if it is just me but when you are moored for the evening, I do like a bit of Classic FM on really relaxes you. It was not a very eventful day I grant you, but I had tomorrow to look forward to as far as doing what I pleased and no rushing. I also did not need to worry about cameras and cables and the like. It had been a great day, and the evening was treating me to a wonderful light show with the setting sun and nature was all coming to rest around me. This is what boating is all about – complete mind reset from daily rush of life.

RE: Le Boat - I wish I could tell you, I missed it going and had to turn around and only found it on the way back with a sharp look out lol - Day 2 video is rendering and once has been shall post the next installment here...

Thanks for the replies. Tonight Day 2 will be coming As far as moorings in Wroxham, personally I feel as if I am being a little rude turning up at a smaller boatyard to moor over night despite beign perfectly within my rights to as they are all part of the same agency. As it turned out Horning was the ideal place as you will learn. Ferry Inn - I like. I have been 3 times previously without issue, I think being a Friday night and perhaps run off their feet I got the welcome I did.

Day 1: Day Ones Captain’s Blog is here: http://youtu.be/bWCHwEBylSc (This marks the beginning of a new series of ‘Captains’ Blogs’ coming in the future. Longer, with a greater mix of myself talking to the camera together with river scenes, boat walk-a-rounds and reviews). It began early because I had booked myself on the 8:30am train from Liverpool Street to Norwich, not only did this mean my fares were just £8.50 each way, but would have meant by the time I made my connection to Hoveton & Wroxham, I could get the 11:35am bus to Stalham. I left my home bang on 7:00am and arrived at Liverpool Street in good time – I thought I’d try a Burger King breakfast – never again! On the train and it was relatively quiet, past the Olympic Park at Stratford and time for a nap. We seemed to be making good progress until just outside Ipswich we stopped and then the air conditioning went off and I knew something was amiss. There was an over head line problem and my heart sank. Fortunately we were not held up too long and back on our way. I made the connection at Norwich and I was then getting more excited, the first glimpses of the river and boats as we headed out of Norwich. I arrived earlier than expected at the boatyard and checked in – the boat was not ready but that was OK. I left my case in reception and headed off for a stroll around the village. It seems Stalham is full of takeaway places and hairdressers. The Grebe pub had music blaring and certainly seems to cater for a clientele I am not part of, I much prefer the Swan. I had a look in the ‘factory outlet’ shop – yet was surprised much of the items I see back home in the local pound shop were well over a pound in there. If they were inflated in price one wonders how cheap the other things may be, out of there and into Boots for some Hayfever pills. Boots in Stalham feels very strange. It is the fact everyone seems to know everyone else (not bad) that ‘Frank’ can be greeted by his first name and they know what prescription he has – but the thing was I was an interloper, some strange chappy from out of town and I was looked up and down as if people were taking mental pictures of me and if anything untoward happened in town they would say ‘there was this stranger you know in Boots, not from round here’. A quick stop for snacks in Tesco and off back to the boatyard (via the staithe for a sit down and relax in the sun) the boat – Salerno No. 2 – was now ready and off I trundled over to the quay. I must admit the only failing I find with Richardson’s is they are entirely geared for those arriving in cars. It would be helpful if they had a couple of trolleys like Herbert Woods do to put bags and stuff on, suitcase wheels don’t like gravel and wooden slatted quay walkways. I got on board and initial thoughts were ‘aww’ – Salerno looked every so cute in a way, short but everything you needed, large rear cabin, good sized toilet, a little galley but a full size saloon akin to what you get on much larger boats. Soon after the chap from the yard was over – and a miss understating ensued. He said he was here to take me on a trial run, for which I assured him I did not need – he then told me it was a requirement of health & safety and I accepted that but in fact he did not mean ‘trial run’ but ‘talk over of the boat’ – once this was sorted all slotted into place and showed me where the gas bottles were, rhonde anchors and so on. I did not get his name, but my he was helpful. Off the top of his head he gave me the Landlady’s number and name of the Kings Head in Ludham and because was alone told me to call and I’d be picked up and taken to the pub. He offered a wealth of advice on other places to go and things to do. This was not just a script reeled off to everyone, but genuine helpful nature. Thank you and sorry I don’t remember your name. Once hand over was complete it was time to get going and it felt great to be back on the water – the sun was out, and all felt just right with the world. I was planning a long cruise from Stalham to Wroxham – the idea being to moor in Barnes Brinkcraft’s yard over night. I wanted to get there because it would make going out for a meal easy, and a good place to start off on the Saturday to do the live stream for Norfolk Broads – LIVE! from. I left the confines of the boatyard and before long was on Barton Broad – the mad rush of other boats now coming thick and fast, I knew that this week was going to a busy one because the price bands had dropped from their summer highs but schools were still not back so a lot of holiday makers were taking advantage of this. I mud weighted on Barton Broad just outside the marked channel to set up one of my gadgets – a reversing camera for a car that I had fitted a cigarette lighter plug to. This set up first trialed on Dream Time would mean not only would stern on mooring be a breeze, but at any time I could see what was behind me without sticking my head out the window. The colour camera, flat panel monitor and cable had cost me £39.00 – bargain and say this much for under £40.00 I think such a set up could well be the next addition for many a hire boat to have, least it should be I say. Camera working it was time to haul in the mud weight and head off for the long cruise to Wroxham. At Ludham Bridge moorings (many of which were free) I did a test side on mooring – it is always good to do this without risk of other boats being in front or behind you just to get a feel for the boat – she was very responsive on the throttle coming to stop with a quick burst of astern – the only problem was she loved to steer left, but rather hated going right, and once going left getting the wheel to turn to right was a struggle as you could really feel the prop wash on the rudder as the wheel vibrated and complained at being turned against the flow of water. Under the bridge then, past the truly sensational looking ‘Brave Heart’ which has been extensively refurbished by Ludham Bridge Boatyard. Before long it was time to turn right onto the Bure and head towards Wroxham. It was busy again but really hit heavy traffic on the approach to Horning and outside the Ferry Inn was some new mooring techniques being tried. One – stern on outside the pub, the other go past the mooring then back in as if you were parking a car. I thought to myself if it was this full now what on earth was Wroxham going to be like – I got on to the Barnes Brinkcraft Webcam and had a look – very much a full house. I could have got in, and I could have tried Faircraft Loynes – or even MC Marine Leisure moorings outside the Café but if I was to find no room at the inn so to speak, I would be risking not having a mooring with shore access to somewhere to eat – and I had wanted to eat out and not cook on board. Just past the Swan I decided to turn about and head to Le Boat and moor in their boatyard. Good thinking because when I arrived there (it has to be said I missed the entrance amazingly on the way and only 5 minutes later thought ‘hang on where has Le Boat gone to?’) so doubled back, and moored in a very quiet yard with just one other boat there with people on. I did a bit to camera had a look at some of the boats which were moored and got ready to unpack my things. Peace was shattered when an Emperor class boat came and decided to moor right next to me – and once moored just left its slowly smoking and oh so noisy Perkins engine running. Why I thought, with all this space did you need to moor right against my port side. Still I thought I’ll be off soon to the Ferry Inn for a meal and drinks so not to worry. I left about 7:30pm to walk to the Ferry Inn and when I arrived I stood next to the signed that said ‘wait here to be seated’ I was ignored as if I was invisible, even when I stopped one of the waitresses to ask if they had a table, I was looked at as if I was infected – just one? No one else with you I was asked (as if this was some kind of terrible affliction to turn up to a pub and want to eat and be alone) she vanished and 5 minutes later I was none the wiser if there was going to be room – a family of four arrived, chap came over and smiled and took them off to a table. I got his attention and again asked about myself possibly being able to eat there tonight, to which I was told they were now full and expect an hours wait! I did not want to mess about and left. I did not fancy the walk to the New Inn or Swan so went to Harry’s Fish Shop. I ordered Haddock & Chips and a diet coke, only to be told their fridge had exploded the day before so they coke was warm. My heart was sinking. Warm coke, and a meal which I had not planned on having. I was tired having been on the go for over 13 hours now and just wanting to eat and go to sleep. The good news was the fish was freshly cooked and it was blooming lovely! Crispy well covered batter, succulent and flaky fish. The chips weren’t half bad either and so I walked back to the boat, to find the Emperor boat had moved to the other side of the basin – I was now alone and all was quiet. I sat in the forward well on the boat and watched the sun go down and finished my fish & chips. Life was not so bad after all. It was an early night and I have to hand it to Richardson’s they do have good pillows, snug blankets and thick duvets. A lovely berth I could stretch out in and would certainly be comfy for two without being to squashed up. Ahh, this was the life I thought as I drifted to sleep.

For the record, I don’t see any problem to talk about an experience one has suffered (good or bad) and name the boatyard in question. So long as the facts are given, are honest and a complete reflection of the situation – and to a degree comment is made as to both sides of the argument then what is the harm? One is not being libelous and if one has left the boatyard and chooses not to take the matter further (e.g. making a formal written complaint) then whilst some may thing it unfair on the boatyard (having a bad day as an example) it may be the case that there are more bad days than good. Using the above, common sense prevails and one can weigh up things for themselves. For example: if someone was being very derogatory of a boatyard and saying how badly they had been treated and how awful their experience was and it turned out that the only problem was microwave that did not work...well then one can understand the customer was over zealous in their feelings of upset and expectations of the boatyard and surly the majority would see the boatyard was not so bad the customer expected a little too much. However, if it was to be the case that the engine broke and the customer was kept waiting for hours for an engineer and the attitude of the boatyard was one of ‘we don’t care’ and things were not resolved, then one could see the customer having more of a right to be upset and the boatyard could have done better. Either way p[personally speaking I think I have read comments good and bad about most boatyards on the Broads – It is MY personal experience which shapes my future choices. My personal experience have shown things can go wrong, be put right and I be left feeling as if I am a valued customer. I’ll come back. Treat a complaint or issue as being nothing – have a poor customer service, well then I will not return. In all cases I will share what happened, and I try to be as fair and open from my own side of matters and that of the boatyard’s – the customer is not always right, just as the boatyard is not always wrong. If we meet half way I am happy.

I'm sorry @DelticMemories the video has not been speeded up. Forget how things may appear, it is all about the sound, sync and pitch. I've just ripped the video form You Tube and ran it through Vegas Pro - I'm pretty sure was not shot 'in real time' but appears to be running at 25fps no less, no more. Also through out the footage the sound is in perfect sync and matches frame for frame.

@ Clive: Sadly this will be my’ first hire’ to count towards the scheme, San Julian was booked through Hoseasons – Far Horizon I did not pay for. At the rate I’m going though I’ll soon catch up ;-) @ Dan: Because work has cut hours to mean I only do a 4 day week it means long weekends have suddenly become easy (as long as I can get the Friday off) and frankly with prices Richardson’s charge it makes it possible too

I’ve not been on here for a number of months – But I spose I really should spread my wings a little further with all things ‘Broads related’. So come the end of August I am going to be having a 'sneaky weekend break' (I say this because my manager has no idea I will be taking the Friday off work currently - I think may have to accientally have something medically wrong occur lol) but shall be on Salerno – which was so much cheaper than anything else from anywhere else for the time I am going. I had to give Richardson's credit, they don’t have this special offer or that big discount, just consistent low prices. Perhaps why this will be the third booking made with Richardson’s this year alone. The boat in question looks very nice inside, compact yet airy. I hope the weather keeps nice too. Due to me being hit by bad luck (what is new there) but this was a special form of bad luck, for it was Friday 13th July. I left my camera on the upper helm of Far Horizon, overnight in the rain – by morning it was in a puddle of water (yet amazingly survived) it had a death wish however for me dropping it on the floor later the same day killed it off. I’m sorry to say though the ‘Captains Blogs’ will continue – I’ve got a cheapo camera as a stop gap replacement. I’ll add to the holiday tales when I return. www.youtube.com/feelmyheaven

I'm sorry to randomly pick this thread to ask - because it will appear rude of me - but I have no personal experience of Pacific Cruisers, though reports seem to suggest they a very well kept fleet of reasonably priced boats with a friendly family welcome awaiting hirers. To my point however, I often see people who have booked a boat and then choose to come and ask if people have either had experience of said boat, or what the boatyard is like. I just wonder what one may feel if the question was asked and the replies came back that the boat was appalling and the yard were terrible. It might be prudent to ask, then book not vice versa to be sure.

I’d seen Liberty for sale too and indeed one of the Lola Charter boats is also up for sale on the same site. Seems these flashy boats look lovely but have had their day as far as hire goes. Personally speaking having a pretty ordinary boat in Radiant as the ‘posh’ boat seems pointless at least with Liberty you had something unique that stood you apart from the crowd. With Radiant you can hire one of those from next door at Horning Ferry as Radiant Emblem and thus you would not be standing out from the crowd – sure the interior may be a little nicer with the bedding and suchlike, but it is like Richardson’s having one of their Platinum boats available for hire through a separate site called ‘Bling Boats’...

When I last hired in April, with Richardsons I forget how many litres was put back in, but the pump showed £99 and a few pennies. Considering the amount of cruising done over 7 days I was expecting £100 -£110 so was close to the mark. On a short break (3 night) usually seem to use about £40 of fuel and about £55 for a 4 night break. It depends too how much heating you use – a 3kw warm air heater can use ½ a litre an hour. Engines however DO make all the difference. In October 2011 was on Commanding Light, that has an old Perkins 4.108 which smoked a lot and frankly was gutless. Now sure the boat is a 42' bit weighty - but was surprised to have used as much (and I take the point each yard has a different cost per litre and I should be quoting litres used not price charged) but it cost £126 for the week and we really did not do a great deal of cruising about. Newer Nanni engines are based on a newer underlying engine design, so naturally are of course more fuel efficient. Some of Faircraft Loynes new boats have older Perkins fitted - they are cheap to get hold of, but don't meat new EU emission rules so I believe once the boat has reached the end of their hire life can't be sold on with the engine fitted (not sure if that is to a private buyer or if going to a new hire yard) but anyway the point is it is not always about having a new build boat equals a new quiet engine. While talking about fuel – I am surprised just how much boats use compared to the equivalent engine sized diesel car, but the sheer drag of the water and gear box ratio/prop mean they got to work hard to push the boat along. I liked the fact Richardsons wrote to me saying before I took over the boat that the fuel deposit paid may not cover the cost of fuel used. Nice to be prepared, also nice once off boat they are ready and fuelling and you can see the pumps, you can see they truly do fill the tanks to the tops. PS if you hire from Barnes Brinkcraft be sure to check they don’t round up the pence to the nearest full pound. It might only be 30p out of your pocket, (as I found) but if doing that for every hire of each of the boats those pennies soon add up and certainly are better off in the hirers pockets than the yards.

Thanks for the welcome here guys. And Dan, I was not 'having a go at you' so don't think that, please. I just have bad luck follow me, you should know that not just with boats - I hope it shows not just with San Julian, but with my other 'Captain's Blogs' that when there is an issue, the rest of the holiday goes on and it is being here, being afloat that is the main thing - and reason for enjoyment. I continue to learn too in what I do, how I say it and what I say - after all I don't want to book a holiday and be told 'you're barred' because we don't wnat you doing a video about us lol. Just like in the big world of TV one must be balanced and fair - so I try to be too. I've liked Richardson's over the years - I've got my fav's and choices, example that I prefer San Julian over Cavilier because the windows on San Julian I think suite the design more and that San Julian (for now) still has a carpetted saloon - what a nerd to like that over another almost identical boat! Still thats me. Anyway, I am cosy tonight though the wind has got up here and rain is falling still. Radio on, some Aspel open and all is happy aboard the good boat San Julain...

Hello all here - Robin here (London Rascal) Whilst I have often read this forum, I have as yet never joined - but seeing as talk has turned to myself I feel it is only right I do and add my views. Previous to blogging about my holidays on the Norfolk Broads, I have been very much into social media as a way to reach the wider world with your opinions and experiences. I have over the last year extended this - first with daily blogs in the written form, then with photo’s, then with video. On the whole I have never received any negative responses be it on the videos or my blogs, or from the hire yards concerned. But you may ask why do I do this, what is the agenda and what is in it for me? Well to begin I do it because boating is my passion and I want to share with the wider world this - like no other has. Sure You Tube has videos of people's holidays afloat, but no one has done a day by day account via video with a written report on the forum to accompany it. So you see I do it for nothing more than the fact I want to share, to enlighten and to a degree entertain others. You Tube have offered me a partnership to run adverts and monetize my account - I declined. The moment you go down that path it must surely turn from passion to doing it for monetary gain and that is not good. My venture into live streaming with Norfolk Broads - LIVE! again is through my passion to share, and to push boundaries and limits. None one has done what I have - a real time camera feed with audio and multiple camera views. It cost a fortune to get all the gear and a great deal of stress and effort to do - but over 5,000 people have come and viewed content which shows it is a good thing - again I make nothing from it. Some of those who watch may well use the links on the page to book their own holiday afloat - which is good for business too. So you see I’ve no axe to grind against anyone. Dan - you are the authority on hire boating as far as your pictures and passion for this go, but when you say some of the bad luck I have (because it is with each boat from different boatyards) may (as you put it) be a theme starting to develop - thus this is close to implying that I may cause some of the problems or ‘big them up’ to appear more than they really are to gain some exposure and/or viewers. I guarantee this is not the case. Take the overheat issue with San Julian, upon finding out the boat was in difficulty the first thing I did was head for the bank, put the mud eight over, stop the engine and then.. reach for my camera. I blogged about it has it happened, thinking it was just a case of an empty expansion bottle, then in the next segment discover the true extent of the problem with the broken belts. I say it as it is, and as I find it. I am very careful what I edit so as not to imply anything other than that which I experience keeping it as real and ‘as if they're with me’ as possible. Yes I am good frustrated and upset because it was yet another problem - but I was not angry. I kept the humor going because that is all one could do - laugh with exasperation that another issue had happened. You also say that my reviews can be harsh - your opinion is different to mine - and perhaps in the past I have been a little bad on things when they were not the be all and end all of the holiday - I’d be curious to know which review you mean as it is a boat you have been on yourself and found it to be fine - we do all have or own expectations and experiences on boats. As far as publicity goes, they say all publicity is good publicity. I have been looked after by Richardson’s - my family has been with them since 1989 - I have even been with Diamond Cruisers part of the group based in Horning and you know why? They are good value - this boat I am on with its comforts and 240v electrics I say for the price I am paying is good - I loved the letter I got prior to arrival saying extra bedding or galley items could be requests, and giving an ETA of boat take over time - the welcome and hand over all were top notch. I can’t therefore ‘put down’ the company because a boat of theirs which is by no means new, has some mechanical problems. However, I also cannot sugar coat the issue too much - there are a list of issues all of which have been attended to, but that did affect my time away. I am sure another hirer who could have experienced this may not be so cool about it as I. I’ve been doing these video blogs since October 2011 - I will continue to until there are more people saying they dislike than like. I’ve got a following of regular watchers now, and in a way I do it more for them than me now. To moor up for the night and have to edit video, write a blog post and pay for yet more data is a hassle truthfully, but I do it none the less because I’m passionate about these rivers and experiences. You can’t please everybody all of the time, only some people most of the time .