Broads01

I've had a brilliant day today. It's been unseasonably warm. I was never close to needing the heating either last night or first thing this morning. I took Suzie down the Cockshoot boardwalk first thing. She's a busy little dog and loves new smells anywhere so it was fun watching her tap tap down the boardwalk on her long lead ahead of me. We set off downstream just after, bound for Potter Heigham. It was a very relaxed cruise without a huge number of boats around. There was plenty of room on the BA moorings at Potter and I gave Suzie her second walk of the morning behind the riverside properties and as far as Maycraft opposite. The former "Quiet Moorings" look overgrown and sorry for themselves now. The opposite of that is "Bond Island Windmill" which I know is a holiday let and looks pristine on the outside. We returned to the boat to deposit Suzie whilst I visited Lathams. I don't like the place very much but there's always something I need there, on this occasion and quite bizarrely - Blue Tack. The reason for this is Velvet 2 has a very bizarre quirk in the washroom - neither the toilet seat nor even the toilet lid will sit upright due to the fact the toilet is positioned too far under the deck. Blue Tack was the best solution I could think of and so far it's worked well! Shortly after I returned to the boat, a couple on a large 2 berth boat got themselves in a pickle at the bridge. They passed me at the upstream end of the BA moorings doing around 5mph at a guess, tried turning too close to the bridge and ended up pinned sideways against it. One of the crew disembarked and attempted in vain to pull the boat astern towards Phoenix Fleet but the quayside to the right of the bridge juts out and he couldn't move the boat anywhere. He then enlisted the help of bystanders stood on the bridge and between 4 people they managed to haul the boat clear with no damage done. For safety there really needs to be a "NO TURNING PAST THIS POINT" sign in large letters, similar to the one at Reedham. There's always something going on when you're boating. A little later we set off back downstream, overnight destination Acle Bridge. At Thurne Mill, there was a sailing club event in full swing. I actually love the challenge of negotiating a big group of sailing boats and enjoyed picking my way through. There were a couple of hireboats who didn't seem to know where to go and ended up floating in the centre going nowhere. I find the best thing is keep well right and try and find the balance between being patient holding back and being assertive moving through and out of the way. We were soon at Acle and there was plenty of space on the BA moorings. I've just enjoyed a meal at the Bridge Inn having sat outside earlier. When we came in the summer on a Sunday lunchtime I was a little disappointed but not this time - bacon chops, egg and chips was superb.

I passed you at the church mooring this morning, Neil. I waved but I think you were doing some washing up at the time and your face was hidden from view.

It is indeed still a cracking little boat, Howard. Although it could do with some light upgrades (e.g carpet and sofa are a little worn) the Royal's build has stood the test of time well. I like the wood veneers, the display cabinet-style wall cupboard and the stern exterior lighting. It's also excellent value for money when you consider it has bow thrusters, electric mudweight, microwave and a bath (with shower over so no need to get the whole washroom wet). All continued very well yesterday. I enjoyed a cheese and mushroom omelette outside the old mill followed by a slice of gluten-free cake. I drove around to Barnes around 1-30 and was greeted by Matthew Thwaites who led me to the boat and advised I'd get a call when it was ready. Cleaners were still on board but I knew I was early so I didn't mind waiting. I just mooched around the yard with Suzie nosing through windows of boats which were empty. At 2-40 I was given the all clear to load my luggage aboard and very soon after I was on my trial run. Barnes didn't used to insist they took you down the river but the guy did this time, I assume because policy has changed and I think it's no bad thing. I was soon away with Suzie downriver and contemplating where I might head for. I dropped the mudweight in Wroxham Broad for 45 minutes or so as I wanted a cup of tea and complete packing food away before Suzie could steal any! We then continued, roof still open as it was unseasonably warm. I was contemplating St Benets for the night but decided that would be a little too close to sunset for comfort so I opted for Cockshoot instead. I was surprised how bust it was there as I arrived about 5-20 and within half an hour it was full to capacity. I'm pleased to say all folks staying there were impeccably quiet and it was a very peaceful evening.

That's the one, Howard. I'd forgotten how orange it once was!

Safely arrived in Wroxham. It was one of the quickest journeys ever and a complete contrast when I last came up at the end of July (when the A11 roadworks were in full swing). Bridge height showing 6 foot 3 when I last looked. Currently sat outside the Old Mill restaurant in the sun.

I agree about the interior. It's one of those pubs dominated by dining tables and dining chairs whereas if I'm not eating I like something a little comfier.

I'm setting off early tomorrow on my drive from South Wales for a week aboard Royal Velvet 2 from Barnes Brinkcraft. I'll be the solo human this time but once again Suzie our faithful Shih Tzu will be afloat with me. I'm planning to stay north and have no particular plans other than visiting a couple of pubs I'm yet to try. Give us a wave if you see us.

Enya at NYA looks stunning even though peak season price is £3450.

I think the popularity of September with hirers and the fact that this year July and August seemed relatively quiet indicates the price-sensitivity of boating holidays. Hiring in September is significantly cheaper than in the summer and so if you don't have school-age children, why would you choose to pay peak prices? I've booked a 4 berth boat in mid-September 2024 with a hire charge of around £1100. The same boat in school holidays is just under £2000.

I agree scuffs and so on were present, David and to be honest exterior cleanliness wasn't perfect. I think that's the practicalities of running a volume operation versus a small family one. I had no cause for complaint though and, as I've always found with Richardsons, spotlessly clean inside and everything worked.

Brinks Symphonies? (I think Richardsons Symphonies might be a bit cramped for 8 chaps per boat).

Our October trips overlap Helen, but only just. I'm afloat from this Saturday until Saturday 7th. If I'm able to stop in Horning Friday afternoon I'll see if you're around to say hello.

They're not delapitated in the slightest. I was sad to see them go, especially having hired from them only last year in their last season. This summer I hired Silver Mystique from Richardsons and everything was in excellent order. Richardsons run a good business.

Very good point, Simon. I feel the same, in all walks of life, the few spoil it for the many. I don't doubt though that litter is an issue land owners have to account for and that's very sad.

Roy's photo of the saloon proves contrary to what I first thought it doesn't have the original upholstery. The trouble is the styling suggests the same era. Good spot Dan, the headboard on the stern double looks original. Having said all that, I've no doubt it's a well maintained boat so it'll be a good buy for someone at the right price, whatever that is.

I think it's unlikely they'd let the boat out if there was no passage under Ludham. What's probably more likely is they'd offer you alternative boats at the last minute which I appreciate might not be want you want.

The BA website has a list of places where you can buy cards https://www.broads-authority.gov.uk/boating/facilities/electric-boat-charging-points

The interior needs some work on the basis of those photos. It looks like it still has the original Brister Craft upholstery.

I always liked the look of Melody, especially as aft cockpit hire boats are an endangered species. I've looked aboard and it's compact to say the least but would be very comfy.

Yep, I've been very impressed with Bridgecraft on both my hires with them. No I don't think so. They post photos of the repair work on their Facebook page each winter and it's very impressive. They seem to make holes in hulls magically disappear. Having hired with them with a dog twice I don't think their pet charges are noticeably higher than elsewhere. I do agree about the interiors though. The colours and materials have a budget look about them but their boats are excellent value nonetheless.

From that photo it looks like water levels are high.

Oh dear, what a horrible thing to happen. Fair play to you for having a smile on your face in the last photo. Not sure if HW have cancellation insurance that would give you a part-refund?

I agree. I love mudweighting but only for short periods during the day because of the dog and because I like the chance to walk. I did intend to try mudweighting overnight on one trip last year when I was dogless but windy conditions put me off.

Has the toll increase led to an increased number of non-payers impacting on the deficit?

I don't think it's much different from taking your car for a service and leaving your key so they can move the car around. Not all airport parking companies are bad. The one we used recently at Bristol Airport provided a "meet and greet" service for a reasonable price and they were excellent.