Broads01

Until 1pm Howard. They charge the same as in the summer but lock up the toilet and shower facilities at 1pm when they leave - not great.

Rollie is obsessed with squirrels..

I could have done but having reached Geldeston I opted to carry on cruising a bit longer and finished up back at Beccles Yacht Station. The rain dried up this afternoon although there's still a wintery wind. The cruise to Geldeston and back was beautiful as always, albeit that many trees have lost all their leaves now. I'm currently sat in the Bear and Bells which feels very warm and welcoming and Rollie is with me because it's dog friendly.

It's wet and cold this morning. Rollie enjoyed Everitt Park once again first thing and then I pootled around to the water hose on the outside pontoon before setting off back across the Broad. Despite the rain it was a very enjoyable cruise to Beccles and I managed to see two otters. I'm currently at Beccles Yacht Station. High water here is around midday and when we arrived at 10-30 to go through the bridge was too tight to risk. I'm going to hang around until 2ish and see if we can get through then.

I enjoyed the football at The Waveney Inn which was very busy with a mostly young crowd. I came back to the boat for a bit and then went for the carvery at the Wherry Hotel. I enjoyed the food. They keep the carvery going until 10pm which is surprising given it seemed there were more staff there than there were customers. I left the heating on whilst I went out and its still whirring away now so all good as far as the batteries are concerned.

Not me, I passed the Ferry House about 2-30pm yesterday on my way to Rockland for last night. Not a sniff of rain where I was today. I think it's coming in the morning though.

Especially for Neil, here's Lightning at Oulton Broad. There've been more boats around than I expected although the only other hire boat I saw today was Pacific Sunshine. That doesn't really count though because I think it was Pacific owner Richard at the helm.

It's a good job I didn't really need water today. The tap at Reedham was working but there was no hose and I didn't follow Howard's tip of bringing my own (I wouldn't know what fitment to use). Sandersons was all locked up. There's a blue hose in evidence here at OBYS which I'll investigate in the morning.

Some pics from today.

Indeed he was Neil and his wife Nicky also. I do like the personal touch. Song may be the oldest boat I've ever hired and it has a very classic feel to it which I'm really enjoying.

I agree, that's where I am whilst the football's on.

Well I survived the night, albeit I woke up in the night cold but I just put my fleece on and then went back to sleep until the alarm went at 7. It's been lovely today, very bright once again and not quite as chilli as yesterday. The sliding roof has been open the whole time. Fabulous early morning walk with Rollie around to where Short Dyke meets the Broad. We've made it to OBYS via a short stop at Reedham. I'm off in a minute to watch Liverpool v Man City somewhere.

Some pics from today

I'm writing this in the New Inn at Rockland having set off on my maiden November voyage this afternoon. I arrived at Freedom at 12-45 with the boat all ready. They're a very friendly, family-based operation and this is my third time with them now. I've looked aboard Song of Freedom before but I'd forgotten what a classic boat it is. It felt a world away from the 1990s boats I've more often hired recently but in a good way. Freedom have done some sympathetic work on her in recent years and the interior feels lovely. We (me and Rollie the dog) were away down the Yare just after 2pm. It was chilly but with the sun shining and blue sky I didn't miss out on the chance to have the roof open. As I expected there were few boats around although I did manage to find a privateer who passed me in both directions with such a huge wash I felt like I was on Breydon and glad I didn't have a hot drink to spill. As I headed towards Brundall behind me in the distance I think I identified Moonlight Shadow and I know Helen (Ynysmon) is aboard so hopefully I'll be able to say hello in the next few days. I really enjoyed myself in the sun. I feel like I'm doing the 'Quiet and Peaceful' thing at last and loving it so far. I decided to head for Rockland for my first night. By the time I reached Rockland Broad it was past 3-30pm and with the sun very low the temperature dropped and somehow the windscreen seemed to must up on both sides. There was only one other boat at Rockland and as usual Rollie enjoyed the chance to stretch his legs and sniff somewhere new. We've been warm on the boat with the heating working well so far. For tonight I have two duvets from the boatyard plus a sleeping bag of my own in between so hopefully I'll stay warm.

Although I know water levels were very high recently Jean, as a general point I can't agree with you on that one. The Ludham gauge in particular is a work of fiction, as are many 'official' air drafts on hire boats. In my experience there's a lot of leeway although I guess the difference is you know exactly what your boat needs whereas as a hirer I have to trust the supposed air draft I'm given.

This is one area where Richardsons stand out from the rest by offering the same price whenever you book with no discounting. They do that out of fairness to customers and I'm sure it makes good business sense also. This week they've released 2021 bookings so you can book exactly what you want knowing the price isn't going to drop nearer the time.

Thanks for your write up and photos Jean. Your interior photos of the boat arw intriguing. The shower room looks amazing - it could be a hotel ensuite. That rear step arrangement looks horrible though and why is the bed that close to the stern door? In the saloon, if you were sat in the corner of the L shape sofa, is there enough headroom? From the photo, the sofa upholstery looks basic so I'd be interested to know how it felt in real life.

The photos at The Bell have come out well. I like the well lit moorings, saves having to pick your way back to the boat with a torch.

I had no idea split sliding canopies were around that long ago and I always thought Alpha Craft were the first to build them. Is the first pic at Salhouse? The quay heading must have been pretty new then.

I can't picture the Dyke you mean Vaughan. Can you clarify the exact location?

Great photos Jay. I've not been in Norada, is it worth a visit?

Did you enjoy the Broads Museum? I visited in September and thought it was good value.

The gorgeous Limekiln Dyke, wonderful place.

Fantastic photo. What was the exact location?