Broads01

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?

Blimey Jay, you do like putting some miles on the clock. Why 6 months away, was it work?

Thanks for the tip. I've done something similar when I've had a crew member on hand to hold a bow rope tightly round a post but I've never thought of doing it solo.

Enjoying your tale Jean. It's amazing how wind affects some boats a lot more than others. Thurne isn't that easy to turn, especially for larger boats. I always try and get the bows well in to the little Dyke to the right before using reverse. Even having done that in September and with a modest 35 foot length, it took a few forward and reverses to turn afterwards. Depending on how far away from the mill your mooring spot is, it can be simpler just to reverse out.

Very handy for checking mooring availability in busy periods.

Thanks for the advice all, very helpful. I've stopped at the Ferry House a few times but never noticed the water hose there. I'm aboard Saturday 9th to Thursday 14th. Helen, our paths are sure to cross somewhere to say hello and Malcom, likewise if our dates overlap.

Good point Neil and I tend to agree. I could understand them not wanting pets if I was hiring a brand new boat but I wanted Silver Mystique which must be around 30 years old.

Next month I'll be hiring Song of Freedom for 5 nights on the south Broads and it'll be my first experience of November hiring. I was originally due to hire at the end of October but I've postponed for family reasons. Daylight hours will be short and I'm looking forward to sampling pub food and drink in the evenings. I'm wondering if there are any issues with the time of year I need to be aware of. Where might be closed? Are water hoses still available? Are high water levels more likely?

I've been dithering for a while about what boat to book for my solo trip next April and finally decided today to go for a boat from Silverline. I was all set to phone them, credit card in hand to check if they'd accept a solo booking with dog but at the last moment noticed their charge for "one small dog" (which he is) is an eye-watering £70 per week. I have no issue with paying a fee for him as I've no doubt there are costs associated with additional cleaning and the £35 Barnes Brinkcraft charge isn't too bad. However, £70 is out of all proportion and Silverline have lost my business because of it.

Thanks for the write up and photos, Peter. Very enjoyable. I'm intrigued to know how you managed to get a very non-standard 8 nights out of Herbert Woods and if they're willing to be flexible about pricing and availability.

I'm impressed how you've managed to hire from HW for 8 nights, very non-standard. Did they do that for the price of a standard week?

In the words of Billy Connolly, if you don't like the weather in Scotland, hang on for 20 minutes 😊

Yep, Herbert Woods have a limited number of boats available in November, so do Freedom.

I'm amazed the Reedham Ferry is shut every Monday and Tuesday. What do they think they are, a hairdressing salon? I think that sends a "we're struggling" message to customers and that tends to out people off. I had a meal there last year and the food was OK but not very memorable. Thanks for your tale and photos Cal, I enjoyed.

Thanks for the write up and photos Malcom, and thanks for the mentions as well. One of your How Hil photos has our boat on it which is handy. It was good to wave to you and in fact I spotted your boat at Potter and at Johnny Crowes staithe also. Hopefully our paths will cross again in the future and we can meet properly that time.