Broads01

I enjoyed myself yesterday. Lucky there was a snooker round at the beginning of the quiz because Cian and I struggled a bit after that. Shame I made a twit of myself trying to exit the mooring this morning. I forgot to switch the steering back to 'top' after starting the boat and by the time I'd corrected the boat was all over the place. Thanks to Polly and Cambridge Cabby for helping.

Where better for our first night than my favourite Broads pub (also includes a free wind pump)

All really good so far. Left home in Cardiff at 0640 and pulled up in Roy's car park at 1210 after two stops en route - smoothest journey up for a long time. Picked Cian up at Hoveton and Wroxham Station just after 2. Boat was ready and we were very pleased with it (review at the end of the trip). I said hello to Andy (Boatyman), who'd taken over Brinks Encore and is also coming to the meet tomorrow. It was an ultra laid back hand over. "Have you been before?". "Yes, many many times." "Is there anything you need to know?" I asked 3 or 4 questions about specifics I could think of for the boat and that was it. "Are you OK to get out of here?" "Yes, fine" I said, knowing the space was very tight. As it happened Jazz twisted around no problem and we were away. It was a cold and drizzly afternoon but nevertheless Cian and I enjoyed time up top enjoying the scenery. We decided to head for Thurne and a meal at The Lion. Lovely beer, food and atmosphere once again. Rollie has been fine aboard. I think he thinks the boat is a small house. I must admit although I like the boat so far it does have the look of a house about it.

We passed you around St Benets. I only realised who it was too late to wave. See you tomorrow pm.

I'd have thought Symphony 2 was a very tight squeeze.

I'm hitting the road early in the morning for the long drive to Wroxham and then a week on Brinks Jazz 5. Rollie is our 3 year old Lhasa Apso. He's a rescue dog we've only had since January hence this is his first trip to the Broads. I'm sure he'll enjoy it, even though it means him putting up with a long car journey to get there when he's not the happiest of travellers. I'm excited as always and trying to sleep tonight I'll be like a child on Christmas Eve. Even better this time, I'm meeting my son Cian in Wroxham tomorrow and he'll be with me until Monday, his first visit since 2015. We'll head off to a pub somewhere or other tomorrow night and then those of you at the meet we'll see at Salhouse on Saturday. I'll write up as we go, connection permitting.

Leaving home early for the long drive to Wroxham. See you all Saturday at Salhouse.

It sounds like your holiday has been messed up. Hope you can make it on Saturday.

Thanks for writing, Bryan. I can understand why you keep returning to Swan Roamer, what a superb boat it is.

That would suit me much better I think. Not that I'm adverse to doing cleaning at home but on a boat I'd rather pay someone else to do it.

David, I have to admit, if I had to spend 4 hours cleaning the boat at the end of my trip I would hate it. Do any of the syndicate owners pay to have the boat cleaned?

Thanks for the write up David. You always write very well and no need to shorten in my view. Indeed Bridge Craft always look clean and over the winter I enjoyed reading their Facebook updates on the maintenance work they were doing. They can only fit one boat in the shed at the time but each one that goes in gets a thorough sort out of all the damage that hirers have done through the season.

I like the Surlingham shots. I never realised there was a side on spot where you were moored.

I had a look at Waveney Pisces for this October and the price came out much more competitively than I expected and much keener than Ferry at Horning. The only reason I didn't pick it in the end was to get more nights aboard with Freedom for a little less money. I'm pleased to say they accept solo hirers with experience (thank goodness some operators continue to see sense).

Slight change in plans for me as my son, Cian, is now joining me. We'll arrive Saturday now instead of Friday but we'd like to come to Ranworth and join the cruise to Salhouse. What sort of time will you set off? We will now be: Broads01/Simon, Cian and Rollie the dog/Brinks Jazz 5/Sat-Sun

I'm pleased both Richardsons and BA have responded positively. What's a blue book warning?

Hi Chris. The issue you may have there is availability of space - it's a very popular spot and in June will fill up quite quickly. You may be OK if you get away from the boatyard early and head straight there.

I'm pretty sure it was named Royal Escort.

Thank you Malcom, enjoyed your tale as always.

Thanks for the write up and photos Jay. You certainly packed the cruising miles in.

I like the brochure page, Vaughan. The stand out phrase that dates it and made me smile is "book a television set". Ooh, the luxury!

Great photos as always Malcom. I'm pleased to see that mooring spot just up from Hunsett Mill is usable. Sometimes in the past it's been very overgrown on the bank there.

That happened to me there last year. It was only after we'd moored further along I spotted the sign with our boat name on was facing away from the river.

Sounds good. What's the mooring availability there now? Is it just the short bit in front of the pub with the mooring upstream still closed?

I've never heard the names. Where are they?