DAVIDH

Well, if you'll always head your list with "Chelsea for Champions". Come on Ian. Give him a fighting chance!

Merry Christmas everyone. Lets hope 2022 is better and that Coronavirus is finally beaten into submission.

Better late than never: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/reality_check

https://www.wayfordmarine.com/advert/free-boats-projects/

Only the good Lord knows!

What a lovely film. In fact a great advert for a Broads holiday. Thanks Vaughan for the key to what to watch out for. Most interesting.

Can we remember also that these boats are not just filled with economic migrants. Whether this is the land of milk and honey or not, we have signed up to the 1951 Refugee Convention (I'm not that clever, I had to look it up) to allow people into our country who are fleeing persecution, which from the look of where they are escaping from, seems to fit the bill. "The top five countries of nationality for asylum applications (from main applicants) were:  Iran  (6,002), Eritrea  (4,412) Albania  (4.010),  Iraq (3,042) and Syria (2,303)." There's more illuminating facts here, such as how many refugees the UK takes in as opposed to our European neighbours. Funny how you don't see these facts reported in the press. Are they just telling us what they believe we want to hear? If that's the case, does that make us a racist country at heart? https://www.unhcr.org/uk/asylum-in-the-uk.html

I think the addition of testing to return to the UK will have a profound effect on forward overseas bookings - if it stays. It COULD BE that in three weeks time, enough has been learned about Omicron, to predict that it isn't likely to make a difference to hospitalisation and deaths here. In that case, I would expect the measure to be removed. The problem with testing to return, is that you can't be sure at the end of your holiday, whether you might test positive and end up staying an extra 10 days or more in resort. That's unlikely to be in your holiday home. It could be in government accommodation. And even if there is a pool in the complex, you won't be allowed out of your room to use it. The fear of being unable to get back to work on time, will have the same chilling effect it had earlier this year, before the testing regime was relaxed. If testing stays, then it's likely it will remain throughout the winter, as these are Covid's halcyon days. My guess is that at some stage, flight schedules will be cancelled or reduced, because not enough people will want to take the chance. All that insecurity is bound to be good for the UK holiday industry once more.

Ooh, that's interesting. Even though 2020 didn't open up officially until July, it was still a bumper year. For me, 2020 and 2021 have been on a par. Many pre-July bookings were transferred to 2021, so the bit they lost at the start of 2020, was kept in the bank. Having had the money once, they couldn't take it again in 2021. And of course, both years sold out, though I guess at higher prices in 2021.

The odds are certainly tipping back that way, but as others have said, the only thing you can rely on is that nothing is reliable.

Tiny little (hardly any space required) clip as proof goosander.mp4

I've seen it Monica, but in the words of that famous rapper Shaggy (who?) It wasn't me!

Wow, what an experience. The impression it left me with was how "nippy" the aircraft is. You get used to seeing airliners slowly limbering up for a take off. I get that the Spitfire had to be highly maneuverable, but it was a surprise to see it so agile.

It's Acle Simon, looking across to Bridgecraft.

Friday 26th November Just a few lines now to tie up the travelogue. I was up at 7am to continue the clean-up. and after a cereal breakfast (not using the cooker to mess it up again), I prepared to set off for Boulters. I had visions of waking up to a frozen dyke, given the -2c overnight forecast, and though it had been cold, there was no ice on the water. It was still breezy, so i kept well away from the finger moorings I got pushed on to yesterday. I was Boulter's first customer, and it was freezing waiting for the pump out and refuel to complete. I was charged a total of £41, which included the £13 charge for the pump out. That was a cheap break, bearing in mind I'd used the onboard heating a lot during the day. So back home, and looking forward to my next week, in March. No photos from today, so here's some images I missed from previous days

Thursday 25th November Those eagle-eyed amongst you, will wonder why I have skipped from Tuesday to Thursday. No I haven't found a way to exist in a parallel universe for 24 hours. I titled two of the days Monday 22nd November. So back to the Gregorian Calendar (whoever he is ). I'd been hearing on the radio all week that a storm was forecast for Friday into Saturday - 100+mph winds and some of the white stuff. That would be the third time in as many trips, that I would have hit stormy weather at the close of my holiday. What's the chances of that I dismissed. Well, every chance actually. The Met Office firmed up today that we would literally have to batten down the hatches come Friday night. Well, I didn't have any battens and I don't think the co-owners of Goosander would appreciate 6 inch nails through the hatches, so decided I would reluctantly vacate her on Friday morning, making a hasty retreat towards God's Own County (you know it is!). So instead of an overnight at Ranworth, that would now become a lunch stop, before nestling back into the home mooring on Friday afternoon. After a sausage sandwich for breakfast (got to start using up the perishables), I just popped over the other side of Potter Bridge, to post a birthday card. I'd noticed yesterday that the collection time was 9am. What a strange time. Clearly the postmen can't sleep in at Potter Heigham. Back to the boat, I untied and de-cabled, before attempting to reverse out of the mooring.... you know Potter Pilot style. That was my first encounter with the strengthening wind. I kicked the boat out to 90 degrees but the wind was stopping me from completing the turn. Anyway, bow thrusters and a rush of blood to the propeller worked. The distance I was travelling today was small, so I took it fairly slow, arriving at Ranworth Staithe about midday. There was just one other yacht there, moored around the corner at what I think others describe as the taxi rank? I turned away from the staithe to reverse on, and may I say, did so with ease, and no ducks were crushed as a consequence. I bounced out to take teh back rope ashore, but by this time (seconds later?), the bow was being blown so much, it was almost alongside by now. Not wanting to take up room that other visitors might want, I tried pulling the stern around. No chance. It just blew back out again. Anyway, I remembered that trick where you can tie the stern rope off, the reverse the engine so that the bow swings out and around. It worked (might not have tried it if anyone had been watching), but as soon as I took the revs off, the bow would swing out again. So I kept it in reverse, thinking it's not going to mount the moorings and make a run for it, and that helped to keep her in place long enough for me to secure the ropes. After a sandwich and a coffee break, I went for a walk down the nature trail to the education centre or whatever it's called, before continuing on my journey back to Horning. Ferry Marina eventually came into sight, and I turned down the dyke towards our home berth. Just as I was about to round the building (see first image), a gust of wind blew the boat broadside across two finger moorings. Both were occupied, so not as it looks on the image. I couldn't turn inwards to get the back out again, and going forwards wouldn't work. It was at that point, I appreciated the full potential of the bow thrusters, which kicked the bow out, so I could get away from the finger moorings. Don't know how I would have managed as a lone sailor without them. I could have pushed the bow off, but it would probably have been back where it started by the time I got back to the helm. Anyway, without further mishap, I made my way back to our mooring, and hooked up for unlimited electricity throughout the night! I wasn't going to go far for my evening meal, so ended up at the Ferry Inn. The meal was the best I've had there for a while. I had a steak and ale pie, partly because so many others were having it, and the smell was irresistible. When it arrived, it had the lightest puff pastry as a lid. and came with lashings of gravy. Wow! Cheesecake followed, which rounded off the meal nicely. I don't know his name, (he had a bit of a pony tail), but the "master of ceremonies" was welcoming and couldn't do enough to please. Highly recommended. After that, i made my excuses and returned to the boat to do a little preliminary packing to save time in the morning. I still had to take Goosander around to Boulters for a pump out and refuel tomorrow, and I was wondering what it would be like getting there being as they were forecasting -2c overnight.

Tuesday 24th November Well, having walked all the way from Sutton to Stalham to get more eggs, I decided today was another cooked breakfast day. All went well this time, until I was sat at the table ready to tuck-in when I noticed there was a big space on the plate where the baked beans should be. Ahhh! This cooking in a small strange kitchen lark, is not as easy as it looks. It was soon rectified though, and breakfast resumed. I noticed that the height of the water hadn't varied more than a few inches all the time I was at Acle. I guess the winter floods were to blame. Soon it was time to cast off and make my way to my overnight destination, Potter Heigham. I wasn't actually that far away, so I decided to stop off en-route at Ludham - (or Womack Water if you prefer). It would be interesting to see how many craft were moored up. Today was colder than of late, as the skies were overcast all day. It's amazing what difference sunshine makes to the boat, in terms of heat. I think Goosander is just one floating greenhouse when the sun's out. I had the boat heating on and a fleece jacket, but still felt cold. Ludham was deserted except for Clear Gem, which was moored side on against the quay. I'd seen Clear Gem (or one of them), moored at Richardsons, and it's one of their boats that's for sale. My guess is that the crew were "test driving" it for the afternoon. Sadly no photos of it. I filled up with water, (which took an age), had a cup of tea, probably should have done that the other way around then moved off towards Potter. Again, i wondered if I would find "an electric spot". It's a consideration in winter, as if there was none, it would mean turning around and relocating to somewhere where there was an electric supply. On arrival, there was loads of room. One cruiser and a couple of liveaboards, but no problem with an electricity supply. I moored up, and leapt ashore to examine the meters. One still had 47p on so that's the one I plumped for. £2 on it would see me through to the next day. Next, i was striding towards The Norada to see if they would be doing food this evening. On the door was a sign saying it would be open Friday to Monday in the winter. Oh dear. There was only one thing to do, reconvene in Bridgestones for coffee and cake, to decide what to do. What an experience! Bridgestones is a must visit, and even mid-afternoon on a grey Tuesday, people were queueing at the door. After a walk around Lathams, from which I managed to escape without buying anything (I have an appointment with a psychiatrist next week), I decided to walk up to The Falgate to ask the same question as that of the Norada. This place was open and busy too. Food at 7pm? No problem! After a walk around Herbert Woods, I returned to Goosander and with lots of heating, relaxed until it was time for tea! The Falgate was busy, and the new operators certainly seem to be making a go of it. I had fish and chips, and mushy peas. The fish was the size of a trawler! Overall it was a good experience, and I wouldn't hesitate returning. Oh what a grey day Stop watching me!

So do I.

It's one of my favourite moorings for just watching the world go by (in season of course). Always seems to be lots of comings and goings there and across river at Bridgecraft.

Just for balance, I had 3 x Pfizer jabs and didn't have adverse effects with any of them. Must be specific to each person.

By that time, they'd given up on the possibility that I'd feed them...just swam on by.

Monday 23rd November The problem with winter cruising is that however hard you try to avoid it, you always end up bringing muddy shoes onto the boat. What could I do? After staring the engine, the last act ashore is to untie the ropes, walking on a muddy bank, that had been made worse by the works guys. So get back onboard, wipe plimsolls on doormat excessively, then hope they are clean enough to not walk it all over the floor. I'm thinking two pairs would have been a good idea. Anyway, I was away by 10am, by which time, none of the liveaboards looked to be going anywhere. My overnight destination was Acle, but there was plenty of time, so I decided to have a cruise up to Wayford Bridge, and a walkabout. I usually just pass through on the way to Dilham. The sun was out, but it was chilly in the breeze, so after satisfying my curiosity, I set sail again down the Ant, past irstead (which had no boats moored - should I? - no, carry on), then past How Hill, with just two boats moored, under Ludham Bridge, and out onto the Bure. As I headed for Acle, my thoughts wandered to whether there might be liveaboards moored there, so cutting off my access to electricity. I needn't have worried. On arrival, there were NO boats moored, just three fishermen, located at the far end, well away from the posts. It was around 3pm now, and as I was tieing up, they all packed up and left. Was it something I said? The moorings here are a delight. Hard core paths, and oodles of electricity. I called the Bridge Inn to book a table for 7pm, had a short walk around the bridge area, then settled back until it was time for the meal. I've been to the Bridge Inn each time I've visited the Broads (except one) over a period of 48 years now. I've seen it in it's many guises, and regarded it as an OK place, just not as spectacular as some people regard it. Tonight was different. My table was in the bar area because the restaurant was closed (probably not enough people for a Tuesday night to open it). I preferred that as it was warm and cosy, and all general life was there. I had a Cottage Pie (specials board) with winter vegetables, and white chocolate and raspberry cheesecake. Both were absolutely delicious. If I had been staying two nights, I would have gone back in and ordered exactly the same on the next night! Anyway, duly stuffed, I made my way back to the boat, and watched TV for the rest of the evening. Hunsett Mill. Surely one of the most photographed locations on the Broads San Tropez, the Caribbean, Costa Brava? No silly, it's Barton Broad!

You'll need to Griff. It'll be like the first world war. You're told it happened, but hardly anyone is still alive to recall it.

Monday 22nd November It was quite chilly this morning, and having brought the eggs, bacon, sausages etc, I was justified in having a warm fry-up to see me through the day (mmm, must try that one on the Cholesterol nurse). In truth, I only ever have a cooked breakfast when I'm away on holiday in one form or another. It's not for medical reasons, just don't seem to fancy it much these days. So out of practice, and cooking in an unfamiliar location, it was always going to be a challenge. But I'd planned it well. Bread buttered, orange juice out of the fridge, beans ready in the smallest pan I could find (we have no microwave on Goosander - which would have made the task of fitting everything on our three ring circus.... I mean hob - well maybe I was right the first time ) a little easier. Oh and a definite hierarchy of what gets cooked first. I'd brought the eggs i had from home. They were a little past the use by date, but after watching a TV programme, where some genius told you how to check if they were still OK, I plunged them in water to see if they sank. Apparently, if they don't rest on the bottom, it's a signal that methane exists within the shell....a sure sign that the egg has started decomposing. Mine were firmly anchored to Davy Jones's Locker, so in mid cooking flow, I cracked one open. It looked OK, but decided it wanted to spread out to occupy the whole of the frying pan. Mmm, don't think that's right. So i decided not to risk it, and let the waste bin decide if wanted to try it instead. So after consuming my bacon, sausages, mushrooms and beans, I cleared everything away, cast off and made my way onto the Bure (from Horning for those who don't know where Goosander is moored). I was headed for Sutton Staithe, and was going to make no stops en-route, as I wanted to be sure I could tie up close to an electric pillar (a theme repeated throughout the trip). I didn't see many passing craft, a couple of Herbert Woods and a few privateers was all. As I approached the moorings, I could see it looked tight on the grassy part. Works were underway on the last 2 to 3 spaces rendering them unusable. There was literally just one Goosander sized space left between the works boat and what looked like a line of liveaboards, and it was close to the pillar. I got in without too much trouble, and went to see if any of the meters had credit left on them. Why waste money? To my surprise, all three did. What I hadn't noticed, was that all three had huge long trailing power lines plugged into them, radiating out to the liveaboards already there. Thankfully, the works guys let me trail my cable to the pillar above where they were working, so job sorted. I decided to walk to Stalham on the main road, so I could buy some more eggs. I called into the Hotel en-route, to enquire if I should book a table for tonight (I imagined I'd be the only one there). Table booked, I started walking towards Stalham. It takes around 30 minutes, and is a pleasant enough walk if you can manage to avoid the lorries, buses, cars and motorcycles (there's no pavement, just soggy grass). I had a quick walk around Richardsons, then on to Tescos for eggs. I got back to the boat around 4pm, and just put my feet up (which were dropping off at this point), until it was time to visit the Hotel. I had a beef casserole with mashed potatoes and winter veg. It was hearty food suited to the current climate, and very nice too. A couple of couples, who were resident in the hotel, were also there. OK, that's enough of the day, lets get onto the photos - always more interesting. Mmm. now where have I seen this before?. It was moored at the start of the Sutton moorings All dressed up and nowhere to go Nobody wants me anymore! All the withdrawn Richardsons boats, were moored together on one of the quays. Museum of the Broads

Sunday 21st November Yes, I could have started on the Saturday, but the mighty Leeds United were playing at 4.30pm on the Sunday. I reasoned, if I had cast off any earlier, I would be in the wilds of Norfolk, and probably unable to watch the match on a pub TV. So I arrived around midday. Sunday is a very civilised travelling day. Not as much traffic on the roads. I unpacked the car, which duly rose six inches on the suspension, and eventually made my way back to Wroxham, and an appointment at the Kings Head TV room (well all the rooms have TVs). I was an hour early, so I wandered around Roys (it's difficult to wander anywhere else actually), and then walked around Barnes, just to see how many boats were in/out. The only boats out were those on the hard. I went back to the Kings Head, and watched the match with an accompanying burger and chips. Sadly, the chips were down for Leeds, as we lost 2-1. I was back on Goosander by 8.30pm, all snuggled up with heating courtesy of the always-on electricity post. There was no need for the boat heating (which I try to avoid as I sense it dries the atmosphere). Some images of Barnes to follow. Not much else to photograph today. Not sure what they're building here. This is the part where Barnes operate their dayboats from.