DAVIDH

Pleased you decided to overnight at Yarmouth Simon. I think many people overplay the difficulties and so put other people off even trying, which is a shame. I'm always a solo sailor mooring at the Yacht Station. I call them around 10 to 15 mins before I'm due to arrive and find it quite reassuring that the rangers are always looking out for me, ready to get me alongside if necessary.

Yes, love the last one Malcolm

Tried to lighten the last one Vaughan. Wouldn't colourize though

The enthusiasm for your holiday seeps out of every line you write. Guessing you're having a good time?

Not sure why it's working for some but not others. Maybe try using the link on a laptop rather than a phone, if that's what you've already tried Vaughan.

I was signed out and used Google Incognito to test the link. It worked then, but still waiting for someone not on Facebook to tell me it doesn't.

I notice lots of members bemoaning the fact they can't see the Reform The Broads Authority Facebook page, presumably because they don't want to register as a member of Facebook. Just to say, you don't need to be a member (I think - tell me if I'm wrong) to just visit their page. Click on this link, which will take you to it. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1402368430170302/?paipv=0&eav=AfZJ7piQY2d0jfG4tyCnwGpnIMmADGyU0ll723qcVDx90H92H8iI7QB3Vk0m5kgZNZw&_rdr

That was the significant mistake!

As a further test, I've just asked for some content for a newsletter that will highlight holidays in May. Spot the significant mistake below. I think what it shows is that the application is good at generating content on a particular subject, but that it's accuracy can't be trusted at the moment, and needs human eyes to proofread it. Why it would be good to take a Norfolk Broads holiday in May Taking a Norfolk Broads holiday in May can be a fantastic choice for several reasons: Pleasant weather: The weather in May is often mild and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 12°C to 17°C. This weather is perfect for enjoying the beauty of the Norfolk Broads without it being too hot or too cold. Beautiful scenery: The Norfolk Broads is a unique wetland area in the UK with over 125 miles of navigable waterways, picturesque landscapes, and diverse wildlife. In May, the scenery is even more stunning, with fresh green foliage, blooming wildflowers, and birdlife in abundance. Fewer crowds: May is still considered a low season for tourism in the Norfolk Broads, which means you can enjoy the peace and quiet of this tranquil location. You can explore the Broads at your leisure and avoid the summer crowds. Boating: The Norfolk Broads is famous for its boating experiences, and May is a great time to rent a boat and explore the waterways. The boat traffic is much lighter than in the summer months, so you can navigate more comfortably and take your time enjoying the sights. Fishing: Fishing is a popular activity in the Norfolk Broads, and May is an excellent time for anglers. With the warmer weather, fish are more active, and the chances of catching fish are high. Local events: In May, the Norfolk Broads hosts various events and festivals, such as the Broads Outdoor Festival, which offers a range of outdoor activities and guided tours, and the Norfolk & Norwich Festival, which celebrates music, arts, and culture. In summary, taking a Norfolk Broads holiday in May can provide you with an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery, pleasant weather, and numerous outdoor activities without the summer crowds.

Not in this iteration because having learned about the Broads from the web, it re-presents the information in a manner different to what was originally written. In relation to the Norfolk Broads, I can see Hoseasons, Richardsons, Barnes etc all using this type of app to write their specimen itineraries, without having to employ or hire the appropriate content writers. Just one example of the knock-on effects.

The thing for me is it's stealing content from websites, then representing it as it's own. At the moment, There's no e commerce plug ins, but that will change. Interestingly, it's forecast it will have the effect of forcing down salaries for those who have and trade on specialist knowledge, rather than their jobs becoming extinct. Probably because it's recognised those eyes will still be needed to "proof check" what's presented.

That demonstrates its lack of cognitive thinking. It knows you need to travel from Acle to Brundall, but doesn't allow for the state of the tides, or even give a warning that you could sheer the top of the boat off en route. This is not to write off the application. I'm sure it will improve over time. The app is free to use. I can see big businesses taking it and improving it to their needs.

Absolutely, and therein lies the weakness. The media are selling us a vision of machines taking over the world, but I don't see that just yet

It's been all over the news lately that apps such as Chat GPT are going to revolutionise everything we do. I saw an estimate yesterday that up to 40% of jobs in administrative and legal professions could go when it really starts rolling out. Only the "hands-on" occupations would remain relatively untouched. So as a trial, I thought I would log in to Chat GPT (other models are available), and ask it to come up with a cruise plan for a week starting from Brundall. The results are shown below. Have to say, though it's not accurate (and the app signals it cannot be relied upon), generally, it came up with a relatively good plan. It mistook the locations of one or two stopovers, such as offering a lunchtime stop at Ranworth on a journey from Acle to Brundall (to take one day). This example highlights how the app works. It scours the internet, creating a library of information, then regurgitates it "intelligently" when asked for something. Chat GPT also says it has limited knowledge of the world and events after 2021, so if your business opened in 2022, it probably doesn't know about it. If you want to have a go, you create an account at https://chat.openai.com/chat, then start asking it what it knows! I don't think the world is about to change based on its latest iteration, but as we know, in time, things improve and get better. The main stumbling block apparently, is that the app currently has no means of updating its information library "on the fly". Without the latest information at its "fingertips", it will have its limitations. Give me a one-week cruise plan on the Norfolk Broads starting and finishing in Brundall Sure, here's a one-week cruise plan for the Norfolk Broads starting and finishing in Brundall: Day 1: Brundall to Reedham Depart Brundall and head south towards Reedham Stop at Surlingham Ferry House for lunch Continue on to Reedham and moor up for the night Day 2: Reedham to Beccles Leave Reedham and head southeast towards Beccles Stop at the Waveney River Centre for lunch Continue on to Beccles and moor up for the night Day 3: Beccles to Oulton Broad Depart Beccles and head west towards Oulton Broad Stop at Somerleyton for lunch and visit Somerleyton Hall Continue on to Oulton Broad and moor up for the night Day 4: Oulton Broad to Wroxham Leave Oulton Broad and head north towards Wroxham Stop at Lowestoft for lunch and visit the East Anglia Transport Museum Continue on to Wroxham and moor up for the night Day 5: Wroxham to Horning Depart Wroxham and head northwest towards Horning Stop at Hoveton Hall Gardens for lunch Continue on to Horning and moor up for the night Day 6: Horning to Acle Leave Horning and head east toward Acle Stop at Ludham Bridge for lunch and visit St. Benet's Abbey Continue on to Acle and moor up for the night Day 7: Acle to Brundall Depart Acle and head north towards Brundall Stop at Ranworth Broad for lunch and visit the Ranworth Church and Nature Reserve Continue on to Brundall and moor up for the night This itinerary covers some of the best sights and attractions in the Norfolk Broads, while also allowing for plenty of time to relax and enjoy the scenery. Of course, feel free to adjust the plan based on your own interests and preferences.

I was there last month. Very busy lunchtime on a Friday. Food good and as you have said Malcolm, not the expensive gastropub feeding the wealthy gin palace owners we perhaps expected it to be. Definitely on my list of regular watering holes.

Yes, that's true. It's down to the number of new cruise ships being launched. Overcapacity for the current size of the cruise market. Some stand out prices!

The overseas market is definitely booming. Most travel agents are reporting record sales in January and February. 150% of the pre-pandemic 2019 sales. It's reportedly continuing too. They can't quite believe it either, coming amidst the largest fall in living standards since records began. Though we regularly see and hear of people who are struggling to make ends meet, who apparently account for 15% of the population. That still leaves 85% who are not "struggling". It's reported that many families built up savings during the two years of the pandemic, through just not being able to holiday where they want. Now the shackles are off, they are flocking to the sun, visiting relatives overseas, and indulging in the culture of new places. This has had the effect of emboldening tour operators to raise prices accordingly. And prices have shot up. I do think this year, the Broads boatyards will struggle to get the numbers they were used to over the preceding two years. But then, I think the same will apply overseas when reality bites and the "war chests" have been exhausted. Costs in every industry have risen exponentially these last 12 months. That has to be passed on to the consumer, who then goes on to demand pay rises sufficient to cope with these new price levels. Our public service sector, private industry, and even pensioners (of which I am one), have all seen above-the-norm pay settlements, which adds to the costs of running your business. I can't see prices ever dropping back to 2019 levels, but then again if I had a crystal ball, I bet I wouldn't be able to see through to the other side of the glass with all the uncertainty!

The problem with the GHIC card is that it offers free (mostly) medical treatment in state hospitals only. I'm sure the treatment is every bit as comprehensive as private ones, but they tend to be mostly in larger cities. For instance, a few years ago, my late wife and I were in Tenerife... Playa De Las Americas to be precise. She fell and broke her wrist. There was a hospital within walking distance, which we attended. Having called the insurance emergency number (as required), we were told that as an operation may be necessary to align the bones, we would need to relocate to the state hospital in the island capital - Santa Cruz... 47 miles away. In the end it wasn't necessary, but had it been something more serious, we would have had to find a hotel for me to stay in also due to the distance. Also, it doesn't provide pre-departure cover for cancellation, or indeed baggage loss etc. I would think carefully before travelling without insurance. Have to say though, that premium is scandalous. It's not easy, but shopping around should help lower that. Edited to add, not all travel insurance policies offer treatment in private hospitals. You would need to look into the conditions. The cheaper premiums will most likely have the state hospital provision.

I never met Alan, so only have an image in my mind of what he was like. A very knowledgeable chap, dedicated to the Ranworth Breeze Syndicate and an elder statesman of this forum. So sad to lose him. If there is such a thing as an afterlife, he will for sure, be with Tan. You can tell he had so many happy memories of the two of them on the Broads, by the little anecdotes he would put in his posts. RIP

Thanks Jean. I have it...Vintage Inns. That's what made me try it.

Friday 3rd March (50th Anniversary of my first visit remember) I awoke expecting to hear a brass band playing outside the boat, and to see the Lord Mayor ready to present me with a plaque for my endeavours, but as I drew back the curtains, my only audience was an overflying heron which did make me jump. It was also drizzling with rain, which is not a bad thing on your last day aboard. I think I've pointed out before that the previous occupants always leave the windows sparklingly clean, inside and out. Rain against the panes, means the outside does not have to be as thorough. I had booked a pump out and refuel slot at Boulters for 9am, so I had breakfast, did some more packing then extricated Goosander from her little shoebox of a mooring and took her around for the service. It was tricky reversing into such a tight space, but at least they were expecting me. For those interested in these things, I paid £17 for the pump out and £1.64 per litre of fuel amounting to £31.16 for the diesel. Not bad considering I had used the diesel heating at times too. The last manoeuvre of the holiday is to replace Goosander back in her mooring. I savoured that short trip down one dyke and up the next one. The holiday was over. I was away by 11.15 pm and decided I would call at The White Heron in Brundall for lunch before setting off for Leeds. I used to visit The Yare in much the same circumstances, so this would be a learning exercise. I wasn't sure the place was even open as I looked across from the car park, as the frosted glass in the door gave nothing away. I pushed the door and entered to find the place fuller on a lunchtime than I remember the Yare ever was. There were ladies with young children, more with elderly parents and men having business lunches I guess. It all made for a welcoming experience. I had a steak baguette with salad and a side of french fries (skinny chips really). I really enjoyed it and will definitely return. That concludes my report. I'm next back on Goosander in August when I'm expecting my electric card usage to have taken a nosedive, and the frostbite to have healed! Love the look of thes holiday homes, as you're leaving Wroxham. The Swan in Horning This was outside the shed at Horning Pleasurecraft. Not just boats they like restoring The Dutch Cottage in Horning. I always though this looks great. Quite expensive though Inside the White Heron in Brundall. Not my last visit! Tell's you what it is!

Yes, i was looking at all the boatyards which have disappeared. I put it on for the dates it is in use.

Thursday 2nd March Throwing back the curtains revealed another cold overcast day. I'd been snug overnight though with the "always on" electricity supply. Well, my planned itinerary had been thrown out of the window a couple of days ago, so I decided I would cruise up to Wroxham and spend a couple of hours there before returning to the moorings and starting the process of extracting myself and my belongings from the boat tomorrow morning. Unless you go under Wroxham bridge, there's a paucity of moorings for private craft. I didn't want to pay £20 (?) to moor outside the Wroxham Hotel for a couple of hours, so I planned to moor at the Bridge Pilot moorings, which as you will be aware, is not in operation until Easter. I wasn't going far, so there was no rush to get there. In fact, I don't think I got over 4mph on the whole trip. As I rounded the bend before the "pilot mooring", I could see a boat had occupied the side dyke but the front was free, so I moored alongside, tied up and went for a walk around the kingdom of Roys - and Barnes Brinkcraft and Faircraft....just in case they had changed since I was there last Sunday. You never know! You know what it's like when your return home is not that far away, you examine the fridge and see all the food you bought which you cannot possibly eat in the intervening hours. Well, knowing some starving kid would be glad of it (so my mum used to tell me), I determined that I should not join the ducks and swans eating chips on the adjacent quay, I should make a sandwich and eat the Eccles cake which was still languishing in the fridge. Just the other side of the quayside picket fence, a couple was surrounded by throngs of seagulls, ducks, and swans. I watched as they fed them a bag of chips they seemed to have purchased especially for the little guys. The man had seagulls on his arm, and I wondered if he was a trainee magician, looking to bag a few to stick up his sleeve. Eventually, the chips had been devoured and all at once, the birds spotted me with a sandwich in my hand and started to throng the decks of Goosander. I put it down and had to go out numerous times to chase them off. Didn't want them leaving their calling cards all over the boat. One particularly belligerent seagull, just wouldn't get the message and kept returning each time I chased it away. There's always one! I ended up eating my food with the curtain closed to the quayside. By 2.30 pm, I was ready to return to Horning, so I cast off and made my way back out of Wroxham. Goosander was deposited in her home berth once more and the umbilical cord reconnected. For the final evening meal, I booked a table at The Swan Inn, at the other end of the village. I had to take the car as it was really cold and of course, dark. This is a really nice sparkly place, with a roaring fire to make you feel warm and cosy. I had chicken and pancetta pie (with a puff pastry lid), roasted carrots, mash, and broccoli, followed by the coffee and mini pudding option, which was a raspberry crumble. This turned out to be the best meal of the holiday. In all the 50 years, I had never eaten here before. What had I been missing? Suitably stuffed, I made my way back to Goosander, did a little packing, and then watched Dragons Den and The Apprentice on TV. Making a splash on Wroxham Broad The boats are interesting, as they're pedal powered. The old Porter and Haylett yard This is Bridge Broad. Never walked around here before

Just need to time it right....Bridgestones for lunch.....Falgate for dinner....sorted. Welcome to the forum by the way.

Wednesday 1st March. Whoohoo, upon rising, checked the oil-filled radiator which was still on. Cloudy upon drawing back the curtains, so no sun to heat the boat up. Breakfast was a toasted teacake and a cup of tea this morning. You perhaps can see a theme here. Breakfast is always something that involves the use of the gasses to assist the warming of the boat. The electricity was still live - I hadn't been cut off - the bailiffs hadn't needed to force entry! So the heaters were still contributing. I was halfway through eating the tea cake when there was a click, and the heaters went off. Oh well, it was good while it lasted. I switched to diesel and continued. Earlier in the week I had seen that the weather for Stalham was a minimum of 5c overnight so I had planned to go there today and manage without an electric supply. However, the BBC this morning was telling me to expect a minimum overnight now of +1c. No way Pedro (Fools and Horses won't put up with that). So I considered cruising on to Ranworth, where I had intended to spend the following evening. I remember reading on this very forum that the Maltsters was closed Monday to Thursdays, so I checked their Facebook page, which showed opening hours now for Wednesday to Sunday, and thought well that's a plan! So with nothing left on the electric meter, I cast off and made a slow journey out of Potter, arriving at Ranworth around 1pm. There were a few hire boats already moored so I reasoned, others must have the same plan as me. I approached the moorings and turned ready to reverse into a spot at the end of the quay, before it turns 90 degrees towards the taxi rank side on mooring? The wind was very strong, blowing across the moorings and each time I corrected the stern so it was perpendicular with the quay, I was blown around again. At the third attempt, people from a Broadlander moored "around the corner" had noticed my discomfort and stood on the quay to grab my ropes, should I ever get within spitting distance. Eventually I did, and their assistance was much appreciated. Note to self...need to find a way of being in two places at once when solo mooring in these conditions - that or rely on assistance from holidaymakers who are fed up of all the reversing noise, or worse still are imagining I'm going to tee-bone their boat if I get it catastrophically wrong. So catastrophe avoided, I hooked up, credited my 2 x £1 electric cards, then went online to book a table at the Maltsters...well actually request a table. They get back to you I subsequently found out. While waiting, I made lunch and admired the open view of Malthouse Broad. I like the walk around the nature trail, so I put my coat on, turned the heating off and set out for the entrance to the boardwalk. I was passing The Maltsters, so I thought I might as well go in to confirm the booking. How discombobulating was it to find the door locked, and a notice showing the hours of opening as Friday to Sunday? I returned to Goosander and decided to contact the place find out one way or another if it would be open. I tried telephoning, whereupon the answerphone message informed me they were open Wednesday to Sunday over the winter. Couldn't speak to a human being, so I emailed for clarification. They did get back within 30 mins to say they were definitely closed. Not sure what to do next - I always want somewhere to eat out on an evening - I decided to do the boardwalk, in the hope that the fresh air would clear my mind. By 4.30pm, I was back onboard and with the limited daylight left, had decided to go back to the home mooring, which was just 45 mins away and with gushing electricity to fight the 0c temperature due overnight. So I unhooked the unused £2 electricity supply (grrr) and left the moorings. Goosander was all tucked up on her moorings by 5.30pm, and I had decided to drive to the Sutton Staithe Hotel for my evening meal. The reservation was for 6.30pm so I didn't have much time to spare. It was dark when I set off, and the sat-nav took me down many unlit narrow lanes, but I eventually pulled up outside at 6.25pm. I noticed at least two boats moored opposite the green, one of them with lights on. I can only surmise that they had been happy to be marooned in there for the duration of the works. I've always liked the Sutton Staithe Hotel, so it was a treat to be eating there after all. Having said that, there were just 4 dishes on the menu. I chose fish and chips with mushy peas, which even came with 2 slices of farmhouse bread. So full after that! Couldn't face a pudding. Eventually, I drove back the way I came, ably assisted by the sat-nav (I'd still be driving around now if not for her directions), arriving back at Goosander around 9pm. Just realise I have very few photos of the day, with all the messing around. The lane leading to the boardwalk Within the nature trail The Sutton Staithe Hotel The