DAVIDH

Thanks everyone and to Shemaha for mentioning Doreen. Regarding the train, you are probably right about the locos not being able to push but when you feel and hear the power of these engines, and the amount of fuel they must use, you would think it would be more economical for the rail company to hire the rail car trains which can obviously drive in either direction. More tomorrow now.

Thanks for all the comments and likes. It's good to know people are reading it. Saturday 23rd June. Sorry – this is a long one. The alarm clock awoke me at 6.45am (what?) Today’s list of events included launching the drone to get aerial views of Reedham, a cruise down to Yarmouth, a train journey to Wroxham via Norwich and a viewing of Goosander, a syndicate boat. Now you know why I was up at 6.45am! Bleary eyed, I put the kettle on so I could at least have a cup of tea before I launched the drone. By 7.15am, I was down The Ship end, pleased that nobody else was about. The drone was sent on its way probably oblivious to my heart being in my mouth. It did its thing then returned back to me on command. The aerial views of Reedham below have come out well so the early start was justified. I made my way back to the boat where my thoughts turned to breakfast. There would be no time for a fry-up as I needed to get underway by 8.45am. So the compromise was a bacon sandwich, which turned out to be more than just a consolation prize. Soon it was time to leave. There was very little wind and the tide was slowly ebbing so a quick burst on the bow thruster was all that was needed to get me mid-stream. My train from Yarmouth was at 10.41 so in order to give time to get to the station and to buy a ticket, I considered an arrival at the Yacht Station anytime before 10.15am would be good. However, I did not want to arrive before 10am in the event I may be charged twice – once up to 10am and then from 10am. Probably unlikely but I was not going to take chances, so I had a 15 minute window for a comfortable arrival. So the journey down was just trying to guess the correct speed to arrive in my “comfort window”. By the time I got to Breydon, I thought I should open the throttle a little and according to the on-board gps, we were doing around 9mph. As Breydon Bridge came into sight I called the Yacht Station to check I had enough room to get under the bridges and to ask for assistance with mooring. Symphony needs 6ft 8in clearance under the bridges and at the head of Breydon, the height gauge was reading 6ft 6in, so I thought I had better ask the question. The attendant told me there was currently over 9 feet of clearance so clearly the gauge at the start of Breydon is incorrect. I advised my position and that I expected to be at the Yacht Station in around 15 minutes – which I duly was. I was alongside, ropes professionally tied by 10.15am. So no time to waste as I needed to make my way to the train station. Thankfully there was no queue for tickets and I was sat on the train ready to depart with 10 minutes to spare. The train in question is that combination of diesel loco– three carriages – diesel loco. I have seen it many times before but riding it was a first. I have pictured it below for reference but would love to know (and I am sure this has been asked before but I cannot remember the answer) why does such a short train require two massive engines? I assumed one of them would detach and have many more carriages attached at Norwich before it went somewhere more exotic but that did not happen – it just returned to Yarmouth. Surely it’s not that in the absence of a multiple unit railcar, a loco is needed at each end to avoid uncoupling and moving to the opposite end at Norwich? Surely it’s cheaper to operate a diesel multiple unit than to keep these monsters guzzling fuel all day long? Having said all that, it was a really interesting ride, plenty of acceleration where needed and comfortable coaches! At Norwich I had a 30 minute connection for Wroxham, in which I arranged to call Dawn, the lady whose share in Goosander was for sale. She had volunteered to collect me from Wroxham Station and bring me to Goosander in Horning, as the likelihood of getting a taxi at that time of the day was pretty slim. So I called but there was no answer – it went to voicemail. No problem, I thought I would try again when about to board the train. Again no answer so I left a message saying what time I would get to Wroxham. I expected a call back at any time but it did not happen. I ended up stood on Wroxham Station forecourt hoping vainly that someone would be looking for me (perhaps with a little card with my name on like at the airport?) Anyway, no card and no reception committee! I called the number again but got the same result. I thought what should I do now? This could be awkward. Anyway, I thought I should attempt to get a taxi and make my way to Boulters in Horning, where Goosander lives. Dawn and her husband had arranged to meet some other people there between 10 and 12 midday so they should be on-site. There was a list of taxi numbers at the station so I set about calling them. The first did not reply – theme developing. The second did answer and said he could be with me in 15 minutes, which I accepted. No sooner had I finished the call, than a text flashed up from Dawn saying that she had missed my call and that when she tried to call me back I was engaged. Was this developing into a situation comedy? Where’s Rodney? I called her back and this time she answered. She had listened to my voicemail and was en-route to the station. Apparently the oft mentioned Horning data black-hole was to blame. I frantically called the taxi man back to avoid him having a wasted journey within 20 minutes I had been picked up and was now sitting comfortably on Goosander. Well, I was not going to let on so early but yes, a deal was going to be done. She is a lovely boat and has been kitted out with several features which assist the humble solo sailor. It has a reverse view video screen – you know what I mean. It has a centre cleat making it easier to secure the boat when mooring and of course in has bow-thrusters. So soon enough, I was being transported back to Wroxham where I could withdraw a £300 holding deposit with a view to paying the rest when I got home. Job done! So after a celebratory McFlurry in McDonalds, I made my way back to the station for the return journey to Norwich where my carriage (and two great thumping diesels) awaited me. I got back to the boat around 5pm and just chilled out (warmed down in football speak) until around 6.00pm. I had planned to fly the drone at this time to take images over the Yacht Station area. Pleased to say it went without a hitch and some of the results are shown below. Straight after, I visited the Kings Arms. I sat in the beer gardens at the back – it had been a hot day. I ordered the cottage pie which was delightful. It came with lots of gravy and various vegetables. By 8pm I was done and made my way back to the boat for the rest of the evening. What a day! Reedham That train Goosander Yarmouth Yacht STation

With apologies to the Clean Bandit song, which seems appropriate under the circumstances, here is my tale of a week aboard Silver Symphony from the 22nd June 2018 Friday 22nd June Unlike the trip to the Broads last month where I travelled down by train, this time my journey from darkest Yorkshire is by car so all the “necessities” will be accompanying me. So non-stick frying pan packed “tick”. I set off at 7.30am and after a pretty uneventful journey including en-route stops at McDonalds and Morrisons in Norwich, I arrived in Brundall around 12.30. I had called Silverline earlier in the week so I was aware I was too early to take over Silver Symphony. So I had lunch in the Yare (The pub not the river). This is one pub Doreen and I visited every time we were in Brundall so over the years we must have been in there for a meal around 50 times since 1973. That’s possibly more regular that some regulars! I plumped for the Chicken Pieces in Batter, which was very nice. Soon after it was time to make my way to the yard. I was their first arrival, which was pleasing as I wanted to be out on the river a.s.a.p. to head for Reedham, which I considered might be busy on a Friday evening – a boat hand back day. As I stepped aboard Symphony I couldn’t help but remember the last time I was on her was a wholly happier affair with Doreen two years ago. We had a great fortnight then and I was wondering how I would fill a week on my own. It was a windy day and memories of my trip last month on Brinks Jazz reminded me how difficult solo sailing can be in those conditions. Colin, the yard owner asked me where I intended to stop for the first night. When I said Reedham, he advised against it as the wind would be driving down the moorings. I told him I needed to be in Reedham tonight or risk not getting to Yarmouth early tomorrow. I said I would be fine (not sure I believed it though!). So all loaded up and hand-over completed I tentatively made my way out of the yard and down the dyke to the freedom of the River Yare. Eventually, first the chain ferry, then that large pyramid shaped crane passed me by before the quayside at Reedham came into view. The moorings were quite full but there was still enough room for around 3 more boats so I settled for a space just after the Lord Nelson’s own moorings. The tide was flowing in so the manoeuvre was straight forward, approaching slowly and allowing the “stream” to push the boat to a halt alongside. I ran out of the door, gripping the rope as I went by and secured it around the forward mooring post. The current was keeping the back of the boat alongside, so there was no panic to get to it before it careered out into the river. So all tied up, I went back on-board and realised that the wind had dropped to a breeze and that’s why there had been no mooring shenanigans. I was grateful that I had hired a boat which I was familiar with. As I had already eaten “out”, I set about making myself a sandwich for the evening before popping out to The Ship for a pint and to read my paper. I only stayed for an hour or so as I wanted to get back for a “relatively” early night. Tomorrow was going to be quite hectic and involved another daft o-clock (for a holiday) rise. More on that tomorrow.

The World Cup must be depressing demand for holidays over the next 3 weeks or so. The following offers are available for new bookings over the period. Barnes Brinkcraft - 20% discount on selected boats: https://www.barnesbrinkcraft.co.uk/special-offers/ Herbert Woods - Free fuel worth up to £150: https://www.herbertwoods.co.uk/about/special-offers.html Horning Ferry Marina - £150 off weeks - £75 off short breaks: https://www.facebook.com/FerryMarina/ (can only find the offer on Facebook) The smaller yards such as Sandersons, Summercraft, Bridgecraft are discounting through Hoseasons. Faircraft Loynes are too posh to need to discount! Clearly the fantastic weather we are having is still not persuading enough people to book.

Yes, Scarborough is very scenic. I live in Leeds so it's my nearest go to seaside town.

Ha Ha. I did not see that. I was looking at the image in Maurice Minah's message.

Scarborough?

Thanks Fred. i was confused for a minute as I could not remember a Silver Cloud at Silverline - and for that matter how would you get from Brundall to Horning in a matter of minutes! Then it slowly sank in. I will probably have to see you afloat as my time in Horning is going to be so tight. I need to view Goosander from 12.30 then get back to Wroxham station for the 14.25hrs train back to Yarmouth (via Norwich). Still I will look out for Silver Cloud. We hired Silver Symphony 2 years ago for a fortnight and loved it. I said back then that Symphony was the poor man's Coral. Never mind - I can put up with not having smoked glass windows!

It turns out they are having a viewing day on Saturday and I have arranged to be there at around 12.30pm. I pick up Silver Symphony the day before and planned to spend the night at Reedham before moving on to Yarmouth on Saturday morning, then staying for the day. It sounds like it will work OK. I will need to leave Reedham early so I can catch the 10.41 from Yarmouth to Wroxham (via Norwich). The tides seem OK for my arrival as Symphony is a "bathtub" type and normally gets under the bridges even at normal high tide. Should be an adventure! The owner has said they can collect me from Wroxham station so that will save trying to get a taxi at that busy time. I know of at least one other interested party so will have to see what develops.

Thanks for that WherryNice. I have messaged them on Ebay for a viewing so will let you know what comes of it. (Had not seen it on Ebay so good spot!) David

Thanks Fred. I will make enquiries tomorrow when I have more time.

Sadly, the website showing Goosander is not up to date. I messaged them about it and they came back saying it had been sold, but that they would keep me informed if the situation changed. Sue and Jay thanks for the encouragement, it's just that we have always hired forward drive cruisers over the years and whereas I can see myself right at home in Goosander, a 38 foot centre cockpit just would not feel right. Daft I know but it has to fit.

Have just had a look at the specification. £3,000 is very cheap for this boat. I am looking at timeshare myself but Moonlight Shadow at 38 ft is just too big for me. I am watching for shares in Goosander to come up, which at 31ft would be more manageable for solo cruising.

I have just published the listing for what's on for June and July on the site. I have come across a list of gigs for The Ferry Inn at Horning, which has live music weekly on a Friday throughout the season. These have been added to the listing. Kemps Men are doing their stuff at various locations in June and July and The White Horse in Upton is hosting a Beer Festival on the 7th and 8th July, featuring five bands across the two days. Oh and the Dog at Ludham Bridge has reinstated their quiz on Sunday nights. https://www.norfolkbroadsboathire.biz/Norfolk_Broads_live_music_guide.asp

Thanks Helen. I can honestly say the next trip on the Broads is the first thing I have looked forward to since losing Doreen.

I think the desirability of bow thrusters if you are sailing solo, or indeed effectively solo cannot be overplayed. My next hire is aboard Silver Symphony, a boat we have had before and with thrusters. I feel much more assured knowing I can call on these if needed. When mooring, they are as useful as a second crew member.

One just going through Potter now

I know its only supposed to be up whilst the 3 rivers race is on but in makes a nice change from the other webcams. So just in case you did not realise it was streaming, its here: https://horning-sailing.club/webcam.php?camera=acle The image sometimes is partial so you may have to wait for the next 15 sec to refresh. David

Thanks you everyone for the kind remarks. Doreen was/is the love of my life and I know she would be wagging a disapproving finger at me if I did not continue doing the things we so loved doing together, and in any case I felt she was still with me. Chris B, I am sure you are apprehensive about your trip. All I can say is that I found it very emotional at times but it was a first I needed to get over - you will know about the firsts - but the sadness of being on my own was equally matched by the contentedness (such a word?) of being back in a place we both love so much.

Jeff, the drone does provide a different view on things. I am still relatively new at flying it so I am very careful about not having it too close to people as the last thing I want to do is annoy anyone, which is the reason the images are taken from high up. It cost £250, which for a drone is not that much, but as such it is not as stable in the air as the more expensive ones, so the wind can really affect it. My heart was in my mouth at times! Having said all that, when I first saw the image results I just wanted to fly it in more places!

Thanks Jean and Lulu. I actually enjoyed writing the account so it was for my benefit also.

Friday 18th May Ever the optimist, I had set the alarm for 7am in the off chance that the wind might have dropped enough to get the drone up above Wroxham before people had started to show their faces. The wind had calmed to a breeze and I decided it would be worth a try. I am not the sort of person who can just switch into operation as soon as I rise. I needed a cup of tea and in this case, a toasted currant teacake to wake me up. So after consuming this last meal afloat, I stepped ashore with the drone and it's remote control unit. I connected the battery to bring the drone to life then went to switch on the remote only to find it was already on - and the battery was dead. I had been playing around with it yesterday, thinking I could use it as a remote control camera on the front of the boat as I go along and must have forgot to turn it off again. I think someone up there was telling me that's your lot mate for this holiday! I consoled myself that I will have another chance in around 5 weeks time. By now, the staff had arrived and the yard was as busy as a suburban train station at rush hour. My journey home started with a departure from Hoveton and Wroxham Station at 13.10hrs (ish) so I was not angling to be the first one out of the boat. I packed away all the items which were left and waited for the fuel tank dip. The office presented me with a £65 fuel refund indicating I had only used £25 over the holiday. So overall the boat had cost just £300. Not bad for 4 nights away. I had asked reception if I could leave my luggage with them to save me carting it all over Wroxham whilst waiting for the train, which they had agreed to. So I set off walking and spent time in Roys, Roys, Roys and Roys. At midday I purchased fish and chips from Ken's and sat at one of the tables overlooking the bridge pilot moorings. Pretty soon I was surrounded by a platoon of pigeons so decided I would fall back to the trenches - sorry benches to eat my meal. Then into McDonalds for a McFlurry. Us Yorkies know how to push the boat out! Soon it was time to return for my luggage and make my way to the train station. The journey home was on time and very pleasant, complete with the sandwich, cake and drink I was entitled to on the first class leg from Peterborough to Leeds. All for £1 more than standard class. My views about Brinkcraft and Brinks Jazz 4. I was apprehensive using such a large yard and imagined I would be waiting an age for someone to come and do the boat instruction etc. This was not the case. The process is very slick and I was on my way both in and out of the boat in no time at all so commendations to them for that. Brinks Jazz is let’s face it, at the lower end of Barnes price spectrum so I was not expecting too much. The boat internally is very well thought out. The saloon area is very spacious, with lots of storage room and I liked that it was raised up for a better view of the world going by. The compact kitchen is perfect with everything literally around you. It only had a 2 burner stove and once you put the frying pan (did I mention the frying pan?) on one ring there was not much room for anything else. There was also a microwave so it was always possible to complete a meal one way or another. The shower was a shower! The bathroom was adequate and the bedroom was comfortable. I have to admit to not liking the bedroom door closed as it felt claustrophobic to me. The dual steer arrangement was particularly welcome for me, and I felt quite safe clambering up and down from the upper steering position. Robin mentioned the narrow decks on his video review and they are indeed narrow and there are occasions when you need to walk them. I was very careful and took my time so no mishaps. Whereas the internals were spotless and well designed, if there was going to be a reflection of the price I paid, I would say it was the exterior paintwork. It just looked a little tatty in places. The upper deck and parts of the forward well had ground in dirt which you just knew would not have been on any of Barnes Elite boats. I was also surprised that the windows had not been cleaned before I got on, though this may have just been an oversight. I was let out on my own very quickly remember! Overall I would commend the boat to anyone, but not perhaps to those used to Elite boat standards. As to my own personal circumstances, I was very apprehensive coming to the Broads on my own, a place Doreen and I had spent many happy times together over the years. Honestly, it was the first class travel, the dual steer boat and the use of the drone which convinced me this was something new and to give it a try. They say that nature has healing qualities and I think the Broads elevated my spirit a little. Anyone who has lost a loved one will tell you the overwhelming longing to be with that person again never goes away. All you can do is try to distract yourself from feeling it all the time. Thanks to everyone who read it and for the comments made and the likes. The more I got the longer the story became so you can see it was encouraging. I am back again in June so we will see how much use the drone gets then! For now, here are a few more elevated views which I missed out earlier. Stalham looking towards the Museum of the Broads& Staithe Ludham Bridge looking out towards the Bure Just behind the Ferry Boatyard at Horning Horning looking up towards the village centre

Thursday 17th May Thursday was definitely not as windy as yesterday but it was still blustery. It was clear I would not be able to fly the drone, which was disappointing as Potter Heigham from the air was one of the spots I had thought would look good on film. So after what was to be my final entanglement with the frying pan, I went for a walk around Herbert Woods boatyard, partly out of curiosity and partly to find a good launch site for the next time I come - away from people but close enough to the river to get a good sight of the flight path. It struck me that Herbert Woods did not seem to have as many boats available to hire as normal. The whole of the moorings outside the large sheds were out of use as they seemed to be renewing the quay heading. As such, I expected to see hoards of boats on the other side of those large buildings - the side where Waterside Marine sell their boats. There were some there but you could still have fitted around 20 more stern moored beside them. I called in to Lathams for a paper then made my way back to the boat. My final night was going to be back at the yard in Wroxham as I hoped the wind might drop enough to get some aerial images. As Jazz was already facing away from the bridge, I starting the motor and checking the helm position selector lever was set for topside, untied the back rope and waited for her stern to drift out, which it duly did. I untied the forward rope then clambered onto the upper helm before gently reversing out. It was good to view all the chalets and cottages from on top for a change and although there was still a cool breeze, none of my 10 fingers were feeling as though they would hit the deck any time soon. We soon passed Thurne Dyke and out onto the Bure. It was more bracing now and I was arguing with myself should I stop at Ranworth or South Walsham for lunch. Ranworth would be more interesting but first would I get a mooring and second what sort of a pigs ear I might make of it in this wind and solo. Too risky I thought, so I headed for South Walsham. A suitably sized mooring presented itself and once alongside I scrambled off the deck and secured the rear rope first as the wind was once again trying to push the boat forward into my next door neighbour's stern. Once secure, I went back on the boat and turned the engine off. My thoughts turned to lunch as the fresh air had contributed to my increasing appetite. At this time of a holiday duration you are starting to consider the food which will have to be thrown away if it is not eaten before hand back. As such, considering that I still had a back-log of bacon and a surfeit of sausages, I decided to opt for a 4 rasher bacon sandwich on freshly carved bread (making me hungry just typing this). It was accompanied by fresh orange juice (with bits in) from Asda and a selection of chocolate biscuits from their Luxury Collection which so far had avoided being eaten. That was a banquet and a half! The next stop was going to be the return to Barnes and would take around 2 hours 15 minutes. I set off, steering from the upper helm at 1.30pm speculating 4pm would be a good time to arrive so as to be sure to get a good mooring at the yard. Once more the method was to just release the rear rope until Jazz pivoted on the front rope then to get on board and reverse out. No sooner had I vacated the space, a Faircraft dual steer gratefully snapped it up. It was interesting that on certain stretches there was no wind but just turn a corner and the gusts would be very strong. I guess I was being protected by the trees. I cruised on up through Horning and at the opening to Wroxham Broad decided to cruise through the Broad rather than stay on the river. The wind was really gusting now and my thought that I could use the wide expanse of water to nip inside for a moment to use the toiletry facilities was swiftly abandoned. So legs crossed I made my way out of the Broad and on towards Wroxham and my home mooring. Barnes moorings came into view and I quite liked the thought of mooring on the outside of the pier so I would get a good view of the passing boats. There seemed to be a suitable gap so I slowly pointed Jazz towards the space - only to be shouted at (not in a bad way) by a man waving his arms at the end of the pier. He was directing me to go inside the little bay, which I have to say I did not like! Anyway, this final manoeuvre turned out to be a triumph. I slowly guided Jazz in and used forward and reverse to glide her alongside another boat a little further down the quay. I tied up and did not like the thought that other boats were likely to arrive and I would end up boxed in like the proverbial sardine can. As it happens, no other boat arrived so I was able to spend the night still with a good view of passing boats and that bridge. The only fly in the ointment was that the wind was blowing the rubbing strake (?) of Jazz on that of the next boat causing a squealing sound not dissimilar to someone scratching their finger nails down a blackboard. (I can see you wincing now). So one of the Brinks staff assisted me by pulling the perpendicular Jazz further along the quay despite of the protestations of the prevailing wind. Now settled for the night, I had a walk around the various boatyards before returning to the boat. The wind was still too strong to fly the drone so it would have to stay grounded for the rest of the holiday. By 7pm it was time for food so I visited the Kings Head and selected the Steak Pie, which was one of those individual types, not a portion of a homemade one. I prefer the latter but this pie had plenty to shout out about. It came with a small gravy boat, a tender I suppose. So I asked if I might have more. The lady returned with a gravy boat the size of a Broadsman, which was perfect for me. The rest of the evening entailed reading my paper before returning to the boat and starting the packing-up process. And so to bed! I will finish of the hand back day tomorrow. Horning Wroxham from the bridge Where Jazz lives Split personality?

Wednesday 16th May The wind had really got going now with gusts up to 35mph, which I guessed would make it tricky today. My plan for the day was to spend the night at Potter Heigham with another lunchtime stop at Ludham Bridge, for no more reason than that I like the hustle and bustle there. So after another tug of war with the frying pan, I decided it was time to get underway. The gusting wind was chilly so there was going to be no al-fresco driving today. Stationed at the inside helm, I started Jazz up then went to release the stern ropes - we were stern moored so it would be easy to head out. The wind was already pushing the boat out into the channel so I quickly made for the helm and pushed the lever forward. Nothing happened. I checked the lever which switches control from upper to lower helm and rather relieved, realised that I had not returned it to the inside position. However much I tried, it would not move. So in the howling wind I thought I had best go to the upper deck and reverse the boat to the quayside so I could work out what was going on. The upper throttle lever has to be in exactly the right position - not just neutral- to enable the change lever to work. I quickly realised that the only sure way was to try pulling the neutral pin out. If it came out the switch lever would work. So having tamed this foible I went back inside and we (me and the boat) were on our way. The wind was very strong across Barton and I was glad I was inside. Soon enough, Ludham Bridge came into view. A solo mooring in such strong winds was not going to be easy there. As I approached I considered that it would be easier to moor on the shops side as the wind would blow me in as opposed to the other side where I would have had a job pulling the stern in after having tied the bow up. Yes, the thought that it would be a devil to get out from the mooring again did enter my head but I thought I could deal with that later. So I came alongside and moored up without any calamity. At the same time, two boats had just come under the bridge and were trying to moor on the opposite bank. Both were wrestling with the rear of their boats trying to get them close enough to the bank to tie up. I told you! Well no I didn't but at least I felt smug for a while that I had chosen the right option - for now. Most of that lunch stop was taken up watching and/or helping others getting into and out of moorings on my side of the river, and very exciting it was too. The boat directly in front of me wanted to use the water hoses but would need to moor adjacent to them to get them to reach so I opted to help them get their boat past mine and into the vacant water station mooring. The wind was coming down the river at this point so the forward rope was released so the bow would swing out and the helmsman gently steered his boat around Jazz and we were able to tie it up again before the the wind snatched it. Their water tank duly filled, we repeated the bow out into the wind manoeuvre and they were on their way. Soon after, it became clear that one of the boats on the opposite bank had seen this abundance of drinking water and wanted some for himself. So with some forethought, once she had assisted him getting away from the bank, he dispatched his wife to wait for him next to the hoses so she could grab the ropes. She quickly crossed the bridge and awaited his arrival. He cruised towards her but for whatever reason, perhaps the wind had taken him away, he aborted "the landing" and continued up the river, pursued by three other boats which by now were on his tail. So it was some 15 minutes or so before he could turn his boat and make a second attempt at mooring, which this time was successful. So it was time to cast off and make for Potter Heigham. I must have been very lucky because at departure time, the wind had dropped. I removed the stern rope expecting the wind to push it out at which point I would run to untie the forward rope then dive inside. However, Jazz just stayed where she was so I stepped aboard and reversed out of the mooring. It all went swimmingly. The cruise to Potter Heigham was uneventful though the wind had found it's way back to me by then. Potter is another mooring where a strong cross wind can play havoc so I was planning how I should tackle my mooring for the night. I wanted to moor on the riverside, but if it got too hairy would opt for the shelter of Herbert Woods marina. Approaching the moorings I could see a good spot not far from the bridge so I turned initially 90 degrees into the space and came alongside. Just as I tied up I saw a man trotting down the path looking at me and wondered what I had done. It turned out he was on a Broadsman moored first to the pilot station and was looking to move it to my space - which as he put it, I had nabbed. There was another larger space a little further away so I asked if he would like me to help him move by catching his ropes. He and his wife were the only two onboard and were elderly. I wondered how they handled such a large boat on their own. The wind was proving challenging for most sailors, but with the aid of his bow thrusters, he turned his boat around then slowly drifted into the vacant space. He thanked me and said he imagined there would be less fuss getting the Ark Royal alongside. I said yes but then a huge lump of metal like that was not going to be blown around in the wind. Soon enough it was time to visit that doyen of shopping establishments - Lathams. One year, we went in just for a look around and came out with a pair of curtains. Seemed a good idea at the time but they never got hung. The last time we visited, Doreen liked those three foot garden gnomes so we got one but it stands in the house not in the garden. She said it was too good for the garden. They still have them on sale today. Doreen always liked rummaging through the "bargains" and the sight of these many and varied items brought back memories and a secret tear to my eye. Having completed the shopping experience I popped into Bridgestones cafe on the way back for a Latte and perhaps a small piece of cake. Well, if you have been in there you will know there is no such thing as a small piece of cake. I can't remember what it was called but it was chocolaty with nuts in and it was delicious. It's a good job there isn't a Bridgestone’s at every mooring or they would have to re-enforce the upper helm! Talking of food, I decided to visit Norada (Broads Haven Tavern as was) for my evening meal, but waited until around 7.30pm to make room for it. I wondered what this reincarnation would look like. I have read that a lot of money has been spent on it so far. My initial impression was that with everything being coloured black, including the ceiling, it looked very dark in there. It was also a little cold. The new boss, the chap who used to have a restaurant in Yarmouth, told me the heating was on but it was making little impression with the chilly wind. There were only a couple of other people in and I hoped his trade would improve through the season. It definitely had a feel of a shake down cruise - open but not everything working at the moment. I ordered an 8oz burger I think it was, with chips. It came within 15 minutes and was of good quality. The owner told me things would be better once the roof terrace was completed, but that there were some planning issues slowing progress. He seemed very enthused and I hope for all us boaters sakes, that he makes a go of it. There were beers and lagers on tap by the way - not just bottled, but not being a big drinker, I could not tell you what was offered. I finished reading my paper and returned back to Jazz for the night, having read the weather forecast which promised a reduction in wind speeds for tomorrow. Potter Heigham from the other side of the bridge Had to get the camera out - Nobody moored at Irstead Ludham Bridge Ludham Bridge

Tuesday 15th June I awoke on Tuesday morning surprised that I had slept right through. I had set the alarm for 7am as I wanted to be up early for a little project I had set myself as a reason to come on the trip. Last Christmas I bought myself a drone as I quite liked the idea of getting aerial views of the Broads to use on my website. I have been practicing 2 or 3 times a week since then and brought it with me on the holiday. The idea was to launch it and take video and images of the area around the Ferry Inn today. The images below were taken with the drone. The wind was gusting over 20mph which made it less suitable for video as the breeze was buffeting the drone. Still, the weather forecast said the wind would moderate a little through the day but it also forecast 30mph winds for Wednesday and Thursday so I knew today was going to be my only chance to fly the drone. It's battery limits flight time to around 20 minutes but I never go beyond 15 mins for safety. So after having battled the breeze I grounded the drone and returned to Jazz 4 for a cooked breakfast. Now coming by train to Norfolk means you cannot bring your own frying pan. Alarm bells are starting to ring in regular hirers heads now. I decided to fry the eggs first, with plenty of oil to stop them sticking, then replace them with the bacon, sausage and tomatoes. I employed the spatula to remove the eggs only to find they had lost their souls - they were stuck to the pan! The other items went in and it became obvious they too were holding on to the frying pan with vigour. They obviously knew what was coming next. Eventually I won the tug of war and breakfast was served. By 10 am I was ready to move off. The sun was shining but the breeze, which was coming off the North Sea, was biting, so I decided to drive/pilot the boat from the inside position. I slipped gracefully away from the mooring - not that difficult when you are stern-moored, and headed down-stream towards Ludham Bridge on the River Ant. This was to be my lunch stop. I was a little conflicted about the best position to drive from - inside or on-top for mooring. As Robin pointed out on his video review, it's easy to just jump ashore from the inside front position. However, as Jazz has no windows in the back at all, the view of what the stern is doing is non-existent so on-top has the better view but is more awkward to get ashore from. So I decided I would moor up at the moorings just past the entrance to the Ant (St Benets?) to change over to the on-top position. This went without a hitch and within minutes I was back out and cruising up the Ant. Ludham Bridge is 8ft 6ins and Jazz needs a headroom of 7ft 10ins so I knew it would get under OK but wondered how I would manage to steer the boat when laid down low enough to be lower than the steering wheel - the highest part topside. So if anyone passed me as I approached the bridge and wondered if I was trying to work out how to sunbathe and drive at the same time - now you know what I was up to. Fortunately, there were no aborted attempts to pass under the bridge as the traffic was relatively light in the opposite direction. Once through, I spied a place to moor just after the bridge on the shops side and carefully approached the bank. Knowing that the wind was from the north and would slow Jazz as she came alongside, I clambered down the back and made for the forward rope so that the wind would not blow me back. I was satisfied that I had managed the mooring well but speculated what it would be like when I returned there the next day in 30mph winds. Ludham Bridge was one of the places I thought would look good from the air so after a salad lunch on-board I broke out (seafaring term) the drone (aerial term) and went a little way the other side of the bridge to fly it. The wind was not so gusty so it made for a good flight. The images below are the best of the many I took. You don't realise how many overflow drainage ditches there are either side of the river when cruising along. After a couple of hours break I released the forward rope and let the wind blow the bow out into the river. A quick scramble aboard to the upper helm and I was on my way. I stayed on deck for the rest of the cruise to Stalham where I thought I would moor for the night as there was plenty of room and there would be no dramas with the wind getting up again. Have to say crossing Barton Broad was really cold up top. I kept counting my fingers to see if any had dropped off. I approached Richardsons just as the new sailors were undergoing their trial runs, which was interesting. I chose a mooring stern-on towards the entrance of the first quay - sorry not sure of it's name. After a walk around Stalham high street, I returned to the boat and waited until after 6pm to launch the drone again so I could get some images of the huge area that Richardsons covers. It was to be the last day I could use it on this break. After that it was time to make my way back to the high street to dine at the Swan Inn. The fish and chips meal was huge and freshly cooked. Then back to the boat for the rest of the evening. As expected, the wind was getting up throughout the night and was swinging the boat a little. It actually made for a restful sleep! Horning overlooking the Ferry Inn Horning at athe Ferry Boatyard Horning marina behind Ferry Boatyard Ludham Bridge looking away from the bridge Ludham Bridge Boatyard Ludham Bridge looking towards How Hill Richardsons Boatayrd Richardsons Boatayrd Richardsons Boatayrd