DAVIDH

Friday 24th June Friday turned out to be the warmest day of the visit, getting up to around 25c, though there would be quite a stiff (but warm) breeze. Doors and canopies were opened on rising. I was heading back to the home mooring today, hoping to get there early afternoon, as I had a plan. The chances of getting Goosander under Potter bridge are remote, especially as I'm ofteN not there at times of lower than average water, yet I still needed drone pictures of the moorings at Hickling, Horsey and West Somerton. So I had decided to go there by car this afternoon. By around 9.30am, I was heading out of Sutton with the warm sun on my back. The cruise back down to Barton Broad was just wonderful. Not many boats were passing, as though it was a turnaround day, the new cruisers wouldn't be let loose until around 3pm. Barton Broad, Irstead, How Hill, and Ludham Bridge all came and went before I nosed back out onto the Bure. The sun was steaming down, which I guessed would make ideal conditions for a walk on the boards at Cockshoot Dyke. So I looked to see if there were spaces as I approched, and gently came alongside into one of them. If the sun is out, this place is magical, with all the insects and wildfowl darting around. I went for a 30 minute walk, knowing that Goosander's home lay just across the river. Back onboard, I made some lunch, then slowly took the boat back to it's moorings at Ferry Boatyard. Pretty soon I was in the car, and with the aid of the satnav, was heading for West Somerton or Hickling... whichever I happened upon first. This was indeed West Somerton. I'd last stayed overnight there around 20 years ago - nothing had changed! You'll see from the photos that there were no visiting craft. It was very quiet there. I had been expecting a strong breeze to cause me problems flying the drone, as speeds of up 18mph were forecast, and it's always gustier the higher you go. Comfort is no more than 15mph, but I wasn't going to be back here, with decent weather until August next year, so I just reasoned I should go for it - keep the drone relatively low and for as short a time as possible. The breeze at West Somerton, for some reason, was quite benign so I got my shots and hightailed it out of there (I was blocking the entrance to a farmer's field as there was literally nowhere else to park). Back in the car, I headed for Horsey, which was a completely different kettle of fish being closer to the sea. There were also many people about. People watching me and high winds = potential for things to go wrong. It turned out they were lining the dyke to get on Ross's Wildlife Boat Trip, which appeared soon after, guzzled all the visitors and then left. So now was the time to launch the drone. It really was windy, and the drone was being blown sideways at one time. I got the images and then brought it down within around 5 minutes. Back in the car, I made my way to Hicking. It seems the Pleasureboat Inn is closed, but a pop-up bar has literally popped up where the outdoor tables are. There were no hirecraft, but quite a few yachts were tied up. I couldn't tell if they were permanently moored. They didn't look like hired yachts. The breeze wasn't so strong here and nobody was watching, so I launched again, got the shots and returned to the car. I was back on Goosander by around 5pm, satisfied that my Mission Impossible, had been completed (the tape didn't self distruct and the images follow as proof). Having visited The Ferry Inn on my night of embarkation, I booked a table at The New Inn this time. On arrival, the guy wanted to show me to a table in the corner near the bar. It was too warm and sunny for that, so I asked if I could sit at a table on the upper decking looking over the moorings. Yes, no problem was the answer. I would say the place was only around 60% full, though topped up by a late arriving group of lads (to the horror of some moored nearby), at around 8pm. I was just leaving around that time, so I can't comment on whether their fears were justified. I had an 8oz rump steak with mushrooms, onion rings, tomato and lots of skinny chips. I had the same in March and can say it was just as good now and it was then. I had to turn down the offer of dessert, so filling was the main meal. Then back to Goosander to do a little of the dreaded cleaning chores needed before I vacated tomorrow. A little more to report on tomorrow then. Lots of photos to follow - drone images at the end Just a few geese The moorings at Cockshoot Dyke The Boardwalk The view from my table at The New Inn, Horning Horsey Hickling Horsey again West Somerton

Yes Helen. I try to be one day in front so I have "capacity", but i used that up last week . Back on it now.

I do have my favourite places Jean and try to include some of them on each trip. They tend to be ones with places i like to eat out. I also think it's true that the more times you're afloat, the less your journey times become. My autumn week (I always seem to pick November or December in the draw) is quite limiting in that I can only overnight where the electric posts are, and as travelling south then would mean no stops at Yarmouth in either direction, I often stay north as I'm not overly keen on cruising for hour after hour. No update to the tale today I'm afraid as I'm going to be out for most of the day, and the writing and photo selecting takes quite a time (for me). More tomorrow.

Agree with Malcolm on this. I'm just making use of the drone I bought a few years ago, but it's not the best. My heart is in my mouth every time I use it.

Thursday 23rd June Awoke to another glorious day, so doors open and canopy back. The plan for today was to get to Sutton Staithe via Ludham Bridge. As such, there was no need for an early start and Ieventually cast off around 10am. Many of the boats in the dyke had gone by now - some having to reverse out. Of course, this was not necessary for Goosander and I just used the thrusters to turn her away from the bank. There were already many boats bobbing along in the sun, all grateful to be out as I was I guess. By the time I got to the junction with the Ant, there were no boats behind me, and the journey through Ludham Bridge was only interrupted for a minute or so while waiting for a boat from the opposite direction to come under. I fancied another ice cream, so on tieing up I walked to the stores and relieved them of some of their finest. Then back on the boat I made lunch and ended up staying for around an hour before setting off for Sutton. I was making good time, so I decided to stop at How Hill and have a walk in the gardens before continuing on. The good weather makes a big difference. The questionaires they used to hand out on aircraft when returning to the UK, asking what you thought of your holiday, always used to have a box asking you to identify what the weather was like while there. It was known that the weather would influence what you thought of the holiday. After around 45 mins, I was back underway, with not much accompanying traffic thankfully. I eventually arrived at Sutton Staithe around 3.45pm and was surprised to see 75% of the dyke moorings free. I prefer the other set outside the hotel, which were only half full (or half empty - you know which type you are!), so that's where I moored. It was really warm by now and I had set my heart on a walk into Stalham past Richardsons yard. So after booking a table at the hotel, I made my way out onto the grass verges of the road. It's not the easiest walking route, as the verges don't seem to be mowed much, and you have to cross the road at various points. After about 20mins I was at Richardsons boatyard and had a scout about to see which boats were still in. I counted around 35 not occupied. Not sure how many boats Richardsons still have, but maybe 90% of the fleet was out. After a walk into Tesco and a little of the high street, I made my way back. I was hot and tired by the time I got back to Goosander, so nothing more to do than rest and await my evening meal. The reservaton was for 6.45pm, and the place was full, so I was glad I had booked. I went for the Sutton Staithe Stack, which is a butterflied char-grilled chicken breast with smoked bacon, skinny fries and salad. That was followed by a New York cheesecake, though thankfully they managed to get it there within 15 mins. The Sutton Staithe is always a favourite of mine. I missed it last March when I went further south, so this visit made up for that. From last night Mirror image at Ludham Bridge The secret gardens at How Hill Looks so dangerous Toad Hole Cottage (period eelcatchers cottage) at How Hill Sutton Staithe Hotel At Richardsons Museum of the Broads About 66% of the larger decomissioned boats still in teh yard

Wednesday 22nd June Another beautifully sunny day hit me in the face when I opened the curtains, immediately followed by the front and back doors to get some of the heat out. My sojourn to the south was only going to be fleeting, as I planned to head back through Yarmouth and stop at Stokesby for lunch and then overnight at Thurne Dyke. This was going to be a long old day of cruising. The tide was still ebbing out by the time I left the moorings, making for an almost effortless crossing of Breydon. Oh, with the canopies back and the sun on your head, there is nothing like crossing Breydon. So peaceful and virtually a millpond. I passed many more craft heading south than when I was travelling in that direction yesterday. The current was slowing down by the time I got to that yellow turning post, so the ebb from the Bure didn't dampen my speed down too much on turning. The Yacht Station was around half full at this time, but there was no stop today. It may have been the weather, but I was in no rush to get anywhere so continued at around 5mph, even through the raised speed limits. Passing Stracey Arms first, Stokesby was just around that bend where you can see the top of the pub first. I got there around 1.00pm and wondered about mooring space at this popular place. I needn't have as half of it was unoccupied. So I came alongside, tied up and started preparing lunch. I didn't have that much time, as I wanted to get to Thurne Dyke, also a busy spot, by 3.30pm at the latest. So I just sat on deck eating my salad watching the boats go by. Half an hour later, I was back on the river. Passing Acle, I noticed that the pub and the BA moorings were full. Good job I wasn't stopping! Soon enough the entrance to the Thurne was upon me. Looking down the dyke from the top, it was already quite full. I saw a space at the bend on the left hand side that might do temporarily. The knuckle of the bend made it impossible to bring the whole of Goosander alongside... just the bow half (if that makes sense). Behind was a little day boat, abandoned while the occupants went for lunch no doubt. I stayed where I was with the intention of moving back once that left. It was a good call as within 30 mins they had departed and I was able to pull Goosander back and fully alongside. I made a reservation at the Lion and then just sat back and watched the boats going by on the nearby main river. There is an overnight fee for mooring set at £7.50 if you go into the pub to pay before 6pm. Otherwise that rises to £10 if they have to collect it. I saved the £2.50! At 6.45pm, I made my way down the dyke and into the Lion. It wasn't full either inside or out, and it was still quite warm outside. I had a pork and apple burger with fries, chutney and colslaw. That was very nice. It was followed by a mango and passionfruit cheesecake. It was very tasty with a ginger base, but there was not much of it. The cost was £6.95 but it seemed to be for half a portion to me. I've included an image below. Overall the meal was good, and the cheesecake size would not stop me returning, but it was disappointing. Crossing Breydon Everett marine opposite the Yacht Station Stokesby The village of Thurne That cheesecake

Thanks Simon. The only thing stopping anyone solo venturing south, is their own anxiety. The stream at St Olaves and Reedham runs just a little faster than Acle so nothing to fear there. You'll also find many other boats from up north at the moorings. As for Great Yarmouth, yes you have to time your arrival, but a call to the staff at the Yacht Station before you set off, will illicit advice as to when to arrive and whether you may need to turn before the bridges. Goosander is a one level bath tub style boat, so height isn't such a problem for me. I find the town so interesting. Yes it has it's seaside attractions, and it's good to see throngs of people out and about enjoying themselves. But it has a fair bit of history too. When approaching Yarmouth from the north (or south), I get the feeling that my "holiday" boat, is entering a working port - probably because you don't just see holiday boats, and that I'm cruising into another marine world. May all be psychological, but that's how I feel.

Tuesday 21st June The weather was definitely on the up from now. Higher temperatures and indeed it was warm from the moment I got up. The sun makes all the difference. The plan today was to go to St Olaves for lunch, and then on to Reedham for an overnight. Enroute I planned to stop at Burgh Castle for a short while, and fly the drone to get images of one of the last few mooring spots I still needed for my web page. So after breakfast, I filled up with water - the hose was literally right next to the boat - and prepared for my departure by rolling back the canopies, setting the speedometer app and having the radio ready to play on tap. The tide was running out still but at a slow pace. It was around 10am when I approached one of the rangers to assist in casting Goosander off. There were other boats close in front and behind so why struggle? Interstingly, one of the guys said I could stay where I was until slack tide in an hour, with no extra charges. I had places to go, people to meet (?) so I declined and with the release of my stern rope, I reversed out and made my way under the bridges. It was a glorious warm morning and it was a pleasure to just cruise slowly out onto Breydon. The speed dropped to about 4mph, so with a slight increase in revs to get back up to 5mph, I made my way across in bright sunshine. It was a delight. I passed a few boats making the oposite journey, but not that many. I passed the line of bouys which had replaced the posts on the channel, but didn't think it was that confusing. They were all in a line, and it seemed pretty obvious where you should steer. Soon I was approaching the Burgh Castle moorings, which at the time, had just one Ocean 30 moored closest to the Goodchilds end. I was being followed by another hire boat so made it pretty clear bu slowing down and pointing Goosander at the space just beyond the Ocean, that I was about to moor. The following boat seemed to be trying to nuzzle into the gap between me and the moorings for some reason, which I thought was odd. Metres away, he changed direction and came alongside beyond Goosander, almost at the end of the moorings. Anyway, no time for pleasantries. The breeze was gentle so I quickly set up the drone and did a circuit of the area. Soon after, I was back on Goosander and heading for St Olaves. On arrival the only other boat there was one of Clive's Skyway, so plenty of room to moor. I really like this mooring as you always seem to be in the sun, and there's quite a bit of boat action going on from time to time. After lunch, I cast off and made my way down the New Cut, something which I had been denied when last here in March, due to the repairs being carried out. Again I wondered about availability of moorings as I approached Reedham. It was around 2.45pm, so surely it wouldn't be that busy? I could see just one free mooring on the quay, which thankfully wasn't outside the Nelson, or I would have had to pay a fee. I turned into the tide and slowly came alongside without mishap or assistance. The first thing on the agenda was to walk up the hill to the little stores to buy an ice cream (no other shop open at the time). It was really warm now so ice cream in hand, I walked the triangle that makes up the relatively newly reopened track by the river, up to the Ferry and back down via the Railway Station. Various boats had come and gone by the time I got back, but still no space. The last boat to approach, around 6pm, moored outside the Ship, my destination for an evening meal. I'd booked a table and was ready for food by the time I arrived at 6.45pm. I had a chicken & mushroom pie which was huge. So huge in fact that I had to dispense with the dessert OMG. The overall impression of the Ship was very good, and it looks like the new occupiers are going for it over the Nelson. Then it was back to Goosander for the rest of the evening. There's something about fast flowing water that makes me just want to watch it flow by. Very peaceful. The chill of the night didn't return this evening. Burgh Castle moorings The "divider" between the Yare and teh Waveney St Olaves On to Reedham The Ship Inn The moorings at the Ferry inn

No Jean, but I'll look it up. It would be interesting to see the history of the place.

Monday 20th June With the long days, the sun was up well before me. The saloon was already feeling quite warm as the sun poked it's way through the curtains. Today I was heading for Yarmouth, staying there overnight. The tides couldn't have been more accommodating. If I left at 9.30am, I would arrive at the Yacht Station around 45 mins after slack water. The current would be flowing in slowly, and I wouldn't need to turn around before mooring. So at the appointed time, I duly cast off and made my way down the Bure. The tide was still flowing out up at Acle, so it didn't take much effort for Goosander to keep tight to the speed limits. On seeing the old marina site, I called the Yacht Station, who agreed to meet me and assist with mooring up. There was space close to their offices, so I slowly came alongside, and the rangers took the ropes from me. Such an easy stressless experience. Talking to one of the rangers, I asked how busy this year was in comparison to the two previous years, when every man and his dog had converged on the Norfolk Broads. Apparantly, they would expect to take £7,000 in mooring fees on a "typical" June. The last two years, that was £10,000. This year was £6,000. He didn't think it would get to £7,000. Just an indication of how things are on the rivers now that the hoards have somewhere else to go. It was warm and sunny as I walked into the town. The market was being replaced by a new structure, which meant most of the chip stalls were not on-site anymore. I managed to find one however. You can't visit Yarmouth and not have chips from a stall. After that it was coffee at the McDonalds close by, and then a walk down to the promenade. Great Yarmouth was busy with visitors, but the closer I got to the sea, the more chilly the wind coming from the north was. Nevertheless, I walked a long way on the Prom, as you can see from the photos. I then followed the signposts to The Historic Quayside, and ended up walking quite a length of the Yare, this side of The Haven Lift Bridge. Sheided from the biting breeze, it made for an interesting walk in the sun. I made my way back to the boat and thought I should book a table at The Kings Arms on Northgate Street (the main road that runs parallel to road where the Yacht Station is situated). I made a reservation for 6.45pm, so there was plent of time to just sit back and rest. The tide was ebbing fast as I climbed off Goosander and made my way to The Kings Arms. I've eaten there many times and have never been disappointed, so i was looking foward to it. It's a lovely place, with a large beer garden for those who want to catch the sun. I had the BBQ Chicken Breast which was fabulous, followed by white chocolate and raspberry cheesecake. The food cost just £16, well below what I was paying elsewhere. Suitably stuffed, I made my wayback to the boat and watched as the sun went down and the street lights danced across the river. It got chilly once the sun went down, so I found myself a cardigan I had brought and sat in that. Yarmouth Yacht Station, showing how the tide was lowering the boat Not in order, but I always like the look here as the sun goes down Goosander back up with the tide flowing in The seafront Haven Lift Bridge The historic docks

Haven't been there in years, but will put it on my list. Many years ago - probably at least 40 - we went in and I ventured to the counter, asking if they served food. The landlord said nothing, turned around and picked up a card from behind him and handed it to me. It said "If you want food, you've come to the wrong place" He smiled and we went our separate ways. I know the pub is now community owned and often puts on live music, so will need to plan a visit.

Sunday 19th June Being as most of the Broads hire fleet was going to be out this week, I had decided to head south for a few days, and my targets today were Ludham Bridge for lunch and Acle for the evening. I was ready to depart around 9.30am, and made my way slowly out of the twisty route down the dyke, and out into the wonderful freedom of The River Bure. The canopy was partially open and it was good to be out on the river. All too soon, it was time to head down the Ant, and under Ludham Bridge. The path was clear so I hurried under before another craft could elbow it's way through from the other direction. I was able to moor on the first space beyond the yacht demasting section, turning the boat around before coming alongside. I'd arrived at 11am, and thought I would stay a couple of hours, setting off for Acle in good time to (hopefully) bag one of the Broads Authority moorings. The sun was out now, so first on the agenda was a 99 ice cream from Ludham Stores. I notice they had a sign up at the counter saying "we are not closing". Obviously some speculation following the plans for redevelopment there. Back onboard, I just sat and watched the boats go by. I was ready to cast off by 1pm, and as it had become quite breezy, allI had to do was untie and let Goosander drift out into the channel. It had warmed up by the afternoon, and the rain showers were not to return for the rest of the holiday. Warm weather was developing throughout the week, eentually to reach a high of 26c on Friday. So as I was leaving early for Acle, I felt no need to rush and kept my speed at about 4.5mph, even through the 6mph sections. Cruising in the sun, with the canopies back is what it's all about. There were boats in front of me, but they all veered to the left at the junction with the Thurne, and I was left to chug on alone. Soon thebridge at Acle came into view, as did the moorings on the left. I could see just one space - most of the others were occupied by private visiting craft - I negotiate with Neptune, who allowed me to get the boat to the bank against the stream, only to find I was being blown offshore again by the gusty wind. I had to "go around again" but didn't get permission from air traffic control for the manoeuvre. This time once alongside, I darted out to get ashore with the rope before the wind had other ideas. Securely tied up for the night (the boat, not me) I called The Bridge Inn to book a table. Yikes! it was Fathers Day. I should have called earlier. They managed to squeeze me in at 7pm, which wasn't that much later than I had wanted. With time to spare, I went for a walk along the bank leading from The Bridge Inn moorings, heading down towards Acle Dyke, to see how easy it would be to walk from the paid for moorings back up to the pub. It was a pleasant walk, but the grass was really quite tall in places. At 7pm, I made my way over Acle bridge towards the celebrated pub/restaurant. On arrival, the place had notices outside saying they were full for those without a reservation, and a rope across the threshold ensured you had to wait until someone came to vet you! I was escorted to a table for four (always feel guilty when there's only one of me) in the restaurant. The food was great. I had the steak and ale pie, followed by the most heavenly dessert, a Caramel and chocolate brownie cheesecake (photo below). This dessert was worth the cruise down here alone. By 9pm I was on my way back to the boat, passing the fishermen next door to me, who told me they were not going to give up until the light faded. Though the day had warmed up, it got chilly as the night wore on. I cursed myself that with the promised good weather, I hadn't thought to check the minimum night temperatures and brought a jumper with me. I managed however, without having to put the heating on. Ludham Bridge Saw this beauty go by Seen on the walk from the Bridge Inn down towards Acle dyke The sign outside the Bridge Inn. Best to book a table That cheesecake. Must be on the dessert menu in heaven. Definitely book a table there!

I much prefer carpet. Being as the boat is used throughout the year, including December through to March, I think it's much warmer underfoot. We had carpet before this one. It did get dirty after a while, but the positives negated the negatives. Being a darker carpet, it should be less prone to stains standing out.

What a wonderful film, and put together quite well considering the editing equipment available at that time. So many of the scens hadn't changed from today. I noticed that the decks on the boat they were on, were very wide by today's standards. It also got me thinking that Ludham Bridge can be chaotic at times now. What must it have been like when there were between 2.000 and 3,000 boats all vying to get under?

And diesel prices.

Saturday 18th June Having driven down from Leeds on what seemed to be very quiet roads for the time of the year (even Sutton Bridge was wide open), I arrived at Goosander's coop around 1pm. The major task of unloading the car went well and after a sandwich and a drink, I decided to drive back into Roys-land to buy a few presents. It was a showery day, so I was alternating dodging into shops with walking across the moorings of Barnes and Norfolk Broads Direct. I had decided to stay on the moorings for the first night, so there was no rush to get back. By 5pm, I had started the drive back to the moorings and nestled back onboard until it was time to walk to The Ferry Inn for my evening meal. I hadn't booked a table so I was wondering how busy it would be. The moorings were full, but there was no problem securing a table. I ordered the Cod and Chips, which I'd have to say was just average. The fish was very batter heavy, and the chips just seemed dry on the inside. Perhaps it was just the variety of potato they were using. It wasn't badly cooked, and as such it wouldn't stop me returning. By 9pm, I was back onboard, and settled for the night. Not many photos for arrival day. More tomorrow. Goosander has a nice new carpet The picnic boats at Barnes

Probably the nearest database description they had without writing a new one.

More internal images have been added on Hoseasons of Fair Regal. Looks much better than I thought it would. Those wrap around windows looking forward from the helm give it a quite space age look. Sure James T approves. https://www.hoseasons.co.uk/boat-holidays/fair-regal-bh2725

I watched it Ian. Such a beautiful driven lady. Such a loss.

Was this the location of the "hermit" John Lennon?

You're not supposed to swallow them

I passed Flavours on the way to The New and The Ferry inn. All I can say is it didn't look welcoming. Doors were closed (not locked), no attempt to soften the building with hanging baskets etc. I think our September AGM is being held there so if you can wait until then, I shall report.

Yes, it's still early in the season. We've all got used to seeing establishments brimming over with visitors over the last two years, not to mention boat hire being sold out May through to October. I've just looked back on booking levels for 2019, the last year before you know what, and the market is currently ahead of that year. So the high season may well sell out again. Of course, the boatyards won't be repeating their two bumper sell out years as a lot of the shoulder stock will remain unsold.

Absolutely agree with your sentiments Ian. Deborah's death is such a sad loss. I'd followed her for the last few years as probably most people who have experienced cancer in their lives will have done (my wife). She was such a positive special person and maybe had more get up and go in her following diagnosis than some people have while fit and healthy. Life is for living!

Timing or perception. We're all different. I was in the New Inn (well, actually on the covered patio area overlooking the gardens) last week. I thought the food was good, staff very attentive if a little green behind the ears, the property well kept and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. But it was not full, that's for sure. The last mooring was taken around 8pm. I walked down to the Ferry and they too were only around 50% occupied (the business not the moorings).