SueH

Four days for us. Due to pick up MS on Saturday. Mooring booked at Oulton Sunday/Monday so we will be settled in time for the speed boat racing Monday night. Picnic and seat in the park I think. From there two days booked at Beccles on the river to watch the comings and goings. First time up there over a BH - will be interesting to see how busy it is. Now will we need to take the convector heater or not - being a soft southerner Of course, the day we come back the stoppage at Postwick is back again. Will be interesting to see where the diversions take us. As I do the first bit of driving before Bishops Stortford services ............! SueH

This type of boat appears to be the starting point for a number of us. Our first one was an Alpha 'Shooting Star', the second one 'Star Gem 1'. The same boat but from different yards. The only difference being that Star Gem is still going and I haven't seen Shooting Star for a number of years. SueH

Hello all. Just to add my 'two-penneth' our caravan electrical lead now and all the others in the past have always been orange. This is 16V. Albeit ours is more of a faded yellowy pink! It has historical value. SueH

We are looking forward to trying this venue on our next trip. Walking from MS's moorings though. SueH

Absolutely - having used that pontoon a number of times when on a hire boat it is a shame that it is being hogged like it is. sueH

Yes. There are two sides to every story. We often hear about dogs managing to get out on their own. SueH

Absolutely. SueH

We anti-fouled a 21ft narrow beam canal cruiser years ago, took it out on its trailer and did it all by hand. Never again - it took me weeks to get it out of my hair etc. To make matters worse, because we did not know what was there before we took it all off and started all over again. SueH

I've just had a go - see first week in May. It worked!!!!!!!!!!! SueH

No error messages when trying to create, just nothing happened! SueH

Have just tried to add an event in the calendar for May. It will be interesting to see what happens - eg if I am doing it right .............! SueH

This trip (14-28 Feb 2015) it appears that the Nelson in Reedham and the Berney Arms are still closed. The Berney is up for sale and the Nelson was up to rent. But the sign had mysteriously disappeared on the Nelson overnight when we were there. It may be back again when we go through on Wednesday. Reedham's post office was open. Don't know about the Stracey Tapas Inn. The Stokesby Ferry Inn was open and we were given an excellent welcome, with Rosie being given a doggy bone. Sue, Martin & Rosie

Out and about ourselves, on MS. Tucked away at Sutton Staithe at the moment. In the north Herbert Woods appear to be the only yard with boats out. We have seen one Faircraft but so far no Richardsons. The only yard from the south we have seen with boats out is AlphaCraft. SueH

Very quiet here south of the M4. Worry not, still won't be chancing getting the caravan out though! SueH

Having followed this thread from the beginning I took a look at my LJ which does not have the 'strap'. We had a rummage in the workshop, found an old bag 'handle'. A few pop rivets from HIC and job done. Something I had never thought about, especially as my LJ is quite a loose fit despite tightening as much as possible. Thanks for the advice and pointing me in the right direction. SueH

'but don't be in a hurry, the caravan brigade will slow you down' At the risk of going off the subject a bit. We have, no end of times, been overtaken by some-one who 'will not stay behind a caravan', only to see them a mile of so later having not achieved anything and now stuck at the end of a large queue with a truck, cyclist or tractor in front. A bit of patience goes a long way!!!!!!! Mind you with the forecast we would not be towing anyway - far too much invested to have it turned over by a large gust. That would slow traffic down behind us ............... SueH

We thought we were going to get this where we are near Peterborough, but we only got the rain which gave the caravan quite a dousing. If I had known I would have covered it in shampoo and let the rain wash it off! Not far away from the worst it appears, surprising the difference a few miles makes. Good luck those of you who are suffering. SueH

Hi Mandy Does sound hairy. John has a good scheme, Beccles is a nice spot. Fairly quiet. They should be able to find you a sheltered mooring and give you a festive welcome. They are probably only open in the morning like Oulton Broad is at this time of year. Our favourite places to lurk when it is stormy are Loddon Staithe, closely followed by Rockland. Although the power in these two places is via the £1 cards. Beccles has power on-site. Sue and Martin

Martin is glad when Christmas is over, he is strictly'd out by then. I am addicted, watching every show plus every Beeb2 programme as well. He even has to watch the Christmas show! SueH

We did the same,we were on a hire boat for our 30th, saw Moonlight Shadow had a share for sale. Bought it there and then (unseen) as our anniversary pressy! SueH

Great news - next time we go up there in February it might be open! Many's the time we have stopped at the Acorn on the old single carriageway just to have a break and give the dog a chance to stretch his legs. SueH

Ours was inn the early 80's. Shooting Star from Alpha Craft, the following year Star Gem from Richardsons. Then the addiction started, a small gap when we first tried private ownership with a 21ft cruiser on the K&A Canal. Then back to the Broads - long may it continue. SueH