Brilliant Afloat

[Polly]

We arrived in Norfolk on Wednesday afternoon, being booked in overnight at the Swan. 

Delivering the main cabin mattresses and a few essentials to LBBY, we found Brilliant dry and afloat and happily fresh as a daisy after the winter lay up, no sign of mildew or anything of the sort (I wiped everywhere with antibacterial at lay up-it worked a treat).

The evening was social with two friends from our local church meeting up for dinner at the Swan; they were at their place at Winterton as it happens. The couple at the next table then and at breakfast turned out to be Forum readers, though not members, which led to a lovely breakfast chat.

We had a day of itineraries next, beginning with South Walsham, we collected the outboard which was in for service and storage, then headed via Roy's for fresh petrol in the fuel tank-the old stuff went to our neighbour for his mower. 

Back at LBBY, Phill attached the outboard, and we removed the winter cover, installed the lead counterweights and raised the mast.  We had a great chat with Mike AKA Curly from NBF who was out driving Nancy Oldfield passengers, and were greeted by Lord Paul. Nice to be back on the river!

George was going our way so we were able to drop the car and hitch a ride back, leaving the car at the right end of our journey with Brilliant and then we were all set.

We had a really pleasant trip down river, sun shining all the way, herons flying over more than fishing, ducks chasing the ladies and great crested grebe looking smart in spring trim. There were no marsh harriers or coots to be seen as yet, but a few moorhen were pottering about, and of course there were swans.  

There were a fair few boats out enjoying the  conditions but nobody we knew, unless Moonlight Shadow was on a week with members?

Brilliant settled back at her base, so now it was a trip by car to collect the summer covers which were in at Jeckells for a clean and re-proof, back and fitted they looked good. We reluctantly headed for home. 

A high spot of the journey was that we passed Huntingdon just as they lit the beacon for the Queen's 90th birthday. I had never seen this done other than on TV so that was one for the scrap book. 

Home by 9, tired but satisfied; we will be back towards the end of the month with all the stuff that comes aboard, a bit like moving house!!!! And a big tin of varnish for the mast....working holiday? Well we will makes sure we mix business with pleasure!

 

 

 

[Poppy]

'Poppy' goes afloat again tomorrow morning. I love the feeling of anticipation that this time of year brings - so much better than at the back end, with the apprehension of the work ahead, both expected and possible problems unexpected.

[16E]

We must just have missed seeing you on Wednesday.  We took Grebe down to Boulters on Wednesday morning.  First proper run of the year and diesel needed.  We spotted Brilliant looking good on her big cover and commented about not seeing you.  Then you turn up after we had passed on our way back to Stalham.

 

[Polly]

Oh that is disappointing Mal it would have been good to see you guys.

[Kaety]

We've just taken ownership of our first boat, so last month we experienced our first lift in. I must've looked like a Cheshire Cat sitting in the cockpit. The experience of anticipating when the boat would float and then being released from the cradle was just awesome.

Dawn

 

 

[Polly]

You sat in it? Blimey the safety elf must have been off sick that day

Where do you plan to base her?

[Broadsword]

Glad all went well Pauline. Looking forward to catching up sometime soon...

[Polly]

We are down from Thursday for a bit of work and play, weather looks awful though! 

[Broadsword]

We are decorating the lounge (which, as you might imagine is a BIG room!) but hope to get over on Thursday... not sure we'll go far though

[Polly]

We will be there late is with all the gear, could maybe meet up Thursday evening?

[Broadsword]

I'll chat to Ali... would be nice... We will call at the boat at some point but weather looks grim... Whereabouts will you be? We could grab a drink together?