Autumn Mist's first official cruise

[Soundings]

We took Autumn Mist for her first mini cruise. We slipped our mooring at Broadsedge on Friday, 4th June at midday and took up station below Potter Heigham Bridge (opposite Herbert Woods) to enjoy the sun and watch the “rag and sticks†antics in the 3RR. It was a good day and a half during which it was just as much fun watching the handling skills (?) of the Herbert Woods boats arriving back at base. Training/familiarisation of the new hirers was much in evidence so congratulations there Herbert Woods although I do feel that circa 10 minutes is an inadequate length of time, especially so given the size and power of some of the kit now available. It was also chilling to see a boat load of “blokes†who had actually broken out the beer during their training session!

Anyway come Sunday 6th we slipped our mooring at Potter and cruised down to St Benet’s where we spent a nice night and enjoyed some beautiful walks with the pooch. One gripe though – when are the Broads Authority going to get to grips with speeding boats? That stretch of river is wide and the boats hammer down there like bats out of Hell. One Le Boat almost washed us up on the bank and we have a 33ft Aquafibre. It really is unfair, dangerous and must damage the banks considerably. Are boats getting too big and powerful I wonder?

Had intended to head home on the Monday but with the weather holding we cruised down to Horning and back, stopping at Cockshoot Broad for lunch. What a lovely, indeed magical, spot that is. Then onwards to Ludham Bridge with a stop-off at the boatyard to arrange for some maintenance work. It was now getting late so rather than going on to How Hill as planned we spent the night at Ludham, walking up to The Dog (a dog friendly pub) for a pint after dinner. The pub was all but empty yet the moorings at the bridge were 100% full! Still the service was quick so a quick couple of pints and then back to the boat for a nightcap and some sleep. We have to be back home by Tuesday 8th.

All in all this was a very enjoyable re-introduction to Broads cruising. The trip was partly a bit of a recce for the future so we did have a quick look-see at South Walsham, Ranworth, Salhouse and Malthouse broads.

Happy cruising

Colin

[Brian]

Many thanks for sharing your Story with us Colin You certainly chosed a busy weekend ( 3RRR )

[andyfish]

Hello soundings we saw you coming down the Ant on friday and thought i recognised the boats name

Andy