Taking A Gander At Goosander

[SwanR]

Always enjoy reading your tales David. Lovely photos too. We have only ever had a September holiday on the Broads once. We hit the jackpot with the weather that year and it was one of the busiest times we’ve ever seen. 

For anyone who watches my YouTube channel that was September 2016 on Moon Beam hired from Horizon Craft in their last season. 

[Hylander]

Jean , have you got a link you could post for your video,  I for one would love to see it.

[SwanR]

Thanks Monica, here you go. 

 

[DAVIDH]

This was the first time I'd been on a boat in September too Jean, and the first time in 50 years of cruising that I've copped for such high temperatures. It was delightful. 

[Hylander]

3 hours ago, DAVIDH said:

This was the first time I'd been on a boat in September too Jean, and the first time in 50 years of cruising that I've copped for such high temperatures. It was delightful. 

But did you get your knees brown this time?

[DAVIDH]

Monday 11th  September

Sometimes the tides seem to just fit perfectly. Other times they are just mismatched for my schedule. So it was this week where every journey seemed to coincide with an contra running tide. I wanted to be at Yarmouth Yacht Station around 10.30 am, so as to be sure of getting a space in this busy week. Slack water was at 3.40pm so I left Acle at 8.15am with the tide flooding in and headed for Yarmouth. I eventually arrived around 10.45, after having called the Yacht Station staff to ask for assistance with mooring as a sole sailor. The tide was ebbing by now, and a 180-degree turn was required to come alongside. 

All secured, the rest of the day was a walk into Yarmouth town, via the chip stalls and a McFlurry and coffee at big M's. A bit of a tradition for me. Yarmouth was quite busy, no doubt the sun had encouraged many day trippers. Everyone seemed happy to be beside the sea. I was back at the Yacht Station by 4pm, to give time to rest my aching feet before eating out this evening. The Yacht Station quayside was now awash with boats. 

I'd reserved a table inside at The Kings Arms on Northgate Street, but the weather was glorious and the gardens looked appealing so I decided to eat al fresco. The landlord was telling me he'd won awards in the past but the planning and execution all got too stressful, so now he does it for his pleasure, not the judges. Suitably stuffed, I returned to Goosander, opening the wheelhouse and doors on entry to let the heat out. There's something special about having the tops back at night and just sitting and gazing at the stars from the comfort of your stateroom. 

The Yach Station before and after my walk into town

The Kings Arms Gardens

These were interesting. Both the same craft - The grey one is Amore, the black one a private craft. Just shows the standard of boat you can hire nowadays if you're prepared to pay the money. The hirer told me this Amore was the original one and was brand new, not purchased from a private owner. Also Richardsons now have two more Amore's

[Broads01]

I think the popularity of September with hirers and the fact that this year July and August seemed relatively quiet indicates the price-sensitivity of boating holidays. Hiring in September is significantly cheaper than in the summer and so if you don't have school-age children, why would you choose to pay peak prices? I've booked a 4 berth boat in mid-September 2024 with a hire charge of around £1100. The same boat in school holidays is just under £2000.

[YnysMon]

2 hours ago, Broads01 said:

I think the popularity of September with hirers and the fact that this year July and August seemed relatively quiet indicates the price-sensitivity of boating holidays. Hiring in September is significantly cheaper than in the summer and so if you don't have school-age children, why would you choose to pay peak prices? I've booked a 4 berth boat in mid-September 2024 with a hire charge of around £1100. The same boat in school holidays is just under £2000.

I think you are spot on Simon. School holiday prices have become ridiculous since schools started fining parents for term time holidays. Besides, judging by the last few years, the weather is as hit and miss in July and August as in September. 

[Mouldy]

2 hours ago, Broads01 said:

 . . . . . .  I've booked a 4 berth boat in mid-September 2024 with a hire charge of around £1100. The same boat in school holidays is just under £2000.

And does make syndicate ownership even more attractive for a regular hirer.  Based on our subs on Moonlight Shadow at £1800 per year, even including say £150 per week for fuel and pump outs on top, that still only equates to £600 per week including for the ones in peak season.

40 minutes ago, YnysMon said:

 . . . . . . . . . . . Besides, judging by the last few years, the weather is as hit and miss in July and August as in September. 

The weather is fairly hit and miss at any time of the year.  This is the UK after all.

We called into Horning Pleasurecraft yesterday to speak to the yard foreman about something on MS, but spoke to Clive instead.  He showed me his empty hireboat quay, with all of his fleet out this week.  Indeed, it seems to be as busy now as when we were here in mid July.

Sorry David - thread drift!

[DAVIDH]

4 hours ago, Mouldy said:

Sorry David - thread drift!

No, I find what's happening to the hire market very interesting. 

[DAVIDH]

Tuesday 12th September

I wanted to end up at Oulton Broad this evening, via a lunchtime stop at St Olaves. The tide was on the rise and though Goosander only needed 7ft of headroom, that had already vanished at 7 am. I had planned to depart around 10 am anyway so I had a leisurely breakfast and sat and waited on another warm, though cloudy day.  10 am came and went, though high water about 9ish. The Yacht Station guys advised I should be OK to go around 10.30 and by that time, 7ft of headroom was showing. So I got the benefit of a few hundred yards of cruising with the flow before turning at the yellow post and my speed slowing to around 4mph. I increased revs to take it above 5mph and was satisfied with a trundle across Breydon while the tide was doing its best to push me back to the Yacht Station. In truth, the current wasn't that fast so I wasn't overly burning fuel. 

The authority moorings came into view at St Olaves, with not another boat in sight. I had the pick of the moorings. I chose the top end as I think you get a good view of the river and bridge from there. I always think St Olaves is a step back in time to how it must have been across the Broads in the 50s. Not many facilities (no shops), rudimentary riverfrontage, and the wildness of the river just around the bend towards Burgh Castle. I saw the odd boat pass by....mostly Broom boats, but nobody came into moor. Was it something I'd said? Sure I'd put clean socks on that morning? I noticed on the approach that the crane jib which has marked the start of the village for years, is no longer piercing the sky. I found that rather disappointing. 

The forecast was for rain sooner or later, and it started to pepper Goosander's roof, on and off from about 11.30, so the wheelhouse was opened then closed a couple of times before I set off once more for Oulton Broad. By the time I emerged onto the Broad, the rain was relentless. I slowly crossed the Broad, hoping for a lull in which to tie up at the Yacht Station, but it didn't happen. I decided to moor alongside on the outer pontoon. I've never done that before, always making my way inside the tin of sardines in the past. As I tide up, I noticed the electric hook-up, and when you're soaking wet and miserable, sustained heat throughout the boat does seem very attractive. So I plugged in and went back onboard to add to the condensation forming on the windows. Eventually, that lull did occur and I wandered over to the Yacht Station office to pay my dues. He wasn't happy with just my cheery hello and wanted money! It cost me £22.....how much? Think I'll be back amongst the sardines next time. 

As I came out stripped of my cash, the rain started again so I got back onboard and decided to get my money's worth of heating. It continued to rain for the rest of the day. My evening meal at The Wherry was at a table for two with my large golfing umbrella sat opposite me. The place was quite sparsely occupied which probably explained why the carvery wasn't that enjoyable this time. The food was just a little dried out sitting on the serving deck waiting forlornly for some action. The rain had turned to drizzle by the time I headed back to the boat and by 11 pm, it had stopped.....to be replaced by strong winds, which I wasn't expecting as I hadn't seen the evening forecast. I was alerted to it by a certain amount of bow slap, something that has disturbed my sleep in the past. I was alongside, on the outside of the jetty so there was nothing I could do to stop it. Soon the bow slap was being drowned out by the noise of Goosander periodically banging onto the jetty. Oh great! I went outside to adjust the spring line I'd put on earlier and hoped for the best. The bow slap continued, though the banging was now less common. I retired for the night expecting the worst, but it appears I fell soundly asleep instead. 
Not many photos today...it was too wet!

The Fisherman's Inn at Burgh Castle. One day I must stop!

St Olaves before the rain set in

Out of sequence, but crossing Breydon

Oulton Broad in the rain

[Hylander]

Your write ups are as good as being there with you.     Thank you,   £22,               but worth it for the view and the peace of mind on the pontoon and the leccy.   

[kpnut]

21 hours ago, DAVIDH said:

The Fisherman's Inn at Burgh Castle. One day I must stop!

Choose a warm sunny day and sit on the terrace, it’s wonderful. The interior is rather 1970’s. 

[Bluebell]

10 minutes ago, kpnut said:

 The interior is rather 1970’s. 

How lovely….😎

[Broads01]

3 hours ago, kpnut said:

Choose a warm sunny day and sit on the terrace, it’s wonderful. The interior is rather 1970’s. 

I agree about the interior. It's one of those pubs dominated by dining tables and dining chairs whereas if I'm not eating I like something a little comfier.

[DAVIDH]

Wednesday 13th September

The alarm went off and as I peered through the curtains, I was delighted to see the storm clouds had left the scene and the sun was fighting the remaining clouds for space in the skies above Oulton Broad. After breakfast, I walked up the hill to the food mini-market to buy a paper and another loaf of bread. The heat had done for the farmhouse loaf I'd brought with me. It was a pleasant morning so I went for the walk around the area I'd been denied by the rain yesterday. The large white cruiser that's been moored at the Yacht Station for some years had been moved to a mooring near to the paassenger pleasure boat jetty I noticed yesterday evening. It had clearly broke from it's moorings in the high winds overnight and relocated itself as can be seen in the photo below. 

I'm aiming for The Surlingham Ferry this evening, with a stop at Reedham Quay for lunch. I set off across the Broad, again against the current, and took care not to overrev the engine. I had the time and I've seen what it can cost in terms of diesel usage when trying to keep up a 5 to 6 mile an hour speed. I wanted to avoid a big refueling bill when I got back. Apart from what turned out to be an isolated shower around Somerleyton, it had indeed dried out. The wheelhouse was back again, though the extreme heat of the first three days was gone. The forecast for the following few day was still 21 to 24c however. Eventually, I spied Reedham quayside through the railway bridge. Despite seeing very little river traffic en route, the quayside only had a couple of free spaces. I ended up quite close to the furthest electric post, with the quay ranger joining me to tie up the boat. The river had overtopped apparently and there was a large puddle to avoid when coming ashore. 

If you've read any of my previous tales, you'll know Reedham is a favourite stop off of mine. I had booked a table and a mooring at The Surlingham Ferry so I was in no rush to depart. I stayed until around 2.45pm, having had lunch onboard while watching the comings and goings. The current had slowed but was still ebbing, so I eased up to a steady 5mph and made my way to Surlingham. I'd booked a stern-on  mooring but on arrival I could see a space alongside to the left of the Inn so I snaffled that instead, before walking around to relocate the reserved mooring board set aside for Goosander. My table was booked for 6.30 pm so I still had 1.5 hours to relax. Some outside tables were occupied, but the evening was a little cooler, so a reservation inside had been a good idea. The food is always hearty at the Ferry and was such that I couldn't face a dessert. I went back to Goosander and watched TV for the rest of the evening. I'd got into the nightly broadcast of Your Mum, My Dad. I'm not usually into this type of programme. Love Island is a no-go TV series for me, but this was more about people closer (?) to my age group, which made it compulsive viewing. The pub closed its doors and turned the lights out at 11pm, but there was still a bunch of "revellers" sitting at a table near the doors making themselves heard. I wondered how long it would go on for, but thankfully, they must have gotten tired of holding empty glasses and all left by about 11.30pm. I don't think they were from a boat! 

Wouldn't turn my nose up to one of these Oulton Broad properties

The boat that went walkabout

Oulton Broad Yacht Station....quite busy in the far pontoon.

Still 3 Sandersons boat sitting on the private moorings at Reedham

The Surlingham Ferry...and the sun was out. 

[DAVIDH]

Thursday 14th September

Well, by this evening I had to end up back at Reedham as I needed to cross over to the north on Friday morning to be sure of being back at the mooring to hand the boat over on Saturday. Opening the curtains, I could see the sun had got its hat on again and the forecast was for another warm day.  I had decided to go directly to Reedham so I could spend the afternoon and evening there. After breakfast, I slid the tops back and prepared to cast off. The tide was still flooding (of course it was) so I was heading out against the current....again. It was quite slow however so at a steady 4.5mph I'm sure the engine wasn't burNing diesel unduly. 

On arrival at Reedham, I moored at almost the same spot I'd stayed the previous day. The same ranger came over to help me with the ropes. I'm sure he was mentally working out whether I had returned to the mooring within 24 hours and if that should preclude me, but he kept that to himself. He is a great advert for the position. Friendly, welcoming and very knowledgeable. It turned out that he does the six-month stint on the quay and in the winter, he's employed elsewhere for the BA. I've always thought that the last 2 hours of the ebb or flood were the fastest running. Apparently not. He told me the rule of thirds dictates that it's the middle hours that the tide runs the fastest.

I had the whole afternoon to occupy myself in Reedham, so first I walked up the hill to the street that has the shop and doctor's surgery. Then back down and out to the riverside walk that leads to The Ferry Inn. It really was quite warm by now and after saying good day to the sheep I passed en route, I decided a lager, sat outside the pub watching the ferry cross to and fro was called for. It was a lovely day for a walk. I eventually got back to Goosander around 4 pm, opening the wheelhouse sides to let the heat out, before relaxing with a book on the settee and letting myself be distracted at any passing (or mooring) boat. I'd booked a table at The Ship Inn. Again, it started to turn cooler in the evening so a table inside by the window was most welcome. The pub was busy with diners both inside and in the gardens. I stayed until around 8pm, then made my way back to the boat to catch up with the next part of My Mum your Dad. 

Forgot this one from yesterday

Reedham quay

On the walk back from The Ferry Inn Reedham

Just to remind myself how warm it was at night

[DAVIDH]

Friday 15th September

I was up early as I'd intended to get over Breydon before high water, which was around 11 am. After a quick breakfast, I cast off AGAINST the flooding tide around 7.30 am and made my way under the rail bridge. Goosander needs a little less than 7ft as I've said, so I was hoping this would be one of those days where the max rise would leave more than that. I have to say, that was looking unlikely as I continued down the Yare. I could see the high water marks were already pretty high on the passing banks. Eventually, Berney Arms moorings came into view, and with it, the height gauge for the Yarmouth bridges. Oh dear! There was already less than 5ft 9 inches of headroom under the bridges. It was not going to be one of those days. There was nothing for it but to moor up and call the Yacht Station for advice. That advice was to call again at midday to get an idea of when to cross. While waiting, I remembered the Troll Bridge height website and kept an eye on that until I called again at noon. By that time, the website was showing 6ft 6 inches. It was ebbing fast! The instruction from Yarmouth Yacht Station was to set off now. 

So I did and for once, for about an hour, I was enjoying cruising with the tide. Of course, for every plus there's a minus and that was hitting the ebbing current once I rounded the yellow post at the Bure mouth. Oh well, that didn't last long. Being delayed at Berney for close to 3 hours, I decided I would need to cruise without a stop to get back to Horning at a reasonable time to start getting Goosander ready for the next occupants. And so after a very long day's cruising, I arrived at Horning around 5.30 pm and stayed onboard for the night in order to use up some of the perishables I still had left over. The various cleaning duties were assigned....to me, and I eventually turned the TV off and retired for the night at 10.30 pm, knowing I'd need to be up at 7 in the morning, as I had to vacate the boat one hour earlier than normal due to tomorrow being Goosander's AGM, starting at 10.30 am. 

A little more tomorrow. 

How Reedham looked prior to casting off. I was told by the Yacht Station staff that leaving earlier would also be futile as Breydon was well misted over. 

A few passing shots of the river on the way to Horning

[DAVIDH]

Saturday 16th September. 

I was up at 7 am. The sun was shining and it should be against the law to hand a boat over when the weather is this good and expected to get to 21/22c. With all the cleaning and packing, it was soon 8.30 am and I had an appointment with Boulters to refuel and empty the unmentionables. So with the tops rolled back, I took Goosander out of her mooring for the last time until April next year, really savouring the short trip out onto the Bure, and then almost immediately turning back down the next dyke. Thirty minutes later, the deed was done and Goosander had been deposited back in her pen for the next owner to take out. I'd ended up using £82.50 of diesel at £1.45 per litre (I think), so not bad for the distances involved and that I'd been fighting the tide for most of the holiday. 

This was actually my second holiday on Goosander within a month. I'd actually been on her for a week commencing 19th August... so just a two-week gap between finishing and starting again due to my drawing these particular two weeks at the annual general meeting. I find it takes quite a time to write these tales up and to illustrate them, so I decided I would relate just the September one on this occasion. But I do think I have some really good photos of the August trip, so below are some of them with some brief notes. The weather was warm and fine all the holiday.

[DAVIDH]

Saturday 19th August. At home mooring in Horning
We ate alfresco at the New Inn (2 of us on this occasion)

[DAVIDH]

Sunday 20th August. Horning to Ludham Bridge to Stalham
Managed to moor on the designated visitor moorings at the entrance to Richardsons. Lovely spot. Ate alfresco at The Swan

[DAVIDH]

Monday 21st August. Stalham to How Hill to St Benets to Acle
Visit to How Hill, the Secret Gardens and Toad Hole Cottage. Stopped to explore St Bennets Abbey, then continued to Acle. BA moorings and meal at The Bridge Inn.

[DAVIDH]

Tuesday 22nd August. Acle to Yarmouth
Arrived at 11am, only a few boats in, but it filled up later. Lunch was chips from a market stall, ice cream and coffee at McDonalds and dinner at the Kings Arms.

[DAVIDH]

Wednesday 23rd August. Yarmouth to Stokesby to Thurne Dyke
Bought cakes at The Ferry Inn at Stokesby. Moored half way down the dyke at Thurne. Fab meal at the Lion. 

[DAVIDH]

Thursday 24th August. Thurne Dyke to Potter Heigham to Ludham
Lunch was a cake and coffee at Bridgestones (of course) following a visit to Lathams. We had booked the mooring at The Little Big Shop on Womack Staithe which worked well for us as we were able to arrive at 5pm (designated time) knowing we would still have a space. Really good meal at The Kings Arms in Ludham.