Abroad V The Broads

[webntweb]

Money no object. A dual steer lowliner on the Broads, the same on the Thames so I could get above Oxford to the best bit of the Thames - 32 miles of river similar to the Waveney above Beccles. Another dual steer lowliner with a beam of 10ft so I could have it transported to other waterways like the Nene and Great Ouse, a beautiful river which most Broads fans would love.

An electric dayboat to get under Potter when the lowliner can't – has to be electric because the diesel one's are much too noisy.

A bungalow in Horning or Wroxham with the river at the front and a backwater behind to fish in.

Now for Europe - a Connoisseur Magnifique on the Canal du Midi (don't want one of Le Boat's modern, joystick control, doesn't look anything like a proper boat, unless they are giving them away of course). Another Magnifique on France's central waterways. Another dual steer lowliner to sneak under Belgium and Holland's low bridges – save you having to pay for each bridge to be lifted.

Now does anybody know the address of the Portuguese person who won last week's £150 million Euro lottery.

[Gracie]

Blimey, you don't want much then  you're gonna need £150 million for that lot 

 

Grace

[BroadScot]

Well I made a start Grace, I had six numbers up on the Lottery last night, sadly three n three so only £50 won

 

Iain.

[SPEEDTRIPLE]

Well I made a start Grace, I had six numbers up on the Lottery last night, sadly three n three so only £50 won

 

Iain.

 

 

Stop moaniong Iain, that`s £50 more than i got.

[SPEEDTRIPLE]

Ok, who has nicked my wee story from last night? DaylightGate even gave it a like!

 

Hmmmm

 

 

Iain.

 

 

Yeah,   I had a post go missing last night too. I sent Jonzo a pm asking if it had been deleted, so i await his reply with baited breath.

[marshman]

Don't knock Potter Bridge - it does the Broads a great service!!! Everyone can go and see it if they want to but what it does is allow everyone to see what the real Broads are all about.

 

I don't mind cruisers at all ( I have one!!) but how sad if one small corner which is unique to the world, was turned into the what the rest is like.

 

 Even after I have gone please please leave it as it is , unless and when nature decrees its time to alter it!!!

[Guest]

Don't knock Potter Bridge - it does the Broads a great service!!! Everyone can go and see it if they want to but what it does is allow everyone to see what the real Broads are all about.

 

I don't mind cruisers at all ( I have one!!) but how sad if one small corner which is unique to the world, was turned into the what the rest is like.

 

 Even after I have gone please please leave it as it is , unless and when nature decrees its time to alter it!!!

 

"It does the Broads a great service".....

 

Absolutely right Marshman.

 

The bridge restricts traffic on less than 10 miles of the total 120 miles of navigable waterways on the Broads, and yet it's seen only negatively by some.

 

Because of the bridge constriction, everyone has the freedom to explore that 10 miles of quieter, clearer rivers at any time in a suitable craft, such as a hired dayboat.

 

If the bridge was removed, then no-one could then enjoy that peace and tranquillity, because it would no longer exist.

 

Of the two opposite opinions, which is the most democratic one ?

 

Ten extra miles of cruising area for boats of any size, or everyone  still being able to enjoy that small "unique corner" of the Broads, albeit in a suitable craft.

[riyadhcrew]

Strow,

 

When you put it like that, I can't for the life of me think of an argument against what you have said.

[Baitrunner]

Sorry Grace, but I would still go abroad while I can.

If money was no object I would have a nice house with moorings up here and 2 boats. One for sea and one for the rivers.

Too many lovely places still to see from my perspective.

Next we are off for 10 days sailing round the grenadines and I have say it gives the broads a run for its money. Sunsets, weather, food, rum. And you can swim in clear water with turtles!

I am sure I will be happy to get home but with lots of memories.

I'm not a rag and stick guy either, but my brother and his family who we are going with are all experts so we just have to do drinks and swim if we don't want to pull any ropes.

Money no object then I will be greedy and do both please.

[Mouldy]

As much as I love the Broads, the cost of a potentially wet week in the UK against a couple of weeks where there is a good chance of sunshine in France swings the balance towards France.

 

I don't fly (my choice, don't argue) so since 2007 we have driven to Southern France and one year to Lake Maggiore in Italy, passing through Switzerland en route and we have enjoyed some spectacular scenery, great food, cheap wine and have bucket loads of fantastic memories, too.  We stay in mobile homes, through Eurocamp which suits our 'do as you please' holiday preference.  

 

As for cost, thirteen nights at the end of June and beginning of July booked for next year at our favourite campsite in the Gorges du Tarn area of France (about 20 miles from Millau), including linen hire, putting the car on the train through the Channel Tunnel and the surcharge for taking the dog is about £1100.  That price is for 4 people, although only my wife and I will be going.  Add fuel and food and we will probably spend £2000.  The last time we were there in 2012, the temperature ranged from about 24 C to 35 C and it rained twice.  I have attached a photo taken from the decking of the mobile home we last stayed in there.  Imagine sitting over breakfast and taking in the view.

 

How much would it be for a similar period on a mid range boat, such as Royall Commander?  I would imagine that the hire of the boat for one week would cost more that £1100.

 

Driving through France, Switzerland and Italy has taken us through some spectacular scenery, crossing the Susstenpass in Switzerland was particularly memorable and taking the car has enabled us to visit other areas, too, such as when we had a trip into Monaco the year when we stayed at Castellane in the Gorge du Verdon.  There was a deep sense of satisfaction driving my Skoda through Casino Square amongst all of the exotic cars parked there.

 

It doesn't mean that my love affair with the Broads is over, as we have already booked for another week next September.  I value the peace and relaxation, but the cost of a boating holiday in June is too prohibitive now to make it our main holiday.

[Gracie]

Hi Mouldy

 

That's exactly what my girlfriends were saying as regards the cost, I do get where they are coming from on that score to be honest.

 

I also don't like flying but have flown to Paris, France, Spain, America etc but when ever I am anywhere else as nice as they are the Broads are in my heart and I always find myself wishing we were there, I am completely in love with the damn place and feel practically suicidal when we have to leave Lol 

 

I know a lot of people don't like this expression but it truly is magical for me and thankfully my family feel the same, it feels like home when we are there and one day hope to be for good

 

Although I would never knock anyone's choice of holiday, sunning ourselves on a beach and staying in hotels is just not for us. Being afloat on the Broads is our thing, until we find something just as relaxing, magical and peaceful, that's the way it's going to stay for us and if we do get to live there in the future, then perhaps we will go on a package holiday to Spain for a week or two 

 

Grace

[JennyMorgan]

For less than a thousand pounds my wife and I can have a fortnight, out of season, in a top notch hotel on Ibiza. Crowds gone, sun shining, bit of boating, scenic walks, great swimming and a pocketful of spending money. Can't compare that with a Broads holiday though but I'm lucky, I don't have to choose.  

[JimG]

Broads every time. Simple as that!!!

[jeffbroadslover]

Hi Gracie,

 

Your original question asked where would we choose if money were no object.

 

he simple answer is THE BROADS.   The problem would be sorting out FOR HOW MANY MONTHS?

 

Holidays for me are for relaxing not for chasing about to get to an airport early enough to hang about for a couple of hours minimum. If lucky you may then be squashed into a packed plane and if you are very very lucky your luggage might have been put on the same plane. 

 

In my opinion....NO CONTEST !!

 

 

Jeff

[SweetKingfisher1]

The Broads or going abroad that is the question  . Well Ian and I next year are the big 60 and we were thinking of going abroad, but I want to have a extra time on the boat, because that is what we enjoy and where we will relax  .

 

We are still considering what to do or where to go. The thought of flying and airports no way. We can get in the car and drive up to Norfolk  .

 

Regards

Marina 

[SteveO]

I like to go somewhere warm for a week a year, ideally in early June. This serves to remind us how lucky we are to be able to spend the rest of our holidays on the Broads.

 

 

Steve

[JimG]

I have three holidays booked for next year. A weeks camping in Devon, a week in Rhodes and A WEEK ON THE BROADS!!!!!

I only have one countdown timer.

[Matt]

Holidays for me are for relaxing not for chasing about to get to an airport early enough to hang about for a couple of hours minimum. If lucky you may then be squashed into a packed plane and if you are very very lucky your luggage might have been put on the same plane.

Jeff

However......if money was no object I very much doubt you would be checking in at the Easy Jet desk at Gatwick would you ;-)

[Baitrunner]

Shall I ruin it for everyone who doesn't live in Broadland?

 

I have quite a few holidays booked next year all involving the dreaded airport and plane - A necessary evil in my case to go somewhere different and experience other parts of the world.

 

The weekends and rest of my holiday will be on the Broads - so best of both worlds IMHO.

[JennyMorgan]

A very real reason for holidaying on the Broads:

http://www.rte.ie/news/2014/1101/656215-islamic-state/

[Guest]

I liked the Broads so much that I retired here.

 

But there are other parts of  the UK that are just as beautiful, in completely different ways, so it would be a waste to not visit those too.

 

The West Country, North Wales, The Lakes, and Scotland are my favourites.

[Hylander]

We live near Beccles and no I would not get on a plane if you paid me.        Why go elsewhere when you have such beauty on your own doostep.

[JennyMorgan]

Norwich is the place for hen-parties etc., wha-hey!

http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/norwich_pub_bends_rules_to_sell_32pc_beer_1_3829074

[Beano]

Done the abroad not keen broads every time now

Jim

[loribear]

i'm afraid it would still be the broads for me, but i'd have my own boat lol, i can't think of anything more boring than just sitting on a beach just sunning yourself every day, my auntie does it, she just goes abroad & sits on the beach reading a book, which she could do in her own back garden alot cheaper lol, lori