Forbsie, Raggies, and the Battle of the Broads.Pt1

[Bejasus]

Ok, so I am a bit late putting this one together, and it’s a bit long. However…………….

I arrive home from Denmark on Wed. 2nd July and Forbsie duly arrives on Thursday.
After visiting the local hostelry, we retire for the evening.
Friday and off we go to the boat, load up, fuel up, water up and empty holding tank prior to setting off for the weekend. Potter off up the to Breydon Water where due to the tide being wrong we turn down the River Yare and stop at the Berney Arms for a spot of lunch. Later we take a leisurely cruise down to <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.shorebase.co.uk/broads/photos/P5061971.jpg>Reedham where we decide to moor up at the Ship Inn, spend the night, and catch low water at Breydon in the morning.
SWMBO cooks and and after eating, we 3 head off to investigate the local architecture of the hostelries in the village. The Nelson has a new landlord and so we decided to investigate and give our opinion. A transformation indeed. The Landlord also played in the band that was on. Not too shabby.
After sampling the delights of this establishment, we retire to the Ship Inn and SWMBO decides to retire, leaving Forbsie and I to sample the considerable delights of a bottle of Breydon Water to . (Question: Who put the Great in Great Yarmouth….Answer: The same fool that put the c..t in Scunthorpe-------sorry). Moor up at Marina Keys and refill fuel cans at filling station – Petrol @ 71p/litre. Anyhoo…..we carry on up the <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.shorebase.co.uk/broads/photos/stokesby.jpg>River Bure (gorgeous weather – btw) and eventually stop at Ranworth Broad and have lunch. Very nice it was too, apart from all the ducks etc wanting to crap everywhere. After lunch we head off again, this time turning up the . Very picturesque. We cross <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.shorebase.co.uk/broads/photos/P4031025.jpg>Barton Broad, where Nelson learned to sail, and take the little turning up to Stalham where we tidy up the boat and have showers. Enroute to Stalham we again meet up with the other forumite, whose name escapes me(ashamed), and we swap pleasantries and carry on our way. Once we are all showered up etc, we head back down the River Ant and the River Bure, and head up the River Thurne to , where we totally amaze Forbsie by getting under the centre arch of the <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.shorebase.co.uk/broads/photos/DSCF4732.jpg>bridge at an indicated air draft of 6’1”. We stop there and have a spot of lunch, check out the shop and I almost buy a Rag & Stick thingy, SWMBO panics and drags me off screaming ‘Nooooo, you can’t have it’. Boo, Hoo.

End of part I. (it gets better)


<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.arweb.co.uk/argallery/h00>http://www.arweb.co.uk/argallery/h00</A>

 

[Forbsie]

I'm just a learner, be nice.


<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.arweb.co.uk/argallery/forbsie?&page=1>My Project</A>

 

[Bejasus]

Ha, ha, ha...........................no chance....../forums/images/icons/laugh.gif

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.arweb.co.uk/argallery/h00>http://www.arweb.co.uk/argallery/h00</A>

 

[aztec]

go on then... got my interest now.... what next?

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Bejasus]

Patience. I'm still composing.

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.arweb.co.uk/argallery/h00>http://www.arweb.co.uk/argallery/h00</A>

 

[aztec]

ok. how did Theresa get on at you know where?

Mrs Woman, said she didn't ring.

did she enjoy it?

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Bejasus]

She left the number at home but she was there at 09:00 and was at the head of the queue and got to the front of the stage. She loved it but said leaving was a nightmare.

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.arweb.co.uk/argallery/h00>http://www.arweb.co.uk/argallery/h00</A>

 

[Bejasus]

Forbsie, Raggies, and the Battle of the Broads.Pt2

After having been dragged away from potential rag & stick purchase, we were sitting on the boat sipping an aperitif, waiting on the tidal surge through the bridge to subside, before venturing back through. As we waited, along came this small raggie with his mast down & 2 guys nattering away in the cockpit motoring along quite the thing. I suddenly had the feeling that they were not going to make it when, whang!!!, the hoisting block at the top of their folded mast, hit the bridge. (Like this) Well, I swear, the boat just stopped dead and the 2 guys standing in her cockpit were practically thrown over the cabin roof. Laugh………. I almost sh*t myself. They quickly recovered and dropped the mast support and limped through to the other side and slunk off in embarrassment. Must have had some damage though.
When slack water arrived, we snuck back under the bridge(still6’1”) and made our way back down the river to <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.shorebase.co.uk/broads/photos/thurne.jpg>Thurne Dyke</A> where we moored up for the evening.
Little did we know that the fun was just about to start.
Before we reached Thurne Dyke we came across a boatload of young holiday makers moored up and having a laugh. Well, the devil in SWMBO will out, and up she jumps and grabs the Supersoaker pump action water rifle we have on board. She has spotted that they have water pistols on the roof of their boat and as we cruise gently by, she let’s the lot of them have it, much to their consternation as their’s are empty. Awww. Shame.
We left them behind a bit wet and carried on another ½ mile to the Dyke.
Instead of SWMBO cooking, we decided that a meal at the Thurne Lion was in order, so securely moored for the evening, off we went. Had a drink, ordered our food, ate and returned to the bar. Whilst enjoying our drinks, we got talking to a group of young guys and also a group of Asians who were all moored up also. Well, SWMBO, shy as ever, gets talking to the Coach/Sponsor of these young guys, who turn out to be Lowestoft Mens Hockey Team. As it happens, SWMBO’s sister went out with one of them, who was absent on this occasion, and as the night wore on the scene hotted up somewhat and these young guys were boasting about how they had been having a bit of a laugh with the Asian mob and had been firing water pistols at each other all evening. Foolishly we divulged that we were also similarly armed, and of course, then the threats of liberal soakings all round were soon flying around.
Anyhow, the night ended and Forbsie, SWMBO and myself left the pub last. As you do.
As we go to step out the door, Gordon says, ‘hold on they may be lying in wait for us’.
Nah, says I and step outside, ‘see it’s no problem. Ha! We walk about another 10 yds and 2 of these guys jump out and Forbsie and SWMBO leg it and jump into gardens. It’s almost dark by this time. Me? I leg it up the Dyke footpath only to find I cannot get away from these guys. Indeed they catch me easily and give me a good drenching, and run off laughing. Next, up comes Forbsie & SWMBO, dry, and look at me and start laughing. Daft bugger she says, ‘didn’t you hear what they did for a living?’ ‘No, what?’ says I. ‘They were P.E. instructors’. Sh*te, sh*te, sh*te. This of course was not the end of the matter. SWMBO and I retire to bed and Forbsie wanders off to infiltrate said youth’s party on their boat. Revenge being plotted.

Part III (now under construction – the best is still to come)


<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.arweb.co.uk/argallery/h00>http://www.arweb.co.uk/argallery/h00</A>

 

[lyc]

"eventually stop at Horning. No sign of lc, "

Still at Lowestoft practicing how to find a narrow port entrance in thick fog avoiding sandbanks and the many other boats that were caught out yesterday./forums/images/icons/smile.gif

Looking forward to part III.

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BroadsandEastcoastBoating/>Broads & East Coast Boating</A>

 

[Bejasus]

Forbsie, Raggies, and the Battle of the Broads.Pt3

Part III

Monday Arise at 05:30, have a cuppa and decide what to do. Do checks & start up engine.Cast off and start crawling up the Dyke. As we approach the enemy’s boat, we see that they are still asleep, and the have their windows open. HA! I switch of the engine, and as we glide quietly alongside, we let them have it through the open windows with both Supersoakers. Much cries of indignation, such as ‘Ooyah!’ and ‘What the…..’ and as I restart the engine they come tumbling out on deck. Too late, ha, ha. Terrific.
We head out of the Dyke and head back upriver and find a place to moor up & have breakfast. Feeling at peace with a now just world. Another glorious day.
After brekkie, top up fuel tank, tidy up the boat and head back down river, in the firm knowledge that we were safe, as the others had to return their hire boat to Horning by 10 am. As we motor along, we spot the other boat we attacked the previous evening, still moored up in the same spot. Once again, they are also asleep and with their window open also(lazy gits) Had to be done really. Swoosh, and more yelling etc. What a good start to our day. As we passed the end of Thurne Dyke again, we spot the hockey teams coach’s boat still moored up there, but more of that later.
Meandering down towards Gt. Yarmouth, we come upon a raggie crewed by 4 young guys, say in their early 20’s, with hoisted sail. Not making fast head way as they were frequently head to wind, but not at this point. As we pulled along side, SWMBO couldn’t resist it and one of the guys was sitting, in the sunshine, reading his newspaper, when she fired over his shoulder and turned his paper into a soggy, ink run, blurred sheet. Well, he didn’t even turn his head, even though he got wet too, until we passed when he just casually looked in our direction. Off we carried on our merry way. Until just before <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.arweb.co.uk/argallery/h00>http://www.arweb.co.uk/argallery/h00

 

[stamfordian]

Re: Forbsie, Raggies, and the Battle of the Broads.Pt3

Well done a refreshing change from the Solent,

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.arweb.co.uk/argallery/stamfordian>http://www.arweb.co.uk/argallery/stamfordian</A>

 

[muchy_]

It was me!!!

Hello again. I wasn't sure at the time if you had heard my name properly. We were on our way to Horning ourselves that night to meet up with friends. Had we not been then I dare say I would have sampled a few local brews with you. I must admit though that I did get your name but not the other chaps???
Anyway, hope you enjoyed your visit to the north end. Where is your boat based again? You must let me know if your coming up again and we can meet up, and the same here. Was nice to see another burgee (my first).

Good luck, Mike (Muchy)

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Bejasus]

Re: It was me!!!

Hi Muchy, I was hoping you wouild pop up and reveal yourself. We would have been back over, but the last weekend the tides were all wrong for crossing Breydon.
We are based at Beccles in Hippersons Boatyard opposite the Yacht Station.

We should be back up again at least 1 weekend in September. Perhaps see you then.

George

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.arweb.co.uk/argallery/h00>http://www.arweb.co.uk/argallery/h00</A>

 

[duncan]

Re where\'s part IV?

come on this is excelllent stuff - rivetting even.../forums/images/icons/smile.gif

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[lyc]

Re: We want part IV?

We want IV. We want IV. We want IV.
We want IV. We want IV. We want IV.

Got the message yet h00? /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BroadsandEastcoastBoating/>Broads & East Coast Boating</A>

 

[Bejasus]

Ok, here it is Pt.IV................the conclusion

Part IV

Carrying on down river, we moor up once again at Marina Keys and refill fuel cans. Keeping an eye out for the young raggies we encountered earlier, and we depart just as the come into sight. We carry on and are soon re-crossing Breydon Water and head to the Berney Arms for lunch. We tarry a while and watch 2 of the raggies hoist their sails and the approach across Breydon Water, with no sign of the 3rd one. Anyhow, we crouch down in the cockpit meaning to soak them again, but they give us a wide berth and disappear around the bend, heading for Reedham. Up we get and head into the pub.
Whilst having a drink, Forbsie nips off to the loo, and suddenly SWMBO and I look round and there are 4 of the raggie crew behind us. Trying not to be too obvious, we let them order their drinks. SWMBO is trying hard not to let on, when suddenly Forbsie reappears and asks if we have seen any sign of the raggies we soaked earlier. Aha, says they, so you guy’s are the crew of the Mayfly. Err, yes says we, but they appear to be cool about the situation and tell us this story abiut the 3rd boat having lost it’s dinghy and how they would have to catch the next tide across, then they disappear next door for a game of pool with the other 4 boys already in there.
Lunch stop over we head back to the boat, start up, throw the ropes and start to move off. Suddenly, no drive, panic but manage to get back alongside. Lift up engine cover and discover that drive coupling is just spinning. Allan screws holding key in slot are loose and key has come out of coupling. Take coupling off, refit key in slot in shaft refit coupling, tighten up aalen screws plus setscrews on opposite side which grip the shaft. All seems ok. Try to leave again and the same thing happens. Sh*t. Manage to get alongside again, almost losing SWMBO in the process. Remove coupling and discover that setscrews have sheared off in the coupling allowing enough movement for the key to slide out and lose drive.
At this point, SWMBO says something and I look up and see everyone in the pub lining the embankment above the mooring, drinks in hand. Next thing, I am drenched from head to foot, as the missing raggie sneaks up close under sail and the 4 guys on board let me have it with all their water rifles. Aaaarrrgghh. Revenge was theirs. Well the whole pub erupted in laughter. And even I saw the funny side, even with the coupling situation. The guys then realised that I had a genuine problem and started to apologise, but I just told them that if they hadn’t retaliated, I would have thought them a bunch of pussies. Brilliant.
Then another guy from the pub offered to take me to Burgh Castle in his fast boat, to try to get new bolts. Which I did and got the c oupling repaired enough to get us home.
Back to the hockey coach we had left at Thurne Dyke. As we were heading back to Beccles, we came upon him on his own taking his old Broom back to his mooring in Beccles also. As we come alongside, we can see he is talking on his mobile. SWMBO waves the water gun at him and we can hear him say, ‘Oh sh*t! They’re going to soak me’ He just puts his phone down when SWMBO unloads on him. By the time I pass him, he’s sitting at the helm and the water is just running of the end of his nose and he looks like a drowned rat. 30 mins later we are moored up and and reflecting on the weekend. What Forbsie thought of all this madness, I have no idea. He has been strangely quiet about the whole affair……/forums/images/icons/laugh.gif
Incidentally, we met the coach the following weekend with his wife & kid, and we had a good laugh about the whole thing.
Not so boring on the Broads really.

The End

ps. Got new coupling made for the following weekend. £30 from local machine shop.

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.arweb.co.uk/argallery/h00>http://www.arweb.co.uk/argallery/h00</A>

 

[MainlySteam]

Re: Forbsie, Raggies, and the Battle of the Broads.Pt3

Much, much better than The Archers for us out in the colonies.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Bejasus]

BTW....

thanks for leaving a bottle of Mount Gay on the boat Gordon. It won't go to waste.

Cheers mate.

I hope I wasn't too hard on you. I don't think so.............../forums/images/icons/laugh.gif

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.arweb.co.uk/argallery/h00>http://www.arweb.co.uk/argallery/h00</A>

 

[boatone]

Re: Ok, here it is Pt.IV................the conclusion

All this narrative and not a single piccie in support .......come on George, you dont expect us to believe all this mayhem without some supporting evidence, do you?
Actually, all sounds terribly juvenile to me. I'm surprised Forbsie let himself get involved being the man of integrity he is/forums/images/icons/laugh.gif

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.boatsontheweb.com/> Website, Photo Gallery, Chat Room, Burgees</A>

 

[ccscott49]

Re: Ok, here it is Pt.IV................the conclusion

Man of integrety and Forbsie in the same sentence! Whats the world coming to, after all he's from Aberdeen!!

<hr width=100% size=1>