Embracing Winter: A Boat Dweller's Journey On The Norfolk Broads Norfolk Broads Forum

Embracing Winter: A Boat Dweller's Journey On The Norfolk Broads
As the new week unfolds, I find myself on my boat, greeted by the gentle touch of snowflakes. Winter has wrapped its icy fingers around the vessel, presenting both challenges and opportunities. Today, I delve into the intricacies of boat life during the colder months, sharing insights, challenges, and a touch of resourcefulness.
Navigating Winter Challenges
Dealing with the Elements
Monday's chill sets the tone for the week. The boat's roof is adorned with snow, creating a picturesque scene. Yet, amidst the beauty lies the frustration of working on a boat in icy waters. The constant threat of an unexpected collision with another vessel in the water adds an extra layer of difficulty.
Perspex Epiphany
One of my recent challenges involves working with perspex, particularly its thickness. Experimenting with different tools, I discovered the art of snapping it cleanly, a revelation that promises cost savings. The precision required for this task taps into my obsessive-compulsive nature, pushing me to seek perfection in every cut.
Winter Survival Tactics
Library Retreats
Living on a boat during winter necessitates clever solutions. Accessing computers in local libraries becomes a crucial resource. Libraries provide a haven for browsing and staying connected, especially in areas like Suffolk.
Warming Strategies
The biting cold of winter is an ever-present companion on the boat. Utilising the onboard burner becomes essential for staying warm.
Mast Endeavours
Rigging Adventures
As winter unfolds, the focus shifts to boat maintenance. Rigging becomes a meticulous task, requiring precision and patience. Filming the process, I share the intricacies of servicing the roller furling and the complexities of replacing steel threads. The anticipation of hoisting the mast adds an element of excitement to the boat-dwelling routine.
Unveiling Challenges
Navigating through bridges and securing a spot with electricity for crucial tasks presents challenges. An unexpected delay due to missing equipment emphasises the intricacies of boat life. However, the setbacks only fuel the anticipation of raising the mast, a momentous occasion in the boat dweller's calendar.
Waste Management Musings
Boat Life and Waste
As I ponder waste management, the lack of designated bins for boat waste becomes apparent. A plea to authorities echoes through my words, urging a common-sense approach to waste management.
Conclusion
In the heart of winter, life on a boat unfolds with its unique challenges and joys. From battling the elements to mastering the art of perspex cutting, each day brings new lessons. As I raise a glass to a successful mast hoisting, the journey continues, navigating the winter waters with resilience and resourcefulness. Cheers to the warmth of the burner and the adventures that winter on a boat brings. #Norfolk #Broads #Norfolk #Broads

[@raymondwhittle9096]

You deserved that pint of beer. Well done with the Mast.

[@Dvseire]

Hello Miles, delighted to see you final managed to get up! :-)

[@johnbrookes2196]

She is looking good Miles. The rubbish situation is just utterly ridiculous and the relevant council should hang their heads in shame.

[@2icelollys1goat]

Yep! The local authorities need to realise that boat waste (and there is a substantial amount) disposal is more important than minor political wrangling. Surely there are enough folk employed in senior positions to adequately communicate and resolve such an issue.

[@NorfolkBroadsForum]

Very sad state of affairs

[@stephencrowther524]

The art of being a bureaucrat or politician is making sure that on no account is anything actually DONE !

[@NorfolkBroadsForum]

It would appear you are quite right

[@dazburby3863]

I believe (and prob completely wrong) that the council waste is funded by council tax where as boaters pay a river fee which goes to the ba and not council so therefore it’s the BA’s responsibility to provide waste collection for boats. But like I said I’m prob wrong

[@NorfolkBroadsForum]

They have wormed their way out of it by stating that all rubbish from the waterways is industrial waste.

[@neadof4222]

I think it was cold 😂🤣

[@pvb9964]

global warming....can't come soon enough?

[@jackytruelove5777]

Do Miles................ just Ludham Bridge, Acle Bridge and the Yarmouth Bridges...... and you could be at sea !!

[@NorfolkBroadsForum]

Sounds good doesn't it

[@fardle]

You got any piping to go on the bottom of the shrouds to stop the foresail snagging.

[@NorfolkBroadsForum]

All in good time

[@davidmcnally4773]

Well done getting the mast up, soon be sailing free

[@NorfolkBroadsForum]

Happy days.

[@davidmcnally4773]

All you need now is the fine weather

[@914va]

Imagine sitting here, watching your mast going up....and wondering about the main boom...knowing its too late to scream...STOP!! Owell....work on those biceps!

[@blazer666del]

Jesus that looks cold. How the hell do you keep warm at night???

[@NorfolkBroadsForum]

Wood stove, very toasty

[@davehalst]

Question: Do you pay local council tax when your continually cruising on the Broads?

[@NorfolkBroadsForum]

No council tax is a tax on domestic land based property. Norfolk Broads boats pay a tax or a toll to the Broads Authority calculated by the size and type of vessel. It is the duty of the Authority to manage the Broads for the purposes of: Conserving and enhancing the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Broads Promoting opportunities for understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the Broads by the public Protecting the interests of navigation. The council's which surround the Broads of which are multiple have stated that the waste on the waterways is in fact industrial waste. Council tax payers do not contribute to the maintenance of the Broads whatsoever and it was the fly tipping by local residents who don't pay river tolls that lead to the former provided boat waste bin's removal.

[@jamessd7677]

That cracked glass on your stove door is a BSC fail, they'll fail you on that...

[@NorfolkBroadsForum]

James S D I am sure you are eight.

[@jamessd7677]

!00% cert, they'll fail you on that.

[@NorfolkBroadsForum]

Easy fix

[@jamessd7677]

Yes