116 - The long way round to Sharpness

[@lewisheywood1970]

Har Har Har Bridge Troll . My wife and I laughed at that for a while Wonderful Love Y’all

[@MinimalList]

Glad to bring some laughs

[@PhilipElliott-m9r]

Having been brought up at Sharpness I see the difference since the 1950s and 60s. Then the dock was busy with ships carrying lumber and grain. The canal to Gloucester would have up to 20 tanker barges traveling north after each tide. Then we would swim in the canal and play football on the sand banks in the river. At that time the Training ship Vindicatrix was moored on the canal above the lock in the dock, it trained thousands of boys aged 15 and above for the merchant navy. There are a lot of books about Sharpness docks and the canal so it was not always a run down dump.

[@nirgunapa56]

It was so still and so beautiful...lovely. I've always wanted to investigate the Purton Ship Graveyard which is close to this canal. Maye this year...

[@courierdog1941]

The stunning scenery. Wow

[@simonuden8450]

For the benefit of anyone touring to the G&S, there's a couple of places near to the canal that you may want to visit. Within a couple of miles of Sharpness is Berkeley, where you will find Berkeley Castle, not a real castle as such, but a castellated mansion of impressive proportions, built with a moat which is normally dry, but can be flooded if the peasants start to revolt. It dates back to 1067, although most of it was built in the 14th century, and it's famous (infamous) for supposedly being the place where Edward II was murdered. The other place of note is the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust's sanctuary at Slimbridge, which is accessed by a road that crosses the G&S canal at Shepherd's Patch, one of the swing bridges (I think it's called Patch Bridge). While you'd need a taxi to get from Sharpness to Berkeley, the WWT sanctuary is walkable. Don't go there if you don't like birds...

[@MinimalList]

Or perhaps if you've got a dog who likes them too much! M

[@fdsfpvquadventures1141]

There is a tiny length of canal opposite Sharpness at Lydney, the locks and basin have been restored and there’s one mile of canal beyond. I explored it the spring you guys were first on the boat. I think it falls just outside of your navigable waterways challenge, it doesn’t really go anywhere. I didn’t even know it existed until we went there.

[@MinimalList]

Ooh, nice one visiting there! We’d read it was open, but there was no chance Jo’d let me cross the Severn there. Sadly there’s a few disconnected waterways we’ll miss like that! M

[@fdsfpvquadventures1141]

Minimal List Those can be saved for your next challenge!

[@paulturner7837]

So funny hearing you talk about sharing the bed with George and not getting much room. A friend of mine and his wife have 5 dogs and he has them all in the bedroom. It’s not unusual for 3 or more of them to be in the bed at the same time 😂 I don’t know how they get any sleep

[@MinimalList]

Oh goodness! How do thy have any room!

[@paulturner7837]

Minimal List I have no idea,neither of them are small. They live in Bulgaria and do loads of reforming and fostering. The 5 I mentioned before are theirs though.

[@terenceturcotte4999]

Love you feel your cold pain, but I understand the cold , lived three years in the Bearing as a Guardsman. Loving SoCal winters, and again just turned 60 today 😱

[@MinimalList]

I do miss SoCal winters... I loved being able to go down to the beach in January and stand barefoot in the sea. M

[@robburford4168]

So glad you visited Gloucester and Sharpness, Gloucester quays is where I moored my narrow boat "pied piper" before returning to bricks and mortar!, used to love heading north to tewsk and then on to the River Avon, which is stunning, not sure if you have done the Avon to Stratford, but you'll fall in love with the scenery, but you'll also need a temp license for the Avon......Happy and safe cruising....im so jealous!

[@MinimalList]

Thanks for that! We did indeed head up to Tewks and along to Stratford, videos coming soon! M

[@moosabones]

Such familiar ‘dog on bed’ scenario. Same problem with a Border Terrier. Why do I feel guilty about moving him so I can actually have a tiny bit of duvet! 😂

[@MinimalList]

We can't move George! He's got this weird ability to weigh more than both of us put together when asleep! M

[@bethevoice-thelifeofsteve6354]

Enjoyable ... Some great scenery to sit and observe .

[@MinimalList]

Thanks! M

[@marianillingworth4403]

An interesting trip. Not been to Gloucester on the boat but have been by car. Went to a boat jumble which included free entry to the museum. Found it really worth a visit but probably because of the price.

[@MinimalList]

I think it'd be worth the price if you're not visiting when half of td shut down due to winter! Some good displays though, just hope to visit again when there's more about! M

[@mikehurley5052]

There is a dockers club in Sharpness dock, i used to drink in there when i was trucking out of the docks.

[@MinimalList]

I've never seen a dock that didn't have one somewhere near! M

[@steveseiler8782]

it is beautiful a place to really relax and enjoy your walks and would change over the time of year love today's vlog cheers guys

[@MinimalList]

Thanks for watching! M

[@brianrees3697]

Another super video the seven locks lovely but the currents can be very fast and dangerous

[@Tinhare]

Good trip that. Look forward to when we do it. The canal reminds me of the Aire & Calder. Nice and wide, not much traffic and plenty of mooring spots.

[@MinimalList]

It was really lovely, though as it's still classed as a "working canal" -- there's still a couple of large shipments of industrial parts a year -- you're not allowed to moor anywhere but designated locations... which definitely aren't too few and far between, but you could imagine they might be in the busy season. M

[@viviennebrooks3055]

Get your wonderbag on! Your adventures continue, keep warm xx

[@MinimalList]

Trying to! M

[@derekmills5394]

What a great day you had - that was millpond flat!

[@MinimalList]

Pretty much! M

[@leedavies3629]

Nice looks interesting there good vlog my jack takes up the hole bed and he will not move a muscle no matter how hard you try and push him .big up to George

[@MinimalList]

Amazing how they do that, suddenly being several hundred pounds heavier than they actually weigh! M

[@viviennebrooks3055]

Stuck ashore with family but back out in March for 6 months one place i want to do is Gloucester Docks and up to Sharpness . Im envious but warm here with my hot tub!

[@MinimalList]

Hah! Enjoy the hot tub! And yes we totally recommend Gloucester to Sharpness and back! M

[@llessibm]

I guess Sharpness is one of those tick off destinations, worth visiting but only to say you’d been there. I did wonder whether you had thought about the crossing to get over onto the Wye but perhaps an adventure saved for more pleasant weather.

[@MinimalList]

I'd love to visit the Wye valley, but I need to get permission from the Admiral before crossing the Severn. Sigh. M

[@luanncrownover4]

Yep, looked like one of those places where the comment would be...been there, done that, moving on. LOL Beautiful scenery again today, but it did look a bit chilly. I'm obviously easily distracted, but I loved the shots that included that one beautiful orange fall leaf that went the whole cruise clinging to the bow of your boat.

[@MinimalList]

It was a nice leaf! M

[@robertgeorge8166]

Another great vid. Stay warm and regards.

[@MinimalList]

Thanks! M

[@AlanCallow]

Love your videos guys. Great humour and great films keep it up

[@MinimalList]

Thanks for watching! M

[@garrystacey7018]

We spent 3 week on the Sharpness in 2017 don’t forget to fill up with cheap diesel at Saul Junction on the way back up its on the right hand side just passed the flour Mill

[@MinimalList]

We saw it, but didn't stop in as we were pretty full. Too bad too, because the price was much higher at Tewkesbury! M

[@garrystacey7018]

If you are going up the Avon next stop four diesel would be Evasham Marina

[@MinimalList]

Already past it, I'm afraid! Jo's catching up to use, but probably won't be with a few miles of us till mid December! M

[@Wishwader]

I feel your pain re fighting for space in the bed - my girlfriend has a spaniel bed hogging device too. See if you can get a heated dog bed! It'll be worth it for a better nights sleep, even if it's a makeshift effort with a hot water bottle. Heck, if that works then you could get another one for the other bed hogger too!

[@MinimalList]

Hmmmm! M

[@heathernorris539]

That red boat with BAR written on the side used to be moored in Canning dock in Liverpool, it was towed away a couple of years ago for non payment of fees, allegedly.

[@MinimalList]

Interesting. It's come a long way. Wonder if it's been sold. M

[@miketipping1583]

@@MinimalList It's actually up for sale, or was a few months ago... here you go, £400k and comes with it's own Buddist temple! www.naylorpowell.com/property-details/25759105/gloucestershire/gloucester-docks/llanthony-road

[@miketipping1583]

Love the boat full of grass. Do you think it was carrying the seed on it's last trip and it wasn't emptied properly?

[@MinimalList]

Don't know, but I rather hope it's been reclaimed of the plants' own accords. M

[@fredfish8918]

Jelouse as always :P I think I would feel at home in Sharpness . Every were else has just been . Well I would have too be a multi millionair too actually cope with it

[@jamessd7677]

Its a good width the Sharpness, should have built all of the canals like so, the European canals look like that, guess at the time nice wide canals weren't needed though, and would have been too expensive maybe, thanks again guys.

[@MinimalList]

I suppose if they'd built them all so wide there'd be no narrowboats, and I rather prefer the skinny ones! M

[@paulroberts5677]

It was built for sea going vessels. At one time one of the biggest canals in the World. The construction is amazing. When I went over the handlebars of my bike and into the drink it was impossible to get out.

[@paulroberts5677]

Enjoyed this. Really strange seeing you both on my home patch. The fee for the maritime museum lasts a year and includes entrance to the canal museum in Ellesmere Port. So, it is pretty good value. I was out on the G&S on Tuesday. It was like glass and there was only us there. The wind can be a problem. Mrs Mouse can get bounced about a bit. Off to Gloucester docks in two weeks. You went past the other end of the canal that came off the Thames a few weeks ago - at Saul Junction. Here called the Stroudwater Canal.

[@MinimalList]

Yes, and we sincerely wish they'd get busy rebuilding it! It's taken us forever to get a few miles from Lechlade! M

[@320ifq]

I seem to remember a trip on a tourist boat on the Gloucester and Sharpness, it was on of the boats used to evacuate Dunkirk .... Is it still going?

[@MinimalList]

We did see it, though it appears to be closed up for the season, along with most everything else. M

[@roberthiner8728]

Hey, I have an 8 pound cat and end up sleeping on the outside 12 inches of a king size bed every night in the winter.

[@MinimalList]

Amazing how they do that! M

[@MyPlonkerboy]

Another great video. Love the bloopers. Thanks Donald.

[@tykeinbrum]

Heck is a civil parish in Yorkshire (God's country). Comprised of Little Heck and Great Heck, and home of a rather good sausage, as well as a small marina (the South Yorkshire Boat Club, which is in North Yorkshire) on the Aire & Calder Navigation.

[@MinimalList]

Hmm… I’ve been to Hell, now I need to go to Heck! M

[@tykeinbrum]

@@MinimalList I'm told Heck's veggie offerings are equally excellent.

[@MinimalList]

Only tried one item(a burger), but it was pretty good! Will keep an eye out for more. M

[@rwbimbie5854]

Do you guys have little socks or booties for Georges feet in the winter?

[@MinimalList]

We've been looking for a good pair, but to no real avail... they're quite difficult to size, apparently, so no one really stocks them, and as we're not in a house online ordering is not very workable. Instead we sometimes make some temporary ones up whenever he gets sore paws. But it would be nice to get him some proper ones. M

[@qmmo]

"Bridge Master" has an authoritative essence, as for Splatt Bridge - when all else has failed😢 😎

[@MinimalList]

Hah, indeed! Bridge Master it is. M

[@miketipping1583]

@@MinimalList I prefer 'Swing Bridge Troll'. Every bridge should have one and you'd only have to pay them in goats.

[@MinimalList]

That could get pretty pricey... goats aren't exactly three a penny these days! M

[@miketipping1583]

@@MinimalList 3 goats every once upon a time wouldn't mount up to much.

[@MinimalList]

Have you seen the number of bridges on the K&A? You'd have to be fully goat-loaded at Blake's and take on more before Devizes! M

[@catherinelong4511]

George! That’s what cats usually do and you can’t move them

[@MinimalList]

George does not appear pleased with being compared to a cat. M

[@catherinelong4511]

Minimal List 😹😹

[@Chuck59ish]

Hell is also in the Black Forest of Germany, just bout everyone who served in the NATO Forces in West Germany at the time has a photo of themselves in Hell when it's frozen over. Actually Hell in German means Luck. so we were lucky to be in Hell when it was frozen over.

[@MinimalList]

I've always said Hell was a nice place to visit, though the only one I've been too is just past Trondheim. I'll have to see if I can get to the German one as well! M

[@davidcox8961]

I saw this and thought of your weed hatch for clearing fouled prop. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipbCqZigpdecfK8 Seems like a small version would be perfect for a narrowboat. Of course you'd need a generator set to run it.

[@tilted_kilt_BRB]

Do you not get bonus points for sinking the rowers? 🤪🤪🤪🤭

[@janstickles3035]

Hey, To all the rowers out in the cold, a thumbs up.

[@MinimalList]

I think they get bonus points for sinking us! Those kayaks put out some serious wake! M

[@londoncreative]

OK Michael I say click too, I guess you've rubbed off on me - ooo er! - So go with the trend!

[@MinimalList]

And keep clicking! M

[@chriscross9505]

I've just watched your video on a TV for the first time (78") It looked even better than they normally do on my laptop. The editing was excellent. But I have to say your heads are huuuge 😂

[@MinimalList]

It's the egos, I'm afraid! M

[@garethw8884]

That sounds like my house i end up with naff all of the bed mike so your not on your own the mate

[@garethw8884]

Did you manage to fix your problem yesterday. I was assuming it was the throttle that was broken hope you are on your way again

[@MinimalList]

The one we posted about on Twitter yesterday? Yeah, got that sorted... ultimately was just a ball bearing that had skipped out of its race. Took about half an hour once I got it off the boat. M

[@ticklishhoneybee]

I clicked everything, but ended up disliking the video and unsubscribed, so I had to click everything a second time. Is the Gloucester and Sharpness shallow like a canal or deeper and more riverlike? It's certainly flat and still, mill ponds have nothing on it. Your mention of railway carriages being restored got me interested, and I discovered a website for the Vale of Berkeley Railway who are based on/near Sharpness docks; or past and future railway, mostly just plans and fundraising at present: "Our aim is to reopen the Sharpness branch line, in Gloucestershire, to passengers as a heritage railway tourist attraction, rebuilding some of the key structures that once adorned this historical joint GWR & LMS Severn & Wye Railway."

[@MinimalList]

Sorry for all the clicking! Yeah it looked like they've got a bit of a collection of rolling stock for restoration... probably a bit of a pipe dream, but I wish them luck! M