#141

#canal #boatlife #narrowboatlife #offgrid
In this NARROWBOAT vlog, we try to prepare for potential iced canals, but we end up having an accident that you just can't really prepare for. I hope you enjoy, this narrow boating adventure. Sit back, relax and enjoy, take care🦋🌻
Coffee Page:
www.buymeacoffee.com/themindfula
Patreon Page:
/ themindfulnarrowboat
Thank you so much; it really means a lot to me!
I also sell some of my nature journal entries on Etsy at themindfulnarrowboat.etsy.com
Music: Envato Elements
A Timeless Journey by Schwartzsound
The Acoustic Guitar by VictorMusic
Emotional Piano and Strings by AudiophileTrax
Contact:
You can catch me on Twitter at: @TheMindfulNB
On Instagram @themindfulnb
Or email: [e-mail]
It's always lovely to hear from you and I will get back to you!

[@Sandra-xg2yl]

Your artistry is superior enough to publish. So very realistic and beautiful. I can't draw for the life of me but I do know good art when I see it. Your poetry is so alive and paints a picture all of it's own. You are a very talented young lady.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Sandra for such a kind and lovely comment. I promise you, that you can draw; I just practise every week now and that has really helped me improve. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@jaynecopland]

Just beautiful as ever. Your knowledge is vast about all things nature. ❤

[@lorrainerichardson3280]

People's indifference to other creatures is sad as more go on the red list. You, for one, are bringing the plight of these creatures to the notice of your subscribers and hopefully the ripple of care starts going further as people become more aware. Take care as always. =-)

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Oh Lorraine, I hope you are right and more and more people become aware of the need to protect our vulnerable wildlife. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@anthonywillis7613]

I cannot really add many words to those you have already received. A beautiful vlog put together by a very talented young woman.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Well, I am so grateful for the words that you have added. What a lovely and kind comment. Thank you so much. Have a super weekend 🦋🌻

[@user-rv3el6gi5u]

As I have aged, two things have happened; I don’t get out in nature much and I don’t sleep as well. Often I search for soothing videos at odd hours, yours fulfill my aging needs! Thank you❤️

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I read that the older you get the less sleep you need and that is so true for me. I am so pleased that my videos have been soothing for you. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@orchidhouse297]

I haven't heard a sky lark since I was a kid on the moors above Chatsworth House walking over the moors with my mum. We often sat to eat our picnic while watching and hearing the skylarks. That must have been seventy years ago! I love the way your drawing sprang to life before my eyes. Greatly appreciated.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

What a wonderful memory to be sitting with a picnic and listening to the skylarks. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@RockDove5212]

Lovely memory ❤

[@suedale1865]

Your art work coming to life on the page as I watch is a joy Thank you ❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Sue🤗 That is so kind of you. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@meruliouslacrimens5154]

Did most of my narrow boating 50 years ago, ( 1970/2010). What always amazed us was the variety and different styles, shapes and designs of lock gates and paddles. Some chain drawn, bent balance beams, an ultra short one ,only about two foot long and very difficult to swing, guillotine locks and all sorts of by-washes, lobster pot weirs,, sleuces. Some with long beams, some wooden, some with extra wooden poles, some with fixed, welded windlasses, some comepletely electric. Some manned 24/7. And a lot in desperate need of repairs. However it all looked different whichever way you approach it. More lokely to catch the skylarks lilting song than seeing them, but if lucky enough, they will be about 50 feet up in the air. Take care, may there always be water in the cut, but not in your bilge.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment. You must have some amazing stories to tell from your narrow boating years! Have a super rest of the week, take care🦋🌻

[@johnd7904]

Vanessa, You are always so sunny. I really admire that. It's inspiring. Other boaters would have been whinging the entire vlog about that bumping. From my limited perspective I perceived that other boater was being deliberately aggressive so if I had a vlog I to would be whinging as well. 😜 My better half commented to me today that if we should ever meet a narrowboat vlogger she would like to meet you and have a coffee together. We watch a lot of narrowboaters, but she chose you. Also, how is the bio diesel experiment progressing?

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi John, it is always a treat to hear from you. Please pass on to your wife that I would love to go for a coffee with her; if you come to England, then be sure to let me know where you are. It would be a treat to meet you both. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@FlyFree2023]

Your approach to your Vlogs is so refreshing. You introduce so many aspects of the experiences; be it the downsides to such, the wildlife, the lock operation, and most importantly the history of the canal life and location you visit. An example is the inclusion of the Kinver Railway in this episode. Add in great video editing and your poetry - results in a "Must Watch"

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you enjoy the vlog content. Thank you so much for letting me know; I really appreciate it.🤗 Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@azzytwoz]

I just love your vlogs, Vanessa...I feel happier after I've watched them. Every one is a gem and I have to have that book when you publish. I've written a book about the history of the museum I volunteer at which will be on sale in the next few weeks. It's a lovely experience and not as difficult as you may think, maybe I can help? Anyway, long may you enjoy your lovely life 😊 Tony x

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Wow, you have written a book, that's going on sale- congratulations, what an amazing achievement! 🥳 What is it called? Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@azzytwoz]

​@@themindfulnarrowboat It's called Henry's Yard, which is were we started 50 years ago. Will sell in the museum first, then possibly Waterstones and Amazon. It won't sell enything like yours would, though.😊

[@Margaret_J]

Oh mission skylark accomplished - so so beautiful Thank you Think murphy's law applies to meeting something on a blind bend when you haven't seen another boat all day! 😂 (There's other names for it too!) 😂😂 Loved your poem especially this week Enjoy your toast & jam 🙏 Your vlog is a real relaxation point in my week Thank you

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Margaret, the weekend is here! I hope you have some relaxation planned. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I was over the moon to see the skylarks, such beautiful birds. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@shirleygreaves9650]

I was watching this video with a smile on my face until the boat appeared at the blind bend and despite yours and the other boater’s best efforts you collided. Thank goodness no harm was done to either of the boats or people or animals onboard! The skylark footage was beautiful, you must have waited patiently for hours to get such amazing results. That really is a beautiful part of the canal network, I’d love to live in one of those houses with gardens by the canal. It’s a good job you managed to get to the service point before the icy/snowy conditions materialised….and I’m guessing we will see footage from the freeze next week. Lovely journaling and artwork as always, it can’t be easy to produce a new video complete with poetry and artwork every week. Take care you 3, lots of love. xxxx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Shirley. It really is a beautiful part of the canal and I agree with you that having a house overlooking it would be wonderful. Fortunately, even though the temperatures dropped overnight, the canal didn't freeze. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@jamesfoley6555]

Thank you so much for sharing your buzz with us, it sure was thrilling, we can’t thank you enough🙏✝️🙏🇨🇦

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

You are so welcome, James. Thank you so much for watching each week. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@sallylunamoth5542]

Wow! The Skylark.....Sooooooo Beautiful, Thank You 💗

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

They are wonderful birds aren't they? Thank you so much for your lovely comment, take care🦋🌻

[@mickclayton2239]

Hi Donna, I never realised that this stretch of the canal is so lovely considering it's industrial past, although I have walked over kinver Edge in the past. I love your drawings and also admire your photography of the Sky Larks.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I really appreciate your kindness. Have a super rest of the week, take care🦋🌻

[@bitsandblocks7826]

Always relaxing to spend a few moments in your world Vanessa & Co. Great close-up shots of the Robin. With the boat bump I can see why you have enamel mugs now 😀

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you enjoyed the vlog and the little robin. Yep, enamel mugs are a boating essential on our boat! Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a great week!🌻🦋

[@annjarvis9300]

Awww I haven’t seen or heard a sky lark for sixty years when I was sixteen in the field at the bottom of our garden what memories it brought back thank you for sharing and glad it was only a passing glance with the other boat tc now the oldies 🤗👋👍

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Ann, I am so pleased that it brought back memories of the skylarks in the field when you were 16. They are beautiful to listen to and see fly. Thank you for watching and for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@emeraldphoenix9229]

Wonderful footage & drawing of the Skylark & Redwing, & the rest as always, Thankyou. There is something about that twittering song of the Skylark. It is so evocative. It seems to always transport me back to summer days when I was a child, exploring the countryside near where I grew up with the ever present loyal dog, (Springer Spaniel).. there is an eternal quality to the Skylark song. It seems to stop time somehow. Makes one feel lazy & reminds me that I need to stop & just listen. I often used to actually sit or lie down & sometimes drift off to sleep for a while under the spell of the beautiful Skylark song, on a warm summers day, far away from people & the bustle of human life & machines. I was lucky to grow up in the wild countryside by a very large river estuary. The Robins song is also beautifully sweet & wonderful, as is the Blackbird & Mistlethrush. They are the most beautiful musicians/ singers, far far more lovely than any human voice or music. I share your absolute love & delight of all things Nature, birds, animals, trees, flowers etc Thankyou.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I completely agree with you about the sound of the skylark. It is such a soothing and evocative song. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend 🦋🌻

[@stevesrepairs5778]

Thanks Vanessa for taking us along on a lovely but slightly bumpy cruise, lol. As always your poetry and artwork is marvellous. Take care and all the best. Stevie

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Stevie, yes it was a bit of a bumpy cruise this week wasn’t it! Hopefully, it will return to some smoother cruising next week. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@PhilipSimpson-jt7pf]

I love your videos! I used to live on a narrow boat but had to give it up for health reasons. Love your art and poetry too. Thank you for sharing and allowing me to continue enjoying the canals!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Philip, what a lovely comment- thank you so much😊 I am sorry to hear about your reason for leaving your boat and I hope that your health is ok now? It is a pleasure to be able to share the journey with you. Have a super week, take care🦋🌻

[@martincampion7126]

We enjoy your programmes so much thank you, cannot wait for my book to arrive looking forward to it so much, Shirley & Martin.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you and thank you so much for buying my book too. Take care🌻🦋

[@vanessascola4708]

Poor you, always something else on the water ways. You have so much to deal with. You are always so cheerful, how do you do it? Yes crocuses really are pretty. Spring hurry up. I too need the sunshine. That is cold, stay warm and cosy when you can get inside your lovely boat.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Vanessa, thank you so much for your lovely comment. I feel so fortunate to have this opportunity on my boat that I can’t help but smile. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@stevewhitehouse41]

Hi Vanessa, Your best ever video so far just superb. We loved every minute. . We are looking forward to watching more of your wonderfull work.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

🤩 Thank you so much! That is so kind of you and I really appreciate your lovely words. Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@lexheath8276]

Beautiful lady, inside and out. Love the pics of places I'll not see again.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is very kind of you. Thank you so much 😊 Take care🦋🌻

[@neilmurfet3392]

Loving your vlogs. Informative, artistic and relaxing.....

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

What a lovely comment, Neil, thank you so much!😊 Have a fabulous rest of your Friday and weekend ahead. I have a vlog commenting out at 4:30pm today- take care🦋🌻

[@oldmanhuppiedos]

Spring has started with some cold, but people know better. Luckily the collision wasn't that hard. What a beautiful vlog you have made again, that makes me happy.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Spring is here!🤗 I love this time of year. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@jacquelinebell5584]

Such a wonderful surprise to find your channel 🙏 perfect timing and just what I needed today x thank you x

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Welcome aboard and thank you for finding me, Jacqueline! Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@debh4190]

I always love your videos, but this one was especially beautiful. Maybe it was the skylark you had the patience to capture, and the skylark music that worked so perfectly. Thank you!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I was over the moon to see the skylark; I absolutely love listening to and watching them in the sky. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@Bpl541]

Gorgeous. You did a great job on everything Vanessa and it’s always a joy to see the wildlife and your poems and drawings. So glad itwas only a bump on that corner. 🙏❤️🐕🕊️to you and Zephyr.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for watching and for your lovely comment. It is great to know that you enjoyed the vlog. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@frederickburgess8262]

Absolutely marvelous. I go to a place very near where I live Maiden Castle and lay in the grass just looking and listening to the skylark anx watching them high in in the sky 😊 just magic .

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased to hear that you still have skylark where you are. They are such wonderful birds and when you hear them, they bring summer to your ears and heart don't they? Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super week, take care🦋🌻

[@paulplant6486]

It's amazing how you capture the nature so beautiful.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Paul for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@31Alden]

The sweet, sweet song of the skylark… 🐦‍⬛

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It’s wonderful isn’t it? The sound of summer. Take care 🦋🌻

[@user-hg3sm5hd6f]

David Attenborough eat your heart out. What great camera work! Brilliant video of skylarks, bumble bee and robin x

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, for your lovely comment. It was a massive treat to see the skylarks. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@rexharvey8420]

Hello Vanessa. Its very interesting to see the lovely service point opposite The Vine Inn at Kinver, there were no services there at all when we lived above The Paddock near The Hyde on our boat Galton in 1990. When Alice Grace is approaching Hyde Lock just before the lock cottage came into view, looking back there was a deep red narrow boat, in front of a cruiser style, which had clear poly sheet over the after deck. That was our mooring for Galton in 1990 and it brings back good memories. Tony the then lock keeper and his family lived in Hyde Lock Cottage and his wife had created a beautiful canal-side garden on the bank below the lock and bridge, and the lock spillway was a pretty feature of her garden. Stay safe happy cruising.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

How wonderful that you know all about the lock keeper and his family! That is such an interesting story- thank you so much. Take care🌻🦋

[@birteeliasen6423]

Thankyou for a very mindful trip again beautifull wievs love it,and thank god you didn´t get hurt by the collision with another boat...have a nice weekedn

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It was such a relief that both boats and their crew were all safe afterwards😅 Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@pusserhill]

Stunning Redwing capture! Well done indeed!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much. It was a treat to see the Redwing again as I haven't seen them these last few weeks and I thought they may have gone already. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@helenedansereau9255]

Wonderful. That jam looks so good on buttered toast, I'll have to go make myself a snack.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Jam on toast is a comforting treat isn't it? Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@jimprescott8423]

Thanks lovely lady,very much appreciated,

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

You are very welcome. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@macca1146]

Not living far from Cookley and Kinver when i was young it was a very popular place to go for a day out, but you have shown a part of it's beauty i have never seen, you have put another part of our beautiful canal systems i must visit when i have got my narrowboat, which hopefully won't be long, you really have a keen eye for the nature of this beautiful country we live in, many thanks and hope to bump ( pun ) into you one day and say a big thank you xx.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I hope you'll be exploring the canals on your boat soon too. Thank you for your lovely comment and pun! Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@1Polglen]

We have sky larks in New Zealand. But don't see them often now. I was delighted a week ago cycling near Te Aroha, a sky lark landed and I was able to watch it clearly, for minute or two before it launched skywards again. A real first.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

What a wonderful thing to see and how special that you could appreciate its beauty for a while. Thank you so much for watching and for your lovely comment. Have a great week, take care🦋🌻

[@philipbrooker8388]

I just found you and love your videos. Wonderful to rest and relax while you do all the work😊 Except when you crash. It was the nicest crash ever. Beautiful diary art also.. 👍

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Welcome aboard! Thank you so much for discovering the channel and for your lovely comment too. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@michaelchester8997]

I run out of words you are inspiring.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for the words that you did type as they made my day! Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@kevinbullas2328]

Great Vlog showcasing the area and the wildlife…thank you for sharing…👍🏻😁

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Kevin, thank you so much for watching and for your lovely comment. It was great meeting you the other day. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@Kev_the-Brinklow-Kayaker]

Brilliant. Just brilliant thought we'd only hear the birds singing but you managed to get some amazing footage of the skylark.🎉 Bump in the boat was unfortunate but no ones fault these things happen.😊 Love watching you and zephyr out walking so well behaved off the lead. Poem and artwork amazing lot of noises going on in that Poem lol was great.... Tram next to the canal now that would be so fantastic to see in operation now, pity we've lost so much of the old systems over the years😢 but at least we can investigate 🔎 what was there still... was shocked to see paddle boarders out bit cold for falling in the canal id stick to my kayak this time of the year, im itching to get out spotting wildlife again and how the routes on the canal and rivers have altered over the coarse of the winter.. all the best kev the Brinklow kayaker...❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Kevin, thank you so much for such a lovely comment. Are you ever worried that you'll fall into the canal and have you heard about 'drinking a bottle of coke' if you swallow any canal water? Apparently, I was told that is what CRT advise boaters to carry on board in case of a fall in the water. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@Kev_the-Brinklow-Kayaker]

@The Mindful Narrowboat never heard of that one cola drinking if you fall in? Maybe crt have shares in cola lol..

[@michaelpilling9659]

Hello Vanessa - greetings from Poland. I've heard skylarks many times, but I've never seen one take off and land before. That was fabulous! What a wonderful video. The area around Kimber and Cookley is beautiful. You showed everything superbly in this vlog. I hope the bump with the narrow boat didn't cause any damage. And congatulations on your "three point turns" in the winding holes. See you again next week. Stay safe please

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Michael, thank you so much for your lovely comment. No damage done, fortunately. I am glad that you hear lots of skylarks as it is such a wonderful sound. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@jennyfulcher8035]

Loved the Skylark you filmed and drew. Such a beautiful bird with a lovely song. Jenny 🐦🪶

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Jenny, the skylark is a magical bird isn't it in both song and flight. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@jennyfulcher8035]

@@themindfulnarrowboat You too.

[@VidsPhone]

We don't have anything like this in America. Our canals are much more industrial and heavily developed. So quiet and personable it is easy to see why people fall in love with this lifestyle.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Some parts of our canals are developed too but there are some magical places to discover along the waterways. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super week, take care🌻🦋

[@christineprice5463]

Beautiful video! Thanks for the virtual ride. Have a good weekend 😊

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Christine🤗 Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@michaelhiggins7365]

Vanessa, there was something truly magical about this one ! I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. Your videos are simply amazing in content, production, musical accompaniment, and top notch narration and research. I am so looking forward to your journal being published. I do hope you can find a first-class printer who can do justice to your original work, especially in the color rendering. I wish you all the best and may God bless you.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Michael, I am so pleased that you enjoyed this vlog- thank you so much for your kind words about it; I really appreciate it. My book is with a printing company; I scanned in the pages and presented it on Canva and now they are printing a sample copy next week so we can see what it looks like. 🤞🤞 I really hope it looks ok? Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@debbyteisen842]

Hello from Queensland Australia. We love watching your Vlogs, thank you for all your sharing and showing us about beautiful England. In regards to your bread machine and making tasty treats, I also use gluten flour and made a secret discovery that has ended years of failure, it is ALMOND FLOUR, usually a cup or two supports the flour and gives it body making a loaf, cakes or pastry etc. Fussy people like my husband couldn't even taste a difference from normal baking!! God bless

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am going to have to get some almond flour- what a great tip! Thank you so much 😊 Thank you for your lovely comment too. Have a super rest of the week, take care🦋🌻

[@roydredge1273]

beautifull video the duck impressiion wass funny glad your ok after the oops

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Roy, thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the week, take care 🦆🦋🌻

[@billchalbergjr.5386]

Another wonderful episode. Liz and I appreciate the quality and consistency of your production. Many, many thanks! (Enjoyed the run in with that boat....we had that happen last summer on the Union Canal. Now I don't feel quite as badly.) I enjoyed opening my reproduction copy of The Country Diary to the March 12th entry.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for making me feel better about our boat bump by sharing yours too! I hope yours wasn't a bad one? I am so pleased that you enjoyed the vlog. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@pilpelet100]

Thanks as always for a wonderful vlog. I was sad to hear about the decline of the skylarks. I remember hearing them in Cheshire and Derbyshire when I was growing up in the 50s.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

If we could protect their habitats and stop using pesticides, we would probably have a good chance of saving the skylark population. Let's hope we can do it🤞 Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super week, take care🦋🌻

[@G0RXA]

Cracking video again Vanessa. Now I know why glass is an issue on the Narrowboat!! Have a great week ahead.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Nigel, 😂 that's right! Can you imagine the glassy mess that would have been on the floor after that bump! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super week, take care🦋🌻

[@G0RXA]

@@themindfulnarrowboat I can, I half expected to hear the sound of breaking glass in the background!! Cruise safely my friend!! Take care.

[@lydialen6881]

Thank you for another lovely video.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

You are so welcome. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@francesdavey1337]

Beautiful Vlog Vanessa thank you xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@paulbauswellsr3296]

The skill you use in navigating your boat exploring the canals is exceptional. Carry on in your journey and life on the canals. GOD'S speed be with you. Beautiful drawings you also do.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you, Paul! Thank you so much. Have a super week, take care 🌻🦋

[@irenebrown8363]

Just love the sky larks

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

They are wonderful, musical birds aren’t they? Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care🌻🦋

[@lynmoore8355]

omg how beautiful a Vvog, the scenery is just lovely and the skylark beautiful, love old churches and photoing beees, we don't get Rob Robin birds over here in Adelaide Australia. thank you for showing us.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Lyn, thank you so much for such a lovely comment. I am so pleased that you enjoyed the sights along the way. You are from a beautiful part of the world too with some amazing wildlife. Take care🦋🌻

[@RockDove5212]

Thank you for such a beautiful video; the nature, the history, the sounds, your stunning drawing of a skylark, the poem, the hot tea, toast and jam....all so relaxing ❤❤❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

What a lovely comment- Thank you so much! You've made me hungry for jam on toast though😂🍞 Have a fab Friday, take care🦋🌻

[@bazwilson6938]

Always a treat, bless you x

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much 😊 Take care🦋🌻

[@edwardhoughton2565]

As always thank you x

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

You are so welcome. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@sahnie82]

Looks like something out of storybook ❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you. Thank you so much. Take care 🌻🦋

[@anniemac3075]

Thank you for the lovely video, so glad no damage was done during the collision. I love the sound of skylarks, a few decades ago we used to camp in West Wales next to RAF Brawdy & we'd lie flat on our backs on the grass looking up at the sky listening to the skylarks above us. Total bliss.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Annie, I love the story of you camping and listening to the skylarks from the grass. Life should be filled with moments like that- wonderful! Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@user-lx3se5bg5q]

seeing the canal go through the cookley tunnel and the homes right above reminds me of my childhood i aws raised in the home of my grandparents and my grandfather built a home right above a canal tunnel the canal was my playground the oldest canal tunnel in the usa the union canal reading to middletown pa long dorment

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is such a wonderful memory. Thank you so much for sharing it. Take care 🦋🌻

[@vanessascola4708]

Love the old black and white photo. They are so cool. Love your saxifrage. That is quite early to be in flower. Amazing stone, looks like sandstone in places. Poor you, typical you would hit another boat on such a tricky spot. Such a treat to see the sky lark. You really deserve that toast and tea. Stay well and warm.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

The saxifrage is doing well isn’t it? Unfortunately my GlasNevin isn’t coming back to life yet though. Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care🌻🦋

[@mattheww9689]

Lovely video as always. Although quite tense waiting for the accident ;)

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I know, sorry about that but I’m relieved that you still enjoyed it. Have a super rest of the weekend, take care 🦋🌻

[@maryodonnell5760]

Loved the birds! Never saw anyone do an impression of a duck before, LOL! I suppose there's an advantage to going at 1 mph but you all took it very well considering! Take extra care this week over there - I hear cayenne pepper can warm peeps up on the inside if you can find a way to add it to drinks or diet [!] but we don't see those temps in Ireland. This week for the first time I saw two flocks [or wedges] of whooper swans flying overhead honking their way back to Iceland...

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Whooper swans! How wonderful, I have only ever seen one before when I was in the fens, so to see a wedge of them must be magnificent. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@maryodonnell5760]

@@themindfulnarrowboat There were at least 60, and I can't believe I never saw them before when several wedges flew over this week, early in the morning and in the evening, always something new :)

[@richardterry9788]

Another lovely episode. I can’t get enough xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Richard. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@otter736]

Great pics again !!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@WanabeHippie]

You did so well to get footage of the skylark. Brilliant. I feel peaceful again after watching your vlog. Thank you.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment. It was such a treat spending time with the skylarks. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@shirleyneufeld3098]

I truly enjoyed your vlog, the poem and the lovely birds singing. We are in a slow melt in Canada and I hear the birds sing....they are back😁

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It must be lovely to hear the birds sing again, Shirley. Thank you so much for your kind comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@PhilPage227]

So lovely, you are very talented.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you- thank you so much! Have a super Sunday and week ahead! Take care🦋🌻

[@pancrazioaquilina7029]

Glad everything went well as usual you get the best of the wildlife cant proctected enough thanks take care

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@Red-ns9ny]

Just wow ❤🥰

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@sandyprosser805]

Hi Vanessa what a journey you had. I know how you felt when that boat came round corner, 3 years ago I came round a corner to see a car on my side of road, I managed to pull car onto pathway he still hit me but we didn’t get badly hurt. Thank goodness you were not hurt and no damage to your beautiful boat. Wildlife ,flowers were amazing. Have great week 🎉

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Sandy, what a scary experience that must have been in your car; road accidents are so much more dangerous than boating ones, so I am glad that you weren't hurt. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a wonderful weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@paulmaryon9088]

Thank you for another wonderful video, some amazing filming there, and oh my that toast and jam looked so tasty! Have a good weekend and week to come, stay safe and warm

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

You can't beat toast and jam can you? Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@deetee-uk]

Wonderful vlog as always...glad to see it wasn't a serious prang. Once again...loving the artwork.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you for your lovely comment, Dave. The boats were unharmed, fortunately. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@michaelbowron3884]

Lovely videos educational too I like the wildlife parts and stories

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Michael for your lovely comment. I am so pleased that you are enjoying the videos. Have a super week, take care🦋🌻

[@michaelbowron3884]

@The Mindful Narrowboat Oh I passed you the other day I was running my dog on the towpath with my bike I recently moved to Stourport loving the canal systems up here

[@brewster3987]

So much to appreciate about this bonus look at the area you call "the prettiest on the canals"... lots of interesting camera angles and the time of day/sun angles made it look autumn-ish! Some specific moments that stood out for me: 1:38 that face (should have been the thumbnail! 😉); 6:30 "fat lot of good" (don't give up your day job 🤣); 9:57 (you might call that an accident - I call it a successful demonstration of the bumpers); 12:36 magazine cover shot of Zephyr in a zephyr (see what I did there); 15:05 that redwing is stunning; 16:30 stop with the toast and jam already - now I'm hungry! Thanks for a fun trip!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Brewster, your comments really made me laugh- 😂 I agree my joke was terrible and how awful, that I laugh at my own terrible jokes too!🤭 Very clever about Zephyr in a zephyr- I do like what you did there. 👍 The bumpers definitely softened the blow of the bows didn't they - thank goodness. Make time for some jam on toast this weekend- it's such a comfort food. Thank you so much for your lovely/hilarious comments. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@christinewalker5874]

Super video Vanessa you made that stretch of the canal look gorgeous, shame about the tight bend collision. Nice to see skylarks, so rare to photograph on the ground. Well done, take care x

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Christine, I am so pleased that you enjoyed the video. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Seeing the skylarks was so exciting- such beautiful birds. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@MarcelEling]

Such a beautiful place

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It really is. Thank you for watching. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@lizzieclayandfamily]

Joyous as always, loved your rhythmic poem - how on earth did you find the words to describe the skylark's call? They were perfect though! Despite the wet windy weather I can tell you are feeling spring in your bones. Thank you xxx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Lizzie, thank you so much for such a lovely comment. In my bird book it lists the bird calls phonetically and so I used it to help me. Spring is definitely in my bones- I bet the birds are singing really loudly in your garden at the moment. Please keep me updated about the peregrines too, if you have any news. Have a super week, take care🦋🌻

[@MrFQL]

We moored for the night just before the Cookley Tunnel. The section of the canal that is carved from the red stone is one of the most beautiful anywhere. We were, however, lucky enough not to meet a boat at the narrow spot. I often look at my photos of that trip. It was fifteen years ago. Thank you for showing it. If I remember correctly there was a works producing railway wheels just through the Cookley Tunnel and your video provers I was remembering it correctly. Thank you.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

You have a great memory for the details of your holiday. It is such a beautiful part of the canal system so you chose well, 15 years ago. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@MrFQL]

@@themindfulnarrowboat One of the locks had a small cave in the cliff located by it. We were doing the Stourport ring in a week starting at Worcester. It was quite a week and it was hot. It may not have been fifteen years, It was the Queen's Diamond Jubilee year and it was hot, hot hot until the last day coming down the Servern when it bucketed rain. I would do that trip again. It was delightful. It was the year when the. Droitwich re-opened. Droitwich Marina had not been filled with water. We watched the Queen's festivities from our hotel in Worcester at the end of the week.

[@Roo-s_Life]

Just discovered your channel and subscribed. Absolutely lovely, thank you 💜

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Welcome aboard and thank you so much for subscribing, that is so kind of you.🤗 I put my videos out, every Friday at 4:30pm. Have a super rest of the week, take care🌻🦋

[@jackmullett9198]

Another lovely video. I liked the sound of the sky lark. Kinver is an interesting place, particularly the rock houses, but they would have been very damp to live in. Dug into the sandstone around Kinver are miles and miles of tunnels, great galleries used in the WW2 to assemble Spitfire engines. They were also used in the Cold War for Civil Defence. I know because I did a course there 😎

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Jack, thank you so much for your lovely comment. How interesting about the rock houses and the fact that you did a course there. Have a super weekend, take care 🦋🌻

[@lynmoore8355]

omg this book is just like my mothers she did and my auntie drew the pictures of varies birds, I'm in the process of getting it printed, in a ladybird book.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Oh that will be wonderful to have a Ladybird Book of your mother and auntie's work! Thank you for watching, take care🦋🌻

[@clivelogsdon1492]

Lovely, not seen a skylark for years

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I hope you see one this year. 🤞Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care🦋🌻

[@hamshackleton]

Skylarks used to be regularly heard around here, but alas not for the last 25 or so years. 😞 ((Oh, look at this empty grassland - let's cover it with concrete!))

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so sad to hear and you are so right that the habitat loss is the main reason for their decline. Now that they are on the Red List though, it should mean that they are protected, so hopefully, more of their nesting sites will not go under the concrete.🤞 Thank you so much for your comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@ChrisGamble]

Good one.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you, Chris. Have a super rest of the week, take care🦋🌻

[@mattgoodchild8215]

The sky lark my fave birdsong now sadly a rare sound

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is a magical sound to hear isn't it? Thank you for watching and commenting. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@johnmackenzie693]

Well done on the Skylark front, not an easy bird to film.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

They are so tricky aren't they. My zoom isn't the best, but it was still nice to see them flying. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@tonycarter3756]

I can only assume the crash in the insect population is reflected in the lack of skylarks.They were always audible when l was hay making on the hills.superb shots of the birds😊

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Insects and habitat loss, all playing their part in the decline. It was wonderful to see them; they are such beautiful birds. I read that they sing like that to attract the insects - it does sound like that doesn't it? Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@jayaraich]

proper jam , you cant buy proper jam in the shops now , its more like jelly , marmalade too , I know it dosent trail everywhere but it dont spread either .

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Homemade is the best isn't it? Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🦋🌻

[@chrishobbs58]

💓

[@alexmcclintock7843]

Wonderful video of the skylark. I just love all of your drawings, your are an incredible artist. Tell me, are you a natural artist or did you receive training?

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for such a lovely, kind comment. I am so pleased that you like my drawing. I have practised hard since moving on my narrowboat, so I can't call myself a natural artist, also I can't draw from memory very well, so I take lots of photos and use them to draw from. I would love to do an art course, so I might start looking out for a good one. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@alibenkahn5092]

Nice to see your personal wind socks (Zephyr's ears) deployed and functioning correctly 😁.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Zephyr's ears are an essential piece of narrowboating equipment! 😂 Thank you for watching. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@mellow2990]

Thanks for another fine voyage aboard the Alice Grace. That oncoming collision looked to be worse then it was. Looks like no damage done though just wondering do all boaters have insurance for that sort of thing? Love the sounds those Skylarks make. The church was interesting as well . Hope you have a wonderful week see you next Friday :)

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Steve, thank you for your lovely comment. There was no damage fortunately to the boat. I am glad that you enjoyed the vlog. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@simon-nb-Betsyray]

What a enjoyable vlog again this week Vanessa 😊 A nice pleasant cruise with the slight bump but the fenders did there jobs taking the impact. I love how u capture the birds in their glory giving us a beautiful song. There is a question that l would like to ask... do u banish Mr M to the bedroom when ur filming the poetry and drawing section lol😂😂.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Simon, thank you so much for your lovely comment and great question. Mr M is out at work when I do my journaling. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@MrOVERANOUT]

The boat collision was a bit of a cliff hanger. Fortunately no damage done. Your Skylark footage reminded me of my childhood. Skylarks were common place back then, but not so much now except in the Yorkshire Dales. I was fascinated as a child, watching them rise and fall whilst singing. Did you know that when they have a nest on the ground, they land some way off and scurry behind the grasses to their nest to avoid predators spotting their nest site location. Thank you for another wonderful vlog. ❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I see what you did there with the 'cliffhanger' line😂 It was exactly that, wasn't it? Skylarks are so clever to put their predators off like that aren't they as it must be such a risky business having their nests on the ground. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋