155. Narrowboat cruise from Blisworth to Braunston on the Grand Union canal

#narrowboat #narrowboats #canal #canals #liveaboard #cruisingthecut
After several weeks, at last I embarked on the final leg of my autumn 2018 cruise along the Grand Union canal, the return stretch taking me from Blisworth, through Gayton, Weedon, Norton Junction and ultimately to Braunston.
Video includes me singing, please exercise appropriate caution.
Start point: goo.gl/maps/cQ9ucNABzvR2
End point: goo.gl/maps/8fRdTS3Y6ft
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Theme music: "Vespers" by Topher Mohr and Alex Alena, from the KZbin music library

[@CruisingTheCut]

After several weeks, at last I embarked on the final leg of my autumn 2018 cruise along the Grand Union canal, the return stretch taking me from Blisworth, through Gayton, Weedon, Norton Junction and ultimately to Braunston. Video includes me singing, please exercise appropriate caution. Start point: goo.gl/maps/cQ9ucNABzvR2 End point: goo.gl/maps/8fRdTS3Y6ft Got a question? Read this! www.CruisingTheCut.co.uk/f-a-q/ Fancy a Cruising The Cut mug or t-shirt? Click here: www.redbubble.com/people/cruisingthecut Twitter: twitter.com/CruisingTheCut Instagram: instagram.com/CruisingTheCut Facebook: facebook.com/CruisingTheCut Web: www.CruisingTheCut.co.uk Patreon: www.patreon.com/CruisingTheCut One-off donation: paypal.me/CruisingTheCut Buying anything via this Amazon link gets me a commission to help me keep the videos coming. Thank you! tinyurl.com/canalboats Camera gear I use (also Amazon affiliate links): Sony AX53 camcorder: amzn.to/2brVbO1 Rode VideoMicro microphone: amzn.to/2brUG6R Rode wireless mic: amzn.to/2dv6Udx Rode NT-USB microphone: amzn.to/2bUKSk1 Lexar 64GB SDXC card: amzn.to/2bUL1Ui

[@neilgower2558]

It's been good watching your videos..looking forward to more in the new year

[@alanbstard4]

brilliant stuff

[@rtyria]

Actually your singing didn't sound all that bad.

[@harrisonvc9175]

Howdy there! Im a bit of a boater myself and after watching many of your videos I was wondering if you might be interested in a remote controlled electric trolling motor? They are primarily for fishing boats but I think it would make a perfect bow thruster considering it attaches to the bow and hangs over the boat so you wont have to make any costly modifications and it can be easily lifted out of the way for when you don't need it :) here's a link to a video so you can see one in action, you can find these things for real cheap online! kzbin.info/www/bejne/r327n39qipWGkLc

[@CruisingTheCut]

@Samson H Hi, I know of no narrowboats with trolling motors however many have built-in bow thrusters. See my FAQ page: cruisingthecut.co.uk/f-a-q/

[@ianmedium]

“Briefly stop to empty the loo then press on to WEE-done!” Love it!

[@beowolff]

Very much enjoying your series...stumbled across it a couple of weeks ago and find it very relaxing. I've suggested to my wife that I know what we're doing when I retire...well, we'll work on that. If you have the opportunity, I'd love to see your rig in the snow, not necessarily cruising, but just how snug it looks. Thanks again for doing this, and I look forward to the next boating season.

[@joeltalbot1546]

Well David, I have watched every video in its entirety and I want to thank you for such a lovely adventure. I will continue to monitor your channel for more of your experiences. I completed your Vandimonium Channel as well and just received notice of Not-a-VLOG 155A. In the meantime I will begin watching the Narrowboat Experience series whilst I wait for more videos. Christmas is just around the corner and would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Cheerio, Joel

[@richardclark148]

It's been a good year and your Vlogs have done us proud...hoping you have a quiet winter with plenty of cups of tea and see you again in the spring. But when you have any plans for spring do let us know.

[@robwgeorge]

Never apologize for singing aloud. We all need to do more of it...good or bad. Your's is nice.

[@MrJJSimonds]

/... a nice look inside other boats afforded by the tunnel. :D

[@penguin44ca]

I have watched all the videos. You asked in an earlier video if we had suggestions. I wouldn't change a darn thing, although I would love it if you could give more history or background of the areas bridge canal or town. Something brief that will make me go diving for information. When you did the little bit on the poles on the bridges for the old rope, I spent days reading about it.

[@sgit1]

So interesting to see the 2-way traffic in the tunnel. I have a hard time with 2-way traffic on a narrow bicycle path.

[@APRAPR-nq2wn]

there for a moment I thought I heard you say this was the last cruising vlog of the year - i'm in denial now

[@Ottedikkie]

Me too....

[@wideawake914]

No don't please canal boats are not welcome on the nile.

[@tonybirdwell2917]

You have a very nice singing voice, more often please. Thanks for showing a lot of the canal homes they are very nice. Watching your videos are very interesting and relaxing for me. Thank you again.

[@russwallace5556]

Rewatching all your vlogs is preserving my sanity. Thanks again David.

[@stuarthadley6623]

Brilliant series and brilliant narrative

[@okpainter9700]

As a native Oklahoman , I really enjoyed your song :)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Hahahaha thanks

[@DBAllen]

You always have such lovely scenery. Too bad you aren't an artist you'd have some terrific landscapes to sell. I often think many of the scenes would make splendid subjects for puzzles also.

[@glenr7393]

Lol at The 100 joke. Love the intermediate lock sheep, are they a special breed I wonder??

[@johnfineberg2112]

Hi David Thank you for this video and I have noticed that you have nearly 50k subscribers !!!!!! Very impressive numbers and very well deserved next target 100k

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you! Yes, that would be great!!

[@TimothyBergin]

Thank you, I watched all of your blogs, they were brilliant, not only but also I gained a lot of education. I am thinking of buying a canal boat and I am inspired by your enthusiasm. Again thank you and I shall referrer to them on occasion.

[@englishmaninengland1451]

You make superb videos. They always finish quickly. I watch all the adverts as well.

[@lyndamiller2623]

“Intermediate Lock Sheep” .....I actually laughed out loud 😀😀

[@anitablades6033]

I did too , coming from Indiana in the U.S. I always smile when I see sheep being their selves.

[@TheSkskitey]

A very special cruising year it was , hope to see more next year and seasons greetings to you David and also "EVERYTHINGS COMING MY WAY" , well i hope your way too :-)

[@DJsquared100]

Have a great winter and happy holiday. I eagerly await your next cruising season.

[@sheilaknight5370]

Loved the comment about " extortionate " house prices. Quite true . Lovely peaceful video.

[@thomashoward2170]

I have now watched all of your vlogs and all of the adverts, except one for a local company I cannot stand. Your notavlogs are on my list when I have some time. You do a nice job.

[@bobross3080]

Thank you for that wonderful vlog! I'm sad that it's the last of the year. It was a beautiful relaxing trip. (Minus the singing, lol.) I could have watched this whole trip as an hour long video.

[@schoentje62]

Always a pleasure to travel with you, by van or by narrow boat!!!! It was a nice cruisin' year. Cheers, Ron

[@richardpaine5923]

A flotilla of boats, nice vid for a Sunday.

[@stephenthomason5983]

I used to bike to Wilton locks and fish when I was about 10... I'm now 74 so thanks for the trip down memory lane... Again. Your fan in Long Beach Ca.

[@joecrisp9060]

With a voice like that you are more than welcome to burst into song whenever you like.

[@davidharris6581]

It's at this point David, by tradition here in Texas, someone would ask you: What did you do with the money? And when you responded quizzically: What money? They would reply the money you did not spend on singing lessons! :)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Hahahahahahaha

[@ladygardener100]

I think he would do well in amateur opera things, well Gilbert and Sullivan type

[@robertoler3795]

well said...Robert From Santa Fe Texas (and istanbul)

[@vagel2022]

Many, many thanks for another season of wonderful Vlogs on the wonderful UK canal system. Best wishes for a comfortable winter aboard.

[@grandporter01]

Nothing wrong with the singing David, you should hear mine er then again may be not, don't want to damage your ears. Wonderful vlog enjoy your winter mooring.

[@danhoppy5517]

Trying to analyse why I like your videos so much. Maybe it's the gentle chug of the motor, the burble of the canal or just the stunning scenery interspersed with witty little comments. A staple for anyone wanting to watch a relaxing few hours of canal life!

[@jaystermac9870]

I love fast cars but apparently I've learned from Dave's vlogs I like slow boats...who knew ?

[@RogerEverett]

"These are Intermediate Lock Sheep." :)

[@stilcrazychris]

That was some smooth backing up you did in fast forward motion. Nice job. I was thinking the same thing about those 3 boats in the tunnel. Wow it was like the tunnel God said you was going to have some company this time..... lol... Your singing was good. I finished the song for you, but your singing was 100 times better then mine. Another wonderful ride w/you David. You have a great day sir. Chris from Missouri

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks Chris - and you.

[@anitablades6033]

Okla. Enjoying your song too .

[@steverowat2280]

I know what he means about the singing - I tried it once at a funeral in appreciation of one of my favourite childhood Hymns and was promptly asked to leave the Church!

[@espowari]

Just finished the vlogs, and I didn't want them to end! Happy Christmas David! Keep up the awesome work!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Now go back and watch them all again ;-) Happy Christmas

[@SandraNelson063]

Beautiful vlog! What beautiful weather and scenery! I cannot burst into song, as I am full of mucus, and the cats would fling me over the balcony rails. I hope you have a nice winter season planned out for yourself. Man does not live by narrow boat alone!

[@lakelady57]

Another enjoyable jaunt, enjoyed the trip and also Breacon Beacons, have an enjoyable Christmas and look forward to your next meanderings. Thank you for sharing :)

[@michaelc.]

As a fairly recent Antipodean subscriber I'm slowly working back through your channel to see all that you've already put up, while keeping up to date with the latest vlogs. LOVED the "The 100" reference - "You are either Swan Cru or you are against us"!

[@CruisingTheCut]

:-)

[@for.tax.reasons]

More people should casually drop the word "antipodean" into everyday conversation

[@mikefrerichs8860]

@@for.tax.reasons I shall commence using it henceforth and forthwith!

[@JISJ1964]

Interesting, your portrait of the bird life along the canals have until now lacked a family of birds that´s basically pestering the port city of Gothenburg where I live, the gulls! Now the finally came.

[@philippankhurst6680]

Thank you - another fine series, David. You still lead the field, in my view. Clearly, judging by the comments here I'm not alone in thinking that.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers Philip!

[@jerrystewart796]

David, that tunnel literally has nothing better to do than be there waiting for you and stacking up the oncoming boats. Keep up the good work.

[@nigelstrarup]

Nice to see this and come on with the end off the song then and you have a good Xmas and hope to see more next and have to meet one day when you say as I would love to see the boat and you nigel

[@apatheticallyconcerned6574]

Every time I watch one of your videos, I dream a little about doing this, about living a quieter life. I fear that my job, my bills, and my obligations have their claws set too deep for me to ever make this dream possible.

[@CruisingTheCut]

So it is for many people, I think

[@bencoleman1893]

Looked like a lovely trip what a good way to end off the season!

[@deepakgogoi5975]

Beautiful scene at 17:30. Lovely boat, all decked up with flowers. Enjoyed watching your last vlog of season 2018.

[@mattevans-koch9353]

Very relaxing vlog David. It seems the Braunston Tunnel is your Moriarty! Have a lovely winter, stay warm and looking forward to your winter vlogs.

[@watcher24601]

You were very lucky at 7:20 I'd have moored up and made a cup of tea til it all settled down. Very good to see someone actually waiting in the lock to save water. Didn't see anyone prepared to wait on my last trip in early September.

[@sidneybowerman558]

The rope incident in the lock just goes to show that no matter how relaxing you make these videos look David there is always hard work involved, and a risk of unexpected danger that you have to be on the lookout for.

[@JasperJanssen]

Just lucky the boat didn’t hang up on it. If you’re going down and your rope gets stuck, you better hope whoever is operating the lock (be that you or someone else) manages to notice and stop the water flowing out before your boat overturns.

[@ceeceety2320]

Your singing voice isn't half bad! Pretty good actually! Now, I'm trying to remember the verse in between, "Oh what a beautiful day...." Something something da da da..." " Everything's going my way". Anyone? Maybe I'll google it. I think it might drive me insane if I don't! Haha! Anyway, I never tire of this beautiful countryside! I don't recall your falling into the canal. That must have been a sight! Regardless, you Sir, are a lucky man! I would possibly give my right pinky toe to be able to live on a narrowboat with my wife and pets. I truly can't think of a better way to spend my retirement, except to do it WITH my right pinky toe!

[@ryanexsus]

The 100 reference! That show is awesome.

[@rochmel1409]

I loved looking in through the windows of the other boats as you passed them in the tunnel. :-)

[@mei5050]

Could you do a video of a typical day on the boat when you’re moored, like you making cups of tea, shots of the fire and so on? Narrowboats look so cosy and homely to live in, would love to see a video just of that so I can pretend it’s my life, lol

[@CruisingTheCut]

That would mostly be just me staring at a laptop or watching KZbin so not terribly exciting!

[@michaelkubler8391]

Maybe a week aboard condensed to the length of one of your videos then? It would be interesting, I think, to see how life aboard works. Even from a mooring. Can you get by without a car, the process if keeping the boat warm. Expect you have to get out and about to get water. Etc. Totally understand if it isn’t interesting enough to make though. Also if it waits till you move on so fans don’t mob your winter mooring!

[@anitablades6033]

We'll still enjoy it, a pot of tea and a snack. In front of the fire.

[@737henri]

Thank you, I've enjoyed your vlogs! I'm currently restoring a 1919 Pettersson wooden weekender and next summer be travelling the Dutch canals and lakes. Now, after seeing your travel adventures, I'm even more looking forward to coming summer. Greetings! Henri

[@markphoenix9984]

I'm looking forward to your to your new 'Crooning The Cut' channel.

[@kennyhowell1537]

Hello, great job! Thank You for making and sharing. I just started watching your videos and I'm thoroughly enjoying them. I'm from Southern California, so not many opportunities for narrowboat cruising here. CHEERS, AND HAPPY NEW YEAR 2019

[@CawffeeTyme]

With all those cars and trucks on the M1, you wouldn't think there were that many people living in jolly ole england.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Almost 70 million people now, I believe

[@raew5263]

Absolutely lovely ~ 💕 So glad I stumbled onto the narrowboating world. It’s like nothing else. 👍

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it! :-)

[@floydbertagnolli944]

Never apologize for your singing. You have a very nice voice.😊

[@CruisingTheCut]

😊 thank you

[@MouseToes]

Beautiful cruise and we got quite a tour of the insides of the boats in the tunnel.

[@AngeliqueKaga]

Another nice video, and great to watch the countryside go by

[@CMDRSweeper]

Nooooo! Not the end of cruises with CruisingTheCut! They are too satisfying to watch :D

[@alh5214]

You have a lovely voice. More singing, please! Another enjoyable vlog. Thank you

[@allanscott7512]

Nice bit of reversing - enjoyed your Vlogs enormously - thanks

[@garydale4210]

This is from Gary Dale in Florida I just wanted to thank you for your super fine trips through the Cut in your Narrowboat. Thanks

[@thewebtutorguy]

Thank you David. I’m already looking forward to your next season vlogs. Watching your videos I almost feel like I’m there myself, especially through Northamptonshire where I once lived. Have a great Christmas and all the very best for 2019. Cheers from Down Under.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Merry Christmas!

[@oceanbrzzz]

So relaxing, thank you.

[@navigator902]

Wonderful, majestic views...along the whole cruise.....No problem .. it happens to the best of us voyagers, singing syndrome, usually accompanied by a lager or two....

[@okcantbelieveit294]

Enjoyed every minute! Thanks!👍

[@oldejimmy]

Thx again. Happy holidays.

[@cia1204]

Beautiful singing!

[@ticklishhoneybee]

Intermediate lock sheep? I thought they were amidsheeps. I'll get my coat...

[@CruisingTheCut]

Hahahahaha that is brilliant.

[@ladydi4runner]

Port amidsheeps! 🤣👍😁

[@cathrynbagley8005]

"Once more into the breach" ? Surely that is the last thing you want on a canal .... Another great vlog , thanks for taking us along.

[@annettefournier9655]

No bumping the armada in the tunnel, wonderful turning into the facilities point, sunny days, bursting into song and a very familiar spritely dog. Well done David! It's now December. Stay warm. See you soon.

[@BruceBoschek]

Thanks for all the enjoyable videos. Merry Christmas and off to another good year of cruising.

[@snowmandanselzer7738]

I wrote that I wanted a narrow boat since seeing one on "Last of the Summer Wine," but once, about a decade or so ago, I seen one someone was cruising on over here in the U.S. I seen a green one on the Okanogan River. It was a sight. Usually we only get pontoon boats, ski boats, float planes, jet skis, wave runners, canoes, kayaks, and occasionally hydro-planes. The Canal narrow boat was amazing.

[@CruisingTheCut]

How peculiar!

[@57629589]

Been binge watching and jump watching and skipped ahead to this episode. I really like your stories and look forward to next season. Enjoy your winter, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Arkansas. 😎

[@CruisingTheCut]

Merry Christmas!

[@leedesigner1977]

I absolutely love your vlogs, David.

[@michaelbuckingham7512]

Thanks for taking us along on your trip. As always, well done!

[@brucealanwilson4121]

Beautiful, as usual.

[@mattstubbington8805]

Loved every minute and you finish in one of my favourite pieces of the cut... Love Braunston!!

[@yindyamarra]

I’m loving these vids,

[@tomjohnsoon6857]

Hello David awesome vlogs , thank you for your hard work of making them. cheers

[@pacedelacruz4913]

😄😄😄I was holding my breath to make your boat narrower when I saw those three in that tunnel. My Goodness!! I was petrified.

[@MichaelsMustang]

Lovely cruise series David, thank you for an enjoyable ride.

[@52memor]

Thank you I've loved the Vlogs. Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year

[@kairon156]

Thanks for a lovely season of Narrow boats. I hope to see you again next year.

[@1258-Eckhart]

I really enjoy going through the tunnels virtually.

[@michaelpilling9659]

Thank you so very much David for a fabulous Autumn Cruise. What an adventure. Looking forward to 2019 when I guess we will start again

[@luanncrownover4]

I always enjoy the "dance of the locks" and this video didn't disappoint! Wonderfully enjoyable cruising season....looking forward to more!

[@parjacpar3077]

Love to hear more of your lovely singing voice Thanks for another great video hope you have a lovely xmas etc

[@williamavery9185]

So sad no more cruising, thoroughly enjoyed your journey . Looking g forward to next year,, oh HAPPY CHRISTMAS !!

[@dbpearce0946]

Thanks Dave for taking us along on your adventures,Have a Merry Christmas!!! See you in the New Year, Hopefully!!!!

[@sirpurrcival]

Congrats on a successful and enjoyable cruising season. I will be waiting to see what you have on tap for the next season.

[@pootle2768]

That was lovely and completely enhanced by your wonderful singing!

[@adrianpipe3323]

Thanks David, another great series of videos. All entertaining, informative and just jolly good stuff 👍🏻 look forward to the future vlogs!

[@bluezy261175]

I love those intermediate lock sheep.

[@julesstone7990]

Great video again and loving the animal shots :) x

[@HarryP457]

Thanks for the vlogs David. Have a great Christmas and New Year. Am looking forward to watching more of your adventures? in 2019. All the best.