#157 My NARROWBOAT Life as a Continuous Cruiser| Where's Home?

#canal #narrowboatlife
What is it like to have to keep moving your off grid NARROWBOAT home from one place to the next? How do we plan our stays? What happens when you have a health issue and you don't have an address? Does it get lonely being so far away from loved ones? I answer all these questions and more as we travel the canal, moor our home for a week and deal with NARROWBOAT Life. Come and join me- sit back, relax and enjoy! Take care🦋🌻
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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
sentimental peaceful cinematic piano by sunchannelmusic
the guitar by positive sound
documentary beautiful strings orchestra by cleanmindsounds
legend of old allen grey
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

[@robertcharlessceats3647]

You have such a welcoming smiling face, always a joy to see. What a hugely talented artist you are. I think your wild birds are incredible. Keep up your series. It's really excellent

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you, Robert. I am so pleased that you are enjoying the videos.Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the week, take care🌻🦋

[@Bpl541]

I pray Mother Earth will one day be as loved and protected as Slimbridge. Thankyou and lots of love dear Vanessa and family ❤️🙏🕊️🐕‍🦺🐕🐝🪰🦋🕷️🐛🦆🪿🐦‍⬛🦉

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I'll join you in that prayer! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@RockDove5212]

Wow! Nanny T's story of sailing was fantastic! ❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Nanny T has some amazing stories to tell; it's a shame they didn't have KZbin in her day because what a channel that would have been! Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@AndrewBroadbent-dr8wb]

Love your excitement about the glow worm. Another lovely vlog. Thank you.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I nearly edited my screaming with excitement at the glow worm out because on listening to it back, well I just sounded ridiculous!🙈 But it was such an amazing sight to behold and I've never seen one before...I'm making excuses now aren't I?🤭 Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@eg348]

Lol I thought u were actually a bit mild!! I would have been knocking on all the neighbour's door...screaming "Come quick!!!! Look Look Look!!!! Its Magic!!!! " :-D

[@paulplant6486]

Thier are pros and cons of continuous cruising and live aboard. I love the fact that you share your cruising and life on the cut. You're happy doing what you do in life that's the most important. Hope you are feeling better now.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Paul, thank you so much for your lovely and kind comment. I am feeling much better now, fortunately. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@angelomia6691]

From the mundane to the heavenly an absolutely stunning eruption into flight.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care🦋🌻

[@jennyfulcher8035]

I'm enjoying 'The Nature Journal of a Narrowboater' and love the beautiful illustrations and poetry. It really captures your experiences in both imagery and word. Here's my take on this week's episode: Vanessa and Zephyr continuously cruise, there's so much to see, and no time to lose! There's Graylag geese, and glow worms aglow; nestled in brambles, and moving sooo slow. And butterfly 🦋art, one can readily see; is about to take flight, o'er the land and the sea. Jenny 🦆🦢🌻

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

What an absolutely wonderful poem, Jenny!🥰🤩 Thank you so much 😊 I am really pleased that you are enjoying The Nature Journal of a Narrowboater. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@jennyfulcher8035]

@@themindfulnarrowboat You're welcome. Have a great weekend. I may not respond to next week's episode right away, as I have cataract surgery.

[@ISLEOVUE]

oh Vanessa, Ms Nanny T was a real seafarer. That was out of my comfort zone to be at sea for so long. Glad you re close inland always safe and sound. 🤗

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

She really was a real seafarer- and still is at heart! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the week. Take care 🌻🦋

[@marietjiehildebrandt1324]

I adore your vlogs, adventures, poems and art. Very refreshing positive content and a ray of sunshine on any day.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so, so pleased that you are loving the vlogs- it means such a lot to me to hear that- thank you!🤗 Take care🦋🌻

[@dingnextstop]

I love Zeph… the way she looks at you is so heartwarming, this is my 23rd year as a live aboard continuous cruiser and turned 71 in May I’m feeling my age after just 3 locks… it can be a very lonely life on your own especially in winter months, I try to stay positive by watching nature, I hope I got the sex of Zeph right? Thank you for sharing another snippet into your world. Andrew

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Oh wow! 🤩 You have lived on board for 23 years- that's amazing and reassuring to hear all at the same time. Nature is incredible at helping me to stay positive too. You did get Zeph's sex right- well done! Thank you for such a wonderful comment; take care🦋🌻

[@dingnextstop]

@@themindfulnarrowboat yes… bought it in 2000, I’m now officially institutionalised in a tiny 42’ Trad… I went on a rare holiday 5 years ago to Spain and couldn’t believe how much space I had in a one bed apartment! and all that endless water! I soon came back down to Earth on returning to boat. 😃

[@31Alden]

Thank you Vanessa for sharing part of your life with us. I hope you are fully recovered from your surgery and are doing well. I used to play “Glowworm” on the piano when I first started playing the piano! Glowworms are special creatures, aren’t they? You Nan has lead a remarkably interesting life and you are following in her footsteps. How wonderful! Is your book on Amazon per chance. Vanessa? ❤️🦆🌿🍂🦮🐾

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I have fully recovered- thank you so much for asking. I bet you can still play Glowworm on the piano now? My books are only in my Etsy shop: themindfulnarrowboat.etsy.com Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super week. Take care 🦋🌻

[@butchieblock9118]

You can certainly afford to eat as many biscuits as you wish, given all the exercise you get!!!❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That's a great incentive to walk a lot! 😂 🍪🍪 Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@obiblooze5902]

That was so interesting as all your videos are. The wetland trust looks amazing, and your drawings are stunning as usual. Thank you for another really great vlog 😀

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you enjoyed it! Thank you so much for such a lovely comment too. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@remaguire]

Living the dream!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It’s a great life! Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care 🌻🦋

[@chrishobbs58]

Loved this, what an amazing place! Loved seeing the glow worms as well, they used to fascinate me in my younger days. I know this episode is somewhat in your past, but I hope you've recovered by now. Best wishes!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your kind words, Chris. I am much better now, fortunately. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@leogreen6116]

I watch all your videos as they pop up. And realise this one is old when I've seen it. I comment from time to time and will often get an answer from you. But I'm not sure if you'll still get notifications on this particular video. So I'll normally try to guess what your illustration and poems will be about. Sometimes I know but other times I'll be totally wrong. And then I might message you and say I thought that such and such would be in your poem and drawing. This time I felt like the humble little glow worm got left out of your illustrations. And my mind boggles how you would actually draw that glow worm. But I know how creative you are and I'm sure you would come up with an ingenious way to illustrate. Sorry for giving you extra work. 😂😂

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Leo, I put the glow worm on the opposite side next to the poem in my journal because, like you said, I couldn't leave it out of my book.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super week, take care🦋🌻

[@5canwalk]

This is THE life!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Yep! I never take it for granted. Thank you for watching, take care🌻🦋

[@michaelhiggins7365]

Vanessa, I received my long-awaited copy of your 2022 journal in record time. Seriously, it only took a few days to find its' way to Arizona all the way across the pond ! I absolutely love my copy and your note on the back flap makes it all the more a special treasure for me. Please, please assure me . . . you will be offering a 2023 journal :) I would love to add this to my book collection, your illustrations and prose are truly a gift, something of a complete calm to this often turbulent world. I must say, your Nanny T seemed to be quite the adventurist in her younger days ! Oh and the geese @ 15:38 completely stole the show and made my day, they are soooooooooooooooooo charming ! The Black-tailed Godwit has such beautiful copper coloring and the long beak just adds to its' uniqueness. England truly has some of the most stunning species of birds, I'm becoming a huge fan. Vanessa, your tireless work which goes into creating these fine videos in my mind, places you at the pinnacle of the multitude of Narrowboat vlogs. You talent and hard work are treasured by us all. May God bless you, Mr. M and Zephyr this week as you float along the canal system.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Your comment has made me smile from ear to ear; you are so kind and thoughtful and I really appreciate your support with my channel- thank you so, so much. I will be printing my 2023 journal at the end of this year but it probably won't be in my shop until February. I am hoping that as long as I keep doing this, then I will make one book per year.🤞 I love producing the videos and even though they take time, they are an absolute pleasure to make and I am over the moon to hear that you enjoy watching them too. Have a super Sunday and wonderful week ahead, take care🌻🦋

[@michaelhiggins7365]

So wonderful Vanessa that I have your 2023 journal to look forward to. This will be like Christmas coming early next year ;) Thank you for your kind response ;) @@themindfulnarrowboat

[@garyp8471]

Once again a joy to watch, and a walk to the Peter Scott nature reserve Thank you, we hope all's going well with your op. All the best Gary n Irene

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Gary and Irene, I am so pleased that you enjoyed the vlog and the Peter Scott nature reserve. I'm much better now, thank you so much for asking. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@johnallen148]

Hi Vanessa,I have never seen you smile and laugh so much ,hope your operation went ok with no problems I go into hospital on the 22 of this month to have my arteries unblocked in my only leg i have left ,lol 😅I can remember picking up glow worms in France I was surprised it bunt my hand ,great blog so much nature just love it ,some nice scenery on the way while cruising this blog was nature at its best amazing filming well done till next time take care and stay safe,j🇬🇧🌹🍓🙏🐝🐝👍🫂🫂🫣🤔🤫🤭🫢😊

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Oh my goodness, John- I really hope your operation goes well- I shall be thinking of you! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care🌻🦋

[@rexharvey8420]

Hello Vanessa, I too loved the Gloucester and Sharpness, but being an old seaman I have had serious reservations of taking a narrow boat to sea! I had not noticed until Blaze drew my attention to it that you have a nice picture presumably by yourself of what looks like a female Orange Tip on Alice Grace. Stay safe. Blaze says Zephyr like him is a pinky nose, which signifies pedigree and he is in love!!! and me xxx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I also have serious reservations about taking the narrowboat to sea, but I hope I do one day. Zephyr's nose went pink when she was 1 year old and it's stayed the same since then. Thank you for watching and commenting. Take care🦋🌻

[@MrJimpaint7]

As a fellow painter I really love your artwork and will look forward to your future videos Best wishes Jim

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you for your lovely comment, Jim- I shall have to get some tips from you if you are a painter!👍 Take care🦋🌻

[@TheJessierb]

It was lovely to see your Nana and hear of her exploits. Seems you have boating in your blood ! Interesting to hear your philosophy of continuous cruising. I do sometimes wonder how you make your plans. The Slimbridge Wetland Centre is a magical place - what fun to see the Southern Screamers and the Godwits with those amazing beaks. I am a keen duck watcher and I have never seen such a tight formation as the babies behind the mother Shelduck :) As always your vlog is a highlight of my Fridays. I wish you a full recovery from your operation and happy cruising for the coming week. Wendy 🦆🦆

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Wendy, the Shelduck and her babies was adorable to watch. She appeared to be the only shelduck there so perhaps she felt vulnerable? She constantly called to them and they stuck to her like glue didn't they? Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@TheBriandavidcarroll]

Your vlogs are quite romantic. Thanks for blessing us!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

What a lovely comment, thank you so much! Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@ianhull3880]

I do hope you enjoyed the visit to WWT Slimbridge. I’m lucky enough to volunteer there twice a week as a ‘Guide in the Hide’. Call again in December/January when the wet meadows are crammed with waders and Wildfowl. They are constantly harried by birds of prey ,an amazing avian spectacle. I think it was none other than Sir David who called it an ‘Avian Serengeti’. It would be an absolute pleasure to show you both around. Regards,Ian.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Ian, I really enjoyed my visit to Slimbridge- what a beautiful place to volunteer! I would love to come back for the migratory birds and the birds of prey spectacle🤩 Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@lisaforte1575]

Get well soon! 💐

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Lisa🤗 I am feeling much better now, fortunately. Have a super Sunday and week ahead, take care🦋🌻

[@annjarvis9300]

Do hope you are recovering well thanks for the insight into cruising life and how interest in an insight to nanny ts life also fantastic to see Peter Scott’s wild life I was 8 when I went (78) soon all the kids ragged me on the coach my surname being Scott they insisted it must belong to my uncle loving the journal tc now 🌺🌷🌹🌺

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Ann, wouldn't it have been amazing if it was your uncle?🤩 Thank you so much for your kind and caring comment- I am much better fortunately. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@chrischristofis8501]

Yes for sure we are interested in how life works as a continuous cruiser. I am hoping to take to the water next year so need to know everything 😂 cant beleive you did that to little Alice 😱🤨

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I hope it all works out well for you!🤞 Please feel welcome to email me any questions you might have- I'd be happy to help. Whoops about Little Alice- how terrible!🫣 Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@chrischristofis8501]

Just watched this again, i went ahead and am now freezing on my narrowboat in Feb, im in a marina 😅 but its so peaceful to be away from it all on the boat

[@richardterry9788]

Sorry to hear you had opp. Hope you get better soon. Getting closer xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I’m much better now, thank you so much for caring. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@PickingPaul1]

Beautiful

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you! Have a super Sunday and week ahead, take care🦋🌻

[@deborah85728]

Thinking of you at this time as I can see you aren’t feeling yourself , glad you have company and are in such lovely surroundings 🫶

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your kindness; I'm much better now. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@petemoring67]

Growing up in the 50's and having bikes, we needed lights when it got dark, but money was tight, batteries didn't last long, and were expensive to replace .... However a Mate - 'Johnnie Annettes' - told us about these Glow-Worms that were plentiful down the Roman Walk, and if We collected enough of them, We could put them in our lights and we'd have lights that never ran OUT!! ..... So we DID! 😃... But We Didn't 😵‍💫 .... Seems a bit cruel now ... But was a good lesson a the time 😉😂

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Well, firstly this story shows how abundant they were then which must have been amazing to see- your mate sounds like he thought outside the box a lot. I am so glad that you no longer power your bicycle lights in that way though!😅 Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@christineprice5463]

Your videos are beautiful! I loved the glow worms. As always stay safe.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Oh, Christine- the glow worm was one of the most exciting things that I have seen for ages! 🤩🥰 Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@christineprice5463]

​@@themindfulnarrowboatYou have a lovely weekend too!

[@buffplums]

Hi Vanessa and Mr M …. Ah how nice when that lady said hello as she recognised you and your boat from the channel. If you are ever up on the Shropshire Union up near Norbury junction (near Gnosal) I shall walk along the towpath and say hello as you pass by. xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Gnosal is a very special place for us as it is where we moved all of our boxes of stuff in and began our narrowboat life proper. It is so pretty there and we will definitely be back one day. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@williamdavis9667]

Always interesting

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@lorrainerichardson3280]

We have red listed birds here in NZ too. Many of NZ native birds are ground nesters and easy prey for introduced species such as stoats, hedgehogs and possums. As far as I know there were no mammal species in NZ before humans arrived so the birds were safe. Continuous cruising would be fun, I'm sure I must have Romany/gypsy blood way back. I'm glad you can make a living while you cruise, I watch another continuous cruiser who goes from post office to post office as she works from her boat too. So much fun in this vlog thank you and so pleased you can share your adventures with me. Take care =-)

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Lorraine, it is sad to know that some birds are on the "Red List" but I suppose once they are on there, lots of protection and restoration work goes into place to boost the numbers? Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@tonyfuller3010]

I went there with the school sixty years ago it was called Slimbridge Wild fowl trust then. Such a beautiful place. I collected stamps then and had an Australian one depicting a black swan and to see them in real life was amazing.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

What a wonderful memory, Tony! I have only seen black swans once before and that was in the Isles of Scilly, aren't they magnificent! 🥰 Thank you for watching, take care🌻🦋

[@christiandedome2764]

I am totally ready find out😮

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Brilliant! Thank you for watching. Take care🦋🌻

[@helencooper3225]

Lovely to see you on your travels when we were moored at Purton enjoy your vlogs very much. The biggest Thank you 😊

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It was lovely to see you too! Thank you so much for watching the vlogs. Happy and safe cruising, take care🦋🌻

[@ianross04]

Your vlogs are amazing as usual but your illustrations together with your soft narrations accompanying them are just so captivating

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Ian- that is such a kind comment and I really appreciate it. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@otter736]

Thanks for the “ introduction “ to many bird species I did not know.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so happy to share what I am finding out too, so I am delighted that you enjoy discovering with me. Have a super week, take care🦋🌻

[@david_keating]

Another lovely vlog Vanessa, such beautiful scenery. Thank you for sharing 🙂

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, David! I am so pleased that you enjoyed it. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@suedale1865]

Vanessa Thank you for a beautiful short cruise to slim bridge bird reserve & then drawing us all to see your art & poetry I get a happy buzz when I see your vlogs pop up 🥰

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

🤗 That is so wonderful to know, Sue! Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super Sunday, take care🦋🌻

[@rebeccacook7924]

❤️❤️❤️

[@debh4190]

Beautiful! Loved the answers to questions both asked and not, Zeph is always a delight, guest was very special indeed,wildlife reserve was simply incredible, and mother duck was as watchful as her babies were close. Thank you!!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you enjoyed it, Deb! Thank you so much for your lovely comments. Have a super Sunday and week ahead, take care🦋🌻

[@rachelmarshall4352]

What another beautiful vlog !, Thank you for the view of the Slimbridge wetlands centre. Will look into that one !, Amazing with the red list bird there ! And all the amazing nature ❤ Love the glowworms. Your mother is amazing ! ,to have the strength to travel the seas! 😲🤩 We visited the Bempton cliffs, and saw 3 Puffins! ( Possibly pairs of 3 , as they were spotted near their burrows ) , we live near some buzzards, and they are interesting, as we have heard a different call, which is similar to a gull sound ! Beautiful ❤ I hope you get time to rest and repair, ❤💐, My family Xmas present hint will be your beautiful book,❤🥰 You are a very talented poet and beautiful drawings. Had a speckled wood Butterfly ( think I got that right😂 ) visit our front room the other week ! 🥰

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I would love to see puffins, Rachel- that must have been amazing! Thank you for your lovely comments. Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@rachelmarshall4352]

@@themindfulnarrowboat yes it was a great day, a few weeks back,at least. I hear that all have flown away from Bempton, until next year, But still a great place. 🥰

[@victormorris3680]

Sharpness,oh my word,that brings back memories,I went to the sea-school there on the old Vindicatrix in 1960!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I bet that was an amazing experience? Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🦋🌻

[@vanessascola4708]

Poor you walking all that way to find a Post Office and it was closed. Typical. As every week it is so delightful, you are so good at story telling. So interesting to hear your plans and how you work through your weeks.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It happens like that sometimes but the good days far outweigh the bad ones. Take care🌻🦋

[@jamesfoley6555]

Thank you so much, very interesting vlog, has always🙏✝️🙏

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you found it interesting, James- thank you so much. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@jamesfrankie]

Lovely vlog

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@G0RXA]

Brilliant video Vanessa and it is interesting to see how you plan your journeys, and year for that matter. Looking forward to you heading north & my neck of the woods! Have a great week.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I can't wait to explore the northern part of the system!Thank you for your lovely comment, Nigel. Have a super Sunday, take care🦋🌻

[@carolinefiler5506]

I think you have an amazing life being a constant cruiser. We are lucky to follow your journey. Love the glow worms. Take care

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for following the journey! Oh the glow worm- what a little treasure that was to see🥰 Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@vanessascola4708]

Poor Little Alice Grace, almost got left behind. It must be tiring and hard work. I can see life can be complicated on your boat.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

🤭 I know- we could have sunk her! Thank goodness we didn't! Take care🦋🌻

[@harris4018]

you just need a bit of gypsy in you to keep on moving it sounds a great life

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@markfromcanada37]

great video

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Mark! Have a super week, take care🌻🦋

[@pancrazioaquilina7029]

I visit slimbridge i 2014 it was my highlight of my visiting my brother in glouester. My brother is a regular visitor to slimbridge he loves nature it runs in the family thank you for a naturalistic video take care

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Slimbridge is a wonderful place to visit, so I can see why it was a highlight for you. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super Sunday, take care🦋🌻

[@MegaDeansy]

Oh wow - Sharpness !. Even though it's some 40+ years since I've been there I recognise the opening scenes !. My aunty & uncle stayed in Sharpness (lovely romantic story - my uncle ran away at 13, seeking adventure. He went down to Leith Docks - in Edinburgh - and lied to get a job on a ship. His dad ran down to stop him but could only wave goodbye as the ship sailed out. My uncle ended-up doing the 'Atlantic run' during WW2 and one time they docked in Sharpness where he met my Aunty !) and I LOVED when we visited them, I always played with the local kids and one of their favourite pastimes was swimming at that spot shown at the begining !. What made it extra special was when the tide went out in the River Severn you just climbed over the wall (in the background, it separates the river from the canal) and played in the gorgeously clammy mud - it was fantastic !. Just pure mud, no weeds, stones, rubbish etc, just mud - and we'd get plastered in it, have mud fights, roll about - and when we were finished we'd just climb back over the wall, into the canal and emerge spotless !!. Sharpness just has something special about it, especially at sundown - my God it's beautiful !. Loved this video - happy to subscribe x

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for these beautiful memories, Alan. I had tears in my eyes reading about your uncle. How wonderful that you would play in the Sharpness mud and wash off in the canal- it sounds so free and happy! Thank you for subscribing too- welcome aboard! Have a super Sunday and rest of the week ahead, take care 🦋🌻

[@MegaDeansy]

​@@themindfulnarrowboatthank you ever so much for your reply !. I loved my aunty & uncle but idolised my uncle, admittedly mainly because of his romantic tale, and the fact that he had a wicked sense of humour,, he was always playing pranks/telling jokes to my Aunty Joan and she'd always end up in tears of laughter - my, they really loved each other during their 61 years together !. Sharpness was ideal for them - beautiful, quiet, lovely people, there's really something 'extra special' about it !. Safe journey, x

[@oldmanhuppiedos]

Even on a cloudy day you make the sun shine. Beautiful images of nature at night. good luck with your health, I know what you mean, I have asthma. Another beautiful conclusion to your vlog, his toasting words to mother earth.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely and kind comment. I hope your asthma is ok? It can be so frightening can't it? Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@oldmanhuppiedos]

@@themindfulnarrowboat It's quite heavy when the weather is this stuffy. Have a nice Sunday too

[@simon-nb-Betsyray]

I can see why u continuous cruise so much different scenery to see, and wild life as well😊. The excitement from u when seeing the glow worms was a pure delight reminded me when we saw them in France when my children were small. I hope ur shoulder is on the mend and mr M is doing his nursing duties 😂😂 and are being pampered. Take care and hopefully a nice weekend 🚑🍁🌹🥀🦋

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Oh the glow worm was just magnificent! I can see why your children were excited to see them in France. I am much better now, thank you so much for asking- Mr M had to work so Zephyr had to look after me instead!🐾🐾😂. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@vanessascola4708]

I understand your excitement , we used to see them in Europe when kids. So interesting.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

They are so beautiful; I can't imagine what it must be like to see lots of them all at the same time. 🥰

[@jasonsyers3948]

I completely understand your glow worm moment when I was working abroad I was out walking around sunset when the cliff edge hedge suddenly started to twinkle then sparkle as the fireflies came out to dance their nightly ritual, it is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen, I was spellbound captivated by a tiny miracle of nature & a memory I revisit often & your little and no less beautiful glow worm brought it instantly to mind. Another lovely video wishing you a speedy recovery 🫶🫶🫶

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

How amazing that must have been to see a sparkle of fireflies like that!!! 🤩🥰 I am so pleased that the vlog reminded you of that moment too. Thank you so much for your kind words. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@jennyfulcher8035]

Morning Vanessa--It's early morning before my workday begins and I finished reading your "The Nature Journal of a Narrowboater" and was sorry to finish. I enjoyed it immensely with its delightful illustrations, rhyming poems, and a peek inside the life of a narrowboater. Thank you so much for sharing your journal and I hope you publish 2023! 🐺🐾🦉🪶Jenny

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so excited to hear that you have finished the journal and over the moon that you enjoyed it, Jenny! Thank you so, so much for letting me know. I hope you had a good day at work? Take care🦋🌻

[@jennyfulcher8035]

@@themindfulnarrowboat I'm glad that I made your day, Vanessa. You're quite talented and a delight to follow your narrowboat adventures every week. I had a good workday. Cheers! 🥀🐝🌺 Jenny

[@henrymaybury4502]

What a beautiful video i found it very calming and tranquil x

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you enjoyed the video, Henry!😊 Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@birteeliasen6423]

Hi Vanessa and Zephyr thankyou for a nice cruise as always keep up the good work

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much!🤗 Have a super week, take care🦋🌻

[@francesdavey1337]

Your video was beautiful love the glow worms thank you Vaness take care xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I loved the glow worm too!🥰 Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@livingwithosteoarthritis.]

What a beautiful video. One of my favourites

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much; I'm so pleased that it's one of your favourites too! Take care🦋🌻

[@michaelpilling531]

Hello Vanessa - greetings from a very wet and rather cold part of Poland. What a fabulous video. So much to see and do. I loved the glow worms. What a spectacle. Slimbridge is somewhere I've been to many times. There's always something new and different to see each time you go. Continously cruising is a different pace of life to that of the "landlubber". You have to slow down. Travelling at only 4mph means life can't be rushed. Would suit me down to the ground. A change is always good for us. Being able to visit loved ones periodically is lovely. But, nothing beats your floating home that goes where you want, when you want. Lovely camera work, superb commentary and beautiful drawing and poem this week

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Michael, I hope you get some summer soon- the weather across the world is all a bit crazy right now, isn't it? I will have to return to Slimbridge for the migration as I bet that makes a spectacular sight. You are right about change being good; it always feels refreshing after we've moved. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@Red-ns9ny]

❤😊 fabulous as always ❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

🤗🤗 Thank you so much! Take care🌻🦋

[@alfgortmans200]

Should check steering on rudder. It has a lot of ply.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Great tip! Thank you so much for watching. Take care🦋🌻

[@tessapetters3936]

I have never been to Slimbridge, but i live opposite the Sir Peter Scott Lighthouse on The Wash. perhaps i may see you on your crossing one day. A slim blue streak , in the distance. Take care and happy cruising.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Ohh, I shall have to keep my eyes peeled for that lighthouse when we cross the Wash and give you a wave too! Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super Sunday, take care🦋🌻

[@tessapetters3936]

Its on the mouth of the Nene, you will head out to the wash and may miss it from the Ouse, but there are a pair of Lighthouses on each bank, called Guys Head. All this marsh was Sir Peter Scotts photographic studio and where he launched his bird conservation. We never had the nerve to take our narrowboat across. Good luck if you do. Would love to film from shore, as you pass though. Have a good day too.@@themindfulnarrowboat

[@StevesRepairs]

Thanks Vanessa, for taking us along on this beautiful cruise and great walks to see all the wildlife, it's wonderful. I hope that you have recovered from your op'. I have just ordered your journal of last year adventures so I can't wait for it to arrive. I hope that you three are doing well. Take care and all the best. Stevie

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so much better, thank you so much, Stevie! I am so pleased that you enjoyed the vlog. Have a super week, take care🦋🌻

[@sandyprosser805]

Morning Vanessa what a beautiful video, hope your fully recovered now. It’s lovely hearing about your life and so interesting. My husband fished at the canal in slimbridge and we had a terrible thunderstorm, I ran and sat in car. He didn’t win either. Have great week 😊

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Sandy, there seems to be many fishing competitions along this canal. It is such a wide stretch of water though which means that us boaters can give the fishermen and women the space they need. I hope your husband has better luck next time. 🤞 Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super Sunday and week ahead, take care🦋🌻

[@vanessascola4708]

Vanessa of course we are here to listen to your interesting news and enjoy your vlogs. I am curious what you do and how you do it.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so great to know.Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super Sunday, take care🦋🌻

[@emeraldphoenix9229]

interested! later after watching, was very interesting, hope you are feeling better. gorgeous drawing & poem, they never fail to move me. btw, love your butterfly painting!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for such lovely comments! I am much better now, fortunately. Have a super Sunday and week ahead, take care🦋🌻

[@lionelmarytravels6003]

I don't mind whether or not you continuous cruise, just as long as we hear your voice and hear your happy voice and see the videos. I've never seen you use Little Alice. What do you do with her? Apart from forgetting to untie the mooring ropes.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

The Little Alice Vlogs are the summer ones: I used her a lot when I was on the Cam Lodes at Wicken Fen and a couple of times on the River Witham and then last year on the Cotswold canal which they are restoring. She is a great boat to visit the little waterways.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care 🌻🦋

[@billycaldwell3804]

Great vlog Vanessa really interesting, Slimbridge is a place I've wanted to visit for a good while, you are lucky I bet zephyr didn't like being left behind. Have a great weekend and stay safe 🙏

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Zephyr and Oscar had a day out with Mr M, so she was fine, but she was so excited when I came home- I love that about dogs, they always make you feel so welcome don't they?🐾🐾 Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@paulturner7837]

Thanks for another wonderful vlog,loved the wetland at slim bridge and the glow worm 🐛 we had a host of fireflies at our house in Bulgaria this June when we visited. I watched them for ages, never seen them before. Hope you are fully recovered from your op. Take care and thank you

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Oh a host of fireflies sounds incredible!🤩🥰 Thank you for your kind message- I am feeling much better now. Take care🦋🌻

[@catherinepmoody7562]

Sorry to learn about your operation, hope you are getting better. Really interesting blog.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you for your kind and caring comment; I am feeling much better now fortunately. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@mellow2990]

Don't think I have ever seen a glow worm before. Or a firefly either for that matter. They must be hard to spot from what I can see. There were so many interesting birds in this video like the one with the long pointed beak that you drew in your journal .I got my book from you to think I may have seen you going to the post office with my book and so many others to mail out. Thanks so much for that and for the little bookmarks as well. Have a great week see you next Friday Steve

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Steve, thank you so much for your lovely comment. I hope you get to see a glow worm and firefly one day as it truly is a spectacular sight to see! I am so pleased that you got your book too. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@jamessalkeld781]

Nice to hear the call of a Yellow Wagtail just before you wrote your poem! Slimbridge gets them on passage.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I will have to go back for the winter migration; I bet it’s magical there then too. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@jamessalkeld781]

@themindfulnarrowboat early December usually sees the return of the Bewick swans, hopefully with young. Winter is a fabulous time of year at Slimbridge. I hope to be there again tomorrow. Take care, Vanessa!

[@vickiturner9392]

If you grow silverbeet for your chickens you will get bright orange yolks. Ours used to go mad to get to our beets!!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

One day, I hope to rescue chickens that are about to be culled and so when that day comes, I shall plant silverbeet for them- thank you for that advice. Have you heard of Fresh Start for Hens? It's a rescue centre for chickens. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@Ian-tk3rq]

Well Vanessa, what can I say, you may recall me asking you questions about wide beams and this was the reason why so your vlog was brilliant. I really hope everything goes well for the Bristol trip and I can't wait to see your next vlog because this is what I want to do as a live about continuous cruser around that area. To me it would be going back home. Yet again a beautiful made vlog. God bless.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I really hope your move afloat works out for you soon🤞 Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@sparkygirl9083]

You nanny a sailor how great. You come by it naturally. I trying to purchase your book but it wouldn’t let me

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I have just put some books in my shop: themindfulnarrowboat.etsy.com. Thank you so much for your interest in buying one- that is so kind of you. Take care🦋🌻

[@user-uc8sf6hy6k]

Lovely little glow worm 🐛 and obviously sailing in the family blood!!! Still looking for the book Vanessa, have a lovely week, much love Kay Dave and Bubba x 😚💖

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Oh the glow worm was just magnificent but so hard to capture its complete beauty on the camera! 🥰 Hopefully, this week, my book will be in stock. I am just waiting for the printer to deliver it at the moment.Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super Sunday, take care🦋🌻

[@user-uc8sf6hy6k]

@@themindfulnarrowboat is it going to be available on Etsy Vanessa x 💖

[@steveward60]

Sorry I meant lovely dog

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am thinking of teaching my dog how to drive though! 😂👍 Take care🌻🦋

[@dnewnova]

just a quick note to let you know your book arrived but i am away on a road trip so will save it for my return this weeks vlog looks really great sorry to hear about your medical issue but hope and pray for your full recovery,will comment again soon

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for letting me know that your book arrived and for your kind wishes too. Enjoy your road trip. Take care🦋🌻

[@cms9902]

I'll assume little Alice is now a few inches longer haha!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Yes, we can fit more people in her now!😂🤪 Thank you for your comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@jonham8469]

Love your channel. It's one of the regulars that my wife and I watch. We watch a lot of British TV shows and love the various regional accents of the UK. What part of the country are you from, and what should we call your accent, which we like very much?

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you are both enjoying the channel. Originally, I am from Essex so my accent is from there.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care 🦋🌻

[@maryodonnell5760]

Nice escape from the drunken neighbours partying outside the pub 3 hours after legal closing, to think of continuous cruising and 'where is home'! First glowworm! Wishing you a fast recovery!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Oh Mary, I feel for you! I bet it's even noisier this time of year?Thank you so much for your kind wishes; I am feeling much better now fortunately. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@maryodonnell5760]

@@themindfulnarrowboat so you see how much sanity you bring to an insane world!

[@user-kb5ot5sg4o]

We have loved your channel, and we seem to have missed the opportunity to buy the journal. Will you be selling more? I do hope so, you have such a talent. Thank you for the great videos, we enjoy these even when we cruise our own boat and we can stay connected to the canal when we are at home. 😊😊

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I am so pleased that you enjoy watching the vlogs. My book should be back in the shop early next week. I am just waiting for it to come back from the printers. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@user-xw6wj2qh5n]

Since you like glowworms so much, if you are ever able to visit Malaysia we'd happily put the put of you up and take you to see the fireflies (locally called 'klip-klip' as their lights pulsate). Usually the way to see them is on a quiet night time cruise on small open boats with electric motors (for silence) and the solid row of trees on the banks have more points of light than Christmas trees.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Wow!🤩 and yes please!🤩 I love the name 'klip-klip' too. You describe it all so poetically. Thank you so much for such a lovely comment. Have a super Sunday and week ahead, take care🦋🌻

[@paulburgess324]

Good job yet again, keep up the good work, and my auto correct will not let me put the na me of a dog g in xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Paul, thank you so much for your lovely comment. Auto correct is such a pain sometimes isn't it!🤭 Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@ItZFlipz]

Does canal boating make you younger because wow :) nice boat home

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

What a kind comment, thank you!😀 Have a super week, take care🌻🦋

[@mattgordon9179]

Love your work Vanessa . Magical views and experiences. Chills me out to the max' even when your taking off with out untiring your little follow boat. I was intrigued about your friends sea journeys but unfortunately the audio wasn't so good. Are you using a shoe Microphone on your camera with a wind sock ? Would be a good investment. Safe Travels you lot

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Matt, thank you for your lovely comment. I really do need to update my microphones; I'll start looking for one. Take care🌻🦋

[@jacquelinesheskey7870]

Ohhhh! I somehow missed that you have printed your book! 😢how can I find out when you are releasing more!?! I’d so love to purchase a copy!!! Xxx hugs!! Xxx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your interest in my book. It will be in my shop again next week, so don't worry, you will get one.Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super Sunday, take care🦋🌻

[@Debba521]

Really enjoyed today's vlog. Beautiful scenery, very interesting places in harmony with nature. And so many different bird species! I had to look up Southern screamer, as I'd never heard of that one! They're native to South America, how on earth did they end up in the U.K.? Enjoyed your nighttime search for glow worms. Are the same as lightning bugs or fireflies? I loved walking Stella at night before bed in summer. We had tree and shrub lined walks where we lived that positively lit up with fireflies at times. They didn't seem to phase Stella. I've got them here where I live now, there's a large green space, community garden and narrow patch of woods. I go out on my balcony after dark to watch the fireflies dance for romance ❤️. So sorry you were having a health issue and hoping you're on the mend. Take care!😊

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Oohhh, Debba- fireflies!🥰🤩 I would love to see them too. If think that they are slightly different to glow worms as fireflies mostly have wings for flight and I think only the male glow worm has wings for flight, but they belong in the same family as they are beetles. I am not 100% sure about it though, so I'll keep on reading. Thank you for your lovely comment; it must be magical to sit on your balcony watching the outside lit by dancing sparks! Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@dnewnova]

#2 back from an exhausting Road trip1500 miles so tired i went straight asleep but woke up at 2.15am made coffee and started reading your book its great to see pictures from the Ashby i never did get along that canal one of my favs is is the Foxton Fox also the pereguines oops spelling the book is wonderful and a real keeper thank you for sharing a very personal item if you decide to do more i will be on your list for one, a question i have is it ok to flat the pages like you do when you do your journal just thinking is the binding strong enough to take it . also who was the lady that produced /wrote that lovely English country side book you quoted from

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Wow, that doesn't sound exhausting! I hope you enjoyed it though. Thank you for your lovely comments about my book; I really appreciate it. Have a super week, take care🌻🦋

[@dianethomas6749]

Was it Edith Holden? 'Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady'

[@dnewnova]

thank you sp much @@dianethomas6749

[@jackmullett9198]

Was that your mum? Wow what an adventurer! I was going to ask how you cope with medical and dental appointments? Lovely shots of birds at Slimbridge. 😎

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Jack, Nanny T is my mother-in-law. She has some amazing stories to tell and a slide show to go with every one!👍😀 I have managed to keep the dentist and optician that I had where I used to live, but doctors are slightly different which is why I became a guest patient to get in the system for my hospital appointment. I also have inhalers for asthma so I have an online system whereby I order them to go to a pharmacy. It was tricky at first to sort it all out, but it works well now. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@rikkiharcourt3868]

Many years ago when we moved into our old stable we found there were a few glow worms in the drive beyond our house. The Old Retainer told that they had once been there in droves. As time went by we saw fewer and asked the concern that moved into the big house if they would change from mowing the grass in July when the Lady Glows climbed the grass stalks to attract a mate. Sadly they took no notice and now there are glow worms no more.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That breaks might heart to hear😢 Why cut the grass if they know that glow worms are there? I think that is why the locals put the sign up in that patch of grass that I found the glow worm and it has worked so far!🤞 Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@Red-ns9ny]

Hope you are feeling lots better now ❤ thanks again for your wonderful vlog. Do you have a link where I can buy your journal please

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am feeling much better, thank you so much😊 My book will be back in stock next week sometime.🤞 It's themindfulnarrowboat.etsy.com Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋