158 - We Had To Call The Police!

Against our better judgement we spend four nights in the Walsall to Town Basin. It wasn't all bad, it was convenient for the shops, most of the people were friendly but it was busy, noisy and dirty.
It was also full of board kids on half turn. On our forth day we had an afternoom of kids throwing rocks at the boat so we had to call the police. We wont be going back to Walsall in a hurry.
Music - "DO NOT GO GENTLE" by Josh Woodward. Free download: joshwoodward.com/
Our Links
Blog: www.minimallist.co.uk
Twitter: / nbminimallist
Facebook: / nbminimallist
Patreon: / minimallist
Jo wrote a short book about her travels and how she met Michael.
tinyurl.com/yaw8a7t3
FAQ's
Q. Where are Michael's T-shirts from?
A. Tee Republic; www.teepublic.com/t-shirts
Q. Why do you speed up some of the footage in your videos?
A. We don't, we film it as time-lapse footage. We do not have the battery capacity or data storage to film in real time as our cruises can last up to 7 or 8 hours. We use to the time-lapse footage to help tell the story of movement rather than showcase the scenery. We limit the amount of time-lapse shots we use in each vlog.

[@johnhorne1685]

My Mother came from Walsall and she would weep to see it today. I remember it from before 1939 and during the war. and it was nothing like that. a changing population perhaps

[@MinimalList]

On the whole it was very friendly. We met lots of nice people. The rubbish was pretty depressing though.

[@stevemusgrave2000]

Looking for positives after the Walsall affair. 1- Your out of Walsall 2- You never have to go back. 3- Your out of Walsall 4- Everyone else, doesn't have too!!!! That's it, thought....... I've done well to find that many. The great advantage for all that are not members of the Minimal List crew is, your doing all navigable canals in this country. You'd be mad not to take heed of your video exploits, and commentary. You are the Alan Whickers of canals. Walsall, no go. Thank you. Keep warm, keep smiling, keep vlogging.

[@MinimalList]

Haha! Lots of positives... and we also met some lovely friendly people in Walsall. I actually hate that we have put people off going as what the Walsall canal desperately needs is more visitors! Just documenting our journey, the good and the bad!

[@malcolmelliott1876]

Like Steve says.. once all are done and edited into a "All The Locks" or "Pound for Pound" dvds those who haven't sampled the delights of the upper BCN can be easily persuaded not to!.

[@MinimalList]

Ha! There is a lot of locks! No wonder we have been going in circles for months!

[@andrewwalton611]

Glad you hear you didn't receive any serious damage in Walsall. It says a lot about the area when you are happy to get back to Wolverhampton. I enjoy your videos. Andy

[@MinimalList]

Wolverhampton was a dream!

[@paulwilson7234]

A honest and no nonsense video of your journey in an urban area.

[@MinimalList]

That’s what we aim for! Glad it came across that way. Thanks for commenting!

[@ChrisandShell]

Glad you both, George and Perseverance are safe.... horrible and uncontrollable situation to face.....

[@MinimalList]

Thank you, yes we are fine! Hopefully just a one off but pretty unpleasant!

[@mikebe2090]

Birmingham & Dudley are bad too. I lost my 2 bikes in Gas Street Basin over night even though they were padlocked, the following morning woke up to mooring ropes untied, thankfully we just floated across the canal. Dudley kids threw rocks at me in a tunnel, the towpath went through. Thankfully there are secure mornings there but limited.

[@MinimalList]

Sorryto hear you had some bad experiences too. I think a lot of it comes down to luck. We have cruised the whole of the BCN now and had no problems in Birmingham or Dudley. Bored kids and opportunistic thieves can happen anywhere. So horrible when something like that does happen even though it isn’t personal it’s very unsettling.

[@sarahmartella3381]

Glad you all safe such a shame you had this happen to you. I feel so sad that that the canal has got so dirty with all the rubbish. You should be able to feel safe in your own home. Take care with love xxx

[@MinimalList]

Thanks Sarah. I think it was just bad luck. Hopefully a one off!

[@roberthiner8728]

What I like about you guys is that you tell it like you see it. Unfortunately, there are places in this world that are not worth revisiting.

[@MinimalList]

We try to, our vlogs represent our journeys both good and bad! But no, we won’t be going back to Walsall!

[@sallyu1]

Experiences like this will make you appreciate the nicer canals even more.

[@MinimalList]

This is true!

[@jimmugford]

First time commitmenter long time watcher .....that canal was depressing. Love the vids keep up the great work. Jim from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

[@MinimalList]

Thanks for following along!

[@johninokla2635]

Sorry to hear about your troubles with the kids throwing rocks. My mom once told me that if the kids were given chores to do till dark they would be too tired to go out and get in trouble. I know I'am a few months late posting this but they say it is better to be late than sorry. You have a new sub also thanks to the two ladies on the narrowboat experience. 😁 👍

[@MinimalList]

Chores might not cut it with those kids, but maybe some of the younger ones! Nice to have the sub! M

[@markmason4132]

I lived in that shit hole and left it,it's vile place and so is Birmingham.I have PTSD as a Afghanistan veteran and trying to save up to buy a canal boat.I am so so sorry this happened to you both .I am also very jealous of you both too but more jealous of your beautiful wifey.Talk about cake and eat lol wow lucky man Keep uploading please great vids.

[@MinimalList]

Good luck with getting a boat. It is a good life and boaters are good people

[@WebbysWalks]

Love your videos, so sorry to hear you had a rough time in Walsall. I live here now, originally from Wolverhampton. Walked the towpaths many times never had any incidents, well only with Geese. The country canals are so much better.

[@MinimalList]

We may well have just been there at the wrong moment, kids out of school and bored, as they were! M

[@simoncooper8272]

Deprived areas will bring issues, and unfortunately the North is full of deprived and job ravished places.

[@alisterbates7001]

Sorry to hear about the rocks thrown and the banging on the boat .i remember it happen to our old boat many years ago kids where on the bridge and as we went under they dropped stones . Nice videos btw might see you around this year . Look out for me and my dads working boat England

[@MinimalList]

It’s just bad luck but very annoying. Sorry to hear it happened for you too! Glad you enjoyed the video, say hi if you see us and we’ll look out for England!

[@susanmccarthy6608]

I used to live in a suburb of Walsall. I got out; you have experienced why we got out. That place is toxic, leaving people with no hope and no jobs. You took me back to my hometown nightmare. Thank you for confirming, for us, we did the right thing.

[@MinimalList]

We won’t be going back! I feel bad for all the nice people we met who are stuck there!

[@robertgeorge8166]

Another great vlog. Your experience through the Birmingham navigation is one that most boaters have to complete once & most come to the same conclusion you have made. Wendy and I refuse to travel that way if possible preferring the none urban route where possible. Sad init.

[@MinimalList]

It’s a shame isn’t it, there are gems in there! And it’s a vicious circle because if more boats visited then things would improved!

[@clivetucker176]

What a filthy stretch of water, yuck. Just read your travel book and I throughly enjoyed it. Really looking forward to the next installment

[@MinimalList]

Glad you enjoyed the book! Seems like a lifetime ago! Thanks for following along!

[@ianharrison873]

Love your videos - thank you!

[@MinimalList]

Thanks for watching!

[@narrowboatmum165]

What a horrible experience hope you are both ok and get safer mooring places ❤️❤️

[@MinimalList]

It was pretty miserable! But no damage done as are all good!

[@EezeeListen]

I remember encountering so much trouble in the Birmingham area and around outskirts of Manchester years ago when I was a happy cruiser. It seems that things have not changed.

[@MinimalList]

We’ve had less trouble then we thought we might, but more than we hoped. Not sure if that’s an improved situation or the same. Probably pretty relative an experience, too. M

[@mickbroadbent6750]

you won the generation game inc cuddly toy lol ,glad your both safe take care guys

[@Tinhare]

👍👍 Such a shame a few little oiks spoil it. I guess that’s why no boats were moored in the basin. Glad you came out of it unscathed and no damage to the boat. Here’s an idea, get a super soaker with a long range and fill it with the contents of the pump out tank. Enjoy the B&F on the way out of town. Has some lovely spots.

[@MinimalList]

Yes, it did explain why all the moorings including the winter mooring were empty. If only we still had a pump out! Eww! 😷

[@KidCurry666]

Sorry to hear about your experience things can only get better, the curly wyrley is a nice canal. Thanks for some interesting vids.

[@MinimalList]

Hopefully it was just bad luck and a one off! Thanks for following along!

[@marianillingworth4403]

What a nightmare, we’ve had mischievous kids but not nasty ones. Not sure when we will get to Walsall but I don’t think we’ll be stopping. Hope you’re back to having a pleasant journey.

[@MinimalList]

There is a mooring at the beginning of the town arm which would Pro a sky have bred better but it was full when we arrived. Yes, we are in a much quieter area now!

[@knobby2knobby]

What a bad stretch of canal in Walsall such a shame. maybe the CRT will sort it out a bit after your vlog ;) Great video as always

[@MinimalList]

It is a huge shame! I don’t know what the answer is but the source of the probable needs to be tacked otherwise the clean up is just a waste of time and money as more rubbish and trouble with follow!

[@eventail2001]

Visited Walsall basin (by car) today. CRT cleaned up no rubbish at all either side of floating barrier. Wonder how the youth problems can be solved legally of course.

[@MinimalList]

I’d start with giving them something to do, cheaply... we saw a family walking a couple miles down the towpath to have a picnic in a graveyard and their best entertainment was stopping to throw stones at a sign. There’s clearly not enough free activities to engage them, so they end up pottering about and taking it out on anyone they feel must be in a weaker position than themselves. If all else fails employ them in cleaning up their own back yards! M

[@simonpickering4917]

Hi Jo and Michael, the UK is on a slippery slope. We left four years ago after an armed robbery and now live in the sun all year round but I do miss the English weather ( well just a bit). Love your journeys round the country, if I ever came back it would be to buy a narrow boat. Hope you all stay well and keep on cruising.

[@MinimalList]

We are keeping on... still got the other half of the Network to see

[@janecox4173]

Pleased you ok. Loved the out takes at the end made me laugh

[@MinimalList]

Thank you, glad there was some laughs after a depressing vlog!

[@erichh4144]

I love 90s music and breaking bad

[@revonda5204]

Jo, thank you for your book. I read it within a day of downloading. I have often wondered about the back story of you and Michael. Funny, I had the same first reaction to Michael as well just seeing him on one of your vlogs and wouldn't watch any. 😄I finally made myself watch one and decided he wasn't my first impression which was an loud arrogant American! And I'm American! You seem very well suited because you give back as good as you get, both love to travel, and evidently care very much for each other. Thanks again for the book. I enjoyed reading about your travels.

[@MinimalList]

Glad you enjoyed the book! First impressions can be wrong I guess! Thanks for giving us a second chance and following along! 😊

[@revonda5204]

Won't miss you now! If you don't pop up with a new vlog, I go checking to see if I overlooked the notice.

[@ASCIITerminal]

Heavens above - that area is grim! It was bad when I was last there which is nearly 20 years ago but it seems to have got worse.

[@MinimalList]

Depressing isn’t it!

[@nbflyingfox4672]

Great vlog as per usual Michael and Jo. Glad you got through Walsall relatively unscathed. I suppose it might have been different if it was not half term time. I was just thinking how us kids grew up in the 60's one things for sure we were never as destructive as the youth off today. Good luck and keep safe.

[@MinimalList]

Yes, we put it down to bad luck and half term boredom!

[@tgcrowson]

Its saying something when Wolverhampton is so much nicer than Walsall! Your experience outside the pub in Walsall is similar to one we had in Chester. Where we moored near the Lockkeeper pub and had stuff taken off our boat by drunken louts at 2am on a Saturday night / Sunday morning. Much better to moor under the town walls behind the cathedral. There’s a bit of drug dealing going on there but at least they don’t want to draw attention to themselves so it’s quiet and hassle free. Another great vid.

[@MinimalList]

Thanks for the tip, will try and remember when we make it up that far! Thanks for following along!

[@dulciebarnes6228]

Thank you for doing the Walsall Canal, so we don’t have to! The locals call the Wyrley & Essington the Curly Wurly due to its windy nature. Looking forward to your next instalment

[@MinimalList]

We can’t recommend it and that is a first! It certainly is bendy!

[@ScaseFacetime]

Well done for getting through that section of canal. It really looked gross!!😞

[@MinimalList]

It was. Tragic, really. M

[@Richard-dg7bf]

Had similar problems on a night- passage through Wigan a few years ago.

[@MinimalList]

Such a shame!

[@MOLYN867]

Not only have you had to endure the detritus and rubbish in the canal but the same with two legs on the land. I do hope that things improve and please take care.

[@MinimalList]

Well also met some lovely friendly people too! I hope Walsall sorts itself out sometime!

[@borderlands6606]

No amount of smart pontoons and moorings are going to encourage a critical mass of boaters to hang around places like that. Residential boats need to be behind locked gates in such situations, and the lack of them marks visitors down as local "entertainment". Altering the deadhead mindset is the long term winner, but in the short term putting boats as far away from retail and leisure and behind tall spikey railings is a minimum requirement.

[@MinimalList]

Totally agree, something needs to change if more boaters are to be encouraged to visit Walsall!

[@Wishwader]

With all the varied and wonderful rubbish in Walsall look on the bright side. If you're willing to clean it you never need buy anything again!

[@morgidvmw0mdv]

Sorry to hear you had so much trouble with kids throwing rocks. There's no discipline these days and no pride in their environment! hence all the junk in the canals. This might cheer you up a bit. It's a sad but pleasing tail that happens to be true. A local character who frequented a local pub happened to be dying of cancer and was enjoying a pint in his local. Some young teenagers were vandalising a bus shelter opposite the pub. The landlord went out and told them to pack it in. He was met with a barrage of abuse. They were saying, "you cant touch us, we will have the law on you if you do" etc. Our hero (I wont mention his name) went out, walked over to the destructive teenagers, picked out the biggest one, the one with the biggest mouth, the leader and gave him a real hefty smack. "Now then" said our hero, "I'm dying of cancer so go and report me to the police. By the time they get me to court, I'll be dead". There wasn't another peep out of the teenagers and they went their way somewhat subdued. Our hero has since passed away, but he will always be remembered for his courage and cense of hummer. God bless him.

[@MinimalList]

The kids do think they are untouchable. There are no consequences to their actions. Great story!

[@andyb1237]

Slough Arm, tidal Thames and now Walsall.That's three things you've done so I don't have to. Cheers.

[@MinimalList]

Haha, you’re welcome.

[@DaveHenry-mort8088]

Glad you're both ok, and that the police actually came and checked in on you. Now you can escape to the country :-)

[@MinimalList]

We were pretty impressed they turned up relatively quickly

[@TheChrysler56]

What a shame regarding those little scroats. Luckily the rocks missed the solar panels. It’s a wander your coal stash wasn’t thrown in the water too. Shame about the sheer litter strewn in the canal but saying that apart from the rubbish dumped in the canal the water was reasonably clean. Oh at least there weren’t any dead bodies, unless you know different.....lol.

[@MinimalList]

To be fair none of them were tall enough to reach the coal. M

[@bartsblog7705]

I think we’re going to cross Walsall off our list of canals to cruise on !

[@MinimalList]

I can’t say we recommend a visit 😬

[@chrisgreenhalgh6358]

sorry for your bad experience in Walsall, a sad reflection on part of society in this modern world . incidents, crimes need reporting otherwise there is no need for police and funding gets reduced. also its a shame folk are avoiding using the canals in that area as again they will become uncared for and a downward spiral commences. Keep up the good work of producing enjoyable films. Thanks

[@MinimalList]

We’d rather they not get avoided, but our experience there makes it hard not to warn people off... really needs a deep clean and refurb! M

[@michael7324]

I like that you show the maps. Thanks

[@MinimalList]

Glad you like them! M

[@WeaverBird64]

I will cross Walsall off my to do list. It sounds and looks a complete nightmare! I'm glad nothing more serious happened to you.

[@MinimalList]

We can’t recommend it to be honest... but there is a mooring just at the beginning of the town arm which might be safer!

[@jofuji8255]

It’s a god awful place. Avoid!

[@ianmason8713]

You got a thumbs up, even though I used to call Walsall home. I love that 'used to' part of that sentence. I'm sad to say that you got off very lightly, in the Walsall basin. I have seen things get very bad on that stretch between the retail park and the Bridge (town centre). Gang fights, mugging gangs etc, it is a great area to see the worst of the Black Country. Wolverhampton used to be even worse but over the last couple of decades, I have noticed a better police on the street presence in Wolverhampton. Enjoy the Shroppie, my favourite chill out canal, it is a real breath of fresh air compared to the urban sprawl of the West Midland.

[@MinimalList]

Let’s hope Walsall takes a lead out of Wolverhampton’s book and improves too. It’s such a shame, such a waste of a wonderful resource!

[@dinosaurworld839]

You've just convinced me to do 3 months on canals in France not the UK & i'm a Pom living in OZ for 30 yrs looking for a bit of nostalgia so sad for the people there

[@MinimalList]

We’ve been Narrowboating continuously for two years and this is the only time anything like this has happened to us. But yes, it is pretty sad. I’m sure boating in France will be amazing!

[@davelawrence821]

Note to self.. rather go self catering in Beirut than walsall lol looked rough... glad you got out of dodge ok

[@MinimalList]

Haha!

[@simonwright9916]

Beirut is amazing. I’m there at the moment 😜. Walsall is a dump - I worked there a few years ago and hated it

[@MyPlonkerboy]

I so love your vlogs. most enjoyable, Thank you.

[@MinimalList]

Thank you for the kind words. They are much appreciated!

[@BillMSmith]

Sorry you ended up in that position, it's never pleasant when you feel vulnerable because of other peoples unkind actions. On a nicer note, your channel is one of the few I'm continuing with after my post surgery KZbin addiction. In addition to the suspense one gets from anticipating how Michael can re-imagine the close, the quality of the sound and editing is SO much better than many other channels. Well worth watching, thanks for the effort that I know goes into this.

[@MinimalList]

Thanks for such kind words. We hope you are on the mend!

[@nirgunapa56]

I find your adaptation of the 'tube' map for the BCN really impressive - well done Jo. So sad that this part of the network is getting you both down. So often towns and cities turn their backs on both the canals and rivers instead of realising what tremendous assets they could be for people, wildlife, economy, sustainable transport and well being. [puts soap box away]

[@peteon4wheels627]

I lived in Walsall for six month's and that was enough for me, I call it scumsall, your better of else where, glad you guys are OK, by the way, I've got a pit bull if you won't to have a loan of her, she will take care of the fools for you and she will get on great with George no worry's.

[@robinreed6057]

Thank you. I now know an area to avoid. Hope you get back to peace and tranquility soon.

[@MinimalList]

It’s such a shame but yeah, it was our worse experience to date! Need to get out of urban! Thanks for watching!

[@johnbrookes2196]

Everybody avoids so no need to keep it clean by the CRT or the Walsall council the kids have won

[@MinimalList]

Walsall would definitely benefit from more boats visitors!

[@smartazz61]

Can you imagine? Your trash bin in the kitchen is overflowing so you walk out the back door, walk to The Back Fence, and toss it over the back wall. That's What I Call class.

[@MinimalList]

Pretty much how it is along that stretch of canal! Very depressing!

[@sdbpost]

Glad you escaped with minimal injury. I still think the canal could be a way to engaging the teens to develop so civic pride, but it looks like the general boating population needs to stay clear for a while. No wonder I've not seen any of the boattubers cruising that area.

[@MinimalList]

I totally agree. There is no point just endlessly clearing up the rubbish. The source of the problem needs to be tacked. Getting local people to love and look after the amazing resource they have. Boat trips and kayaking would be great. I can’t see things changing anytime soon!

[@stewartturner3181]

👍 as always to the vlog. Sounds like you plan to push on but if you are staying around wolves for a bit can I do my bit for local tourism and recommend Ironbridge, jackfield and Coalport. It's not too far and think you can get buses and or trains from Wolves as no canal and river seven not navigable up that far now😞 . It's full of Very interesting industrial history great pubs and nice cafes. They Hay inclined plane very interesting especially for boaters? Anyway all the best and for your future travels .

[@MinimalList]

Thanks for the tips, we have moved on but are looping round the the bottom of the a Wolverhampton flight soon so it would be good to do some touristing when we get there.

[@stewartturner3181]

@@MinimalList Your welcome. Have been doing lots of walking for health lately especially on canal towpaths and have been using your vlogs for a bit of inspiration so returning the favour 😊Here are some more for you and some are on canals! Bridgenorth Bus ride from wolves nice town on the seven and the seven valley railway Brewood nice village and pubs on Shropshire union. Penkridge nice village great bakery Jaspers on staffs and worcs Shugbourgh NT near Great Heywood Heywood junction on Trent and Mersey or end of staffs and and Worcs Best wishes to you both

[@craigbowie8925]

Wow, how did I miss this one? Glad you are out of that place and I wouldn't return.

[@mikearpowell]

Sadly, if you want to explore some of these urban canal stretches, it might be worth considering installing CCTV or a webcam that will help identify any vandals.

[@MinimalList]

Not sure anything would get done even if we could identify them!

[@normanbarnoff3055]

Perhaps a security system like Arlo Pro would be helpful. 4 Cameras with rechargeable batteries. It saves video and audio to the cloud and local hard drive (if you want). I have it for my house and it works great. HD video recording. Regards Norm

[@petersimpson8727]

Walsall should be giving you a medal for having even ventured into their den of eniquity. It is such a shame that the powers that be do not see their local canal as worthy of any degree of appreciation. Congratulations on having persevered and having given Walsall more than five minutes of your time, let alone a couple of days.

[@MinimalList]

I think it is a never ending job, the canal is constantly used as a rubbish dump and is filled with rubbish as quickly as it is cleared.

[@markbulla1851]

It's a shame about the conditional of the canals in Walsall. I recognize that it's a chore to keep them clean, but seriously. Other places manage it... It's nice to see George is happy!

[@markbulla1851]

Jo makes me smile when she's trying not to laugh during the closing! Thanks for the video!

[@MinimalList]

I don’t think other places have this level of trash thrown in the canal in the first place. I think the answer is to tackle the cause of the trash but I have no idea how you do that.

[@mobius1330]

Born and raised in Walsall (1979) and the town has consistently gone downhill since the 80s. It used to be a lovely bustling town.

[@MinimalList]

I hope things improve for it at some point soon!

[@edwardjordan3591]

I have to unwillingly agree but there are beautiful places in Walsall too.

[@williamkeily6686]

Sounds a lot like Aylesbury. Nice town. Ice pontoon moorings. Impossible to stay there for more than a night because of the kids. When one gang had been put on a “police contract” another arrived the next day causing the same problems.

[@MinimalList]

Gosh, that sound utterly miserable! We had a few nights in Aylesbury last summer. I guess we were lucky! At least the Aylesbury Arm isn’t quite a filthy too!

[@williamkeily6686]

Minimal List It is a really nice cut. Needs some maintenance and Aylesbury is lovely. I made good friends there, even got some work on the little trip boat. But I was stuck down there for weeks blacking mine and two other boats and it was a nightmare with a particular gang. I did video them and eventually, after Waitrose, the hotel, the theater and every boater there had called the police they were put on a contract. And the next day a different bunch showed up. Hopefully it’ll be better by September, the festival is on again and I plan to go. But I think I’ll give Walsall the swerve on my north this year.

[@dereklonewolf9011]

Walsal ? Time to upgrade your waterways map guys 🇨🇦 72 yr Yorkshire expat

[@louisebastard2091]

We did Two years ago Birmingham canal we had a lot of problem of weeds and also saw a lot of police looking for someone before we got to wolverhampton in the centre of birmingham was really nice we did push to get to wolverhampton as we had left late we arrived in wolverhampton about 8 at night But other wise we enjoyed it we have shared a lock with you on the river soar I think it was the year that we were coming back from Birmingham

[@MinimalList]

Gosh, I like to be in a mooring by 4, I always worry there won’t be space... even in winter when we are the only boat moving! Sounds like quite the adventure though. I hope our paths cross again!

[@louisebastard2091]

Minimal List We had the fat lab boat name nellie grey hope to see you again on the water 😊

[@rwbimbie5854]

Hooligan Youths... there is a reason I live out in the countryside far from the city

[@MinimalList]

Good choice!

[@totallysimulated944]

There's a reaon I live way, way, way out. Like across the pond way out. I guess a little excitement keeps the adventure intersting though. Great vlog as always. Take care

[@nigeljennings6527]

What a great shame,I grew up in walsall, learnt to swim in the canals, probably by misfortune of jumping the width of the locks, but they were clean once, I recognised alot of the places on this film,as we used to ride our bikes along the tow paths, always money to be earnt opening the locks, I remember it as a happy childhood, and stories from my father who worked at the patent shaft steel works next to the canals, of men nipping off to the off licence or the offy to get beer, having one too many in the bar and then jumping from barge to barge and falling in the canal, and then drying out in front of the furnace in the heart of the steel works, we moved to Devon in 1972, most of my family have now passed, but i do sometimes see a name i recognise on facebook,

[@MinimalList]

So much wonderful history! Wonderful to hear stories like that.

[@suetaylor5186]

Fazeley is beautiful Xxx lovely area

[@MinimalList]

Looking forward to it!

[@simonkelley7073]

Well, at least no-one has taken a chainsaw to the balance beams, like they did (repeatedly) last year,. The best bit about going through Walsall by canal is that you'll never, ever have to do it again.

[@MinimalList]

We heard about the chainsaw incidents and who was behind them! And no, we won’t be going back to Walsall!

[@christopherevans3118]

Walsall, the home of feral kids, and not much better on the Wyrley and Essington canal either, which is a great pity because it's a lovely canal especially in the summer, Wolverhamptom is not much better either. Just get out of there all together if I was you. The tame valley canal is a dump aswell, you been warned folks 👍🏻

[@MinimalList]

We had a lovely time in the Wyrley, Tame and in Wolverhampton, I think a lot of it comes down to luck!

[@christopherevans3118]

Minimal List And the time of the year.

[@MinimalList]

Yes.. the fact that it was half term probably didn’t help!

[@manwithapan9481]

I hear crossbows are really cheap and look quite scary when pointed in your direction even with no arrow in, they also fire arrows a lot further than anyone can throw a stone ;) The canals of england are know for their beauty, but also their danger, they are full of bodies and murder weapons, you need something to defend yourself with really or at least a visual deterrent.

[@MinimalList]

Full of bodies and murder weapons! 😳

[@honorharrington4546]

Escape from Wolverhampton! No! Wait! Escape Back To Wolverhampton!!! Sad to see your life is being 'life' at the moment. Hope you find more 'better parts' ahead. :)

[@MinimalList]

So happy to get back to the ‘tranquility’ of Wolverhampton! Yep... all part of the adventure!

[@nairbvel]

I've watched a lot of narrowboat videos, and that segment of canal was the most depressing I've seen.

[@MinimalList]

Us too! And we’ve lived a lot of narrowboat videos! M

[@virginiaschott4482]

If every canal boater on KZbin pointed out all the trash, etc, you would think that the towns/cities would not like the bad publicity and clean up their act. All the money they are loosing when the boats just pass them.

[@MinimalList]

Walsall would definitely benefit from some more boats visitors! I can’t see it happening though!

[@johnkelley9254]

I feel for you Michael and Jo kids are bad no matter what country your in. That is one town you don't have to go back to you can say been there done that cross it off your lists . Michael is there a way they could divert dome of the water from the wairs to clean out the canals to clean them out.

[@MinimalList]

Yep, we’re not in a hurry to go back to Walsall, that’s for sure!

[@chipwood5017]

Seems like the little hooligans are every where these days. Good luck and God Bless

[@colinracheljustpootling7468]

It’s a sad part of society now. Glad you guys are okay. A bit of discipline is needed 👍

[@371508129]

What about carrying a pitch fork with you and forking the trash up on the shore? Or suggest that the river trust have a cleaning barge.

[@MinimalList]

The Canal and River Trust have many work boats and volunteer teams do use them to clean up the canals, I think the trouble is that in certain areas the problem of litter is overwhelming!

[@bcjnk]

can i say sorry for your treatment most of walsallpeople are good ones but like every area we have a few numpteys

[@MinimalList]

We did mention that on the whole it was a really friendly place. It’s just such a shame that the actions of a few silly kids overshadowed everything else!

[@jofuji8255]

Moved to Wolverhampton from Australia while job hunting in Birmingham. Both are bloody awful. Filthiest places I’ve ever lived - moving to south Leicestershire next month. Thank god!

[@MinimalList]

I think everywhere has good and bad areas. I hope you feel happier in Leicestershire

[@pcoldlight5631]

Unfortunately their are a holes across the board . I wish it wasn't that way.

[@MinimalList]

Yep! I hope it was just bad luck and not a too common occurrence!

[@beowolff]

Another great vlog...really enjoy your sense of humour...you couldn't do this without it. Is the Walsall basin new? Are they trying to attract the tourist trade with it?

[@MinimalList]

Thank you! No idea about the age of the basin but it did look fairly new. If they want to attract more boaters they will need to do a lot more than that!

[@beowolff]

@@MinimalList Kinda what I was thinking, seems like a place to avoid.

[@americanrambler4972]

Is there an in place process of some kind to proactively remove debris and trash from the canal waterways?

[@MinimalList]

There are volunteers teams that work hard across the network but I guess it comes back as quickly as they remove it

[@JISJ1964]

Could there be a connection between all that dirt in the canal and the kids disturbing you maybe?

[@ronbearman4661]

Hi guys What a shame that a few idiots spoil it for everyone and puts people off going there I won't bother going there You take care stay safe

[@MinimalList]

It is a huge shame. The area would benefit greatly benefit from more boated visiting. And the canal being used as a resource for local people. I hate that we have put people off going but our vlogs are to document our experiences both good and bad!

[@Drobium77]

This is the only part of my getting a future boat to live on, that worries me. The world is such a rough place now. And you'd be better not to go after them, as the amount of chavs that carry knives now is scary :-( I hope it's not blighted the BCN for you guys, but I cannot wait for you to get out into the countryside again :-D Stay safe guys!

[@MinimalList]

I wouldn’t worry too much. We have been continuously cruising for nearly two years and this is the first time anything like this has happened to us. It was just bad luck, not personal! We are looking forward to more countryside soon!

[@djsoulUK]

@@MinimalList Thanks - I also needed to read this. Coming back to the UK from the US in couple years to get a boat and I haven't had to deal with these types since leaving.

[@andythompson9146]

such a shame, I guess that could also be why there didnt seem to be any other boats there

[@MinimalList]

Yes, and why the winter mooring was empty! It’s annoying because more boats visiting would be such a positive thing!

[@andythompson9146]

@@MinimalList I love your recital of things spotted in the canal - it was a little like a Generation Game conveyor belt scene lol :-) kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKOvn2iFp6aSqdk

[@MinimalList]

We wouldn’t have won much... we forgot a lot of it! Haha

[@whangie1]

You would have been worse off in Scotland. Ive been told terrible stories about that place and warned to avoid it.

[@MinimalList]

Funny, I’ve heard that about everywhere I’ve ever been from someone who never has! M

[@Blackhatter1]

I'll be glad when your videos are back out in some nicer (and cleaner) sections of the canal system. What a disgusting place to cruise. Hard to enjoy.. and then the rotten kids throwing rocks... Hoping you're in better times now!

[@MinimalList]

We are on a lovely waterway now... still catching up with the edits!

[@Blackhatter1]

@@MinimalList I look forward to seeing where you are now!

[@catherinelong4511]

How terrifying. I’m glad you’re all ok. Poor George must have been frightened too and it would have been unsettling for all of you. I’m not sure why people behave this way. It must be a difficult place to live and I’m guessing it is a place of high unemployment/social problems but don’t people want to try to make it a better place to live. It’s depressing.

[@MinimalList]

It wasn’t pleasant but we just put it down to bad luck, it certainly wasn’t personal. Our lifestyle must look vary alien I guess! We met a lot of lovely people in Walsall. I hope things improve for them!

[@tiger175]

I admire you cruising some of the 'less popular' areas of the country's network. Sorry it's spoilt by one or two groups. No cctv monitors in these areas? A social problem which could be improved with ownership by local people perhaps.

[@MinimalList]

Michael is on a mission to go everywhere... so we are! It would be great if the locals saw the canal as the amazing resource it is rather than just a rubbish dump.

[@malcolmelliott1876]

Things round there obviously have not changed.... back in the 70/80's kids around there used to practice becoming bombardiers by dropping rocks or bottles(sometimes full of stuff you don’t want on your boat) from high railway viaducts. At least it taught them about terminal velocity and trajectories. Always lock your front doors when travelling through chav territories and close curtains.

[@MinimalList]

Eww! At least it didn’t get that bad! It wasn’t all bad, in the whole it was a really friendly and convenient place. Just bored kids causing trouble at our expense. What Walsall needs is a community boat and a kayak club, get the disenchanted kids involved in carrying for their canal!

[@malcolmelliott1876]

Just shows that the decay of western civilization started long before social media came along... just now we hear more about it and have pictures to prove it. In general what you are showing is that the canals, the redeveloped shopping areas alongside and towpaths are much, much nicer than 30 years ago. Rubbish is the issue.. CRT cant spend 24/7 collecting it and local councils have different (oft misguided) priorities. Community service penalties for minor offenses clearing sections of canal (where they cant run away) would do wonders. They do that in Singapore... community service means spending Saturday collecting rubbish off the streets wearing a hi-vis vest for the offenders wife's friend all to see... works wonders for crime rate!

[@MinimalList]

Totally agree, I would hate for the Canal and River Trust to spend thousands cleaning it up without the cause of the issues being addressed! Otherwise it is just an ongoing cost and a never ending problem!

[@GenaF]

So in your last video, you mentioned a little boy asking if anyone had thrown any rocks and you'd thought it was a strange question. It seems he knows what goes on in that area. Strange behaviour as you'd think there would be CCTV coverage due to the businesses there. At least you've never got to visit that shitehole that is Walsall ever again.

[@MinimalList]

There is CCTV, they just seem to consider getting in trouble to be part of the game. Little shits. M

[@charleskitson4903]

Being born and raised in Miami I would suggest a very large hungry dog or a paintball gun. They won't kill but will adjust attitude. Hope your both safe and happy. Thanks again for the wonderful video's .

[@MinimalList]

Michael did mention the paintball gun! Thanks for following along

[@charleskitson4903]

@@MinimalList They even make paintball grenades and bazookas for the extreme situations. lol.

[@Stu2366593]

Hello to you both. Subscribed a few months ago and I am really enjoying your travels. I downloaded the sample of your book but I am unable to purchase here in Canada - I get a message that it isn’t available (even though the sample is). Any suggestions? Thank you!

[@MinimalList]

It is available Canada. Are you on Amazon.ca? Try this link www.amazon.ca/Away-Gray-Joanne-Morehouse-ebook/dp/B01GZHT3SQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=367WMK8IMJU8L&keywords=away+from+the+gray&qid=1552516231&s=gateway&sprefix=away+fr&sr=8-1

[@Stu2366593]

It worked! Thank you. The link I was using was created when I left Amazon.com for Amazon.ca - using the Amazon app. I will read this tonight :-)

[@MinimalList]

Yay!

[@quinnpaddock4241]

You would been better mooring up north bit of the canalside

[@quinnpaddock4241]

I did a cleaning thing of the canal with plastic patrol in Walsall town we in one day collected four tonnes of rubbish 😮

[@MinimalList]

Wish we’d known at the time! M

[@bumpty9830]

I wonder what it's like to be able to call the police and not wonder whether anyone will be murdered by the responders.

[@MinimalList]

Well, basically, it’s what you’ve been able to rely on in England for most of the time since policing was invented. Seems to me if that’s not the case you might be living somewhere that’s gotten the concept of protect and serve drastically wrong, possibly due to the ludicrous prevalence of lethal weaponry. M

[@bumpty9830]

​@@MinimalList They most certainly protect and serve. The question is whether they serve the Terence Crutchers or the Betty Shelbys, and I imagine we both know the answer. (In case you don't, one is dead, and the other still walks the streets with a gun and a badge.) www.cnn.com/2019/03/01/us/oklahoma-tulsa-shooting-federal-decision/index.html