#170

In this vlog, I have a scary experience coming down the Wolverhampton flight as one of the pounds flood the road. Also, I have to do my first solo cruise in high winds and heavy rain to get my engine fixed. Sit back, relax and enjoy- take care🌻🦋
The Flower of Gloster:
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I also sell some of my nature journal entries on Etsy at themindfulnarrowboat.etsy.com
Music: Envato Elements
Acoustic Loop by J Hunger
Dream Sonata by Pink Zebra
Autumn Colours by V-Audio
Emotional Journey by Music Dream
You can catch me on Twitter at: @TheMindfulNB
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It's always lovely to hear from you and I will get back to you

[@rikkiharcourt3868]

You are tough. All that drama and you filmed your way through. Got guts Girl!!! You deserve a gold medal.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your encouragement- that is so kind of you! Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@nancymandle5215]

I am in awe of your courage in the face of uncertainty and doubt. I can’t be the only fan of this channel who could benefit from learning some of your coping skills when faced with truly frightening circumstances - maybe you will decide to share some of them in a future video. 💕

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Nancy, thank you so much for such a kind comment. I'm not sure how I would be in a truly frightening situation? I do have a story to tell about overcoming anxiety though which I'm always happy to share with anyone that might be suffering like that. I'm not sure it is something that will fit in the vlogs, but I could do something on Instagram about it? Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@BarbaraPerry-vj4zr]

You are such fun to watch! I love your attitude and the to close each vlog with your drawings and poems just make my evening complete!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you, Barbara! Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🌻🦋

[@shirleygreaves9650]

Despite the rain and flooding this is a very beautiful vlog. You always manage to capture the beauty of the passing seasons and nature. You are very brave driving the boat alone with a faulty engine through all of the flood water. Zephyr is just so cute the way she listens to every thing you say to her. I hope the engine troubles are over for good and you have a peaceful winter with not too much inclement weather to contend with. I loved the poem, it summed up your journey perfectly. Take care you 3. X

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Shirely for your encouragement and kindness. I hope we can get Alice Grace back up and running again; it is so concerning knowing that she is not working properly. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@jackmullett9198]

Another interesting vlog, beautiful colours, despite the rain. I’m gad you’ve had your engine fixed. Overheating distorts the cylinder head which then needs skimming and a gasket replaced. On tomatoes, I listened to Michael Mosley, the radio doctor on his Radio 4 programme, Just One Thing, cooking tomatoes breaks down the fibres and releases more health benefits than raw ones. My scientific terminology might be a bit simple, but cooking them is more beneficial. 😎

[@Daytona2]

Just One Thing is superb - I've leant so much from it.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Jack- Ooh, another fantastic recommendation- I'll have to check out Just One Thing- it sounds like my cuppa of tea. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@chibinwosu5261]

Hi Vanessa, I’m a new subscriber and you are an absolute ray of sunshine ☀️. Every vlog is 20 plus minutes of pure joy 😃

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I’m so pleased that you are enjoying the vlogs. Thank you so much for subscribing too. Have a super week. Take care 🌻🦋

[@bobnmarewilcox4855]

Well done smiling all the way through. Hats off to you.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Bob! I'm not sure I would have been smiling had I been blown off in the wrong direction taking that turn at the junction.😂 Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@jennyfulcher8035]

Wow! The canal and locks sure were flooded from leaves clogging the storm drains. Although it was scary and stressful trying to empty the locks and navigate the flooded canal, at least your engine's coolant was doing okay. We had something similar happen in Seattle after a thunderstorm recently. There was water spewing out of the manholes like geysers in my neighborhood because of all of the leaves from maple and chestnut trees. I had to drive around one of them. 🍅🍅🍅🚂🚃"Fried Green Tomatoes" at the Whistle stop Cafe was a great movie, well worth watching. 🍁🍂☔🌊 Jenny

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Jenny, I hope that your flooded manholes have calmed down now. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@mrsbabycakes5551]

You can make amazing chutney with green tomatoes and they definitely won’t upset you

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I’ll have to try that😋 Thank you for watching. Take care🦋🌻

[@JulianMountMusic]

Well done for coping with your scary solo cruise! It was made even more scary with the dramatic music! I don't know HOW you fitted all those musicians onto Alice Grace! :-) x

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

The musicians were tucked inside the cabin away from the rain so no water went into their trumpets!🎺😂 Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@paulbauswellsr3296]

A Very Lovely Lady on a lovely boat exploring a very lovely place. If I may ask, what more could anyone ask for? You have a way about you that can turn a windy, 🌧 rainy day into something very pleasant. And you accomplish this just by being your natural self. You young lady are amazing.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is such a kind comment- thank you so much. I really appreciate this life that I have at the moment; before, narrowboat life, I had a very stressful job and worked ridiculous hours so how can I complain? it would be very selfish of me if I did, I think.Have a super rest of the week, take care🦋🌻

[@tmcmurdo826]

Fried green tomatoes are a traditional dish in the Deep South of the USA. I love them with a Parmesan panko crust.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Yum!😋 Thank you for watching. Take care 🌻🦋

[@debh4190]

Whistle Stop Cafe is a great film but the book is even better! Your own personal heron came again to admire the fall foliage. And buzzards! -- Keep moving, as we say on the farm! Great crewing, Zeph, and Boldly Go, Vanessa! Well done you!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I’ll have to read the book one day! The heron was definitely looking down on me!😂 Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Have a super week, take care🌻🦋

[@darlene9154]

Zeph is so cute. She looks at you like she understands. 🤗❤️ Well done!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Zeph has such a human look at times and I talk to her constantly as I think she understands too. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@TheJessierb]

Great job Captain Vanessa and Able Sea Dog Zephyr! It looked scary indeed. I loved the autumn colors and the Magpie shooing away the buzzard..who'd have thought? Green tomatoes can be used also to make relish. Now that cold weather is here we just leave the remaining green toms to ripen inside. Your poem is gorgeous and so well captures the elements of your vlog this past week. Wishing you more adventures in the week ahead. xxx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Wendy, thank you so much for your encouragement- that is so kind of you. If you have a special green chutney recipe then please send it my way; I'll definitely be eating fried, green tomatoes again though too! Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@quavernote4307]

Hi at a motorist shop you can buy head gasket fix fluid for £16 just pour it in the exspanssion tank while running the engine the fluid circulates and seals the gasket in 20 minutes saves a fortune Halfords also sell it Vanessa !!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I had no idea that you could do that? That's really interesting. I feel confident with Oxley Marine now though as they are going to skim down the head and whilst repairing they're going to look at why it went in the first place and then put in new injectors and studs.

[@peterrouleau5992]

Amazing, you do it so well. A Sailor, thank you.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you- thank you so much! Happy New Year🦋🌻

[@josephpotterf9459]

Thanks love it all

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much! It is lovely to know that you enjoyed it. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@suedale1865]

Well done Vanessa I felt your apprehension on solo sail but look at you Great congratulations 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 oh & Zeph The Autumn tints were magnificent such splendour Another great masterpiece of the magpie ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Sue, I hope that you are feeling much better now? Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I was a bit apprehensive about drawing a solitary magpie as I try and not be superstitious but I do salute them, when I see one it's own. However, when I saw how brave it was with the buzzard, I decided that they deserve a bit of love and attention...still saluting them though!😂 Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@katienorthenmore1892]

wow good on you ! you did really well , its excellent to see, hope you got the boat fixed ok? yes that's a great film and i did cry to, its such a powerful film. lovely pictures of nature again, thank you for capturing this for us all to see. take care 🖐💐🐞

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Katie for your kindness. I can't believe that I've never seen that film before but what a great story and so beautifully told too. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@annjarvis9300]

Awww lovely autumn vlog and my you were so brave give yourself a hug 🤗🤗couple from us to so glad you got your engine fixed bargain on price to tc now the oldies 👍🌟

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Ann, you are so kind- thank you so much for your words of encouragement. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@obiblooze5902]

Another lovely vlog, your filming of the wildlife is just beautiful. Well done for the solo voyage x

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you- thank you so much! Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@glennwoods2462]

Some of the best bird photography and filming ive seen... marvelous... 🙂👍🇳🇿

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you, Glenn- thank you so much! Have a super rest of the week, take care🦋🌻

[@brewster3987]

I do believe the autumn colors around 12:30 are some of the prettiest I've ever seen. Not exaggerating. Thanks for sharing. And don't fret about fried green tomatoes... they're a staple appetizer here in South Carolina USA... and despite Zephyr's obvious trepidation at 17:00, you both did a fine job wrangling the boat on your own!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Brewster- the autumn colours have been really slow to start here and I was concerned that they would all be blown off before changing, so I was delighted to find the trees lighting up the canal this week. I will definitely be eating fried green tomatoes again! Zephyr was great crew wasn't she? Although I'm going to have to teach her to work a windlass!😂🐾🐾 Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@michaelpilling9659]

Hello Vanessa - greetings from Poland. WOW! - that was exciting. I've never seen that much water in a canal before. The cruise to get some water was nail biting, but you got there in the end. Well done you and Zephyr on getting the boat to the repairers in one piece, all on your own. Beautiful birds - especially the magpie and the buzzard. Superb photography skills despite the awful weather. Your commenatry and expalnations about what we were looking at was great.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Michael, I have never seen so much water in the canal either- it was so worrying! Fortunately, it all worked out in the end though. I am so pleased that you enjoyed this vlog. Thank you so much for such a lovely and encouraging message. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@stevecam724]

Courageous : not deterred by danger. You showed personal courage Vanessa, well done 💛

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Steve that is so kind of you although I nearly vomited before turning that junction!😂 Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@christinewalker5874]

Well done Vanessa for tackling that on your own (well with your trusty assistant) I can understand the anxiety it must have caused, take care x

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Christine, I was so nervous, but as soon as I turned that junction the sense of relief was amazing! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@fchichois2250]

This is so NICE!!! Thanks for sharing ❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@colinwhitehouse1310]

Another superb video cant wait for another keep them coming just love sitting with a cuppa tea on a frosty day watching your beautiful videos

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Ah, Colin- that is so lovely to know that you enjoy the vlogs with a cuppa on a frosty morning! Thank you so much. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@jamesfrankie]

Another beautiful vlog. Well done on sailing in choppy waters.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for watching and for your lovely comment too. I hope the waters are calmer next time. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@gailalicea1622]

💚💚 I found your channel a few days ago and have been trying to watch it from the beginning. But every now and then one of your titles catches my attention and I have to go to check that one out ☺️ I love everything about this channel. It's so calming and peaceful. I can and do watch it all day. But if you don't mind my asking why did you have to take a solo trip this time 🤔. And one thing you've proved you're extremely capable and can do anything you need to. Blessings and best wishes to you , your husband and zephyr. May you continue to have great adventures that you so graciously share with the rest of us 💚💚

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you for your lovely comment. My husband was working away on this occasion which is why I took the solo trip. Take care🦋🌻

[@andrewjgordon1372]

It's a great film, one definitely to watch....Great job getting through after the storm, as always really enjoyable vlog.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It really is a great film isn't it? Thank you for your kind words about the vlog too. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@fionacastle7517]

You are amazing. Well done you and Zepth. Awesome team.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you, Fiona- thank you so much! Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@anniemac3075]

Friday evening dose of calm, thank you for the varied video & congratulations on your solo journey. 💐🎉👏❤😸

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Annie, I am so pleased that you found the vlog calming and thank you so much for your words of encouragement. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@dnewnova]

wonderful photography again you just keep wowing us glad AG is getting fixed stay safe and warm

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you- thank you so much! Have a super rest of the week, take care🌻🦋

[@paulplant6486]

A great vlog. We've had so much rain. You did a fantastic job at your first solo cruise

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Paul, thank you so much! Yes, we have had some downpours haven’t we? I’m grateful that I’m not on the river. Have a super week, take care🦋🌻

[@beverleybutler7685]

Well done Vanessa and zeph you powered through despite the weather conditions!! 🤗

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

We powered through somehow and it was such an adventure, albeit short! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@amos686]

Excellent vlog Vanessa. I'm so glad you found Oxley Marine. I actually mentioned you to them when I was in their bar a few nights ago and they said they'd be able to help you re: the engine. Unfortunately I haven't seen you since to tell you but as you found them anyway, all good lol. Re: the weather, it's been so wet round here lately. We're very lucky to live by a canal and not a river.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you, Amos! Philip is confident that he can get it fixed and what a super lovely team they are. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@amos686]

@@themindfulnarrowboat Philip is a great guy. What he doesn't know about boats isn't worth knowing. Have a lovely weekend too, Andy.

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

good vid on the channel cranking it on the cut keep up the good vid good see you cranking it by you self to get it fixed thanks lee

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Lee for your kind comment! Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@LornaT460]

You’re so brave!You did it!!❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Lorna- I was lucky that the journey was a short one though! Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@sheilajoseph9953]

Great cruise Vanessa, you handled the boat well. Autumn is lovely and mystical. Winter is magical. Lovely times of year. 💚

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Sheila, they are such special times of the year aren't they? Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@vanessascola4708]

You really are so calm with all your difficulties you had to face this week. Hope it gets easier now.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I nearly vomited before I turned that junction, Vanessa!😂 Thank you so much for your kindness. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@ronaldmcinnes7840]

glad you got engine sorted, hope you have many more trouble free trips with it.Wonderful autumn colours on the wrong canal.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Ronald, thank you so much for your lovely comment. The autumn colours are really starting to ping now. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@nigel9843]

You dealt with those difficult situations very well, well done, that was scary .

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your kindness, Nigel- that is so kind of you. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@WanabeHippie]

really well done with the solo boating. Not easy. Loved the film of the goldcrest. Well spotted and great pics. Glad you got the engine sorted.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your encouraging words- that is so kind of you. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@davearmstrong2296]

Your vlogs are simply superb to watch. The way you link your experiences into your poems and drawings is absolutely amazing.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Dave, thank you so much for your kindness; I am so pleased that you enjoy the vlogs. Happy New Year! Take care🥳🌻🦋

[@sandyprosser805]

Hi Vanessa what a brave lady you are, my heart was beating as fast as yours, but you handled it beautifully, I knew you would lovely scenery and wildlife as always. Glad engine repair is done, happy boating for winter months. Have great week xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you, thank you Sandy! Have a super week, take care🌻🦋

[@ben8mag]

England has beautiful birds. Thanks so much for sharing your little adventure by yourself with me. ❤️

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

The magpie is such a beautiful bird but it has such a bad reputation and as they are so common, they are quite often overlooked. I loved drawing it as I could take time to notice how stunning its feathers are. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super Sunday and rest of the week, ahead, take care🦋🌻

[@dingnextstop]

Well done to you and your crew member Zeph…! I sensed it was the head gasket but hoped it was something simple like a jammed thermostat etc. oh well at least now you know. Good luck with it and look forward to your next adventure 👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for wishing us luck with the engine- we need all the luck we can get! Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@AndrewBroadbent-dr8wb]

Love your reaction to seeing a buzzard. Well done coping with all the water. Thank you.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Andrew, I nearly edited that out as I look like such a crazy lady sometimes, but then I thought- well I am a crazy lady so I may as well keep it in!😂 The buzzard was flying so low and it looked incredible above the flooded lock. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@kenndo9906]

Oh my never seen it flooded like that on that stretch....wow. another fantastic video !

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It was crazy that day at the locks!😱 Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@joannebarlow2324]

I am a new subscriber and am enjoying looking through your vlogs. The pace is beautiful. I especially love it when you chat with Zeph, asking her advice or opinion about things/the days events. The way she looks at you melts the heart 🥰. You should feel darned proud of driving such a huge boat on your own - even I felt really proud of you 😊xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you have subscribed and that you like the vlogs.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care🦋🌻

[@jamesfoley6555]

Thank you for another wonderful vlog, well done you🙏✝️🙏🇨🇦

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, James- that is so kind of you. Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@nigelgregory7308]

Awesome vlog Vanessa, the scenery was amazing and having two country parks, what great trip, although I've never seen such a look of fear and doom as when you told Zeph you was going solo, 👍👍

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Zephyr did have that look didn't she; and I don't blame her😂🐾🐾, but we survived! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@tessapetters3936]

Well done to you and Zeph, for crewing so well in storms. While i was listening to your poem, a little Wren tapped on my window. I thinks she was eating flies, at dusk. Such a cute little bird and came to hear what you had to say . Thank you.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Oh Tessa, I love the wrens, they are so beautiful with their upright tails and giant call! I am so chuffed to know that one tapped on your window when I was reading my poem💚 Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@kaycee625]

Oh my goodness, you did so well!!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Karen that is so kind of you. I was lucky it was only a short cruise though. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@Bulldozer2010]

Just found your channel. Brilliant. You are obviously a very talented person. Thank you.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for finding my channel and for your lovely comment too. Have a super Sunday and week ahead- take care🦋🌻

[@MotownJT]

You did it! You were challenged and you overcame the obstacles! Celebrate!!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@Margaret_J]

You did it! Be bold 🙂 Great vlog as always - Zephyr looks at you like, "Yes, yes, just get on with it, mum," 😂😂 - and I am mastering my new device slowly, very slowly 😂🦋🌼

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Wow, lots of emojis this week, Margaret- you really are mastering this new device of yours🤩👍 Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@jacquelinesheskey7870]

You definitely are the dream team! Go you! You’re amazing and so inspirational!!! Well done 👏🏻 love and best wishes, the crew of the ‘Naga Queen’ xxx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hello the crew of Naga Queen! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@MarcelEling]

Good jobs done👍

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@garyp8471]

Well all that water thought you was going to get stuck in middle of all those locks, great recording of the buzzard plus that Yew tree oh my, i say big thumbs up from us both for getting yourself to the mechanic hope all is well now and your hands have dried and your nerves have settled again. Well done all the best from Gary n Irene

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you enjoyed the buzzard and the yew tree! Thank you so much for your kind words. Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@helenedansereau9255]

Oh, what a gorgeous drawing of the magpie! What colours! I’d never seen such a bird, so happy to have seen one!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Helen, in the UK the magpie is considered an unlucky omen when seen on its own. There is a whole rhyme about them: 1 for sorrow, 2 for joy, 3 for a girl and so on...When I saw the way that single magpie stood up to the buzzard, I thought, well now, that has to go in my nature journal! They are so beautiful aren't they? But because of their reputation, they are so often sidelined. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@helenedansereau9255]

Thank you so much for those details. I always enjoy your knowledge of all the birds (and bugs, and mushrooms, and butterflies, et al...). In Canada, not only don’t we have the same fauna as you do in Europe, but knowledge about it is much rarer, I fear. Alas, all the lore our grandparents and ancestors were so familiar with has disappeared from our mostly urban lives. Which is why, in large part, I so appreciate your videos.@@themindfulnarrowboat

[@jacquelineryde7339]

Wow you are amazing lady, well done, showed me how it’s done on a solo venture no matter how small. Glad the engine is getting fixed. The flooding has been unreal this year and you certainly had some challenges there. Well done ❤👏👏👏👏

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging comment. I have so much admiration for the single- handed boaters; you have to think everything through so carefully before doing it. Have a super Sunday and week ahead, Jacqueline. Take care🌻🦋

[@jacquelineryde7339]

@@themindfulnarrowboat ❤️

[@lorrainerichardson3280]

Go you well done =-) A new challenge done and dusted and of course the wind and rain had to join the party sigh. Take care =-)

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Exactly, a new challenge done and dusted and at least the lock was tiny and the journey short! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@jlouutube65]

Glad you're alright! I love to see all the old bridges! Fried Green Tomatoes is amazing...I've seen it a few times!!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It’s a great but surprising film isn’t it? Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care🌻🦋

[@anthonypope8429]

Hi another great video I love your drawings of the wild life

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the weekend. Take care🦋🌻

[@EdwardSnow]

You are wonderful! Love your channel!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

What a kind thing to say- thank you so much! Have a super weekend, take care 🦋🌻

[@caz-nbgalatea1528]

Hey well done you!!!! Can understand your heart pounding but you did it smiling all the way through! Hope boat gets sorted ok. X🙏

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Caz, thank you so much for your encouragement. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@caz-nbgalatea1528]

@@themindfulnarrowboat you too 🙏😌

[@markd3250]

That was quite an adventure! Glad you got your engine problems sorted out. The colors in the second half of the video were so rich and vibrant, absolutely beautiful. I could see the apprehension and worry in your face, but you did just fine. Turns out you're more capable than you realized! Thank you for sharing your adventures with us, and for taking the time to put together these videos.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

You are so welcome, Mark! Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a lovely comment. The autumn colours are really starting to pop this week which is wonderful to see. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@mattgoodchild8215]

You was very brave xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Matt; I was lucky that it all worked out. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@sidewaysid]

Thank you for reminding me of the flower of Gloucester, I never missed as a kid, sorry but I'm off to watch ah ah, Love you

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Enjoy rewatching it all again- it is great! Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@emeraldphoenix9229]

Goldcrests & Yew Trees, 2 of my favorite living beings! I love Buzzard & Magpie too. Wow, you are so amazing, such a trooper ( Naval). Im so glad you have the engine sorted & not too expensive. I thought it was the cylinder head gasket too. No more picking up old carpets on your prop! Thats an expensive habit. Now you know why that particular canal was deserted with no boat traffic. Zeph really took in those 2nd mate orders , I loved the way she acknowledged & understood & was empathic & concerned, so clearly mirrored in her beautiful eyes. You are such a ray of sunshine.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your kind words. Zephyr is such a calming influence on me and she was so good on that cruise. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@juliehandley5003]

Lovely vlog only just found you so I’m catching up up at the moment xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you found my channel and that you're catching up too! Have a super rest of the week, take care🌻🦋

[@Red-ns9ny]

Fried Green Tomatoes 😢🥰 I had to fast forward a bit but what a film! Hits you right through the soul . Made me cry too ❤ Thank you xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I know the bit that you had to fast forward- I closed my eyes! Thank you so much for watching. Have a super week, take care🦋🌻

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

Canals in Autumn are spectacular. 🍂 Kudos to you for achieving your first “solo cruise”. 👏👏 Thank you for sharing.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Autumn is one of my favourite times to cruise for that reason. Thank you for watching- take care🌻🦋

[@derekrobinson2295]

Well done you!!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@sianwarwick633]

Oh, so very well done Vanessa. You turned all those difficulties around... the rush of water, engine. You asked Zephyr to be strong ! Excellent call to the CRT - at least that one problem is fixed. Vibrant colours, thrilling nature. I love the deep blue of the Magpie's back feathers. A strong and descriptive poem captured by your choice of the Magpie. A real pleasure to follow you

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Sian, that is such a thoughtful and kind comment- thank you so much; I really appreciate your words. It is a pleasure to read your comments too. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@StevesRepairs]

Thanks Vanessa for taking us along on this great adventure through floods and difficult navigations but still with beautiful scenery and wildlife. I don't think that Zephyr needed to be asked to be the perfect crew member as she just is. Well done for doing this journey solo and as always your journal is magical, I hope that the engine is now fixed and running smoothly. Take care and all the best. Stevie

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Stevie, you are right about Zephyr- I can always rely on her to be the best crew mate. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super Sunday and rest of the week ahead, take care🦋🌻

[@simon-nb-Betsyray]

Hello Vanessa I'm not surprised the pounds were full of water we have had lots of heavy down pours heavier than normal, it doesn't help with all the autumn leaves and branches blocking the drains. I thought hey up ur coming up the Shropshire as l saw u turn on to it, the shropy is a lovely canal of pure delight. Any way well done on getting to the boat yard soon Alice Grace will fixed and ur journey continues 😊. As usual a great vlog to watch and of course fried green tomatoes, as l writing ur review l can hear the owls not too far away from my boat hooting 😊 and its only 5pm. I hope u have a wonderful. 😊weekend 😊🍵🦋🍁💦

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Simon, how wonderful to be listening to the owls and writing my comment; I love the sound of the owls! I hope you are enjoying the autumn afloat and you're all nice and cosy inside the cabin. There is a special magic about boating this time of year isn't there? Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@stevemendenhall6284]

What a present surprise . I was not expecting a video from you until Friday and even then I was thinking with all the problems you have had lately that I might have to go another week without my diversion which I needed so desperately to take my mind away from the thought that mankind is on the verge of destroying not only our environment but our planet. I totally agree with you when it comes to messing about with mother nature. And the breeding of birds of pray. That Magpie and the Heron just beautiful and I am so happy you found a place to get Alice fixed she seamed to run pretty well even with the blown head gasket. It’s been years since I have seen Fried Green Tomatoes now I will watch it again as well as the TV show you mentioned about Wolverhampton. Until next Friday then have a great rest of the week. Steve

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Steve, what a kind and lovely comment- thank you so much! Enjoy watching Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe and The Flower of Gloster- they are both a great watch. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@robwynne1684]

What a journey, especially with the anxiety of the dodgy engine hanging over you! We're pleased you're getting it fixed. We're heading up towards you on the S&W but expect you'll be off testing your revitalised engine. Take care Lucy and Rob.. PS we also watched Fried Green Tomatoes..... recently 🌻🌞🌻

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hello Lucy and Rob, I hope you are both well? I bet we will see you as we move so slowly. How funny that you watched Fried Green Tomatoes... too recently- it's a great film isn't it! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super Sunday and week ahead- safe cruising guys!🦋🌻

[@maxiemills6982]

You did great!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much- that is so kind of you! Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@NarrowboatWill]

Hello mindful family. I'm over your way in the next few weeks. Hopefully I'll bump into you. Looks like a rough canal. Some parts of the canals here are flooded. The towpaths covered in water. See you on the cut..👍🫵🫵

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

We'll look out for you Mr Will and hopefully you'll be wearing more clothes than you are on your recent thumbnail!😂 Safe cruising- thank you so much for your lovely comment, take care🌻🦋

[@Red-ns9ny]

Hi Vanessa wonderful footage and well done with the flooding, I really wouldn’t know what I would have done. As I’m watching , I wondered if the film you talk about is on yt so I looked it up and yes , you can watch this on yt 😮 so I will watch it over the wknd 🥰😊 thank you once again you have done a fabulous video vlog ❤😊🦋💕🍀

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment- I am so pleased that you are going to watch the film too- it's brilliant and so heartfelt. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@Red-ns9ny]

@@themindfulnarrowboat ❤️😊

[@davidsalter9592]

Another great show. Your knowledge of birds is better than mine yet you sounded awed to spot a buzzard. Time gone they were relatively rare in the Midlands, now I do believe they are prolific. Now that I live in mid Wales, where buzzards once boomed, I have not seen one in the seven years I have been here. In my humble opinion that is due to the introduction of the red kite, bred for purpose in unnatural numbers and over fed artificially. The buzzards fled. Hope your engines ok now.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi David, thank you for your lovely comment. I can’t help myself but get excited when I spot any bird of prey and this one was soaring so low over the lock! But then again I also get equally excited when I spot a slime mould too!🤩 Have a super rest of the week, take care🌻🦋

[@quavernote4307]

Hi Vanessa yes what can. Blow a head gasket is adding cold water to a hot engine I top. Up with warm water from the kettle they will I exspect flush your system out and add fresh antifreeze rust prohibeter also check your hoses Nice to know you can get it sorted before the winter weather coming soon Great for them to do it as I had a problem in 2021 after buying my boat going through Fenny Compton Tunnel the worst place a water cooling hose had rubbed a hole against a hose clip against the engine so like yours all my coolent went in the engine bay so I pulled the boat by rope all the way to a boat yard near Croperdy but I am so glad I stopped the engine as it would have seized up without coolent !!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

This is such good advice. Do you think the fact that we were adding cold water could have caused the problem then? Thank you so much for such a super comment. Have a great weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@justacoustic1]

Loved that.....thank you

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I'm so pleased that you enjoyed it! Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@joanspooner5668]

I loved this video: so many fall colors, and beautiful gnarled trees. If I were you, I would feel like I perished and went to Nirvana. Thanks for sharing.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is such a poetic comment- thank you so much, Joan! Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@WifeofJim]

Well done for your first go at single handing. A stop lock with a nice short drop is a good one to start with - no lock ladder to have to climb up or down. Give yourself a Pat on the back 🎉

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

You are so right there; I hate heights so climbing a lock ladder in the rain terrifies me no end! Thank you so much for your encouragement. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@darlene9154]

The was a wonderful movie. Such a good story.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is a wonderful film isn't it and what a twist to the plot too! Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@G0RXA]

Well done Vanessa. You mastered the boat like a true professional. Hope the engine’s sorted now. When I saw you on the Shroppy I thought yes you’re heading north!! Have a great week and plenty of weetabix.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Nigel, thank you so much for your kindness and encouragement. We are heading north! 😄Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@mattgordon9179]

Nicely shot. Nicely edited Vanessa. When the camera is over like that on an angle you call it being on The Dutch, in film terms :) Eeeek Fried Green Tomatoes. I guess you would be put of eating Barbecue for a while now. Those girls were quite a pair eh.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I didn’t know that about the camera term! That’s really interesting. You are right about the barbecues too!😂 thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super Sunday and week ahead. Take care🌻🦋

[@li.li.]

You can also pickle those into a 'tomolive' which is used in martinis. Personally, I'll eat them out of the jar. 💚

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

What a yummy idea! Thank you so much. Take care🦋🌻

[@paulturner7837]

That must have been a bit frightening with the water brimming over Vanessa. It looked like the bywash was going to wash you up on the lock landing. I’m glad you got the engine fixed and for a more reasonable price. Lovely vlog and very well worded poem. Have a lovely weekend 👍

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Paul, it was so alarming being pushed into the towpath from the bywash. I have never seen so much water on a canal before! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super Sunday and week ahead. Take care🌻🦋

[@janetmoller3170]

I just discovered your channel and love your storytelling and vlogging style.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your kind comment, Janet and for discovering my channel. Happy New Year! 🥳🌻🦋

[@janetmoller3170]

@@themindfulnarrowboat Happy New Year to you!🌟

[@teridenos1006]

Fried Green Tomatoes is a good movie. Also I have cooked fried green tomatoes. The tomatoes need to be picked when they have a pearl-like sheen to them. Then you can make a flour batter and dip your sliced green tomatoes in it and fry them. Tastes unexpectedly delicious! Just found your channel tonight and you have a real talent with your poetry and art. My childhood home is about 10 miles from Wolverhampton. I currently live in the USA but always love to go home to visit and love to walk the canal paths. ❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

A great tip there for the fried green tomatoes- I'll have to do that next year! I am so pleased that you got to see some of your childhood home.Thank you so much for your comment. Have a super rest of the week, take care🦋🌻

[@honeydiamond5572]

You did it! Tawanda!!!!!!!😁

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@petemoring67]

You need to get one of those hats with a brolly on top - like they wear at the F1 Grand Prix when it buckets down 😄 ... Hope they sorted the engine for you ...... Good luck ....

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is such a good idea! Do you think it will fit over my bobble hat?😂 Thank you so much for your good wishes; I hope we can get the boat sorted too🤞 Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@chrisflint7317spiderandson]

Put the tomatoes in a brown paper bag and keep in the warm enough then they will charge to red

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That's a good tip- I'll try that next time. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋