#171

Our boat is stuck and still broken; we can't move, so this week, I am answering a question that many of you have asked me- "How much does it cost to live on a narrowboat?" I answer this on a tour of the stunning Shropshire Union, finding out about its history and the nature that lives along it too. This video is full of moments to sit, back and relax too! Take care🌻🦋
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Music: Envato Elements
Acoustic Loop by J Hunger by
Autumn Main by Alex Bird
Acoustic Guitar Emotional and Inspiring by Victor Music
Acoustic Guitar Ambient Indi by Victor Music
Drum Roll Sound Effect by Game Chest Audio
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

[@JuliaHopewell]

Even when you are providing factual content such as boat costs you manage to enchant and educate us along the way. We follow a couple of other vlogs; but often find it disappointing that the vlogger (sadly usually the "female" of the duo:) keeps the camera almost constantly directed at their own face; when they could be showcasing the beautiful scenery around them. It is frustrating; so that we often just skip those parts. . Thank you so much for these beautiful videos. They are the best we have ever found. Wishing you and your viewers all the best for 2024.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is such a kind comment- thank you so much 😊 I’m so pleased that you are enjoying the vlogs. Happy New Year! Take care🥳🦋🌻

[@peterjohnston2196]

We are happy to confirm that your labrador appears to be having an excellent time of it in every episode we have assessed. Well done. Yours truly, The Online Labrador Welfare Monitoring Consortium.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Zephyr has noted your details and will contact you immediately if she feels my standards are slipping!😂🐾🐾 Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🌻🦋

[@hectordelvalle4428]

It is such a comfort to have a person like yourself. To explain the complexities of a narrow boat ownership. I deeply enjoy the photography. It's quite relaxing.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you, Hector- I'm glad that you enjoyed the video. Take care🦋🌻

[@elitechandelierserviceslim1828]

I came across your profile by accident, I must say , I can’t understand why you are not snapped up and have your own television show. I found your delivery explaining everything captivating. I look forward to to exploring your past and future ventures. Big new fan. Albert Richardson Nelson. Ps , I’m forwarding this to my friend Maggie ( who is the editor of the TIMES) I think she will love it , let’s see we’re it goes 🤞👍

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Albert, I am so pleased that you accidentally stumbled across my channel- what a lovely comment, thank you so much! It is also so kind of you to forward my vlog to your friend, Maggie- I hope she likes it too. Have a super Sunday and week ahead, take care🦋🌻

[@Sleepydwagonman]

Indeed, +1 for being so thankful for finding the channel pretty much incidentally through the recommendations. Super informative, lovely delivery, excellent informative content and a wonderful little island of calm. Thank you :-) @@themindfulnarrowboat

[@themanofthewoods]

Your vlogs are truly beautiful. How you explain life bring's comfort, How you see the world through your camera and art is inspiring. Keep on being you, a beautiful soul. Thank you

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you!Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care🦋🌻

[@Margaret_J]

Those turnover bridges are so beautiful aren't they? And the posts that show the rope marks from the horses are amazing! Life costs doesn't it wherever - the main thing is living the life we enjoy and finding a way of making it work Love your poem and the tickle of Zephyrs nose in your diary! Take care 🐾🦋🌼

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Margaret, the living history along the canal is amazing isn’t it? You get a real sense of it along the Shropshire Union too. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@mersedes813]

Is it on year bacis

[@oscartravis5740]

Blimey, the costs are eye-watering, and here was me thinking it must be cheaper living on a narrowboat compared to a house!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It isn’t a cheap alternative anymore is it? Thank you for watching. Take care 🦋🌻

[@rob3942]

Beautiful vlog Vanessa. I can`t keep itemising all the myriad aspects of your excellent vids that are so outstanding but suffice to say, most excellent indeed. Pat to beautiful Zeph, go so well ok

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Zeph says thank you for her pat. 🐾🐾💚 Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care🌻🦋

[@caz-nbgalatea1528]

Lovely vlog Vanessa, and great that you’re so honest with your living expenses. Wish I had the guts to do what you do! 🙏

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Caz, thank you so much for watching and for your lovely comment too! Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@tomdurkin7321]

Thanks for the explanation of the cost of living on a narrow boat, you have answered a great deal of questions I had about it. I really enjoy your show. Stay healthy and stay safe

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I'm so pleased that you found this useful. I found it useful to make as it made me realise where even more savings could be made. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super week, take care🌻🦋

[@emmm5713]

Even though I love the beginning of the video, I can't wait till the end. Your drawings are amazing! just beautiful. :)

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That's so lovely to know- thank you so much! Have a super week, take care🦋🌻

[@gerryholland7274]

Shropshire! The Black Country area is not known commonly buts its a lovely part of the Country. I spent 3 years West of Canal at RAF Cosford from late 1962. It's about 3 miles away when near Codsall. You mentioned KIng Charles. Our Station Crest included the Boscobel Oak, the large Oak Tree that the King sheltered in before escaping the area. Hope the Engine fixed soon....you need to get up to that fallen Oak tree and help remove some timber! best Wishes. NB Happy Days.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

🤩 I read about that tree and that’s just reminded me of how strange it was that I then found the oak tree across the canal- different oak but still strange. What a lovely place to have been stationed Gerry? Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend both of you🌻🦋

[@Wedgedoow]

Is your book of poems and drawings in publication? Pete and Lorraine

[@christinewalker5874]

Lovely informative video Vanessa, the autumnal scenery gorgeous too, nice to see Zephyr enjoying her walk.Good luck with the engine repair, take care x

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased you enjoyed it, Christine! I had to double and triple check my maths before filming it though😂 Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@TheJessierb]

Thanks as always Vanessa for a peaceful and beautiful interlude, even more appreciated given the times we are living in. I do hope you are able to get the repairs finalized and continue onward. Take good care and stay well, xxx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is a sad world at the moment isn’t, Wendy? Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@dingnextstop]

Hi Vanessa, you frightened the life out of me quoting those live aboard prices! Now I know why I’m always skint! In case you haven’t tried it here’s a tip for saving battery power if you have an inverter running a Wi-Fi modem, I bought a couple of “Smart plugs” off Amazon which have an ‘App’.. I set a schedule to turn off power say between 11pm until 06.00am… it doesn’t sound much but it saves my modem being on 24/7 . Timers are also good but be careful if buying cheap Chinese ones… the smart plugs are brilliant! Great to see Zeph having fun! All the best…👍🏻

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That’s a great tip as at the moment I turn it off before going to bed and sometimes, I forget👍 Thank you so much. Have a super weekend, take care 🌻🦋

[@simon-nb-Betsyray]

Good evening Vanessa sorry to hear the parts haven't arrived but it has given u a chance to walk part way up the Shropshire a little way 😊. We'll coming to the point of year were the sun is not producing enough solar, mid November till early February so its charging off the engine time. If u Google state of charge graph for lead or lithium batteries it u show u what volts at what percentage ur battery is, also its colour coded to warn u that u could be damaging them by depleting them to much. Ur vlog was very in depth with the costs and everything was covered, l have noticed that l have been collecting seasoned wood for a while and storing it under a tarp to reduce costs. This afternoon l noticed 7 King fishers on the canal near me what amazing sight , much easier to see in the autumn foliage. I hope u get things sorted soon and hope u have a lovely weekend. 🐕💰⛽️🪵🍁🍂

[@user-dw5ty1rz6g]

I'm hooked! Incredible in every way!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much 😊 Have a super rest of the week. Take care🦋🌻

[@brewster3987]

Firstly, thank you for pulling back the curtain and allowing us a little insider's peek into the business side of narrowboating. It's fascinating to learn about different lifestyles. Secondly, you just about broke my brain with all the stunning magazine-cover shots in this vlog... 11:35 , 13:07 , 15:30 (my favorite, I think), and 15:40 , just to name a few. Thirdly, apart from the primary topic of narrowboat costs-of-living, I think you could easily subtitle this episode as "the many faces of Zephyr"... from "Hey ma, wait for me," all the way to "Hey ma, why you so slow?" 😁 You certainly deserved a hot chocolate and some goodies (blondies, maybe?) at the conclusion of this one.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It was like walking through a dream along that stretch of the canal that afternoon. The light on the autumn colours, the bridges and the boats- not to mention the wildlife! That’s why I didn’t make it to Brewood as I kept stopping to wow at it all! I am so pleased that I managed to capture some of it on camera too. Zephyr was entertaining wasn’t she? But not always easy to work with as when I was trying to talk to the camera she was talking dog for “can I have some attention please’”😂🐾🐾 Thank you so much for your lovely comments. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@dallassukerkin6878]

Those costs are not so bad overall - I know some have said in the comments it's expensive being a narrowboater and it certainly is no longer the 'cheap option' but I have to say that my costs as a homeowner are about 50% more. Now, without being rude, a three bed semi is a bit more luxurious to live in than a boat, so it could be argued you get more for your money, but it's a lifestyle choice to be a boater and there are positives and negatives to that watery path :)

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I agree with you. It's about the lifestyle that you want and you are right the cost of a boat isn't really that bad overall. Thank you so much for your comment. Have a super rest of the week. Take care 🦋🌻

[@pootlingalong8928]

The costs are depressing. I have a one bed bricks and mortar little home with a small garden which I do love. Council tax, water and electric (I have no gas) comes in at about £2,500 annually. You’ve just confirmed my thoughts - I can’t afford to live on a narrowboat in retirement 😢

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Please don’t be disheartened. A smaller narrowboat would be much cheaper to run; the licence fee, diesel, heating it, etc… and then if you foraged your own wood for fuel during the cold months that would make a difference too. Investing in lots of solar at the beginning would also save you money too. There is always a way if you want it badly enough. Thank you for your comment. Happy New Year!🥳🦋🌻

[@dallassukerkin6878]

For me the sticking point is that I took a breath and pondered when Cruising the Cut had me seriously considering the boating life ... and, in that breath, the costs of the boats themselves skyrocketed to much more than they were worth. Especially so as, other than that spike in price, they are a generally depreciating asset rather than an appreciating one. The living costs are not too bad overall but you do have to weigh up the fact that you are essentially camping/caravanning all year so there is a lot more day to day faff to deal with. It would be nice to be able to afford both - a boat for travel and a 'proper' house when the British weather saps the joy from things :chuckles:

[@orchidhouse297]

Total delight. Thank you.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That’s so kind! Thank you so much. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@Hellyhenson-do2sp]

Wonderful as always, thank you. X

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@otter736]

Thanks again for the great video !!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@user-cl2ds8ul9q]

Your journal is absolutely stunning !❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@kenndo9906]

Simply lovely

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@annepoitrineau5650]

Beautiful. Healing.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super week, take care 🌻🦋

[@paulburgess324]

Lovely walk!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@jamesgriffiths3265]

I only recently found your channel, Vanessa - what a lovely watch your videos are. It’s always such a pleasant surprise to see them pop up on my subscriptions. I watch them at the end of a busy day, unwinding, usually in the bath 😆 and they are a total reset, just fantastic. I’m learning lots about nature from you, and I love the sketches/poems at the end - a kind of Beatrix Potter-esque touch ( but better!) Keep up the amazing work ❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi James, it is great to know that you are enjoying the vlogs- thank you so much for taking the time to let me know too. I am a huge fan of Beatrix Potter and if I had only a tenth of her talent, I would be over the moon! Have a super Sunday and week ahead, take care🌻🦋

[@pilpelet100]

Another beautiful and relaxing vlog. Thanks so much. Very much needed in these difficult times.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Ruth, I hope you are well? Thank you so much for watching my vlog and for your lovely comment too. Have a super rest of the week, take care🌻🦋

[@jacquelineryde7339]

What a beautiful canal and wonderful scenery and wildlife. Thank you for the cost breakdown, very helpful to us. So glad I found you absolutely love your vlogs and when we are in our boat next year I am using your journal for things to look for 😍❤️

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Jacqueline, what a wonderful comment- thank you so much!☺️ I am chuffed that you'll be using my journal when you are out on your boat- you'll have to let me know what you spot too. Have a super week, take care🦋🌻

[@facelikedog]

Your artwork is phenomenal. Cheers.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for such a kind comment. Have a super rest of the weekend and week ahead, take care🦋🌻

[@NicksAllotmentDiary]

Hi Vanessa. Thanks for detailing the annual costs of running a narrow boat. That walk was so nice to follow. Your observation of wildlife is so skilled and I love the way that you fill in your beautiful diary. Take care. Nick

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Nick, I hope you are well? Thank you so much for your kind comment. I'm so pleased that you enjoyed the vlog. Have a super rest of the week, take care🌻🦋

[@cmuchmore]

What a wonderful journal

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you. Take care 🌻🦋

[@Bicyclehub]

Lovely colours on your walk this week Vanessa. Zephyr was delighted with her stick! I liked the piano music and seeing your wonderful journal.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Zephyr is never happier than when she has found herself a big stick! Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@AndrewBroadbent-dr8wb]

Nice wildlife shots and poem. I appreciate the costings breakdown. Thank you.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Andrew, costings can be very varied on a boat but you should be able to get a rough idea from the vlog. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care 🦋🌻

[@michaelhiggins7365]

A totally enjoyable alternative to your usual video Vanessa. I think most people find the break down of Narrowboat ownership quite interesting and I appreciate your personal take on this. As an American, at this point I can only dream of owning a Narrowboat, I wish England would reverse or loosen their policy on allowing retired persons with viable financial means to be granted long-term visa's. Also, my skills as an Aircraft Mechanic I believe, would allow me to perform most any maintenance task on the boat, saving me loads of money. I still do all my vehicle maintenance at 64 years of age. I was wondering, would the possibility of switching to a REFLEKS diesel stove for heating make sense for you? I'm thinking the cost of burning diesel would likely be far cheaper than wood, but it would take probably five or more years to recoup the cost of the stove, but you could recover some of the cost selling your wood/coal burning stove. I do hope you will be able to get Alice Grace up and running soon again, I wish you , Zephyr and the mysterious Mr. M, all of God's many blessings, protection and provision upon you this week.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I completely agree with you about how frustrating our visa system is. I hope they change it one day soon🤞 Having those engineering skills would be so useful if you had your own boat. The diesel stove is something worth considering if you could run it on HVO fuel and if the price of HVO came down. I want to come away from using fossil fuels but the alternatives are just not available or affordable here at the moment. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@ferney2936]

sorry Michael...I didn't realise the UK was restrictive in that way. You wouldn't consider hiring a narrowboat for a couple of months or possibly a boat share? You could have the canalside experience without completely moving your life? I know that UK people do the same in reverse...they have houses in Florida but the US doesn't let them live there so they visit for as long as they are allowed. Where there's a will there's a way. I never thought I'd find myself writing that cliche but in this case I think it might be apposite. You'd want to avoid the UK winter on a narrowboat anyway

[@susanmagnuson9174]

So, England won't allow older people to own a Narrowboat? Why?

[@normanhowe-gl2tq]

One word---OUTSTANDING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@tombridge1225]

Such pleasant, enjoyable viewing. Nice background music to complement the narrative. Thank you.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Happy New Year!🥳🦋🌻

[@nigelspeller1850]

Hope you're well both , and thank you , another smashing video

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you. We're all well and I hope you are too? Have a super week. Take care 🦋🌻

[@paulmaryon9088]

Thanks for an informative video, hope you are keeping warm and dry there, take care have a good week see you on the next one, stay lucky

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It’s warm and dry on the boat thankfully. I hope you’re staying warm and dry too. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@WolfmanWoody]

What a lovely view you have of nature. And as I said before, good artist too.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

With so many windows my boat has become my floating bird hide!😂 Thank you for your lovely comment. Happy New Year!🥳🌻🦋

[@G0RXA]

Cracking video Vanessa and amazing what can seen a such a walk. You’re heading in my general direction!! Take care, hope the engine is fixed.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Nigel, it really is amazing what things you can find on a walk and the history of the Shroppie is fascinating too. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super week, take care🌻🦋

[@G0RXA]

@@themindfulnarrowboat you too Vanessa 👍

[@pacificbob24]

From the west coast of Canada. Thank you for the information on the cost of operating a Narrow Boat. At the age of 77, I know that the dream of living on a narrow boat on the Brish channels is past but I enjoy your vlogs. As a Canadian, I want to apologize for the abundance of Canadian geese you have to contend with; if you like them we have millions more we'd happily send you if you so wish. Love the artwork. You are talented. I bought a sketch pad and thought I'd try my hand at drawing but eventually gave up after too many failures. Wishing you well.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Please don't give up with your drawing. My artwork was awful when I first started, but giving myself a time each week to sketch has really helped me slowly get better and I enjoy it more and more each time. I love the Canadian Geese as they seem to be less aggressive than the greylags; in fact you're often see a greylag living with a group of Canada Geese where it has been chased off by the other greylags and they accept it so well.Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@mandyellis876]

I’ve just stumbled across you and am amazed by your lifestyle. I’m also utterly mesmerised by your journal! Words wouldn’t do it justice!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Mandy, thank you so much for stumbling across my channel- I am so pleased that you did! What a kind comment too! Have a super rest of the week, take care🌻🦋

[@StevesRepairs]

Thanks Vanessa, this was a beautiful autumn view of your narrowboat life in the fantastic countryside that you and Zephyr explored. The cost breakdown of a year onboard was interesting and enlightening. As always your journal was magnificent. I hope that You, Zephyr and Mr M are doing well and have a great week. Take care and all the best. Stevie

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Stevie, I hope you are having a good week too? It is so mild this week here which is so lovely. I am really pleased that you enjoyed the vlog. Thank you so much for your comment. Have a super week, take care🌻🦋

[@jackmullett9198]

I can’t miss my favourite weekly canal vlog. This has been different, though you always capture nature. I had no idea what the costs were. Still comparing it to the cost of a house and car, you still come out better, and of course there is the excitement of discovering what’s around the next corner. 😎

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Jack, you are so kind- thank you so much! It is cheaper than a house unless you have already paid your mortgage or live in a very cheap part of the country which I’m not sure exists anymore. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@martystacey4429]

After a tough week, your vlog has sorted me out lass😉👌Wonderful attention to detail and great cinematography👏 KTF🙏

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so sorry to hear that you had a tough week, but I am so glad that the vlog sorted you out. I wish you a better and super week for the one to come. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care🦋🌻

[@ChipLohman]

Thanks for another brief, but enjoyable trip to England! Fair wins and following seas. ❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you enjoyed it.Thank you so much for your lovely comment.Have a super weekend.Take care 🦋🌻

[@sheilajoseph9953]

Wow, think the cost is on a par to living in a house. At lady you have a change of scenery and the nature us amazing. 😊

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Sheila, I think you are right, depending on where you live. I love the change of scenery every week though. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@richardgiles2484]

What a lovely video 👏👏 amazing to see the rope damage to the steel posts on the bridges.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

The rope marks and old nods to the past are just brilliant aren’t they? Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@quavernote4307]

Lovely Vanessa have you ever tried composing your own music to your brilliant drawings you would be a natural as you certainly have a gift with words 😊🦋🦆🐕🐾

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is such a kind comment, thank you so much. I haven’t tried composing my own music and I’m not sure I would be any good at it. Do you need a keyboard? Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@sidewaysid]

Drawings are brilliant

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That’s so kind of you- thank you so much. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@christineprice5463]

The bridges are beautiful as is the canal. Thanks for the video.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

The bridges are so beautiful aren't they? And each one tells its own little story which is so interesting to find out. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super week, Christine, take care🦋🌻

[@christineprice5463]

You have a wonderful week.

[@alanrobinson1208]

Wow thanx guys really needed that bless 🤠🙏

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Alan, I hope you’re ok? Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@annjarvis9300]

Very good on all the info sure it will help so many boaters or would be ones thanks on all the nature has always hope the boat sorted soon do tc now the oldies 🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much 😊 I hope we are up and running again soon too🤞 Have a super weekend,take care 🦋🌻

[@JoniMitchell-qi6hr]

Lovely pic view at the end❤😊

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much- Happy New Year! 🥳🌻🦋

[@chrishobbs58]

Hello again, and what a lovely vlog it was. Thanks for giving your viewers the lowdown on what it cost to narrowboat. You continually break new ground in your channel, as I don't think I've seen another narrowboater do anything like what you did in such detail. I loved the scenery along your walk, and I still have my fingers crossed...they're getting a bit cramped now...that your engine gets fixed at nominal cost to you. Thanks again, and best wishes, as always!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Chris, thank you so much for your kindness and for crossing those fingers for us. I hope we get all fixed soon. Have a super weekend, take care 🌻🦋

[@robh4257]

Isn’t nature amazing! And you capture it so wonderfully. I always learn something new from your vlogs; your knowledge of the natural world is very impressive. It seems the cost of buying a boat has gone up dramatically since your purchased yours, and that is obviously going to be a large expense to start with. I appreciate your honesty and openness with all the figures. Thank you again.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Rob, thank you so much for your lovely comment. I think the price of boats will start to fall again and there seems to be more for sale at the moment. Have a super Sunday and week ahead, take care🌻🦋

[@billchalbergjr.5386]

Today's vlog, we thought, was wonderful. Since our visit last year we have continued to get notifications about the Shropshire and Llangollen canals SO it was really interesting to see the tree that has been such a problem. I've moved from the Cheshire Ring to considering a month on the Midlands Ring (Leicester) next summer which led me to watch #80 today. Thank you for the information you provide and the beautiful nature images not to mention that Zephyr feels like our own dog Cheers

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

What made you change your mind about the Cheshire Ring? All are lovely though. Thank you so much for your kind comment. Have a super weekend and happy holiday planning. Take care 🌻🦋

[@markd3250]

Sorry to hear your boat repairs are still awaiting, but that turned out to provide us with a very interesting video! The costs were a bit more than I thought they'd be for some reason, but still not bad all things considered. You get to see things that most people don't, you get to move around, and the lifestyle pace seems much less stressful than living and working in a city or town. Another enjoyable vlog!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Mark, I think costs can be very individual because of the different amount of travelling you might do and how often you light your fire and what with. One viewer said that his costs are 1/3 of ours as he is in a marina and isn’t moving as much. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care 🦋🌻

[@stevemendenhall6284]

Wow! Two vlogs in one week. That is a special treat for me and your many other followers. I must confess the cost of owning a running a narrow boat per year does not apply to me since I know I will never own one but never say never so the saying goes. Sorry to here Alice Grace is still in sick bay so to speak but your walking tour with Zeph was great. I found the Flower of Gloucester on You Tube but have not been able to find Fried Green Tomatoes yet. Hope you have a great week and the Alice is back up and running by next Friday Steve

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Steve, I’m glad that you watched the Flower of Gloster- what a different canal system it was back then! Fried Green Tomatoes is on Apple TV and Amazon Prime I think? Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@dnewnova]

duck sketch at the end is classic and Zephyr as always ENJOING a stick one of your forgotten huge costs must surely be the Biscuit/cookie bill LOL thanks for another superb video

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Oh yes, I should have factored in the biscuit bill!😂 Now that must at least double the total cost of living on a boat for me. Thank you so much for making me laugh! Have a super Sunday and week ahead, take care🌻🦋😂

[@andrewjoseph149]

Hello again Mrs. M always a joy to watch listen to and follow your adventures. My latest ideas about the elusive "Mr.M" and why we are not allowed to see him include the following. That he may be a politician currently serving in public office, a TV celebrity, a wanted prisoner who has cut off his electronic tag, someone else's husband or that he believes himself to be downright ugly and suffers with paranoia. I must say you have keeping him 100% hidden down to a fine skill. However being a narrowboater myself, it is only a matter of time before our towpaths shall cross and I shall record that occasion and put it on KZbin. I have a cousin whose husband whenever our family relatives visited, would go upstairs and remain there the entire duration of the visits. Whatever his own reason were, everyone felt and agreed that he was very ill mannered and quite odd. This is after all a form of 'social' not anti social media. Thank you. And I do look forward to meeting you all soon.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

You would make a good detective. Mr M is always so happy to meet people on the towpath and so he would be equally delighted to meet you too, but just not the bit about the camera and KZbin!😂 We’ll look out for you on our travels. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@nigelbranchett7718]

Very talented artist

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is such a kind comment, thank you so much! Have a super rest of the weekend and week ahead, take care🌻🦋

[@jackyteague6509]

Very informative Vanessa. Thank you! Hope Alice Grace is fixed soon!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Jacky- I hope it's all fixed soon too! Have a super Sunday and week ahead, take care🦋🌻

[@carolflynn7933]

❤wonderful ❤ you are so talented ❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I'm so pleased that you are enjoying the vlogs- thank you so much for your kindness. Take care🌻🦋

[@CMACJAZZ]

Sorry to hear of the delay/s on spare parts for your engine, we hope you have everything for the repair soonest.Another lovely presentation - Thank You. Best Regards Charlie

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@donnaparker8489]

You amaze me! 💞

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you, Donna! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the week. Take care 🌻🦋

[@donnaparker8489]

💞

[@michaelpilling9659]

Hello Vanessa - greetings from a slightly snowy Poland. Yes! - we are currently having our first snow fall of winter 23/24. It;s 17/11/23 and 20;19. A wonderful video. Nice walk along the towpath too. Nice to leave the boat for a change. Amazing bridges with their rope burn marks, The calside scenery is very beautiful. Made even better by your superb camera work and very educational commentary. Wherever you live, however you live, you have to pay. The main thing is that you and Michael are living the way you want to.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Snow! I bet it all looks absolutely beautiful 🤩 I hope you are staying nice and warm though? Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend in the snow, take care🦋🌻

[@MaryAmesMitchell]

Excellent

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, that's so kind of you! Take care🌻🦋

[@FlyFree2023]

Thank you for your honesty on your individual experience of narrowboat annual expense whilst cruising the UK network.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

You are very welcome! Thank you so much for watching and commenting. Take care🦋🌻

[@shirleygreaves9650]

I hope you manage to get the parts soon so Alice Grace can cruise again. However this vlog was very entertaining, I enjoyed the walk and the nature and interesting features you pointed out along the way. I always like hearing how the costs of running a Narrowboat compare to the cost of living in a house. I really hope you can get on the move again soon, lots of love. xxx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Shirley, thank you so much for your kindness. It’s so strange not being able to move our Alice Grace but luckily we are in a beautiful spot. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@Red-ns9ny]

❤😊 thank you xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

You are very welcome! Thank you so much for watching. Have a super Sunday and week ahead, take care🦋🌻

[@garyp8471]

Grand canal bank walk, red wing was a good catch, certainly been a lot of boats through there over the yrs gone by by those tell tale rope marks. Hope you soon get your parts and get fixed up again. all the best Gary n Irene

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Gary and Irene, I hope you are both well? Thank you so much for watching and commenting. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@gordonroberts5227]

Thanks for all that info Vanessa i love your videos and love all your drawings they are fabulous . I had a dream of buying a narrow boat and doing the same as you . But it didn't happen i suppose living in perth western Australia and doing a lot of off roading and seeing this wonderful country of ours the time had slipped away now. We have been back to the old county a few times on holiday, we hired a 70 ft narrow boat with another couple for a week and did the Llangollen canal in Wales , that was a great trip i just loved the country side. Keep healthy and enjoying your boat life so we can as well . Gordon

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Gordon, it sounds like you have had some amazing adventures!Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the week. Take care 🌻🦋

[@sandyprosser805]

Another interesting and beautiful video Vanessa, loved the history and wildlife abundant. It’s not cheap to live on narrow boat, my sister in law has one in Bristol, she says they are changing the law all the time, it’s sad really as it looks the great life you have chosen. I envy you I’m to old now but would have love your life. Have a great week 😊

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Sandy, it must be beautiful to have a boat in Bristol. Your sister-in-law is right about the many changes, but I suppose that is happening wherever you are and whatever you live in. I am very grateful for this opportunity that I have and I never take it for granted. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super week, take care🌻🦋

[@ronniemckeown3916]

I remember sitting in my parents tenement flat in Bermondsey in London reading mr Crabtree goes fishing and wishing I lived in the country . I used to walk the Thames foreshore as a kid knowing this will probably be the nearest I got to nature . pictures of the fresh water fish in gullies and under banks .pictures of the wildlife . The four seasons .mr Crabtree got me through them gloomy days in the 60 in London the chocking smog and surrounding bomb ruins . Thank you so much for describing the British countryside and wildlife so beautifully and living your dream

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is so strange that you are mentioning this as in my vlog which comes out tomorrow, I talk about my Nan and visiting her in Mile End flats in the 70s and 80s. I grew up in a busy town and away from nature too, but I lived in the books "Anne of Green Gables" where nature was described so beautifully. I'll check out Mr Crabtree now. Thank you for your lovely comment, take care🦋🌻

[@bradmoyer9737]

Thank you for satisfying everyone’s curiosity. Although I’m sure not for everyone, after watching some of your great content, to an outsider it looks like the ledger book for you guys equates to - Annual boat costs - $$ versus Available Lifestyle - invaluable. I applaud you for the mindset of let’s try it for a year, that gave you the courage to take on a life altering change of lifestyle, while still young enough to recover from it if it didn’t work out. An ever changing vista in your world is the stuff fairy tales are made of, enjoy and be blessed.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Brad! It was a bit of a safety net, taking a year off first. You are right about the importance of lifestyle and what will bring you happiness when it comes to calculating costs. Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@mattgoodchild8215]

Hi Vanessa yet again another info packed vid with tons of nature which is why I watch and yea was writing this as I watched to tell you I’ve also spotted some redwing but you’ve already spotted some so I’m too late hahah they’ve only just arrived this last week here in Tamworth Ps your Cost’s are huge compared to mine as a lunkherd down home moorer about 1 third of your cost Love to you both xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Wow, is it really a third cheaper? That’s so interesting as I hadn’t thought that at all. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I’m so pleased to hear that you’ve got Redwing too. Have a super weekend, take care 🌻🦋

[@williampacey9194]

You live in a beautiful place. I live in the USA and your monthly costs sounds reasonable plus you live what I would call an exciting life. Your dog friend is wonderful. Always a smile.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is such a kind comment- thank you so much. I also agree that the cost is reasonable. Have a super week, take care🦋🌻

[@harris4018]

was the squirrel shouting for allen what a lovely walk you had, and even warm enough for the pooch to have a swim lol

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

😂 “Alan! Alan! Alan!” It looked like that didn’t it!😂 Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care 🦋🌻

[@buffplums]

You are so talented Vanessa. Hope that you get the engine fixed soon. I recognise a lot of those names and places being in my neck of the woods… hope that they get that tree removed as I think you would like the travel along the Shroppie and then of course you can head towards Wrexham and the Llangollen Canal if you should choose to of course xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

You live in a super part of the country. There is also so much wildlife in these parts and exciting canal history. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care 🌻🦋

[@NarrowboatWill]

Fingers crossed for your engine repair. Mindful family.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Fingers and toes crossed please 🙏 🦶🦶Thank you so much, Will. Hopefully we’ll see you soon. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@lionelmarytravels6003]

Beautiful film once again Vanessa. You have the skill to always find that perfect picture. With Zephyr by your side, what more can a viewer want? Was that a hot chocolate at the end?

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I think it was a hot chocolate in this vlog. I do love a hot chocolate on a cold evening. Thank you so much for your kind comment. Take care 🦋🌻

[@jennyfulcher8035]

So funny how Zephyr really loved his stick! He even swam with it! Interesting facts about costs living on Alice Grace. Beautiful scenery, with Hawthorne berries, Canada geese, Redwing Blackbirds, Common Merganser, various bridges, etc. 6,085 pounds/annual cost for living aboard Alice Grace seems pretty affordable compared to how much it would cost to rent or own a home with a mortgage. Have many happy adventures cruising with Zephyr! Jenny 🦦🐦🦋

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I agree, Jenny about the costs compared to houses nowadays. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@jennyfulcher8035]

@@themindfulnarrowboat You too Vanessa. Take care. 🍁🍂

[@user-ts5xe2ql5t]

I really enjoy your video's, I look forward to each of the, and do watch the older ones. You always say "We" but only see you and your pet.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you enjoy the videos. I travel with my husband but his work has a strict code of conduct about appearing on social media which is why you won't see him on the vlogs. Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care🌻🦋

[@consideredwhisper]

@@themindfulnarrowboatAh, that was my question too! ‘We’ means you and your partner rather than you and Zephyr. I am considering buying a boat, and was excited to find a woman travelling solo with her dog to communicate her experiences as she goes it alone. Do you see any solo female narrowboaters? New sub here... loving your channel Vanessa.

[@PickingPaul1]

Lovely drawing of the duck Vanessa. Thanks for your breakdown on costs. You may remember I have commented on my plans to buy a narrowboat, well my house has a completion date on Wednesday and I can buy one soon. Hope to live the life on the cut like you do very soon, perhaps around Christmas or early new year

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Whoop! Whoop! Congratulations on your house sale- that is so exciting and you must be over the moon. I hope you find your perfect boat. Have a super Sunday and week ahead, take care🦋🌻

[@PickingPaul1]

@@themindfulnarrowboat thank you, I’m imagining the ideal boat will become available this week but I have my eye on a couple I’ve viewed

[@vansf3433]

What's actually interesting in all your videos is the artistic and simple ways how you express your own interpretations of life closer to nature, travelling across England on the narrow boat, but with far much broader view of the surrounding world.. There are many people having big houses, but their view of the surrounding world is so limited and confined as the areas within their houses, and the language they use to express themselves is so boring as their confined view Nowadays, such inspiring ways of interpretating and expressing life as yours are seldom seen in younger generations whose expressions of life are so poor as if they could only see few things in life. Your videos are also informative, giving a brief summary of the history of each part of the country where you have visited or passed by

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is such a kind and thoughtful comment- thank you so much!😊 I definitely think living on a boat connects you more easily to the outside world. Spending time with nature and observing the seasonal shifts and all that they bring is so good for you. Whenever, I feel sad, particularly at the moment with the horrific events taking place across the globe, I find a sense of peace outdoors. I wish everyone could have the same benefits and the freedom to spend sometime, undisturbed outside with nature. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@michaelm2502]

Those costs are really reasonable, I think. Way cheaper than renting a flat and owning a car, etc. Love it!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so true! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the week, take care🦋🌻

[@amandasmith3716]

Interesting video Vanessa and very helpful to those who maybe considering a narrowboat life.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much! It was good for me to do some adding up! Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@vanessascola4708]

Seems like very few birds around now. It is very sad. Your birds seem to amazing. Thanks for sharing your personal expenses with us. It seems quite a complicated and costly thing. Stay well and warm.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Stay well and warm too! Take care🦋🌻

[@suedale1865]

Informative breakdown on cost of narrow boating How delightful to take that beautiful walk with you & zephyr the autumn 🍂 tints at their best I have same issues Bronchiectasis/ Asthma in spring leaf pollen Autumn leaf mould trigger is damp & cold but hey it’s life & could be worse We live on a beautiful island called Great Britain wouldn’t change it for anywhere else so allergies are endured Thank you ❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Sue, I hadn’t thought about the leaves being a trigger before. I’m sad to hear you have the same problem too, but it’s like you say, the beauty around you makes up for it doesn’t it? My Mum bought me a Tower Air Purifier for my birthday and that really helps and I take antihistamines as soon as I have a bad day with the breathing. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care 🦋🌻

[@sianwarwick633]

Thanks for being frank about your costs. Seems reasonable, enough. Thankyou for the very clear nature notes, i think chickadees here are similar birds to the different tit birds. Canada geese ? Yes, well...

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Sian, thank you so much for your lovely comment. I think you are right about your chickadees- I love that name too! Have a super weekend, take care 🌻🦋

[@simon-nb-Betsyray]

Morning Vanessa another great vlog explaining ur yearly costs there's a few things l never though of, regarding ur batteries u can Google state of charge for acid and lithium batteries and it shows u what percentage the battery is by the volts and it is colour coded to show u if its damaging it. I did write a review last night and could not have pressed send, so this short vision No2 😂. Have a great weekend and l hope ur parts arrive soon so u can travel again.🐿🍁🍂

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That sounds really interesting, Simon. I’ll have to look into that. I wondered where you’d got to last night with your comment so I’m glad to hear you’re ok. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@mikebarnard7957]

Beautifully presented, enchanting yet informative. The way you capture the country side and illustrative scenes in your diary just shows how talented and endearing you are. Are your diaries published, if so what are they titled and are they sold at Waterstones? Keep up the good work and how can i buy you a coffee or even be a patreon?

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Mike, I am so pleased that you are enjoying the vlogs. I sell my journals in my Etsy shop: themindfulnarrowboat.etsy.com Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the week. Take care 🌻🦋

[@glynluff2595]

That is a most interesting breakdown of costs. I suppose it is about the same as using an auto home of the same value for covering a long summer. It is viable for some who can be work mobile but who are unable to function for mortgages as for the price of a boat accommodation is acquired. However, it is often fair to say that many who opt for this lifestyle have often limited construction and maintenance skills. Against that surmise I would say that most are young and learn many of these things gladly and from what has been seen on some channels use the experience to develop personal relationships. Large numbers seem to be artistically inclined and one wonders if some of the woodcraft and metalwork skills they will learn could be artistically employed as it would spread the variety of art achievements for sale. Rightly or wrongly if you look at farmers trying to diversify you see their advertised merchandise for sale. They are good business people driven by a market and know it is no good sitting on a shelf. Take the broken engine bolts etc and make a saleable object from them mounted on some fallen tree wood. Auction it! Be different! This is not for yourself particularly but it is clear some struggle and such a matter could be a small path for them. It would be a great shame to see a community reduced under current pressures.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for such a considered comment. There are definitely some situations on the waterways where boaters are really, really struggling to make ends meet. I hope they get the support that they need. Have a super rest of the week, take care🦋🌻

[@jeancarpentier5920]

beautifull soul.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@paulmclaine6413]

Your viewers are going to tune in to watch your Vlog regardless if you are traveling the canals cos they love watching you. Take a break and the parts will arrive and you'll soon be on the move again. I'd personally watch you read the phone book. Sorry I'm late watching your Vid I've had my own engine troubles. XXX

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That’s very kind of you, Paul. Thank you. Have a super week, take care🦋🌻

[@vanessascola4708]

The licence too is not cheap. It involves so much your life on the water. Your knowledge of the areas and the history of the places you visit.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I really enjoy finding out about the places that we visit. There is so much fascinating history along the canals. Take care🦋🌻

[@Red-ns9ny]

I’m asthmatic and I used NAC capsules last winter and I think it helped. Xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I hadn't heard of NAC, so I have just read about it and it's really interesting. I think that I will talk to my asthma nurse about it now. Thank you so much for this. Take care🌻🦋

[@pancrazioaquilina7029]

.you are good how you manage your expences, asthma we have family members that suffer from it my son had it as a young boy but he grown out of it my daughter the opposite but thanks for your video and i sure you keep on narrowboathing good morning

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Often, those who get asthma young, grow out of it. I am so pleased that this happened to your son. I got mine in my late teens and it gradually gets worse with age, but I could have far worse illnesses so I am grateful for the medication that I have. Thank you so much for watching and commenting. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋