171. Narrowboat cruise from All Oaks Wood to Hawkesbury (North Oxford canal)

[@SinisterMD]

Ok then, here is a shameless comment, but don't leave me hanging on what the metal things in the bridge are @4:09. What are they?

[@CruisingTheCut]

Strengthening things

[@dennismorley4845]

You sometimes can see the same sort of " metal things " on old cottages. I believe its to brace the walls from bulging out.

[@livingladolcevita7318]

you will sometimes see these on houses basically they stop the walls spreading apart

[@garyhall9359]

@@CruisingTheCut Nice technical term David

[@1258-Eckhart]

They're (overdimensioned) tie-rods. When heavy vehicles pass over the bridge, the downforce from the axles tends to push the masonry cheeks outwards. The rods (with endplates) counteract this.

[@candyrighetti9725]

I do enjoy your sense of humor. Your vlogs are very relaxing. The quality of your videos are excellent. I know nothing of narrow boats or the Cut, and yet it is wonderful to journey with you down/up the canals. Thank you for allowing us share your adventures.

[@AZC1949]

This should put the kibosh on Narrowboat Experience calling your channel "Mooring the Cut!" Good Cruising, David.

[@michaelshelton462]

"A Cathedral of Concrete", so poetic! An ode to modern society .... (tears stream down my face). Thanks David!

[@RVgeeks]

We're honoured to be here for your inaugural sailing. Loved the opening sequence sharing the day's preparation for departure. Then the scenery and your soothing narration allowed to imagine being back on board once again. Thanks for bringing us along on yet another wonderful season, David.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you, of course, for coming along!

[@shamoy1000]

Nice video. With your calm pleasant voice I could imagine you doing voice over work or audio books.

[@davidrobertthomas1515]

I could imagine him writing the books as well. David could match Bill Bryson. Best wishes.

[@Wildmutationblu]

I have developed a very unwanted depression in my later years and it's very hard for me to want to get out of bed these days. Watching your videos brightens my mood and I shall mention your channel to my gp. T|hank you for making these videos.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Hi. Sorry you’re unwell. I’m glad the videos can help in some way. Best wishes for you feeling brighter soon.

[@richardlaundon]

Lovely to see you out on the cut again. Poor Kath though lol She's never going to live that incident down :D

[@andrewpoloni4197]

Poor Cath ... she's going to be very cross with you the next time she sees you! ;)

[@bonnytiler2119]

David so good to see you back out on the cut......all's right with the world again......

[@firefly24601]

Engine: check Moorings: check Ducks: check Puns: check Must be a new boating season for Cruising the Cut! Hooray!

[@dimensioncs]

Ahh, lovely to see you back, and all the best for the upcoming travels! Great update as always - poor Kath, she’ll never live that tap incident down will she?! Still, I expect she deserves it after her ‘Mooring the cut’ comment!! 😉 Happy cruising!

[@scox5286]

Ah …...my therapy sessions are back. Thanks David, great video!

[@johnathanbrouwer1448]

Thank you for the time and effort you take to produce these videos! You have inspired my son and I to try a narrowboat! We are going for a week on the Kenet and Avon... In the meantime, we continue to watch your vlogs!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Excellent! I hope you have a wonderful time!

[@stephencanalboat4668]

David, it's good to see you out-and-about cruising the cut. Happy travels! I see this episode show a new perspective of your boat! Love your vlogs. Cheers! Stephen

[@skuttsie]

Nice first spring jaunt to Hawkesbury. Recent US-based (but UK born) subscriber (binge-watched your entire channel over the last few months). The stretch you are on now brings back memories of my childhood. As a family, we hired from Rose Narrowboats on our summer holidays and did a lot of the midlands navigation stuff (the various rings, GU, B'ham, etc). Incidentally, the tiny Hawkesbury stop lock was the first lock my brother and I operated alone (we were about 8 and 10 years old at the time). Would love to follow in your footsteps and live the dream of owning and living aboard a narrowboat, but for now am very content to cruise vicariously via your thoroughly entertaining commentary and lovely visual work. Look forward to seeing more of your 2019 cruising videos.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks, glad it brings back happy memories

[@skuttsie]

@@CruisingTheCut It sure did, thank you. Oh, and just FYI here's that actual lock moment from Hawkesbury in 1987! www.skutter.net/Hawkesbury1987.jpg

[@garyphillips7586]

Love your crafting of English as you decribe your travel. It brings your videos to life.

[@cabuster]

The quality of your videos (sharp contrasts of color, depth of field, AND content) continue to be superb. Thank you for so ably demonstrating your wonderful environment.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you

[@hildahickey6964]

i could listen to the birds sing all day! you are so fortunate!

[@johnb4183]

"Continuous Cruiser" or vagabond / nomad or rolling stone ! Jolly good show Dave , it will be quite a change -interesting....

[@frederiquezug5938]

Your generosity never ceases to amaze me, inviting all of us on your journey's. Thank you for allowing us again to travel with you again this year. BUT, you only made one cheese sandwich, I bet it tasted great. ;-)

[@Marks-Garage]

14:11 That looks like a 400kv to 132kv high voltage transformer with cooler bank to ensure the transformer doesn't overheat. Looks like an old one too so probably late 60s or 70s. Built to last and the peak of British engineering. Enjoying your videos. Only found them by chance after looking up information on solar panels!

[@jcderby129]

The other side of the canal just prior to this has 132kv to 33kv and 33kv to 11kv as well.

[@michaelwatson113]

You provide delightful commentary, as usual.

[@Brian-1948]

Thank you for brightening our day. I really hope that your enjoy your 2019 and perhaps boat swapping spurs you onwards.

[@markbullock1931]

I love your vlogs David thank you! When I passed that way on NB New Dawn last week going the opposite way to you. I had moored the previous night after bridge 4 because I couldn't find a mooring at Hawskbury, so sadly no pint at the Grey Hound. The next day a single locomotive with no train tooted at me! I admit I felt taken aback! Yes blimey, that swing bridge.

[@Safecracker49]

Love your videos, well done!

[@sidneybowerman558]

I think this was the second time (or maybe the third) that I have watched this video. I can't help it, it's all so relaxing, and that goes for the commentary as well. Thanks David.

[@paulwennington9048]

Hello David, the prohibited moorings at Ansty are because the canal is banked quite high in comparison to the nearby houses. The residents complained and won stating that moored boats along that section would be at the same level as the upper floors of the houses and this they would have their privacy compromised. I hope that helps to explain. See you when you come up the Coventry. Paul.

[@CruisingTheCut]

I understand but I think it's nonsense!!

[@spencerwilton5831]

Paul Wennington One would think that the residents of those dreary, 1970's looking estate houses would be thankful of a cheerful scene to look out upon, bringing a bit of colour to an otherwise drab existence! The canal predates the houses by approaching two centuries- how can they not have realised when they bought the places that boats might actually use it?! It's rather like the type of people that move to pretty rural villages only to complain about church bells and mooing cows. Personally, I think anyone who does so should be placed in the village stocks for a few days and be handed a massive fine for their stupidity.

[@JoshWright396]

Aren't the upper floors of the houses already at the same level as the upper floors of other houses...?

[@davidjulian8536]

And the boaters privacy would be compromised by the residents staring out of their windows. First world problems indeed!

[@hans2406]

@@CruisingTheCut Privacy....... The nowadays well beloved hook to hang nagging on.......

[@nbflyingfox4672]

Great job David, looking forward to an endless stream of vlogs this year about your travels around the cut..

[@CheckouttheRILEYS]

I don't why, but I am hooked on watching about these boats but I don't know why..We are vloggers that moved from America to the Philippines and never even been to the U.K. anyways I am your newest suber and hope you are making more than beer 🍻 money. Anyways happy boating.

[@grumpybore863]

ah, a new season of cruising from my favorite narrowboater! I do so enjoy yours, best of all those I watch, because of your humor and sarcasm, and how you explain things about narrowboating life without going into TONS of dreary detail, but just the right amount. I may not be a boater, but I do have my own pair of ducks that come for a feed along with my squirrels, sparrows, jays, ravens, etc. that come to my tossed peanuts, birdseed and cracked corn.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you :-)

[@UrbanHomesteadMomma]

Lol poor Cath... you had to get that dig in eh... I wonder how many folks got it... The idea about a tie in with the electric train grid is intriguing... seems wherever you go the rail lines are fairly close to the canals... maybe a thought for future canal upgrades?

[@steveparkinson8387]

Yes I saw the Looonnnnggg fill up by Kath when.David visited. It mad me smile.

[@CorvusNumber6]

Hobson's Choice! Brilliant film with John Mills and Brenda De Banzie! 👍🏻😎 Excellent video as usual!

[@welanded1]

As always, good success and may your adventure continue....

[@garrisonstanleigh6146]

Today was a little blah .Then my notification bell went off . Heck yeah a New video from C.C. .Thanks for the up lift .. :-):-):-)

[@epj900]

Good luck with charging your batteries from the overhead railway catenary! 25,000 volts AC will soon have your battery up and running and melt your boat too!!LOL

[@davidrobertthomas1515]

LOL LOL LOL Really funny. Best wishes epj900

[@AttilaAsztalos]

Oh, I can already see the first paragraph of the Overhead Charging Guide: " Step 1: make sure your charging lead is securely attached to the delivery drone..." ;)

[@NorthernContrarian]

You do know we've invented technology to solve that? It's not like the grid is set to 240 or 110 either.

[@NorthernThinker]

I now know why that horse had a hood on, your videos are a never ending source of insight. Thank you.

[@PNEKarl]

I think I see what you did there David with your 'Travelling Man' reference. I loved the 1980's TV series where Leigh Lawson travelled the canals in his quest to solve a crime. Good to see you floating again.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Weirdly, I'd never heard of the TV show. I was under the (seemingly mistaken) impression I was referring to a Billy Joel album and am now baffled as to what I was in fact thinking of!!

[@hans2406]

Standedge tunnel anyone? Having a longish time to spend cruising the cut, so to say, maybe that particular tunnel might be interesting?

[@TeeVeeZed123]

Travelling Man al la Rick Nelson?

[@Innerspace100]

@CruisingTheCut I thought you were referring either to Ricky Nelson or Lynyrd Skynyrd. Both have songs by that name.

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Hooray, the Dark Lord of the canals has returned to cusing the cut😎

[@jakemcquade3157]

A perfect voice for reading childrens books.

[@SparkeyDogfish]

I don’t follow you religiously, but on a rainy morning or other random urge, I love to ride with you and your camera. Almost like a meditation video. It is a great way to relax.

[@cathrynbagley8005]

Ever had one of those annoying days where nothing actually goes wrong as such but lots of things are annoying? Well, I had one of those days, then I spotted your video was posted and all is now well with the world ..... until I got too engrossed and burnt my dinner - oh well, it was worth it for that little oasis of calm

[@CruisingTheCut]

Hahahah ooops

[@stilcrazychris]

Another relaxing ride down the canal in the UK. Such green & from what you showed us was not to much trash. Except the cart in the canal. Bet if you had one of those underwater cameras it would show us a different story. I just don't understand why people can not pick up after themselves. I was watching a sailing channel & they where in there little boat going a long a drift patch of debris & started picking up plastic everything. It's just sad to see it all & around fish, turtles, & other things in the ocean. Well enough of that, bc it's a long on going problem people needs to fix on there own. But until they figure out it starts w/themself, it will never get solved. Thank you for the relaxing ride David. It was a lovely trip, Chris from Missouri

[@CruisingTheCut]

Was that the Wynns? I saw that too.

[@stilcrazychris]

@@CruisingTheCut yes, you are correct. I really like that they try there best to not use plastic & is sharing it w/the world. I try, but everytime I go to store. I forget my reusable bag totes. I guess I suffer from CRS = Can't Remember Shit syndrome.... lol.... it's getting worse as I get older. A few weeks ago my husband was going to cook fish in the deep fryer. Well are corn mill was 4 yrs out dated & they had those little bugs that gets into flour & noodles. So I ran to the store real quick. Got home & husband was putting everything away & he asked me "Where's the corn meal?" I said a few choose words to me self... lol... And Said I'll run back to the store & he said I'll just bake them in the oven w/lemon, onion, salt, pepper, & butter. I eat everything on my plate & a extra piece of fish he didn't eat. I was seating in tall cotton.... lol... if the butter wasn't in it, it would of been better for me. But I was happy, happy, happy no matter how he cooked it. But I reuse the plastic bags in my small trash cans. So it makes me fell a little better by reusing them. My neighbor burns all kinds of stuff like beds, play houses, tires, & so on. Makes me mad, bc everytime she does it, it blows into my house. Idk who to call & report it to? Any help would be great from anyone. Have a wonderful day, Chris from Missouri

[@thecanucklehead7351]

Good to have you back David, but you had better check on where the girls are and adjust your route accordingly because I am thinking that you probably do not want to run into Cath any time soon - given that you have just highlighted (to 60k subscribers) that she is totally unable to master the workings of a water tap :)

[@craigbowie8925]

David it's great to see you cruising again. A bonafide continuous cruiser now. That seems a big step. I wish you well on your travels. I really enjoy how your videos are a mix of "How to" and "Life on the Narrorboat" smattered with scenic views.

[@jezlanejl]

Bravo David, Great to see you back on the Cut. The boaters can now sleep in peace knowing there Super hero is about making sure everything is alright. Armed only with a boat tiller and Cheese sandwich for Defence, fighting evil wherever it may lurk...

[@CruisingTheCut]

Mmm cheese

[@x--.]

That is a brilliant visual.

[@tompinnef6331]

Being a retired firefighter - we learned what they where in fire school. Means the walls where leaning outward. To stabilize the building / bridge etc. They put a rod though the entire structure with 'star' or 'round' nuts at the end. "The stars weren’t put on buildings when they were made, but were put on later when owners noticed that the brick and mortar joints started cracking. Without being fixed, a building could actually split in half and crumble. This is a very common problem with brick structures."

[@ccooper8785]

7:46 "It was like Cath was operating it".... at least you never said "unlike some people" when you put the Tiller on :-)

[@CruisingTheCut]

I thought it though :-)

[@thoughtsonfitness3249]

Just in for a coffee having just finished painting the roof on our 58 foot heron ....... currently in dry dock at Mills Dockyard Until May 3 just off the Erewash ......... thanks a chance to have a drink and a sandwich whilst watching another great vlog..... and yes I’m in Construction.... bracing bolts ...

[@frederickwilt5541]

I'm in America and one thing I haven't seen you do (perhaps because you haven't) is take us inside a typical pub for a nice look round. I like cheese sandwiches, favoring the grilled variety.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Ah, see the video I did about six months ago, all about canal pubs!

[@christopherlussenden3021]

Wow CTC, momentous news about giving up your mooring! In addition you have revealed the name of your boat! A very nice vlog, but I would have liked it to be longer, say 30 minutes! Happy Spring/ Summer cruising.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Never 30 mins, it's too long in my opinion and too much editing and too much data. The name was shown on the RV Geeks video (with my blessing) when they came to visit. After that I added it to my website FAQ page. Hence there is no reason to no longer hide it.

[@FarisMee]

@7:41 a parting shot as you scamper away from your old vlog series "Mooring the Cut".

[@lancecluster]

Nice to see the engine check procedures, and the unmooring procedure, had not noticed that in other videos before. Don't need to see it all the time, but it was interesting to see. Thanks.

[@grahamhughes3953]

Its because Kath NBE showed him how on their shared aquaduct adventure LOL

[@karlfair]

A question asked of the crew chief aboard a HC-47 helicopter. Aren't you worried about the dripping oil? His reply: No I worry when the dripping stops.

[@Suho1004]

First proper cruising vlog of 2019! Hooray! I know I say it often, but thank you once again for allowing us to share a little piece of your life with you. It's always a good day when I have a CC vlog waiting for me.

[@meks040]

wait, did i miss the obligatory herron? or what do you call them big grey birds.

[@alexr4151]

It's wonderful to be back on the water again!

[@johnlewis3009]

Cheeky comment about Kaths tap issues

[@JJUrdzela]

Good to have you back! I hope we see your videos regularly again! I enjoy them very much.

[@harveysmith100]

With regards to the leaky taps, they have a gland nut, (yes, similar) just below the handle, if you tighten that nut it often cures the leak and boosts pressure. But you probable already knew that. Shameless!

[@CruisingTheCut]

I did not but I'm probably not supposed to fix CRT assets without permission and a risk assessment form and a hard hat and a health and safety course (etc)

[@harveysmith100]

@@CruisingTheCut Oh well, you got a comment out of it. Anyone else like to add anything?

[@easymedia7988]

Hope you're well David. Love the vids as always.

[@radioguy534]

What a life David, another most enjoyable video.

[@for.tax.reasons]

"That was such a slow tap it was like Kath was operating it" ah yes never an opportunity for snark missed

[@CruisingTheCut]

Of course!

[@sidneybowerman558]

I've said it before, and no doubt will say it again, these videos are amazing. So calming, and educational.

[@tigermagician6726]

Oh, the Canadian guide to international travel issued by oxford university press says " Oxford Is a tropical country surrounded by crystal clear fishing waters and pristine beaches" it also states Oxford has an ancient university dedicated to creative intellectual fabrications .... hmmm....

[@Tj-co2ww]

Another lovely video. And I always anticipate for swans to show up somewhere in the videos.

[@hw476]

Poor Cath. What did she do to deserve that? 😂😂

[@CruisingTheCut]

See prior vlog!

[@edtuckerartist]

It's your turn 🤣 @@CruisingTheCut

[@robertprice7246]

The more I view these Vlogs, the more this looks like a whackin good way to spend some time and enjoy life

[@johncraig2684]

will your lady friend/navigator be joining us on any of your travels this year?

[@CruisingTheCut]

Who knows what the year will bring?

[@johncraig2684]

@@CruisingTheCut and ladies are much better at tackling creepy spiders on aerials

[@rayg9069]

@@CruisingTheCut Well hopefully she brings cheese sandwiches and hot tea!

[@ilox11]

Thanks for bringing us up to date on your travels. Congrats on making the bold step of relinquishing your long-term mooring. That should free up some cash and who knows just where you might find yourself by the time it comes to Winter Layover time. As Roy would say, "Happy Trails to you..." ;)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Haha "happy trails, folks" indeed

[@k.r.baylor8825]

And there are so many other mooring sites up and down the country. Whatever tickles one's fancy come fall should be the determining factor for spending a few months somewhere new, getting to know the locals and the local sights. And it'll make for some more fine vlogs...

[@tinniswood2577]

I'm not commenting on this video just to boost your ratings, you won't catch me out!!

[@jimblack5596]

Congratulations on becoming a continuous cruiser! I look forward to lots of new cruising vlogs.

[@petemoring67]

A good old cruising video, but a painful reminder of just HOW the electrification of the #Railway has desecrated the British Countryside ...... AARRGGHH!!!!! :-(

[@Liofa73]

Pete Moring --- Nonsense, you barely notice the railways in most of the country. We're not going back to full diesel or coal, so you'll have to live with the electric trains. You also have to remember that the canals were working corridors, that's why you see a lot of industrial/infrastructure buildings alongside.

[@hans2406]

I guess the high power lines are a bigger disturbance.

[@christopherlussenden3021]

Not for railway enthusiasts!

[@hans2406]

I really love the winter cruising vlogs. Nature is at it's best, at least that is what I think, as I live where winter is not really existing......

[@benpreston3201]

Recently been on a narrowboat holiday on the grand union. Fantastic trip and I will l be doing it again all because of your influence. I would love to live aboard and probably will someday. Thank you and keep the vlogs coming :)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers!

[@robgreene1776]

Ah, you're Cruising The Cut once again, and i am very much looking forward to more !

[@boboala1]

Idyllic. I was floating along with you...stress/depression forgotten for almost 15 mins, thanks! A unique UK boating experience. Here in the USA most canals one might know about, if living by a large river, are for large barge tows...the wake alone could ruin your peaceful outing!

[@tasim1]

Thank you D. We now have the pleasure of living vicariously through you again. 😎😃

[@CruisingTheCut]

Hooray! Lovely to have you "virtually" aboard.

[@k.r.baylor8825]

I know I look forward to the cruising vlogs. Sitting in my office in Washington, D.C., supposedly working on that latest report...but instead I'm watching the peaceful Oxfordshire scenery slowly pass by. And I love every minute of it. That report can wait...

[@CruisingTheCut]

Don't have me get you fired! Haha

[@imxploring]

Always a joy to take a ride with you along the canals! Thanks for sharing!

[@iPugsy]

I've thoroughly enjoyed watching your content for many, many months now. I think I've viewed everything.... Some multiple times 😊 Your channel gives me a relaxing diversion from the daily hubbub of a working life! I finally managed to get around to logging into my KZbin account again... So I've subscribed! Keep it coming... And thank you 😊

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you!

[@iPugsy]

"CC" really does read all comments 😊 This channel is for my "switch off" time. I encourage everyone to sit back, get comfortable, forget everything and just relax a little bit.... And view this channels content. Life is simple... We only complicate it with unnecessary problems

[@srqlisa7881]

What a toe path that you can walk next to a person or you won't knock someone over. lol That always bugged me too. Plus it's nice and green here I get it. Oh yes, welcome back. Wouldn't it be nice if someone (a narrowboater) thru out some flower seeds along the toepath or both sides that way it will look like a big garden. Wait a minute the area where they say don't stop they place signboards that you have to stop in order to read. Sounds like gov't work to me. : ) peace

[@Its_me--Boo_Radley]

It is nice to see your pre-travel routine. Poor Kath--another dig about her slow water fill-up. Will she ever live it down? Congratulations on once again being a continuous cruiser. Looking forward to seeing your latest adventures.

[@darrenblois8495]

Happy cruising for 2019. Looking forward to following your travels.

[@ltrtg13]

When the other boat passed and you "if your listening in stereo you'll hear on the right" reminded me. When I've listened to "One" by Metallica using head phones. It sound like the helicopter at the start has flown into one ear and out of the other.

[@rareairvideos3070]

Completely enjoyable going along with you after a day in the desert. Okay... in the city in the desert.

[@orange70383]

I really enjoy your civilized style, it promotes a positive and grounded feel. I imagine such fine canals also draw those who use it as a means of dodgy living and where rules are skirted.

[@CruisingTheCut]

No more so than anywhere else, I feel.

[@RiggingDoctor]

Love the rope fenders!

[@mattevans-koch9353]

Thank you for another relaxing video David. Good to see you off to a serene new cruising season. Have a great week.

[@lilylou1513]

Peppermint oil for spiders works a treat. You can get it on amazon, sprinkle it out pop it on a cloth and rub where they occur and hay presto the spiders will disappear. I sprinkle it. 😊😊

[@HarryKazzam]

Another wonderfully relaxing video. Absolutely love the life you live and share so well with us. Thanks.

[@joecousins8363]

Another fab video! Continuous cruiser how exciting 😎 can’t wait for the next vlog .......

[@neilgower2558]

Your away a breath of fresh air keep it up

[@tellmesomething2go]

I liked the prep work, prior to the shove-off. and the overall cruise seemed rather enjoyable. Especially enjoy the English country-side, as being of British descent, I find it some of the best in the world. The architecture, bridges, and other structures could never be replaced, in these modern times. Guard them well. And concerning the River Trust, I was hoping they had some kind of ongoing river maintenance works programs, to kind of keep an eye on things, as you go along. Just maybe a little spruce-up here and there to make these trips a little more enjoyable. Just a thought. Carry on, mate. HIP, HIP.

[@anthonybelcher8569]

Just awesome to watch you boating along the cut.lovely country side.😀⛴

[@Jack-russell103]

Great to see you back on the. Move David. Happy and safe adventures

[@carlthor91]

Kath is going to get you for that slam. Cheers

[@CullenTheDuck]

This has got to be one of my favorite videos. This is the one that got me into your channel, and when I first saw it, as an American, it was very strange and foreign, like living in someone else's shoes for a day. And not knowing anything. But now? Now I've binged almost all your content, returned, and enjoyed this video as much as the first time (much lest confused this go around) THX!

[@9ColorZebra]

Glad to see you out and about.

[@davidrobertthomas1515]

I thoroughly enjoy watching your vlogs more than any other. Your use of English is a joy to hear 'a cathedral of concrete' and 'the metal overlords stare down'. The English language is such a beautiful language - your eloquence is unmatched by anyone else on the net. Are you a published author? Best wishes and thanks.

[@CruisingTheCut]

I write for Waterways World magazine but that's about it!

[@sharpbends]

Love the stereo sound, wonderful :-)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you, yes I've upgraded the audio this year; the handheld cam still has a mono mic but I've just ordered a stereo one for that too, which I'll pick in a few weeks.

[@sharpbends]

@@CruisingTheCut That's excellent, the canals have good opportunities for stereo audio, the birds and crickets on either side, the odd narrow boat chugging past and those occasional trains wizzing bye... (I use a few Rode stereo video mikes myself, adds another spatial dimension :-)