#172

[@lionelmarytravels6003]

You are an amazing lady Vanessa. I could listen to your voice forever and never get tired. So natural, with a dog for company. What more could I ask. There is nothing you do or say that upsets me. When I saw what your engine was doing, I immediately said, "Head gasket"

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you and well done for guessing the head gasket had gone. Thank you for your kindness. Take care 🦋🌻

[@jimm7165]

Sounds like they fixed you up right. New bolt(s), head gasket, skinned the head (machined a thin layer off the mating surface for a proper seal). He didn't mention the block, but machining the head leads me to believe that he checked it for flatness and passed muster. That snapped bolt is a million-to-1 thing. Yanmar (makes the Vetus engine) makes a solid engine. Keep your coolant topped up and you'll be all good.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I'm relieved to hear that you agree with the job done. We are really pleased with how it is all running now. Thank you so much for your comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@vic_tim7956]

Love folk like Alec who's enthusiasm brings life to inanimate objects.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

He is an incredible museum curator! I totally recommend a visit. Thank you for watching and for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@markd3250]

That museum was wonderful! I completely understand why you spent so much time there, I would have done the same thing. I really appreciate your observations and explanations of the plants and wildlife you come across. It adds so much color and life to your videos. All of it combined with the beautiful music makes for a rich and warm viewing and listening experience. Thank you so much!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is such a lovely comment- thank you so much! 😊 I am really pleased that you enjoy the vlogs. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@andreaamer1183]

Loved the transport museum and how volunteers spend so many hours dedicating their time to bringing the past alive again xxx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I agree, when you meet people who are so passionate about something that they give up so much time to create something for everyone to enjoy, it is so heartwarming. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@JulianMountMusic]

"This model narrow boat reminds me of Alice Grace - largely because it's not moving". With your energy and sense of humour, I'm sure you'll get through this set back. Good luck. x

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@seancobb8853]

Well done Vanessa you done it 😀

[@pancrazioaquilina7029]

Cupiccino for dogs that's something new she deserves it and much more . What a place and museums thanks for showing us and for your comentry.thanks for that guy too . Phil looks like a man who knows what he 's doing just be patience . May you have a good week

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you for your lovely comment! I'm not sure the vet would approve of the pupacinos!😂 You're right that Phil knows what he is doing. Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@WanabeHippie]

What an adventure. You have such amusing patience and acceptance I couldn't help smiling. I do hope you get some good news soon.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that the vlog made you smile. It was great fun to film and make despite the engine issues that we're having. Hopefully, we'll be up and running again as normal soon.🤞 Have a super rest of the weekend and week ahead, take care🦋🌻

[@pilpelet100]

Thanks again for a lovely video. The museum was amazing. Thanks for showing it to us. I hope that your engine repairs don't cost too much!! ☹

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

The museum was such an amazing treasure chest of wonders it really was. Thank you so much for your kind comment. Have a super rest of the weekend and week ahead, take care🦋🌻

[@shirleygreaves9650]

Vanessa, I’m so sorry to hear the bad news about the engine, what a nightmare! It must have been super frustrating for you but you stay positive and cheerful. I’m always amazed by your shots of Kingfishers, I only ever manage to snap a flash of blue. The model train was lovely it looks a very interesting place to visit. I really hope your engine is fixed very soon. Lots of love. xxxxx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Shirley, hopefully our engine troubles will be a thing of the past soon.🤞 Thank you so much for your kind wishes though. I have seen a lot of kingfishers along the Staffs and Worcs canal which is a lot to do with luck, but if I see one fly ahead, I watch where it lands and then I edge very slowly and quietly as near to it as I can to get a decent shot of it with my camera. This means that I look very strange and weird to anyone walking past, but that doesn't bother me😂 Find a place where there are lots of kingsfishers and you'll get a great snap, Shirely, I'm sure of it. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@cjyoung7372]

I love it when you and zeph take us to museums, fish ladders, kilms, and the like l love the contrast between nature history and infrastructure Britain really does look like a wonderful place

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you enjoy our little adventures because we really enjoy filming them. There are so many incredible places to discover along the canals and it's a pleasure finding them. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@Terryb31]

Don't worry Vanessa, you're in good hands. Phil's humour is so dry, but he works hard, and is honest. My engine is the same as yours, I also had the head skimmed 3 years ago, and now it's still running perfectly. Good luck, don't worry, it'll be OK. X

[@retardtiger]

Very popular engines on the boats we looked after, Lymington Hants.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so reassuring to know- thank you so much, Terry! Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@michaeldodd5793]

A new set of head studs and nuts, head crack test, resurface head, new head gasket, reassemble, refill coolant, change the oil / filter and you should be ready to fire it up and go.

[@sianwarwick633]

Like fixing and re-filling a blown 4 cylindre car engine

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That's a brilliant check list thank you! 👍 Thank you for your comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@FlyFree2023]

As usual another superb Vlog. I'm always amazed how you spot and explain the simple wildlife you encounter out and about that I fail to find. That museum for a chap like me is an undiscovered heaven now on my "Bucket List". Hope the engine repair goes well.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I really hope you can tick the museum off your bucket list soon; it's brilliant there! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@paulwhitehouse3690]

I noticed the Moorhen was ringed, (banded, for the Americans watching) nice to know the record keeping that is going on. Paul, Johannesburg

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I noticed that too and I think it might be because there is a 'wildlife' centre there which is monitoring the water around it. It is good to see that happening. Take care🌻🦋

[@Nick-mq9on]

I wouldn't trust any mechanic who says" its just a mess". The mechanic should at the very least tell one what he thinks is the problem, and how he would try to repair the engine.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Nick, you are right about that and Phil did explain how he was going to repair the engine fortunately. Thank you so much for watching and commenting. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@simontheeldergeek523]

Nice watch while eating lunch, thank you. I think the chap had every right to exclaim, it's a mess.

[@lesnicholas2433]

Times I have cruised under Bridge 63 not knowing there was a stream above me,and the museum and cafe I will definitely be mooring up and visiting next year.Artistry and poetry are wonderful thanks for sharing your gifts.Hopefully your engine is sorted now🤞🏻

[@marcobrian1619]

Are you a fitter? He's part way stripping engine down..... He's no idea the exact of damage till he's removed alot of parts. I'm just saying....1 of them broken head bolt heads could of got jamed and coursed more damage deeper in engine. He could of said it's Fubar and said you need new engine and walked off. No he's digging and trying to find all faults to repair engine properly.

[@sparkygirl9083]

Just do what you can to get the job done. Then forget about it. It hard to deal with mechanics, they have a God complex.

[@NarrowboatWill]

I'm going to be passing that museum in a few weeks. That's right down my street. I'm glad you're getting the engine sorted at last..See you soon mindful family. ❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

You will absolutely love Tettenhall Museum, Will. It's only open at weekends, but it is such a treasure chest of wonders. Our engine has a very complicated personality it seems!😂 See you soon. Safe cruising, take care🌻🦋

[@jasonsyers3948]

Zeph’s eyes nearly popped out at the sight of that puppachino & love the way you seem to find a pot of gold in every nook and cranny along our beautiful waterways be it nature, reused buildings or simply pootling along the towpath ❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Zephyr absolutely loved that puppachino! She went straight for the whipped cream first.😂🐾🐾💚 I am so pleased that you enjoyed the vlog- thank you so much for your kind comment. Have a super rest of the weekend and week ahead, take care🦋🌻

[@StevesRepairs]

Thanks Vanessa for taking us along on this lovely part of your autumnal adventure, it looks like Phil knows what he's doing so you'll be back on the move soon. thank you very much for sharing your beautiful journal. Have a great weekend. Take care and all the best. Stevie ❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Stevie, Phil definitely knows what he’s doing and we were so lucky to break down near Oxley Marine. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@otter736]

Thanks again for the fascinating adventures!!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

You are so welcome! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@vanessascola4708]

Whipped cream and more! Crazy. Whatever next for Zephyr.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

She loved it!🐾🐾💚🌻🦋

[@rob3942]

I really enjoy your vids, your love of nature, poetry, art, history and architecture. And videography and Zeph. Repeating myself but must highlight the highlights. Excellent Vanessa. Go well ok

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is so kind of you to take the time to comment, Rob. I really appreciate it. Thank you so much. Take care🦋🌻

[@christineprice5463]

So good you found a good place for your engine repair. You can find an adventure everywhere. Well done, Vanessa.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Christine, I thought exactly the same recently- thank goodness we broke down near Oxley Marine with the mechanics, water point, rubbish point and beautiful walks; it could have been much, much worse! Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@christineprice5463]

@@themindfulnarrowboat And you also have a lovely weekend.

[@retardtiger]

@@themindfulnarrowboatThe boat engineer looks the part for the repairs ! You get to an age when you’ve seen so much you say what you mean or nothing. My usual comment was ‘this thing is well f*cked , but not in front of a customer. 😉 What people did to their engines was comical sometimes. I’d just serviced a small outboard for a retired captain. He came in on the Monday morning with it (4hp) almost crying. It’s never run so well, he says. He’d loosened off transom clamps while mooring, ‘ to let the last of the fuel to empty out the chamber’ he said. The engine vibrated off and sank 😳. I washed it all out with WD40, and it fired up 1st pull, happy days 😉

[@debh4190]

Zeph with a puppachino AND a stick -- if she can wrest it away from her mom! Awesome museum, thanks for showing it to us. Bummer about the engine, though. Hope they can get it fixed soon.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Deb, thank you for your lovely comment- Zeph made me laugh trying to take the stick with the fairy parachutes on it!😂🐾🐾 Let's hope that Alice Grace will be back to her normal self soon.🤞Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@mechanics4all405]

FANTASTIC

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much that's such a kind comment. Have a super week, take care🌻🦋

[@bethwhite2857]

Your journal is lovely..🌷 Ever thought of publishing 🎀🎄 Enjoyed the the characters today, and loved the museum as well. I could send hours there. 🤠

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Beth, I am so pleased that you enjoyed the vlog. Thank you for your kind comment about my journal. When I have copies available, I sell them in my Etsy shop. I am waiting for the printing company to make some of my 2022 journals and then in a month or so, I am hoping to have my 2023 journal on sale too. Happy New Year!🥳🦋🌻

[@henrymichaelwilson8107]

Hello there. There's a Acqaduct on the famous Settle and Carlisle Railway. Just before Bleamoor tunnel. It carries a stream over the Railway. Just below Wherenside the highest of the three peaks. Ribblehead is just south of this. One of my favourite places on the S&C.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It sounds like an amazing place! There can't be many bridges in the world built to specifically carry a stream can there? Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the week, take care🌻🦋

[@hectordelvalle4428]

In addition, it is a big plus. When you introduce us to a world that is so familiar to us. Unfortunately, it's is a bygone era.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I think that's why I like the canals as there is so much history right in front of your eyes. Thank you for your lovely comment, take care🦋🌻

[@CarrieThiery]

My gosh I was having the most awful spell until you said "my gosh I hope Phil hasn't evaporated! " The first chuckle I have had all week. I am so happy to have found you,your pup and youre little boat! Love spending time here and escaping life for a while! Also, are all the poems ones you have written? I love the readings and seeing your art. Please stay warm it is VERY cold here in Northwestern Connecticut too! CaT

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It did really look like Phil had evaporated didn't it?🤭 I hope you are feeling better? Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care🌻🦋

[@CarrieThiery]

Hey, I just saw your video on making gluten free/vegan bread - I think I might be able to help you get a better loaf! Can I email you a recipe and a tip to try? @@themindfulnarrowboat

[@ludo9234]

Make sure your low water or oil signals work. That will save the engine from more serious damage.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

We don't have a low water signal on our boat but we check the expansion bottle and do an engine check before every cruise.Thank you so much for your helpful comment. Have a super week, take care🌻🦋

[@crispyfrogs]

I admire your good-natured manoeuvring. I’m the worst with an audience! I hope it’s all back to normal soon for you.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I edited out and sped up how long it actually took me as I am like you, terrible with an audience!😂 Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@crispyfrogs]

@@themindfulnarrowboat Yes, quite a large audience in your case 🤣🤣 Thanks, take care 😀😀

[@SteveBrosig-dh3xz]

So, I believe you blowed a head gasket, my present boat has a 2 cylinder diesel engine, when I first purchased this boat it had a blown head gasket, I did all the work, I have worked on diesel engines over 20 years myself, it just cost money, but we got her back running diesels don’t like to get hot, over 220 degrees, watch your instruments while the engine is running, keep plenty of coolant in her, and or change the impeller on the River water coolant pump, there are ways to tell when you need to change it, visual coolant strainers, Cheers Young Lady, Steve from Texas

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That's great advice- thank you so much! Have a super week, take care🌻🦋

[@sheilajoseph9953]

Hope your engine gets fixed soon. What a super museum love all those cats built for grandchildren. Think it's worth a visit. 💚

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Sheila, the museum was amazing! They let children that visit to see Santa there, drive those cars out to see him in the micro car. It must be magical for them. Thank you so much for your kind wishes. Have a super week, take care🌻🦋

[@annjarvis9300]

Awww what a grand vlog good you took the time with your problemshope Phil can sort them out very soon do tc now the oldies 🤗🤗

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Phil is like a magician when it comes to narrowboat engines! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@charlesauld8494]

Hello, I've just come across your videos. I have to say, you are an incredibly good artist! As a retired Chief Marine Engineer, I'm amazed that you have lost your cylinder head studs! That is an extremely unusual situation! The engineer sounds like he knows these engines well, and I'm sure you will be up and running soon! All the best, Charlie.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Charlie, thank you so much for such a lovely comment. That's really interesting about the head studs- I am quite concerned why and how it happened and I hope that it's not going to keep on happening? Hopefully, like you say, we'll be up and running again soon. 🤞Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@charlesauld8494]

Hello again, I've been giving the studs problem some thought, and come to the conclusion that the engine must have been worked on at some point in the past. The studs and the head nuts must not have been tightened to the correct torque, and have come loose due to vibration. Make sure they torque the studs and nuts when they rebuild it!! (Thank you for your reply. It's a pity I live in the North of Scotland, or I would pop round and give you a hand!!). Happy cruising, soon!

[@retardtiger]

Greetings Charles, Vanessa has said the engine has leaked cooling water since boat was purchased. I too have never heard of head studs coming loose. Nuts loosening yes, if not torqued as you say, leading to gasket leaking. (Ex seagoing engineer too, built Sulzers in Fairfield’s 😉)

[@butchieblock9118]

The way that you flip through the pages of your journal is like a trip through time for us the viewers!!! I'm looking forward to receiving my copy from my former home (UK) to my current home--the Gulf Coast! No snow, already 26°C!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I’m so pleased that you feel that way. I can’t believe how quickly the temperature has risen where you are. Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care🌻🦋

[@njcaveexplorer]

So adorable

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@orchidhouse297]

A stream crossing on a bridge, fairy parachutes, transport for a disabled kid, an evaporated Phill, then baked pear I last enjoyed in Italy. What more could a guy want when it is finished off with a poem and an illustration. So sorry about the engine. Hope it is fixed very soon. Enjoyed the museum as well. Great episode. Thanks.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

What a lovely comment- thank you so much! I am so pleased that you enjoyed it. Have a super rest of the weekend and week ahead, take care🌻🦋

[@vanessascola4708]

Sorry for you, Vanessa, It seems like this has been a real nightmare for you. Poor Alice Grace. You seem so calm and hopeful even though it must be really stressful. I think I would cry and give up.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Vanessa, thank you so much for your lovely comment. I was lucky to have broken down in a place that had everything that I needed around me. I might have cried, if I'd been in the middle of nowhere. Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@annanadiajohnson6590]

Hello Vanessa, so happy to follow you. A little late to Wish a Merry Christmas , but in time to Wish a Happy New Year to you and family all the way from Verona ( Italy ) Love Anna N. Johnson xxx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Anna, thank you for your lovely comment. Happy New Year! 🥳🦋🌻

[@user-woolfallD]

Great Art 🎨 book 📖 keep going 👍

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@hectordelvalle4428]

Out of curiosity, you mention we all the time. Who is we? I hope that your engine can be fixed and that your ongoing adventures continued. All the best from the other side of the world.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

We, is me and my husband but he can't be in the vlogs due to his work's code of conduct. Thank you so much for watching my vlogs. Take care🦋🌻

[@garphykeks]

Thinking of you😉🙏

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much! Hopefully, we're be up and running as normal again soon. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@suedale1865]

What a magical walk a kingfisher with vibrant colours Herb Robert delicate & beautiful Fungi selection on trees & museum of transport a cafe & Zephyr bright eyes of delight at her latte What more enjoyment than that Thank you ❤ Good luck with engine in good hands of Phil 👍

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Sue, thank you so much for your lovely comment. It is so lucky that we have broken down in such an interesting place. Have a super rest of the weekend and week ahead. Take care🦋🌻

[@ben8mag]

I loved the music while you were moving your boat and the rain clouds. Brilliant. lol! Thank you.Great editing.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much- I'm so glad that you liked that!☺️ Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@RoelWerkman]

They make them not thinking about the one to repair them. So true! My dad was a marine diesel engineer who repaired many a diesel in boats

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Not many people have this set of skills so I'm sure your Dad was very busy.Thank you for your lovely comment- have a super week, take care🦋🌻

[@hadrianbriggs9506]

He's just replacing the head gasket.Not a difficult job. But he wanted you to think that it was :-) He sounded like he didn't want you knowing how it was done.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Well, to be honest, replacing the head gasket does sound complicated to me! 🤭Thank you for watching. Take care 🦋🌻

[@jennyfulcher8035]

While Phil busied himself repairing your engine, you had a great time exploring the natural surroundings with Herb Robert's purple flower's medicinal properties and folklore. 🥀🌺🦋 Interesting about the water bridge too! The Vint's Vintage Cafe menu delicious papacino had Zephyr's eyes popping, as he happily lapped up his puppy treat. Tettenhall's Transport Museum was fascinating with all of its vintage transport memorabilia. Cute little fairy parachutes on the stick that Zephyr wanted! Sorry about your engine being "such a mess" per Phil. I love your delightful poem you wrote commenting on it! Let's hope that the fairies bring you luck! 🧚🧚‍♂🧚‍♀🍀☘🍀 p.s. Did you know that "Zephyr" means a soft, gentle breeze?

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Jenny, what a delightful comment- thank you so much!☺️ It's funny that you mentioned that about Zephyr's name as we named her after the Red Hot Chilli Pepper's "Zephyr Song" but I knew the name meant a gentle breeze, but she was more like a wild tornado when we first got her rather than a gentle breeze!😂 She was just as adorable though. Let's hope those fairies bring us some 🍀 Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@jennyfulcher8035]

@@themindfulnarrowboatYou're welcome. Have a great weekend!

[@ehofman7636]

Thank you for the interesting tour that you given en the beautyfull draw that you make.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

You are so welcome. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the week, take care🦋🌻

[@roycarpenter6380]

............. and good luck with the engine. Expensive but at least it doesn't have to be removed from the boat.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That's so kind of you- thank you!🙏🦋🌻

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

“It’s a mess” 🥴 That don’t sound good. Hope the repair is better than the diagnosis suggests. 🙏👍

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I hope you watch on and see how it unfolds.🤞Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the week, take care🌻🦋

[@arjanvogel6444]

Thanks for your vid 😇💟💟💟 Love and bless you guys, very beautiful.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

You are so welcome! Thank you so much for watching. Happy New Year!🥳🌻🦋

[@silentwitness247]

I really liked your vid - the good, the bad and the not so bad! ❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much! Have a super rest of the weekend and week ahead, take care🌻🦋

[@stevecam724]

Dark days make bright days seem even brighter. Don't focus on the negative just think how well thing will soon be 😀😀 Wish you and the mysterious Mr M a speedy return to your travels 💙💙

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Great advice- always find the bright side, and there are plenty in this situation for we broke down near an engineer, water point, waste disposal and beautiful walks! Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@chrishobbs58]

Hello again, and thank you for yet another wonderfull vlog! So sorry to hear about your engine, though it looks to be in good hands, Really enjoyed seeing Zephyr get her special treat. As well as that amazing museum. I recently bought that video "Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines". So that part in your video, seeing that machine...incredible. Really hope it won't be long till you're on the move again, and hopefully not much poorer. Best wishes, as always!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Chris, how funny that you recently bought the video which I showed a clip off. I watched the film after visiting the museum and loved the different variety of planes. Alec also told me that the Demoiselle in the film was flown by a woman as it wouldn't have supported a man's weight so they should rename the title of the film!😂 Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@amos686]

Good old Phil and Orph. Great blokes.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

They certainly are! Thank you so much for watching. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@JoniMitchell-qi6hr]

A museum,a cafe that serves treats to pups❤🎉😊

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is an amzing place to visit. Thank you for watching. Take care🦋🌻🐾🐾

[@kerryburns6041]

There´s such a depth of meaning in your voice when you say "Up North", as a Lancastrian it resonates. I can tell you have England weighed up, and as a retiree in southern Spain I really enjoyed the views of the English countryside and "The Cut." Thank you -- may you keep your fine diesel engine as cool as your photography. Subscribed. Rock on...... (mindfully). Myself I´m exploring "mindless" but strangely I think that's a similar wavelength. When we realise we are part of something bigger and allow ourselves to go with the flow ... Personally I find that going through life at 4mph is about right. Ask the ducks.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Kerry, what a lovely and funny comment. Thank you so much. Whenever I venture up North it feels like going home even though I’m from the south as everyone treats you like you’re family and I love that! Have a super rest of the week whether it be mindfully or mindlessly!😂 Take care🦋🌻

[@TrevsTravelsByNarrowboat]

Loved the transport museum. Hope you are fixed engine-wise now.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Trev, the transport museum was just brilliant! Well worth a visit. Our engine is not quite back to normal, but it's getting there. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@francesdavey1337]

Thank you Vanessa for a lovely Vlog xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for watching and commenting. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@garyp8471]

Thank you for showing us round the museum it was great, not so good news about your engine, hopefully Phil can work his magic and get you up and running back on the move again. We shall keep our finger's crossed for you, All the best Gary n Irene

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Gary and Irene, we are very lucky to have magic Phil working on our engine! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I hope you're both well. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@dingnextstop]

Wow Vanessa… I thought it would be head off… then skimmed… new gasket and back together… I’ve never heard of head studs coming out like that! you’re so lucky to have got that far! Hopefully they’ll fit a new Thermostat as well as its in bits you may as well renew it while it’s accessible… check your hoses for damage or wear while you can as well? Great video again and I loved the little museum and sad old train station, Zeph looked happy to get her Pupachino!😂 hope all goes well with engine…😊

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your great advice!👍⭐️ The whole thing is a bit of strange one isn't it? Phil said that he's never seen the studs come off like that either! I am so pleased that you enjoyed the vlog. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@vanessascola4708]

How unlucky you were. Poor Alice Grace. How bizarre when you have cared for her so.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

These things happen sometimes, that's boats for you! Take care🦋🌻

[@katienorthenmore1892]

That was a lovely vlog as always. Great artwork and a beautiful funny poem. Good luck with your engine . Good to see your walks and i love the stories you tell of the folklore. Wonderful 💐🪻🌿🍁

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Katie, that is such a lovely comment, thank you so much 😊 Have a super week, take care🦋🌻

[@CMACJAZZ]

Sorry about the engine hope it’s fixed very soon, lovely walk and interesting , come on technical team let’s get Alice grace on the move again please. Best regards Charlie

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Charlie, thank you so much for your kindness- let's get Alice Grace back and running as normal again!🤞👍 Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@dnewnova]

sorry to hear about AGs more serious problems museum viisit was very cool as are the birds in fact iwatched this video several times yes it was backwards and forwards backwards and forwards several times LOL thank you for another great video

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It's so lovely to know that you watched the vlog several times! Thank you so much.☺️ Have a super week, take care🦋🌻

[@anniemac3075]

Hope Phil put your engine back together without breaking the bank, homes are always coming up with new ways to spend our money aren't they. Had to have some roof work on my little house in the summer which involved having scaffolding up for a few days, big upheaval but hopefully the roof is sound again now. They managed to leave something blocking the down pipe from the guttering, took me several attempts to unblock it as we had Niagara Falls every time there was heavy rain. 😮

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Oh no, Annie that all sounds so stressful, I am glad to hear that your roof is better now and well done for unblocking it. Hopefully, our narrowboat will be all better again soon, too. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@notrevich]

What an absolutely lovely video. Despite the bad engine news you manage to see past that to the fascinating things around you. My boat is called Zephyr and we also have delightful Lab 😊

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

How wonderful that you have a boat called Zephyr and then to have a lab too! 🤩 Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the weekend and week ahead, take care🌻🦋

[@helenlane8281]

You were very polite with those old men!😀

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@AndrewBroadbent-dr8wb]

Really liked the museum and it seems like you are getting there with the engine. Thank you.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

The museum was spectacular! Hopefully, our engine will be back up and running again as normal soon. Thank you for watching and commenting. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@Red-ns9ny]

Hope it’s all mended now. Very brilliant Vanessa thank you. I loved it ❤😊 Take good care 🦋🌹

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment. We are almost up and running as normal🤞 Have a super rest of the weekend and week ahead, take care🌻🦋

[@Red-ns9ny]

@@themindfulnarrowboat 🎉

[@lydialen6881]

Thanks for the vlog Vanessa and have a lovely week ahead xx😊

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Lydia that's so kind of you. Have a lovely weekend and week ahead too, take care🦋🌻

[@leogreen6116]

You are so talented with your journal and poetry. When i heard you summing up your adventure. My version went in a totally different sphere along the lines of famous urban limmericks, but that's for mere mortals like me. Your brilliant mind kept it clean 😂

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I'm very intrigued to hear your urban limmerick now!😄⭐️ Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the week, take care🦋🌻

[@FloatingIdeasonanarrowboat]

"The knack" is to push your bow out first then walk the stern along the towpath with your centre rope going around the stern. I turn my boat around this way, it's only 45ft. Your 60ft would touch it's bow to the other side, then you can walk the gunnel with your rope and pull your boat into your gap from the other side.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I don't think that I pushed the bow out hard enough as it didn't go across in the right place and it was aimed at the fibre glass boat in front! I'll remember your great advice, if I ever have to do that again. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super week, take care🦋🌻

[@FloatingIdeasonanarrowboat]

@@themindfulnarrowboat you never know when odd things might help. Walking the back causes the bow to keep swinging round. Can't do it if wind or water flow is against you. I've never had a long boat. It's easier to reverse them (I have been told) but so many things get harder. Would love more room though 🤠 Good luck with the engine 🤞

[@jackmullett9198]

What a character Phil is! At least you are getting your engine sorted by someone who has loads of experience. I hope it won’t be too expensive. An interesting transport museum however 😎

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Jack, Phil is a great character who knows his way around an engine. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@robinhall3347]

I'm re-watching, thanks for another wonderful vlog, you do the best vlogs IMO :) Sorry there are so many horrid problems with the engine. Impressed with the way you handle adversity with graceful equanimity.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is such a kind comment, thank you so much, Robin and for re-watching the vlog too!☺️ Hopefully, our engine worries will be a thing of the past soon.🤞 Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@paulwhitehouse3690]

Herb Robert - a geranium, all geraniums (pelargoniums) originally came from South Africa, wonderful to see, nice vlog, Paul, Johannesburg

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

They are wonderful plants and have so many uses too! I love finding out about their folklore connections. Thank you for commenting, Paul. Take care🦋🌻

[@paulplant6486]

I really hope you can get the engine fixed

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Let's hope that we are up and running as usual next week!🤞 Thank you so much for your lovely comment and good wishes. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@user-woolfallD]

Look good food hello from Lymm uk 🇬🇧 😀

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@michaelpilling9659]

Hello Vanessa - greetings from Poland. Good to see that repairs to the engine have started. I hope Phil performs his magic and the job is completed successfully. What ba lovely walk along the canal and dissued railway line. The station cafe and ajoining transport museum were superb.. Zephyr certainly enjoyed her sausage biscuit and cream delight! Beautiful flowers and birds - wonderful camera work and commentary. Last but not least, congratulations on moving the boat across the canal to the boatyard. Good job, well done.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Michael, thank you so much for your kind wishes; Phil is certainly a magician when it comes to narrowboat engines. I'm glad you enjoyed the museum- there was so much in there; it was such an incredible place to visit and the cafe too. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@raywilliams1083]

Very interesting to see the old railway museum

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is such a fascinating place! Thank you for watching. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@lorrainerichardson3280]

Sigh, engines. Love the girl power, showing the men that yes you did it, without their help. Take care and hopefully better news engine wise next week.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Lorraine, thank you so much for your kindness and encouragement, although I will admit, I had lots of advice shouted to me from the men at the side!😂 Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@lorrainerichardson3280]

@@themindfulnarrowboat Yes I bet they were very good at giving advice lol.

[@robertbrierley7083]

Nice vlog as usual, The museum looked great hope you get your head gasket sorted, No biscuits tonight declared a draw...take care.😊

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

The musuem was an amazing place to visit. Thank you for your kind wishes about our engine- 🤞 we'll be back to normal soon. Sorry about the lack of biscuits this week, but I really fancied a baked pear with butter, sugar and cinnamon!😋 Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@mightyhenk]

The engine is a Mitsubishi, the type is stated on the side of the fuel pump and on the cylinder head, I think an S4S, these are converted by Vetus for boats, but the engine parts and engine block are from Mitsubishi. from the Netherlands mechanic and operator..henk ,,especially check the impeller pump for the cooling water from outboard and the cooler whether it is not clogged by dirt or old impeller pieces

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much- that is great advice and I didn't know that!👍Have a super week, take care🌻🦋

[@josephpotterf9459]

Thanks ,so nice you added Phil in your poem. In the Us across the pond we call engineers… mechanics or did now the young ones are called technicians. I made my living as a mechanic and just retired this year. Ole Phil will sort it out but you might have to pry him out when he’s done. Good luck.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Joseph, thank you so much for your lovely comment. Phil definitely knows his way around an engine, so I'm sure we'll be up and running as normal soon.🤞 Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@trevorsurplice9630]

The museum i have known about it but never got there yet. Its got to be visited soon thanks for showing a Jem to a local hope you have got back up and running, but please do your engine checks daily

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Trevor, I'm sure you'd love the museum- it's a must see. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the weekend and week ahead. Take care🌻🦋

[@sparkygirl9083]

You are so talented my goodness they’re beautiful

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@simon-nb-Betsyray]

Good evening Vanessa sorry to hear about Alice Grace and her engine problems 😢 let's hope she's fixed soon. What a delight u have given us this week lovely shots of wildlife and a little history lesson, what a amazing museum full interesting things especially the cars made by the retired grandfather. I had a laugh when u said l hope the engineer hadn't evaporated with just the white overalls on the floor😂😂. Isn't it funny when people say it's easy to push the boat over but goes pear shape when u attempt it making u feel stupid, but if u were left to ur own devices u would of done it without shouts of directions making u flummoxed. Fingers crossed u have a better week ahead. 🙏🐕🍁🍂🥼

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Simon, I hope you are well? I am so pleased that you enjoyed the vlog. I definitely do get flummoxed when I have an audience watching me driving- you're right there-😬 Hopefully, we'll be up and running as normal again soon. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@Kev_the-Brinklow-Kayaker]

Hi Venessa and Zephyr lovely museum and walk loved it. Such a shame your engine is needing repair, im sure the 20 year in service mechanic has enough experience to fix it 😕 The engine was lovely and clean i do hope he leaves it as clean. Good luck see you on the move next video not like the model in the museum not moving 😉 All the best from kev the brinklow kayaker....❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Kev, the museum was brilliant; i totally recommend a visit. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super week, take care🌻🦋

[@buffplums]

Let’s hope that the engine is finally sorted for you now Vanessa. It was interesting seeing the old railway, I have passed under that railway bridge and a few others and knew here was an old line but didn’t know about Tottenham station. I shall have a visit there and to the museum sometime. Thank you once again for sharing your adventures with us all in KZbin land. Take good care xxx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

You really should check out Tettenhall Transport Museum and cafe; it's an amazing day out, but they are only open at the weekends. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@stevemendenhall6284]

This is one of your best Vlogs for sure. I am sorry about the problems with Alice I hope it will be moving again soon but I started thinking some of the best videos happen when you and Zeph are traveling around on foot you find the coolest spots to stop and your walking tours are great. That was nice that Zeph got that treat in the shop next to the transport museum which was fascinating so my prayers go out that Alice will be made right at a cost not too dear. See you next Friday god willing . Steve

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Steve, thank you so much for your kind wishes. We were so lucky to have broken down near such an exciting place; having the Shropshire Union and the Staffs and Worcs to explore- it could have been a lot worse. Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@Margaret_J]

How fabulous! My dad would have spent all day in that incredible Transport Museum And Zephyr's eyes were indeed a treat when she got her own special treat weren't they? Do you know is Herb Robert the same as Ragged Robin? Hope your engine mess gets fixed soon! Take care 🐾🌸

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Margaret, thank you so much for your lovely comment. You could quite easily spend a whole day in that transport museum. Ragged Robin is a slightly different plant to Herb Robert and much rarer, but Herb Robert does have other names and one of which has the word robin in it:red robin, death-come-quickly, stinking Bob, squinter-pip. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@Margaret_J]

​@themindfulnarrowboat Crumbs what names for Herb Robert! A bit like some of those mushrooms 🍄! Think I would give death-come-quickly a miss 😂

[@petemoring67]

As always ... An uplifting Vlog ... And that Transport Museum? .. Really interesting 👍🤠.... But Head bolts blowing on a 'diesel engine' .. shortly after a service?? ..... Hmmmm?? .... (I'm saying nothing) ...........

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Pete, I'm so pleased that you enjoyed the vlog. I think that we might have had a head gasket issue for a while that we weren't aware about but that just kept getting worse and worse? Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the weekend and week ahead, take care🦋🌻

[@bobnmarewilcox4855]

Thanks again.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for watching and commenting. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@paulmclaine6413]

You stood your ground against those grumpy old men who sort of helped you to guide Alice Grace across the Canal. I hope I'm not like that when I'm their age. I suppose they meant well. Then you have the other grumpy old disgruntled mechanic who are same the world over .Deep hiss from the mouth oooh it's a bloody mess. You still made a great vlog with the little cafe and the old bridges and the transport museum. Just remember Zephyr will want to re visit that sausage and cream cafe now. Give the old Mechanic a cuppa tea Vanessa , I'm sure you already have. XXX.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I needed all the help that I could get trying to move the boat into that gap!😂 Zephyr will never forget that puppachino and you’re right, she’ll be dragging me in that direction for ages.🐾🐾 Have a super week, take care 🦋🌻

[@quavernote4307]

Hi Vanessa what a fantastic Musium so many interesting things to look at I have a Vetus 2 engine in my boat That's a strange problem I wonder if someone overtightened those engine head bolts without using a torch wrench before perhaps one of the previous owners had a problem the sequence of tightening is so important When putting the head bolts back anyway take care hopefully won't take to long !!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment. That's really interesting about the head bolts and the tightening sequence. I didn't know that. Hopefully, we'll be back on track again with our boat.🤞 Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@bagoistvan3182]

21:36 ...💐💐💐😁

[@G0RXA]

Well done Vanessa another cracking video. Nice trip around the museum too, some amazing finds. I hope your “mess” is now resolved now. How did you manage getting power? By the way, I’m sure you have the “knack”! Have a good week and stay warm.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Nigel, Phil attached the batteries to a battery pack to keep them charged. The battery charger was mains powered. It meant that I could still stay onboard which was brilliant. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super week, take care🦋🌻

[@G0RXA]

@@themindfulnarrowboat Well done 👍. Good to hear you were ok onboard. Were you still solo boating? Have a great week. Looking forward to the next adventure.

[@jamesfrankie]

Interesting as always.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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