# 183 Is This The Most Stupid Thing I've Done Narrowboating?

[@sarkybugger5009]

Steam trains, a canal, and a pub. Sounds like heaven...

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@dedogster]

Absoulty! The sound of a steam train gives me shivers!

[@dedogster]

I see when you were backing up I could see a lot of mud being kicked up, how deep are the canals?

[@markwilliamson9140]

Love the sound of steam trains brilliant, my favourite bits in the video. Vanessa such a great videographer.

[@dianethomas6749]

Hello Vanessa. Thank you so much for letting me enjoy a relaxing few days with you on board Alice Grace. Oscar the Bichon is now missing life afloat with his ship mate Zephyr, but well done on drawing his portrait. I enjoyed your wild life observations and didn't we meet some interesting people too? Ian the story teller among them, keeping the oral tradition for story telling, very much alive, and good luck Jason with your relaunch of the Black Lion, wishing you all well. Love Nanny T

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Well hello Nanny T and Oscar! We loved having you both to stay and the boat was very quiet when you went. I am so pleased that you enjoyed your weekend. Come again soon xThank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@barbarawrigley4242]

Loved your little Bichon. I have a Bichon/ Maltese cross, she has a silky Champaign coat, they are such beautiful smart animals.

[@Jana-wz7dr]

Nice mention of the pub that is rebuilding, hope your vlog brings him some business and that he will thrive once again. It is so important to support small business. I really enjoy your bird focus.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

The pub is such an important stop in Consall as there aren't any shops around and there are some great walks to do around it. I hope Jason gets it back on track too.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@martiniv8924]

Loved the story of ‘Mary’ Ian’s a great storyteller 👌🏻😁 snakewort, every day is a learning day 🙏🏻

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Ian is an amazing storyteller isn't he? He actually shortened what would normally have been a 45 minute tale into the 1 minute version that I could fit in the vlog which is incredible! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@martiniv8924]

@@themindfulnarrowboat you too Vanessa ✨

[@annjarvis9300]

Awww lovely you Nan came for a cruise grand vlog has always all the things we love well done on supporting the pub tc nowthe oldies 🤗👍🤗

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Nan and Oscar loved their stay and it was great to see them.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@pilpelet100]

It never ceases to amaze me how much variety you manage to pack into 25 minutes! Thanks as always.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@carljeffrey82]

as they say here , you were slinging the rhyme. amazing. the art is great. keep going with your magic self.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I haven't heard that phrase before, but it's a great one! Thank you so much, Carl, take care🦋🌻

[@jacquelineryde7339]

Lovely mention for the pub and that part of the world looks beautiful. Gorgeous siskins ❤❤❤❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I really hope that Jason can keep the pub going until he can get it all back to how it was before.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@lafarmhouse]

love the older buildings, history, views.❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is so wonderful cruising past all of the old buildings.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@4950joan]

Thank you for this video, as I said last week I volunteered at the gift shop at the Froghall station, I loved this engine coming in with its American Wail as it approached the bridge, they also had a little Polish engine, reminded me of the song when I was small the little engine saying I think I can lol. Enjoy your travels

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is so magical hearing the steam train so I can see why you really enjoyed your job there. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@butchbinion1560]

Thanks, you are so talented. ✌🏻👊🏼

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@PhilPage227]

A canal, a river, a pub and a steam train, all my favourite things. Lovely video Vanessa.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is a great combination isn't it? You'll have to pay the place a visit one day.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@carljeffrey82]

you grin like one who got by with one with the water. Your hair is great, I hope your joy is real.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Carl, my joy is real as it's the narrowboat life for me!Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@eltrym]

I saw a flock of Siskins in the almond tree in my garden just yesterday. It was a lovely sight, I'd not seen any before. X

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

They are just wonderful to see as they light up a tree like a string of fairy lights. They often visit garden bird feeders when it is raining as the cones close up in wet weather and they can't get to the seeds so they flock to gardens to eat the seeds that have been put out instead.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

Thank you Vanessa for another enthralling episode. Canal, pub, steam and tales. Brilliant stuff. 👏👏👍😀

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I'm so pleased that you enjoyed it.Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care🦋🌻

[@jackmullett9198]

How could I have missed this 7 days ago! I’m catching up😊

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Sometimes, it is nice to sit and catch up, so I am really happy that you are doing that, Jack.Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@WanabeHippie]

Love the story teller. I've never seen more than 1 or 2 siskin at any one time. What a glorious sight. Loved your vlog. Thanks.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Ian the Storyteller was great wasn't he? I have also never seen that many siskin in one go before; it was amazing! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@Earthstein]

Another calming, exciting, romantic adventure in my eyes. The presenter was extra lovely as she sat before her pencils; and as she was leafing through her journal I imagined I was there. Thank you young lady. -- fm Mt. Shasta, CA.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you for your kind comment. Have a super week, take care🦋🌻

[@mickhardstaff6605]

What an enjoyable video that was . Hazel Hurst Aquaduct 1841 , what tradesmen we had in those days , no cherry pickers , just wooden scaffolding held together with rope and not a brick out off place . Thank you for sharing it with me .

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am also amazed at the level of skill of the old bridge builders and canal tradespeople.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@TerryJANSEN]

Just watching the little lambs jumping for joy and Zephyr asleep..I enjoy journaling but my artwork has a long way to go😂love your art and poetry, Thankyou🌸🐝🌸

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you enjoy journaling too.Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the week, take care🌻🦋

[@christinehammell6365]

I agree about the kindness of the Black Lion. When we were on our canal holiday we visited the pub and planned to have a meal but they were painting the walls so couldn't cook meals. Later there was an amazing open mike night and at the end they provided a supper for everyone . Sticky chicken and chips , yummy . No charge was made but we probably spent a fair amount at the bar. Happy memories .

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That sounds just like what I have heard about Jason; how kind to have free sticky chicken and chips!Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@timwright5466]

I've just seen this your most recent post with snow !..I was out and about in my local woodland yesterday and it was 14 degrees ...as a result I saw my first brimstone butterfly and two white tailed bumblebees ...

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

The weather is all over the place; snow one day and then so mild the next. How wonderful to see your first butterfly already and the bumbles too. Spring is on its way! Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@user-wu6uf8wd6x]

You really are the 'mindful' package. Your vlogs really lighten my mood. Following you through your daily tribulations with your upbeat demeanour, your beautiful Zephyr and glimpses of your gorgeous narrow boat home uplifts my day. Thank you Vanessa for sharing your beautiful lifestyle with us xxx Karen ❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Karen, that is such a kind thing to say. I am so pleased that you find the vlogs a way to lighten your mood; that makes me feel so happy to know that.🤗Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@hectordelvalle4428]

I enjoy the little tale about Mary. It really was an unexpected treat. The commentator was comical of historical tale. Thank you so much, and please do inquire about the many structures along the way. It was fun.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It was such a treat to meet a storyteller! I am so pleased you enjoyed it.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@jeffslater4581]

I really look forward to your vlogs every week, and they never disappoint. Most people (including myself) would never have the courage to make the leap and choose this lifestyle, although I suspect most of us would like to. They bring back so many childhood memories. Those old enough to remember Tales from the riverbank will know what I mean . Thank you.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you; I think, I'll go back and watch Tales from the Riverbank.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@Karma-fp7ho]

Beautiful! And getting comfortable at the pub is important too.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you and you are so right about getting comfortable at the pub- it's very important! 😂Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super week, take care🦋🌻

[@barryjubber175]

Hey Vanessa, your journal has finally arrived in Cape Town. It passed through many hands on its journey, travelling at a narrowboat pace. Thank you for the amazing gift.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hooray! What a journey is has had but I am delighted that you have finally got it.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@sianwarwick633]

Lovely stories, the siskins are charming. You have a real knack for conjuring up all the magic on the hidden waterways, Vanessa. What a pleasure to see those old trains too. Best wishes to the pub owner at The Black Lion.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Sian, that is a very kind comment and I really appreciate itThank you so much! Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@davidcorden6630]

I have so enjoyed watching this vlog, thank you so much. I was born and raised in Leek in 1950 through to 1970 and spent many happy hours around these canals and the river Churnet, and the disused railway at Cheddleton. In fact, the line at Leek was still open when I was born. Scouts camp at Consul Forge and fishing with my dad. You are right, it is a beautiful area and you have brought back many happy memories. Happy sailing. Xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi David, I am so pleased that this vlog brought back those childhood memories for you. It must have been wonderful to live in such a beautiful place.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@cababness]

Such a beautiful vlog Vanessa. I love the way you explain some of the difficulties in narriwboating, , but you always work out a solution! That's lovely of you to leave some of your diaries for the landlord to sell. I've never seen siskins. They are such spirited birds! Thank you for all your beautiful artwork and poems and always interesting tales!😊

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@johnburgess5534]

Hi Vanessa. To make reversing any Narrowboat try this tip. It’s called DRUDGING. Tie a heave weight to the bow rope and let it out for about 15 feet when going astern. It will bounce along the canal bottom keeping the bow pointing in the right direction for a lot longer than without it. My well used weight is a large weight from Avery scales. (Charity Shop bargain) . Easily tied through the central handle. Drudging worked well for me in my 20 years of constant cruising. Great videos. Enjoy. Capt John.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I shall have to try that as Alice Grace just won't steer in reverse and we don't have working bow thrusters. What a great tip!Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@fabienneemmerich2321]

Thank you again for helping us this morning! It was lovely to meet you both. We are now moored at Cheddleton top lock and finally got reception. Just to warn you that the river is quite high beyond the bridge at the Boat Inn and sits higher than the canal. We thought we better warn you and have also notified the CaRT emergency helpline. Safe travels, hopefully we will meet you again and safe travels (Fabienne and Marc, Jemima-D Coop).

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is so lovely to hear from you, Fabienne and Marc! It was a pleasure helping you and thank you so much for the whisky- that was so kind of you. Hopefully, we'll see you on the water again one day.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super week, take care🌻🦋

[@arjanvogel6444]

Thanks for your adventure 😇💗💗💗 love and bless you Vanessa, beautiful placeses you go and I like what you do.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@tristanuaceithearnaigh7660]

This is a fantastic episode, nature, navigation, river currents, a quaint English pub, story telling, history, antiquity. That pub is definitely on my bucket list to visit, the English countryside, the river and the old train engines, what a view to enjoy!. You wouldn't find all that on an expensive holiday brochure. Awesome.!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It really is an incredible part of the waterways navigation to visit and I totally recommend it. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care🦋🌻

[@TheJessierb]

Vanessa the narrow-boat warrior battles thru the raging waters and keeps her Nan and doggies safe! Love the poem and seeing your Nan. Good luck to Jason who sounds like a lovely guy. Safe travels in the week ahead. xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Wendy, it was a bit of a battle but I am so pleased that I got to stay at Consall Forge as it was a beautiful spot to explore.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@gazadunit]

Beautiful another peaceful night ❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@Mog435]

Stay safe I did smile when oatcakes got a mention I’ve just had some myself. I’m about 7 miles north of Etruria oatcake county !

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am very keen to try some more oatcakes as I had some a couple of weeks ago and they were delicious!Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@Mog435]

@@themindfulnarrowboat thank you that is very kind of you . And have a lovely weekend , regards Kev x

[@chrishobbs58]

Hello again! Loved your latest! Oner thing I don't believe I've told you before, is how much I appreciate your efforts to include the history of the areas you pass through. I especially enjoy seeing the old photographs. This blog was really special, because it featured Ian the Storyteller and his humorous tale of Mary and the stolen kindling. It was very thoughtful and creative on your part to include him. It seems you continunely break new ground in your episodes. I find that very refreshing, and I appreciate your kindly efforts to entertain your viewers. Thanks again, and best wishes, as always!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Chris, it is so kind of you to let me know how much you appreciate the history in the vlogs- that means a lot to me to hear that so thank you. I am so pleased that you enjoyed Ian the Storyteller- wasn't he fabulous!Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@scottbrookfield6813]

Hello Vanessa. You are by far the most talented artist and content creator on the waterways in my option. So entertaining and educational. Worthy of prime time BBC TV weekly viewing. Thank you. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is such a kind compliment, Scott! Thank you so much. Take care🦋🌻

[@TheCaptainGreenbeard]

Its not stupid when you end up in a magical place such as this! What a character Ian was!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Ian was a character wasn't he!- Brilliant! 🤩Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the week. Take care 🌻🦋

[@rodkennedy9800]

Had a couple of great holidays in that area, been on the heritage railway…a great day out also visited the pub for lunch. There’s lots to see and do…we should holiday more in the UK it’s a great place and everything’s familiar…even drive on the same side of the road!!!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

There is so much to see and do in the UK, I agree!Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care🦋🌻

[@ruthwickline1000]

Have hope! Love your channel❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you enjoy the channel. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@barbarawrigley4242]

Melissa, I bet you are hard to beat on a trivia night😅, your knowledge of the canals and surrounding areas, birds and greenery makes your videos very enjoyable 🤩

[@apekool3]

Hi, she is called Vanessa😊

[@barbarawrigley4242]

@@apekool3 😂😂 I know, having a seniors moment.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Barbara, I am useless with general knowledge to be honest as I am just interested in nature and poetry, so you'd do very well against me! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I have them all the time, Barbara. I like the name Melissa though!😂🦋🌻

[@andreaamer1183]

Absolutely brilliant vlog! Arrh, I hope the lovely pub landlord can hang in! Such a great, informative, and great tale telling vlog xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I hope the pub landlord can hang in too and that the local people pay the Black Lion a regular visit.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@lizziemonk]

You were so brave Vanessa taking on the river but it was definitely worth the risk, what a beautiful area - crossing my fingers you can beat the flow and get back off it ok x

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is so beautiful here, but I wouldn't have gone on the river if it was any higher. Thank you for your lovely comment, Lizzie.Have a super rest of the week, take care🦋🌻

[@jamescook8897]

You have improved with your poems absolutely fantastic ❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you see an improvement. It must be having to write one every week that has helped. Thank you for your kind comment. Take care🦋🌻

[@lornaelliott6670]

What a lovely place and a beautiful poem

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you for your lovely comment, Lorna. Have a super week, take care🦋🌻

[@michaelpilling9659]

Hello Vanessa - greetings from Poland What a fabulous videos. So many things to se - so good and some not so good. A lovely cruise up to the lock full of weed that looked like a body floating in the water. On to the swollen river - a bit scary for a while. The siskins were beautiful. The steam train wonderful and the pub, brilliant. Take a rest with Nanny before you venture back through the torrent. Superb camera work and commentary. Lovely to see Zephyr was completely unphased by the adventure.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Michael, good advice- the torrent should be avoided for a while! I am so pleased that you enjoyed the vlog.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@shirleygreaves9650]

Fabulous vlog,I know that area really well and often go to Froghall to see the steam trains when they are running. Lovely to see your nanna. The river section looked frightening, I’m not sure I’d have been brave enough! Those Siskins! So amazing to see so many. Lovely art as usual. I hope you are keeping warm and safe. Lots of love. xxxx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is such a picturesque spot isn't it, Shirley? I can see why you visit it often. The river was frightening and perhaps I shouldn't have crossed it, but we arrived safely which is the main thing.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@andersvikingsvensson8762]

Awesome video ! Thnx❤❤❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@dirkin]

Superb video, thank you.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@etrax7007]

Lovely person. Thanks for sharing your journey.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@deanery4x]

Wow, exciting stuff!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@ggwildlife]

Amazing once more, i love photographing siskin such a beautiful bird to see at this time of year when the Alder show their seeds, great storytelling as always, looking forward to the next one!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you for your lovely comment.Have a super rest of the week, take care🦋🌻

[@anneosborn3364]

Good to hear you enjoyed exploring my local area. Look forward to more of your adventures.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

You live in a super place, Anne. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@christinehammell6365]

Thanks as always for sharing your adventures x

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

You are so welcome. It is a pleasure. Take care🌻🦋

[@hooligan_56labelle22]

Nice nature and architecture and very nice seeing the steam locomotive going by. Beautiful video. Bye for now Canada

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@vanessascola4708]

Another great vlog. I hope your week is no more eventful and what a kind man a the pub. Stay warm and eat well.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you enjoyed the vlog, Vanessa. Thank you so much for your comments. Take care🌻🦋

[@MarcelEling]

You have done very well in the river.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you think so.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@christineprice5463]

Your vlog is lovely as usual. I am late watching but still quite interesting. I love the birds on the canals. Thanks again. See you next time.😊

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Christine, I hope you are having a great week so far? Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care🌻🦋

[@tessapetters3936]

Love the Gooseander haha. Such a pretty spot, with trains running past. Hope you do not get stuck .

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

We must have the same sense of humour!😂 Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care🌻🦋

[@TheCommonGardenTater1]

Sparrow Friendly... Says it all. Be blessed ALL.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

The sound of sparrows is delightful; I totally recommend a mooring with the sparrows and the pub!Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@andreaPat70]

Love watching your vlogs and the Siskins were such an awesome sight x

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

The siskins lit up those trees like little lanterns; it was gorgeous to see so many.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@milesbaigent4534]

Fabulous story as well. Great vlog. Thanks

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you enjoyed it.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@XploringwithAde]

The caldon canal is my favourite canal I cycle this stretch from Hanley park to froghall in the summer months it’s one of the most beautiful canals I have been on aswell as the Macclesfield canal happy boating 👍

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I agree with you that the Caldon is very special and so beautiful!Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@johnsutherland6322]

Hiya Vanessa great viewing again your a pleasure to watch and your filming is amazing take care of yourself ❤

[@mountain01able]

Lovely vlog. I'm glad you both (and 🐕) stayed where you were and enjoyed the pub. I was hoping you might draw the train, but alas, it wasn't to be. Stay safe.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I would love to have a go at drawing the train, I normally only draw the nature I find, but I might try and include on the page that I write the poem.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@otter736]

The swift water was pretty scary….you are a brave soul !!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It was a bit quick wasn't it?Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@suebateman7768]

The stupidest thing we did in our early canal holidays was to go too far forward in a lock, and get the boat hooked up on the gate as the water went down. Nearly sunk it! 😢

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Oh my goodness! That must have been so scary for you. I am so pleased that you didn't sink it. Thank you for watching, take care🌻🦋

[@Jacqueline-es5yb]

I had a Bichon, he had such an amazing personality, he was wonderful for our three little boys, I really miss him.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so sorry to hear that you don't have your Bichon anymore. They are such gentle, little dogs aren't they so I can see why your little boys loved him. Thank you so much for watching. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@andythenurse67]

The Hollybush is lovely, we winter moor just above it on the Leek branch hope you had a lovely time. Hope you didn't get caught at the pinch point.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

What a great place to winter moor. I have a bit of an adventure in next week's vlog with my journey, so it might be the pinch point that you are referring to- you'll have to let me know.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@user-mk6bu4vq8f]

Very interesting as always. Thank you.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you found it interesting.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@ThePattiw]

a delightful vlog! steam engines, pubs, storyteller, and some excitement on the river! I loved this one!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@paulmaryon9088]

Thank you Vanessa, as always a beautiful video, hope all is well with you, warm and safe, much flooding here in Somerset, stove going all day and night to keep thing dry!! Take care out there and stay lucky

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I hope the water recedes very soon in Somerset; the water levels have been very high here too.Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super week, take care🦋🌻

[@MsRybak1]

Your poetry is lovely. I enjoy it so much!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you. Thank you so much! Take care 🌻🦋

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you! Thank you so much. Take care 🦋🌻

[@lulusgrumpymate]

brilliant as usual ...love a good yarn

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@rob3942]

Another beautiful vlog. I so enjoy all the aspects of your wonderful videos. Pat to Zeph Go so well ok

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Rob! Take care🌻🦋🐾🐾

[@TheDaf95xf]

Your videos are so lovely just like you 😊 How nice having your Nan on board with her little dog Oscar. How fitting travelling along a canal and steam train passes you by 😊 perfect 🤩 That was very kind leaving some of your book’s to sell in the pub 👍🏻 xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

The steam train makes such a pretty picture as it chuff chuffs through the valley. Thank you so much for such a kind comment. Take care🌻🦋

[@sallylunamoth5542]

Absolutely Lovely Vanessa, It's a Cold Grey Damp day & back from my walk along the Grand Union Near Uxbridge I was extremely Happy to find you in my Notifications...Mug of Tea in hand & you were like a Warm Ray of Sunshine 🌞 I especially loved the Siskins in your journal today. Thank You 💛🖤💛

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Sally, that is such a kind thing to say. It would be lovely to see the sun for at least a day wouldn't it? Thank you so much for your kind comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@lydialen6881]

Goosehander ! Love it Vanessa 😂 ❤ xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Lydia, I am delighted to know that you have the same sense of humour as me!😂 Thank you so much for watching. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@johnmccullough539]

We’ll done, seems your a pro at plying the canals.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am learning all the time.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care🦋🌻

[@glyn829]

That was great Vanessa I do envy your drawing 👌

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Glyn, I am so pleased that you enjoyed it. I bet if you practised every week, like I do, you would draw even better than me.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@AndrewBroadbent-dr8wb]

Nice vlog, enjoyed it as usual, many thanks.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@antigoogleman1135]

A goose..hander..! You have a great sense of humour.. Great video.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is very kind of you- thank you for watching. Take care 🦋🌻

[@antigoogleman1135]

@@themindfulnarrowboat you're welcome...I had a narrowboat years back and I am thinking of buying one again...your videos give a good insight into live aboard...thank you.

[@Huggy7749]

Really enjoying the videos. We are boating people ourselves but mainly sailing in East Anglia. Travelling round the canals looks a lot more relaxing. I showed this video to my granddaughter who likes to draw and paint and she loved your bird drawings (and the dog) and she would like you to teach her. Unfortunately it’s rather a long way away. LOL. Looking forward to the next one.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

You are much more adventurous than I am to be sailing! It sounds amazing. It is so sweet that your granddaughter would like me to teach her to draw; I have just worked hard at practising and slowly but surely my drawings are improving; if I had a tip for her it would be to break each subject up into a series of shapes section at a time, looking at the details and building the drawing from there.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@StevesRepairs]

Thanks Vanessa, for taking us along on this great river adventure and to visit the lovely pub, I hope that the kitchen is soon up and running so that business soon picks up again. Your wonderful journal is magical as always. Have a lovely week ahead. Take care and all the best. Stevie

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Stevie, I really hope the pub gets back on track too. I am so pleased that you enjoyed the vlog. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super week, take care🦋🌻

[@michaelreilly5940]

Oates with chocolate spread on ,game changer😮

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Absolutely delicious!Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care🦋🌻

[@Terryb31]

One of my all time favourite canals Vanessa, you were very brave to take on that flow, good on ya.. What about the water, I remember the pressure was so great it split my hose. ;-)

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Terry, you're not wrong about the water pressure! It kept blowing our hose adaptor off.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@robertmeadows7508]

I've seen a mixed group of perhaps a hundred Siskins & Redpoles feeding on Alder seeds & unless you looked carefully you would never know the were there! Thank you for another lovely film!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

A hundred! That is amazing.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@propulsar]

Bright blesssings dear Vanessa another week full of wonder has passed and you have shared generously with us.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@MelG-ut3hs]

Another lovely video. Even in winter the countryside is so beautiful and teaming with nature. That is such a beautiful place and love the steam train.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you enjoyed the video.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@Nettledust]

Really look forward to your vlogs! How exciting was this one! I was quite anxious about the river! 😬I absolutely love when you make a cup of tea and get the biscuits at the end. I love the sound when you turn the pages and read the poem. Makes me happy! 😘😘😘

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you are enjoying the vlogs and you like the journal section each week. They are so much fun to make. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@Nettledust]

You too! ❤❤❤

[@alanrobinson1208]

So magnificent once again x

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@simon-nb-Betsyray]

Good evening Vanessa 😊 another excellent vlog full of adventures on the high waters, beautiful colourful siskins having a good feed on those seeds in the trees. What a nice gentleman Ian was giving us a folk story of the canal what a nice surprise. Wishing u a great weekend 👍💦🍁🥮

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hello Simon, I hope that you are feeling better this week? Ian is an amazing storyteller isn't he? He has a bank of hundreds and hundreds of tales in his head which he can bring to life; that is such a gift to have.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@rosiehoy4736]

Love a good story teller

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

There's an art to it isn't there? Ian is very talented.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@simonruediger626]

Greetings from Australia Vanessa. Having recently discovered your vlogs, I must say that I am extremely envious of your adventures on Alice Grace. What a unique lifestyle, made all the more charming by your commentary as you drift along, and the ritual of tea, art and poetry at day's end. It looks like a most relaxing way to experience the beautiful English countryside. All the best to you and your furry shipmate.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I feel very lucky to be able to have this experience and there isn't one day that goes past that I take it for granted.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@MarkN67]

I loved this vlog, Vanessa. It was a great story from start to finish and beautifully shot. Good on you for supporting the pub and the landlord, it just goes to show that a bit of good karma goes a long way, if we all support each other, the world is a nicer place to be.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you enjoyed the vlog. I completely agree with you about 'good karma' too.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@garyp8471]

Great vid again, Oooooo steam train, canal and the pub all in one little area do hope he gets his kitchen finished and back on his feet soon. Grand story about Mary from the man called Ian Boooooooooom. All the best Gary n Irene

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Gary and Irene, I hope you are both well? I am so pleased that you enjoyed the vlog this week and the storyteller too.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@PeteGlyde]

Hello Mindful Narrowboater; I think your artwork is amazing; watching the siskin spring to life under your crayons was magical. Pete Glyde

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@vanessascola4708]

Vanessa it seems your challenges keep on happening. I can see why you want to check out the mill. Amazing places. I too love old buildings.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

The old buildings and their stories are fabulous aren't they?Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🦋🌻