211. A walk in the sunshine along the Coventry Canal during lockdown

[@CruisingTheCut]

FFS I get it, OK. No, there is *no* legally-mandated time limit on exercise. The 60 minute "limit" was a suggestion of a typical daily amount, made by an MP I believe. There are an awful lot of things that are not specified in the legislation but are suggested as guidelines only. As for not walking past other boats, no they don't own the towpaths and no, I have every legal right to go past them. But it's a simply community kindness not to do so, if I have another option. This avoids the situation we've had lately where on sunny days boaters have had hoards of unthinking, non-socially-isolating people walking past them non-stop.

[@pauln2141]

Good for you, much relaxed after some nice scenery and the sound of birds. Thank you for taking the time to make it.

[@englishmaninengland1451]

You are absolutely correct David. People are being nasty with the lock down. People need to get a life. I always watch the adverts at the beginning to support your excellent KZbin channel.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Way to go David 👍

[@markopolo-1]

This video just brightened my night, love watching your vids, rarely comment but just had to say thank you, something as simple as walking along a quiet stretch of canal on a nice day is my idea of bliss ! :)

[@scottphillips7108]

@CruisingTheCut...: Considerate of others... Peaceful, serene, calming... Looks like your luck was better after the first boat turnaround... You got a nice distance in before the second boat turnaround... Happy Easter David...

[@PaulUnderwood345]

When I was a kid, I used to watch tv shows like the A team and Knight rider. Now I sit with my cup of tea, spellbound, watching David emptying his rubbish and taking a completely uneventful short walk. How my viewing tastes have changed over the years. :-D

[@CritterFritter]

My vocabulary grows every Cruising the Cut video I watch. Soon no one here in the States will understand a thing I say lol!

[@DrNo874]

My wife and thought this exact thing! She's keeping a list of her new words. When I want a task to be easy for me I've started saying that I hope the 'locks are set in my favor'.

[@jamesdavis5096]

it's true there needs to be much more British vocabulary. I just wish there was more of it I really enjoy that part of the show as well

[@Wild_Bill57]

Appreciate your being considerate, glad you kept the walk short as I was getting tuckered out and didn’t want to over do it.

[@michaelkubler8391]

Glad you made it through the 14 days without illness. Thank you for the video. Be well.

[@perhennung]

David is probably the most humble person on the canals showing deference to all and everyone. A real role model to all of us, young and old! 🐥

[@caniacstevehenderson7115]

Amen

[@russwallace5556]

Yes, he's a fine chap.

[@tridentmusic5570]

(He'll grow out of it...)

[@daviemaclean61]

I'm feeling dizzy - that was faster than the boat moves!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Hahahaha true

[@Whitty-zs5yl]

The peacefulness and the sound of nature is really beautiful, not to mention the weather.

[@GaryB007]

I'm amazed Channel 5 haven't snapped you up yet. They're making some excellent documentaries these days, and you'd be just perfect for one (or even a whole series).

[@SandraNelson063]

I'm in a 4th floor apartment in Toronto. East side. LOTS of concrete. My eyes are starving for this lovely green, and daisies. And swans and ducks. Even the miniscule vulture is a treat! We could still get a few feet of snow, it's only April. Spring will tiptoe around here until the middle of May. Thank you so much for walking!

[@rkeith4442]

I think you are very respectful ! Thank you. 🇺🇸

[@RayM53]

Whilst I appreciate your comment that canal folk resent people passing by on their daily excercise during this difficult time, it seems a bit rich for them to decide to live their entire lives by a public footpath and then moaning that there are other people walking on it. You can always close the curtains on that side after all.

[@narrowboatersatlarge]

There's slightly more it than that. For some reason Folks seem to think they have a perfect right to get on your boat, look inside, stick their heads through your windows and generally treat you like an exhibit. Closing the curtains is ok but it makes it quite dark inside and we are not trolls. Just want people to respect social distancing and respect our homes as they would expect us to respect theirs.

[@RayM53]

@@narrowboatersatlarge Exercise on the towpath is one thing. Actually climbing on board somebodies boat uninvited is another thing entirely. I'm sure they represent a miniscule minority.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Closing the curtains isn’t the issue. The point is that since lockdown, popular spots are being deluged by a torrent of folk who don’t normally walk the canals which effectively traps the boater inside, while walkers, cyclists, runners, dogs etc walk past (and apparently coughing and spitting in many cases as they go).

[@RayM53]

@@CruisingTheCut David, the "torrents" of people who are "deluging" the canal towpath are those people in lockdown in their houses getting a bit of exercise as best they can. I'm sure they don't intend to cause you such inconvenience but if really irritates you then cast off, find a bit of isolated countryside at least five miles from civilisation and settle for that. You're luckier than you know.

[@CruisingTheCut]

@Raymond Malik They're not irritating ME in the slightest, I'm moored in a marina. My explanation is of why they are irritating some boaters, since so many are failing to observe social distancing and indeed (some) are being quite antisocial on the towpath. Boaters only have one space outside their home; land-based folk have more options for exercise. I'm fully aware how fortunate I am.

[@alicejulietpywell7856]

Loved the audible birdsong and sense of peace. The ducks were glad of a break from human noise pollution.

[@JohnMichael0226]

Surprisingly soothing and very welcomed as we are all cooped up inside, the sound of the birds was very pleasant! Thanks as always, David!

[@jserkiz06]

many thanks for getting me away from this Wisconsin snowstorm for reassurance that the spring is coming. good camera stabilization, good sound.

[@kairon156]

Thanks for your comment. I'm from Eastern Canada and I often assume we are the last place who still has snow through out spring.

[@YellowDogWelding]

Good grief, John! I don't want to hear my neighbors to the west are getting a snow storm!!!! Haha! Traverse City in the mitten here. This is going down in my mind of being the longest spring in history!

[@johncraig2684]

you always remain optimistic and happy David a real tonic to everyone.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Truth be told, I’m extremely grumpy and getting more so!

[@allanrichts7620]

@@CruisingTheCut Don't believe you :)

[@davebagley6499]

"A Day In The Life." Each day is an opportunity to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Thanks David, for the view of your life during these disturbing times. Walk on.

[@dannettepeters1507]

Absolutely, sublime. And the singing birds, how I love the singing birds. Perfectly brilliant way to celebrate and enjoy, this notable Day! Happy Easter, Mr. David!

[@andrewstrucek6780]

I started your vlog at the beginning of quarantine and subscribed somewhere around #100. I work in an Emergency room and the "Not-a-vlog" videos have graced one of our computer screens for the past few shifts to bring some tranquility and beauty to an otherwise chaotic world. It has been a lovely jaunt around the canals. Even this hum drum vlog #211 was so lovely I could watch it twice. I don't know whether I should watch the next right away or save it!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Wow, what a pleasure to hear (albeit in a slightly somber way). I’m glad they’re helping in some small way. You and your colleagues have my very best wishes. Cheers

[@maofangjushi4711]

I am new to Cruise the Cut. Instantly I become a fan of this channel. In David 's video, I can see idyllic, I can feel tranquillity, I can hear as if Beetoven symphony No.6 Pastoral is playing......... so beautiful. This is the way our life should be.

[@beverlyfletcher4458]

How I wish I'd found these last year! The thing that will stay with me will be the silence, as if the World had stopped. Amazing.

[@nilpan36]

Hi David...just wanted to drop a note from across the pond to tell you how much I enjoy your commentary and videos. Stay safe and looking forward to many more future videos!

[@ritachristian2431]

You are marvelous to share a beautiful day and a walk that you really needed after a 14-day isolation. The scenery brought much happiness to me and as always, your photography was so vivid and gorgeous. Take care and pay no heed to anything that is not positive, life is too short. I bet your family was glad to see you out and about. I am hoping for more videos when you can, take care.

[@pvangalder]

Thanks David..always a delight..nice to see the weather where you are is so lovely

[@theresevh]

Thank you so much for taking us with you on your lovely walk.

[@greenlady43]

Thank you for taking us along on your walk. The sounds of the birds makes me smile

[@trwagner1]

I love the concept. Walking the cut. I do like seeing the action of depositing the recycle rubbish. A wonderful perspective and view. thank you !

[@markdicker2732]

England in springtime just glorious , thanks for the vid and keep well

[@oldbloke204]

Your video just reinforced something that myself and swmbo were discussing yesterday. We live in South Australia in one of the premier tourist towns and it is just amazing the changes that have been wrought by all the current drama. Roads are very quiet, caravan parks empty, lots of shops shut and plenty of car parks up the main street. My wife said it made her think of the way things were 30 odd years ago. I have always thought that there was a lot going on in your part of the world as so many videos showed cars, trains, planes etc etc and now that has slowed down/stopped for the most part. Mother nature must be heaving a sigh of relief tbh. If it wasn't for the drama and heartbreak this thing is causing it would be almost pleasant in a lot of ways. Fingers crossed our country seems to be winning the battle atm but it appears you guys are still in the midst of it all. Take care everyone, think of others and best wishes.

[@migranthawker2952]

Aha, I call my other half SWMBO too 😀

[@braedan51]

Thanks for posting David, nothing in the forecast but heavy rain in NY for the next 8 days. This really helps. Hope you're able to get back to boating soon, stay safe & healthy.

[@NipperLewis]

Thanks David for a lovely film and good to see you are encouraging people to stay away from moored boats.

[@claireseyeviewonredbubble]

Thank you for posting this relaxing video. Lovely to experience the walk in mind if not in body.

[@CritterFritter]

I just watched your first self quarantine video for the fourth time. Isn’t it interesting how even the most mundane, routine rituals, seem to fortify our lives? Like preparing tea. Most anyone can make a cup of tea, but literally no one can make a cup of tea like me. Well, except for me. It is in such rituals we maintain the little bit of normalcy left, and for little expense to ourselves and others, find respite and comfort from the nonsense about us. Good evening David!

[@gertvandenheever5302]

Open country, bird song, fresh air and a sense of discovery as you stroll down the path! Sublime!

[@ypchartrand9787]

A gem of anecdotal self-documenting of a docked-by-law narrowboater if there is one. From which I've learned that I don't like gregariously walking along a tow-path even from the fatuous comfort of my Lazy-Boy who wouldn't fit on your boat even at the bow. Still, we were amused vicariously sharing your idiosyncratic existential exigencies as you scrupulously live what seems an absurd way-of-life-and-death in GB presently. I live in the DTES of Vancouver and things have been deliciously quieter these past days; dawn is when I take my constitutionals; too many people about at dusk, unfortunately. In closing, I'd add that this posting is almost as sedative a vlog as your not-vlogs are; this heartfelt appreciation coming from a 74-year young-in-spirit codger.

[@dwcross]

Thank you for the beautiful walk, it brings back wonderful memories of our canal trip from Twyford Wharf to Baunston.

[@christophergraham8324]

Really lovely. And very sensible. From an ITU nurse, thankyou David.

[@-AV8R-]

Beautiful tug deck with an old lister style motor.

[@londondriving4704]

David, the canals are so beautiful in the Spring. You captured the ambience so magically!

[@Mark-ct5dh]

David, I think it's great that you are thinking of others! There is not enough of that in the world for sure! Good on you Sir! Great video and audio quality! The bird song was excellent! Keep doing what you're doing the formula works! Thanks, David for all the work you put into the VLOGs a lot goes on behind the scene that we don't see. Your work is appreciated! Mark from Colorado!

[@jdhinckley1954]

Hi David, Greetings from Vermont. So glad you are out there and sharing some of your journey with us. Watching the new videos you have put up have eased the burden of my own isolation (still better then off than many). I'm fortunate to have a view of Lake Champlain and the beautiful Adirondack mountains of New York out my window. Thanks so much! John

[@Hercules718]

Wonderful to see your vlog today. And good to see you can get some sunshine and fresh air. A nice walk along the canal. Such picturesque countryside always. You are so lucky. Thank you so much and please post more !

[@joshmcdonald5520]

A VERY Happy Easter Sunday to you David! Thank you for sharing this slice of serenity as well as an explanation of what the CRT and local governments are asking of you as a live-aboard. (I was wondering how they were going to play that. Quite well from the sounds of it.). Extremely happy that people on the canal are taking this seriously and doing their part. Don't let the commenters get the best of you. We all know what you meant, some people just have to be grumps over little bits of nonsense. Cheers from Cleveland!

[@jackreeves3001]

What a delightful way to "lockdown". Its what I love your about your videos, every restful way to spent a few minutes. Thanks for sharing.

[@marcdebruin2425]

Interesting. A video in which nothing eventful is happening, just a canal, trees, grass and ducks yet very entertaining to watch. So... great work!

[@e-edtramtrain1-87]

Hee, jij ook hier??

[@jsking306]

This is probably the first time you cruised a canal and didn't leave a wake. Thanks for the beautiful, relaxing video. Glad you're OK.

[@N30312]

Thank you for taking us on a walk on the towpath. It was lovely.

[@owenlindley8014]

A nice walk with beautiful scenery and birds singing is not only good for your health but good for the soul too.

[@acaulfield1033]

i'm in tears, you have no idea how much i long to be somewhere like this

[@tymeryder7264]

The stroll seemed quite nice. A bit of scenery most pleasant.

[@dabois8845]

That boat that passed you had a lovely sounding engine, you can record the birds from the boat as you are technically at home!

[@larryberry1650]

So peaceful...and green. I miss green. Thank you.

[@SheplerStudios]

Glad you’re doing fine David and thanks for reminding us to all be conscious and courteous of our presence to other in this time of mandatory self-isolation.

[@OriginalEric]

Yes, it's really nice to see someone actually consider their neighbors' comfort and literally go out of their way to accommodate it.

[@joann5157]

David, this walk was gorgeous! The tow path was dry, and there wasn't any graffiti on the bridges. THIS is what I wish the rest of the canal looked like!!

[@joelirl6764]

Thank-You for a Lovely walkabout. Enjoyed the Mallards especially.

[@Sushi2735]

Loved this one! So interesting to see the beautiful countryside. Different perspective from cruising. And hear about life during lock down in the UK. Georgia, USA

[@DavidDHahn]

Thank you for taking us on a wonderful walk David!

[@cclsjhieber]

David, an excellent and well narrated video of your meanderings. Thank you, sir, for doing this.

[@5thGenNativeTexan]

Wonderful to see you out and about, and on such a nice day! In our various states of "stay at home" around the world, I've often hoped you had the opportunity to get some fresh air.

[@jsabo7098]

You have a gift David. I don't know of anyone else who could make emptying the recycle bin appear a joy! Beautiful day, glad you could get out and about.

[@jimreynolds9195]

I see that you posted this about 6 weeks before I came across it, but I want to thank you for taking us on such a pleasant walk. Lovely to see flowers, fields, ducks, and horses, as well as to hear birdsong.

[@ctnaturalhoof]

so lovely . . . nothing like walks in England. . . our little parakeet enjoyed the birds, and chirped back. Thank you

[@thejoneseys]

Lovely walk that brightened my spirits. This lockdown has made me want a boat of my own even more. The noise from neighbours around me has been worse than it usually is. Ironic as people are supposed to be indoors. Suburbia can be hell in some cases 🙄

[@adamshaw1032]

Hi David another great vlog. Keeping me entertained whilst stuck in the house. Stay safe and hope to see you cruising soon 👍🏻

[@Havanorange]

You do often talk like a TV news reporter in these videos. Clear, concise and informative. That's a good skill you have!

[@steveparkinson8387]

Have you ever thought of a career in tv news at all? 😄

[@paulb7200]

Hi David, I salute you sir, for uploading a video that demonstrates that you can get exercise, enjoy the countryside and be considerate and thoughtful if you do one simple thing - follow the rules! - it’s not hard and certainly not rocket science but if it keeps our heroes safe that’s all that matters! All the best, Paul

[@Betleyman7853]

Just re-watched this vlog in mid November under our second lock down. Nice to be reminded that spring will come again in the not too distant future. Although, at 67, I can't help thinking that I have fewer springs to look forward to. Must make the best of every one.

[@GreyHak]

Lovely new perspective. Thank you. I'm glad to see you're staying healthy.

[@propulsar]

Really love that blackbird song. Apparently a blackbirds song gets more complex the older the bird becomes as it learns little bits from other birds and even cats which it mimics. They also add flourishes to their little melodies as they get older.

[@AllTiedUpFlyTyingSchool]

Really enjoyed the views and the sounds of this birds. Spring is in the air!

[@allenhuddleston4616]

Thank You David for the video update . Nice camera work capturing the content . Good to see that the weather was on your side . Thanks for the information regarding the camera ,as well . Looking forward to your next voyage : ) when the all clear is given .

[@joehoughtaling]

Your videos are always so calm and meditative--the perfect antidote to life in NYC (even in lockdown). Your stroll down the tow path reminded me of the original canal men and women: walking with their horse or mule towing the boat. I wonder if anyone does that any more.

[@MichaelsMustang]

David that boat that passed had a classic engine and the putt putt putt as he passed you at 8:40 mixed in with nature was amazing.

[@tomburns7796]

What a beautiful day for a walk. Thank you for sharing.

[@longrider42]

Very nice walk, and I love the engine sound of that narrow boat that went past you.

[@oceanbrzzz]

Hello David. A pleasant, sunny day. Love the birds singing. Thanks for the break.

[@tribsat100]

How time flies. Isnt it surreal being out and about. I do a measly 25 minute walk in my village and hardly see a soul. Who would have thought we would feel guilty being out and about. Stay safe David and keep them coming Regards Stuart from the frozen North 👍

[@eirishemd]

Good for you David for being so considerate of others. Lovely to see the scenery and hear those beautiful birds.

[@contrafax]

Love the sound of that old timey motor.

[@josephwalsh2386]

So tranquil... love the birdsong... thanks for the walk...

[@julesmlowe]

Amazing that the swan is happy to nest so close to the towpath. That's quite a nest - must mean that she's not disturbed all that much by walkers. Wonder if you'll still be there to see the cygnets. Isn't it peaceful and lovely now that a lot of the air traffic has stopped. Such a treat to hear the birds so clearly. Thanks for this gentle interlude.

[@Book7BrokeMyBrain]

Five points to Ravenclaw for the use of cygnets.

[@Camberwell86]

Nah they literally do not care! The same couples nest in the same place every year! Mating season tends to be Jan/Feb, cygnets will be along any time soon, and you will see them grow into the summer... but it's horrid when you go past one week and there's six or seven baby grey ones and a few weeks later they've got bigger but there are only four, three... probably only one or two make adulthood :( but yeah I could put dots on a map where you will find swan nests around here :)

[@dizzylizzysunflower]

A lovely tranquil walk and so so quiet 🤫

[@romac9516]

Considerate to a fault, what a superbly relaxing and enjoyable trip. Birdsong as the musical score too :)

[@urbsimp5273]

Well done for completing your 14 days isolation. Thankfully you have emerged symptom fee and able to enjoy your extremely beautiful surroundings during your “exercise” time. Continue to stay safe.

[@LongPeter]

“Man goes for a nice walk” shouldn’t be compelling viewing, yet here we all are.

[@jkatkat7950]

but it's such a nice walk....also a bit too fast of a walk when compared to normal narrow boat speed!

[@britgal3836]

The quiet with just the sound of the birds is so peaceful and calming. Wish I could come over for a visit if only for that reason.

[@sharadha7957]

What a beautiful country yours is!❤️ Just watching your vids is an entry to a magical world for me.

[@aemm227]

Thank you for this lovely vlog!! I wrapped up my last 15 minutes on the treadmill today whilst watching.

[@rgarlinyc]

That was wonderful, I thoroughly enjoyed my walk with you - despite it being just vicariously. Thank you very much Mr. CtC.🙏

[@psmirage8584]

Well, I really enjoyed that. I like the pauses to look at the ducks, the flowers, even just tilled fields. It's all quite relaxing and forms a nice escape from my little condo.

[@deanflint2239]

David, I am happy to see you out and about. Please stay safe!!!

[@Relaxedliving1234]

Thank you David for sharing the peacefulness, birdsong and canal walk views.

[@graemearbuckle9410]

Now completed watching all 211 vlogs - an excellent adventure making 'self-isolation' far more enjoyable than perhaps it should be. I confess to feeling some slight trepidation before watching the installments entitled "Fire Start", "Vertigo" and "Wham", but all's well that ends well. Bring on the cruising schedule for 2020 - avid viewer awaits ! 🦢⚓

[@CruisingTheCut]

Ah, if only we could cruise :-(

[@graemearbuckle9410]

@@CruisingTheCut It will be possible before too long I am sure - in the meantime hoist some bunting for HM's birthday 👍

[@derekbrownson7430]

binge watched the whole series from number one over the last two and a half weeks. it has kept me sane and have thoroughly enjoyed every one. just hope your not thinking of packing it all in. keep finding new canals and entertaining us all.

[@barbarastevens3053]

Thanks my lovely for bringing a window of peace and calm on this Easter Sunday.🐣 Best wishes always and loads of good luck 🐞.

[@librarianwithcat]

That was a delightful walk and scenery. Thanks for sharing it with us. Judy and Guy Woodstock, NY USA

[@neilbarnett1687]

Have you noticed all the offside tree trimming we did in the winter, and a few on the towpath side too? You'd commented how badly it was encroaching when you cruised there last year. We did it from Fradley to Fazeley but had to miss a few lesser parts towards the end as we needed to finish end of Feb before the birds began nesting. All of us are IWA volunteers and there's an article about it on page 38 in this month's Waterways World Magazine which is available free to view online reader.waterwaysworld.com

[@david_1948]

Well done 👍👍😊😊

[@Veronicasanchez-si1jp]

Thank you so much for the lovely walk along the “cut”. I’m stuck here in Tucson, AZ unable to make use of our beautiful hiking trails. Stay safe & healthy AND keep the videos coming no matter the format.:)

[@CM-kl9qh]

David was talking so reservedly (softly) that I turned on closed captions just to make sure I caught everything. What a hoot! The cars nearby (or was it wind in the trees?) were interpreted as applause and the birds were interpenetrated as music. David, record it and I'll listen to your music all day! You have my permission to stop and smell the daisies.

[@JCF072344]

The whole world is so quiet now, little traffic, not much mail, peaceful, but with a threat nearby. Thanks for sharing some of your day and be well. from the Pacific Northwest of the US