4. Narrowboat Launch Day - The Maiden Voyage . . .

Finally, the launch day arrives for my Narrowboat, Aslan.
After she is lifted into the canal, I firstly stop at Yelvertoft Marina to fill up with water, and then embark on a two day maiden voyage northwards, along the Leicester branch of the Grand Union Canal.
Along the way, I stop overnight near North Kilworth and then face my demons, as I make passage through the long, damp and very dark, Husbands Bosworth Tunnel.
--------------------
If you'd like to contribute to my channel and future videos, then I have a PayPal Me page. Cheers, www.paypal.com...
All 6 seasons of Travels By Narrowboat are available to stream on Amazon Prime, with Seasons 7 & 8 here on KZbin.
www.amazon.com...
#narrowboat #canal #travelsbynarrowboat

[@CountryHouseGent]

Did you know I have a "Buy Me A Coffee" page buymeacoffee.com/countryhousegent Perfect for when you'd like to contribute to the channel, or simply want to buy me a coffee/pork pie/beer/lamb vindaloo (delete where applicable). Cheers,

[@johnnyskinner6321]

She's a BEAUTY, and i love the lope of that engine!!!! SWEET 😂

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you so much Johnny, many do say the sound is very relaxing, hypnotic even.

[@paulbauswellsr3296]

I have watched this video 3 times now. I think watching you somehow allows me to live through your experiences. It is so raw, so real, unfiltered, I can see the dread of the unknown slowly wash away, as Aslan is put into the canal and floats on her on. The relief of going into the boat yard, getting water, and returning to the canal. I would out a doubt been at a loss of words also. I follow up and about 3 others on the canals of Great Britain. But you have opened a life that each time I watch, I dream of being a participant. I have gone to the point of looking into a boat here on our rivers. It's pretty close to the same life, just maybe a little more hectic. I also love your travels on your bike. Be safe, and thank you for sharing your life with me.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Fabulous to hear that Paul. You're right about it being raw. There was no planning, just filming whatever caught my eye. I didn't really know what I was doing. :D

[@Beth-l5c]

Such fun watching this video after watching series 10. What a skilled boater you are now!

[@fondoodle59]

Enjoyed watching you take your maiden voyage. I’m in Australia...I have terminal cancer and it was always a dream that one day I’d do what you’re doing on the canals in Britain. Of course that can’t happen now for me but I lived a bit of my own dream watching you get started. Good stuff mate.

[@irenedavo3768]

HOPE you are ok ❤

[@ianwarner7012]

Good luck mate

[@jamesrivis620]

Thanks for sharing.

[@CountryHouseGent]

+JAMES Rivis Thank you. Very pleased to share my adventures.

[@groundfaultbob]

Enjoyed immnsely. Keep the videos.Kansa City. KS USA

[@CountryHouseGent]

+Robert Ulrich Cheers and will do.

[@emmc9437]

Congratulations! Must've been nerve wracking, all those firsts - first tunnel, first turn, first voyage, first cup of tea whilst cruising(A+ multitasking). …and that bottleneck! Done and dusted nicely. Looking forward to more videos.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you. Yes, looking back, there were a few unexpected obstacles along the way. :)

[@billpadgett6585]

"Very, very nice, indeed." "Absolutely amazing." "It is beautiful." - CHG Life changing, spontaneous emotions, peacefulness and affirming your decision. Went back in time to rewatch TBN videos: "Buying a Narrowboat" and "Narrowboat Launch Day". Listened again to your expressive reflection during your very first mooring of Aslan. My goodness, the narrowboat path you have traveled; your new experiences and discoveries over the years that you have kindly shared with all of us. Look at you and Aslan now. This is why people have a special connection with you; quality of character. Thanks so much Kevin

[@bobbod8069]

good video. looking forward to the next.

[@CountryHouseGent]

+Bob Bod Thanks indeed.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Excellent. What a great first trip. Congratulations.

[@CountryHouseGent]

That's great to hear and high praise indeed. Pleased you enjoyed my brief jaunt up the Leicester.

[@medictechnologyinternation1178]

Love the sound of that diesel engine chugging away effortlessly. 😊 Of course, I loved the video too, a beautiful part of England I grew up in.

[@CountryHouseGent]

+Medic Technology International Pty Ltd That's great cheers. I hope I did the area justice? :)

[@brianstott4983]

Hi

[@brianstott4983]

!

[@thecanucklehead7351]

Congratulations on finally hitting the cut, great video (been waiting with bated breath for your maiden voyage). Your open and honest style make you vlogs a pleasure to watch - stay safe and happy trails.

[@CountryHouseGent]

+The Canucklehead Thank you, your comment has made my day. :)

[@colinblankenship2401]

looks like a lot of fun and work. enjoy your new adventure in what seems be a very pleasant setting.

[@CountryHouseGent]

+Colin Blankenship Thank you ,that's very kind. :)

[@manwithapan9481]

Cheers, am enjoying these vids, was a nats nipple from getting a boat, now am decided !! Am getting a boat ;)

[@CountryHouseGent]

+Dad's Kitchen Glad to be of service. There's far more pros than cons with a life on the water and will be nothing like what's gone before. Enjoy every moment and all the best.

[@avandriver]

Love this video . Best of luck your journeys .

[@CountryHouseGent]

+Steve Wildman Cheers Steve, I appreciate that. :)

[@morriscorreia7282]

Looked like you realy enjoyed that

[@CountryHouseGent]

Sure did Morris. A pivotal and defining moment.

[@jpaulrice]

You and Aslan look absolutely terrific on top of the water!! Chugging and smiling on. What a wonderful sound was that when the engine turned over for the first time on the video. Enjoy

[@CountryHouseGent]

That's very kind of you to say. Yes, I hope we will make a great team. The engine runs very smoothly and just ticks along, like a clock.

[@sventhompson]

Just watched this again for the first time... So much has transpired since this first cruise (Now being June 14, 2022). The joy shone through.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you Sven. Very true and incredible to think that was 5 years ago. Quite "amazing". 🙂

[@richardanderson6874]

Very good for you, sir. Thank-you for sharing this with many others, me included.

[@TrainLordJC]

Wonderful video of a tranquil lifestyle on the waters. I felt all your feelings in preparation etc but I did it with a VW campervan journey around the world in which I travelled the continents of North and South America and Europe for nearly three years only to find my van stolen in Seville, Spain. The devastation of that experience was intense and it changed my life of total freedom completely and brought me back to normality of life. Nevertheless that journey was one of the most spectacular experiences of my life. Enjoy your journey on the canals.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Wow, what an incredible journey. The things you must have seen? And I can completely appreciate and sympathise with you over the theft of your van. Your entire life would have been tied up in the camper and then someone comes along and takes it. :(

[@charliewilson4670]

When that engine fired up a smile to my face bet you were excited the first sail on your boat and what a trip and excellent video looking for to the rest of them although I've watched some all ready I'm starting from the beginner as hope next year I'll be bing my canal boat ☺👍

[@irenedavo3768]

Did you buy a boat?

[@jamesfoley6555]

Thank you so much for sharing your narrow boat adventures we us, we do appreciate it.. we enjoyed your later vlog so much, we decided to start at the beings,so once again thank Julie and James🙏✝️🕊🙏🇨🇦

[@CountryHouseGent]

Fabulous, thank you James. It's incredible just how much content I've created over the years for KZbin alone.

[@leedryden4502]

Love coming back and re-watching your first few videos, I do miss Aslan and you Kevin.

[@michaelwatson113]

Truly a voyage of discovery.

[@CountryHouseGent]

+By the Numbers Cheers. Yes indeed, of scenery, places, life and the self. :)

[@suemeyer8989]

I know this is older vlog but I imagine you will never forget this day😊

[@galacticambitions1277]

These are very raw, honest, authentic, and inspiring videos. Thank you for sharing these moments of your life with us. You really are a gentleman.

[@CountryHouseGent]

+galacticious Aw, ta. :)

[@rogermace4516]

FANTASTIC I would love to experience some time on a narrow boat, but that isn't going to happen in Australia as we don't have them here...........Great Video also well done

[@CountryHouseGent]

+Roger Mace Thank you for watching. Maybe a UK holiday on a narrow boat is in order? :)

[@oliversch7271]

You and all of narrowboaters live a dream life, very cool.

[@CountryHouseGent]

+Fire Fly Cheers and we are eternally grateful.

[@andywheal6477]

Another good one, if it all pans out my first trip (home) will involve the dreaded Stanedge tunnel as I'm based at Marsden on the hudds narrow, no marinas here so a long first journey. Keep them coming.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Cheers. I'm not familiar with the Stanedge tunnel, yet. What particular horrors does she offer? All the best for your trip home.

[@Wattswood]

Not M1 or M6 but the busy A14, nice video!

[@CountryHouseGent]

My geography was always pretty poor. :) Thanks for letting me know.

[@mikedudley3053]

Well done Day One. Helps me shed my winter.

[@CountryHouseGent]

+Mike Dudley Thank you Mike.

[@ianc4681]

So chuffed it all come together for you CHG,im a landlubber but have loved canal strolls on aire n calder @Stanley and envy your lifestyle,you look so chilled man,love your relaxed filming style,will check out more vids as soon as,gods speed CHG👍👍👍

[@jamesmcguire2002]

I have followed all your narrowboat vlogs to date. Enjoyed the first one…and each successive installment even more. I particularly appreciate their length and narrative style. The thoughtfully creative work you put into them is evident. While I'm admittedly envious of your newly-launched lifestyle, I'm truly grateful you've chosen to share your wonderful adventure. Thank you!

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you for watching and thank you for your heart warming comments. I like to film my videos exactly as the story unfolds infront of me, without much thought to the finished result. I found the whole process (especially with the launch video) to be very natural. As I was editing the video together over a period of 5 or 6 days, it just seemed to flow unhindered, the various pieces of video (over 300) simply falling together . An unusual experience that I've usually only encountered with my photography and writing and one I hope to experience more often with my future videos. With regards the length, I had wondered if a 30 minute video would be too long. But then I thought that if I was looking for narrowboat related videos, I'd want something to get my teeth into. Besides, I'm a firm believer that you should please yourself first. If you enjoy your own work, chances are others will as well? Cheers,

[@albazar]

brilliant,I just love that engine,if it was a woman I would.........well you know! keep up the good work with the vids and good luck to you.

[@CountryHouseGent]

+alan witty I quite agree. She has a fine pair of pistons. ;)

[@vinm300]

3:50 that start-up routine is worth all the money you paid for the boat. The stove in the boatman's cabin is a fantastic feature ; the engine-room is another. You have a very enviable, solid little craft. 7:20 listen to that engine ! A big slow revving twin - marvellous.

[@richcolgate8929]

Fantastic!!! Love all ya vlogs from that day ❤️❤️ Keep on going 👍👍

[@Light-gp9hk]

Damn yeah! Amazing indeed it is....the kind of life for me too. wait 4 meeee.... .tnx 4 sharing! :)

[@flatusinteruptus]

Nice to see someone be that happy , congratulations to you , and I really like your boat , classic.

[@CountryHouseGent]

+Scott Williams Thank you. Yes she's a fine vessel.

[@barrydawson2838]

Fantastic. Well done on your great achievement. I admire what you’ve done and you should feel extremely proud of yourself. I’ve just subscribed to your channel and look forward to seeing your other videos. Take care and happy narrowboating.

[@henryboleszny359]

@4:30 - what an amazing sound! Bet it felt great hearing it in real life! Congratulations on a great-looking (and sounding) boat.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thanks Henry. Yes I had spent the entire time thinking of nothing else but when the boat would be on the water. Finally I could use the engine for what it was intended. :)

[@irenedavo3768]

@@CountryHouseGent watching March 2022

[@mjjayful]

Absolutely brilliant, who needs TV when you have wonderful videos like yours; I’m hooked! All the best!

[@timstewart8690]

Yes, still love this episode. :o)

[@moviebuffbabe5651]

Congratulations! She's a beautiful boat and i'm thrilled things are going so well for you. All the best!

[@CountryHouseGent]

+Movie BuffBabe Thank you. Much appreciated.

[@iannicolson1202]

Great to see you back in the water. Cheers

[@djmarine4499]

like a duck to water nobody would know that was your maiden voyage a true natural on tha tiller! very enjoyable and easy to watch keep up the good work and most of all keep enjoying the peace and tranquility! narrowboat life at its best! :)

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you, that's very kind of you to say. It was very nerve wracking to start with but I think it's getting a little easier.

[@stephencanalboat4668]

Thanks for taking us along with you on your first voyage. Well done and congratulations! Stephen

[@CountryHouseGent]

+Stephen Canal boat Thank you, you're welcome.

[@ALifeFullofMeaning]

Thank you for sharing a great video, I really enjoyed watching.

[@CountryHouseGent]

+A Life Full of Meaning I'm very pleased to hear you enjoyed it. :)

[@neilt7191]

Wonderful . Many congratulations on a successful maiden voyage . You're living the dream , be happy . Subbed .

[@Theandyaston]

Lovely boat. Good luck on your journeys 👍🏼

[@borderreiver3288]

What a great sounding engine....

[@johnWilson-jp6zk]

Hi love your boat so enjoy the good life take care John.

[@CountryHouseGent]

+john Wilson Appreciate that John and thank you.

[@thomasharnesk8866]

Thank you for this, it was very relaxing. Cheers from Sweden

[@CountryHouseGent]

+Thomas Harnesk Cheers. Yes, narrow boats are very good therapy.

[@tomdallas1211]

I was waiting for someone to honk their horn in that tunnel. there a big echo .in that tunnel .and the honk you have. AWESOME

[@christaylor8795]

Great film I've been dithering about moving on to a boat for the past 5 years or more , and I retired 3 years ago , and have a property I can sell and decent pension but I just keep putting it off because of all the hassle involved selling a property and most of what's in it , yet after watching your reaction to getting on the cut for the first time, you have inspired me to pull my bloody finger out. All the best to you and keep the films coming, and who knows I might introduce myself to you on the canals at some point.

[@stephenwhittier6439]

Love that motor !

[@piascottdenholder5175]

bloody hell, what a life ! good on you mate ! greetings from the Netherlands

[@davidmanning7456]

Thanks for that clip it's brought back some very nice memories of good times I had with friends when I lived in the uk

[@MrCampbell633]

great vid loved so very much thks

[@70rosebud]

Congratulations, and thanks for taking us on your maiden voyage, we thoroughly enjoyed it, what beautiful country side, we live in New Zealand and have nothing like this in our country, you are so lucky, we look forward to many more adventures with you Country House Gent, you must be so proud of what you have achieved with all your labours. Good luck in your future endeavours.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you for your kind words. It has been a lot of work but easily worthwhile. Besides, it would have been a terrible waste if I hadn't documented everything. All the best and thank you,

[@TheMrWoodsman]

How lovely to spend your first trip with you! Regards

[@jmeyer3rn]

Anchors aweigh! Congrats to you and your beautiful Aslan.

[@the9f]

cracking job on the Alan! Thanks for sharing your journey.. I will admit to being more than a bit jealous!!

[@CountryHouseGent]

+oohjah nikabollockoff Cheers. Yours is the best username I've seen in a long time, and reminds me of a favourite joke from my teens. :D

[@TuriusRay]

What a beautiful canals what a wonderful nature... I wish Spain had something like that but no :/

[@mischef18]

Awesome vids on this bro, we have nothing like this in NZ so was real interesting. All the best

[@CountryHouseGent]

+Ken Allen Brilliant. Thanks for watching.

[@patsyporter1266]

nice relaxing film nice company thank you

[@The_Arby]

"No Potholes", lol Nice maiden voyage ...Hope you have many more Country Gent :-)

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you Russ. Having come from the wilds of Cumbria, my body couldn't take another pothole. The boat felt like a flying carpet. :)

[@johngardiner6800]

I'm sure others have pointed out the hole where you turn your boat derives from the horse drawn days where the bargee used the wind to help blow the boat around, hence the name wind..ing hole. loved your maiden voyage, very reminiscent of my own (also single handed).

[@CountryHouseGent]

+john gardiner Quite right John. I'm regularly sent to the 'naughty step' for my oversight on that part. :D

[@geoffupton]

congrats! 😊 great first voyage of the cut!

[@davidsedlickas8222]

I remember watching this volg back in the day Kevin. You made a wise choice of boat. Just shows you how far you've come today you have a drone you can fly. Keep safe and dry and virus free.

[@timsuttonlovinlife-]

Thoroughly enjoyed that! thanks for sharing your experience :)

[@CountryHouseGent]

+Tim Sutton A pleasure, thank you.

[@roykemp4941]

Excellent vlogs, just working through them a second time.

[@davidpinkerton8740]

Congratulations on your first outing, engine sounds great. No longer a country house gent ! looking forward to your next video

[@CountryHouseGent]

+David Pinkerton Thank you David, pleased you liked it. More to come, once I get back to the boat. :)

[@wsatnutter9674]

great vid love the emotion I think you have found the right place

[@CountryHouseGent]

+wsatnutter Cheers for that. Yes it is just what the doctor ordered, quite literally. :)

[@samikent5422]

Nice boat and voyage buddy. Thanks for taking us along. Greetings from Istanbul, Turkey.

[@caseyj.1332]

I first saw this on Amazon several years ago, just watched his newest. The Gent looks like he's weathered pretty well.

[@norburynarrowboater]

Just come across your vlogs and now having a blissful afternoon catching up. :-) Great work, some beautiful shots & witty stuff - and what a gorgeous boat! That engine gave me goosebumps when you started it up! I live on board a converted butty with a modern diesel/hydraulic drive contrivance, and I have engine envy! :-D

[@CountryHouseGent]

+Claire Walmsley Thanks Claire and pleased to hear you're enjoying the videos. It's been (and still is) huge fun and an experience making them. Quite agree about the engine and a joy to walk past her every morning. :)

[@willowgrove631]

Love looking back at these videos now, having just watched all the series on Vimeo .... could see the stress easing with every mile travelled!

[@kerplunk8011]

I thought you did great job.

[@gogs1468]

Love the sound of the engine.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you and I quite agree. Who needs background music? ☺

[@garywinters2282]

Wonderful classic boat, love the sound of a two cylinder diesel!

[@chuckgollmar4882]

Just found your channel. Fascinating. Very much enjoyed it. Pleased to subscribe. Crusing on a narrowboat is something I have always wanted to try.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Brilliant thank you. Maybe throw caution to the wind and have a go? Weekend hires (or even weeks) are very reasonably priced. :)

[@PenfoldSmith]

That was one of the nicest 30:20 seconds I have spent in a long, long time. I'm loving the sound of that engine too just soooooooooooo relaxing. 10/10 for a job well done.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Great to hear thank you. P.S. Love your thumbnail. All of the Black Adder series are one of my favourite comedies.

[@joncoom6613]

Hi ppppp

[@joncoom6613]

@@CountryHouseGent pleappas

[@VoklstWestie]

Im sure mechanics think your diesel engine is 'the bomb'& I mean tgat in the best of ways being a tool guy & mechanics daughter! The sound of your engine reminds me of the boat sounds from 'The African Queen' boat also Danny Kaye movie ref: Secret life of Walter Mitty = " Ta Paca, Ta Paca, Ta Pacitah"... Beautiful boat you have! might want to put a back splash behind your teapot/burner area, keep food & moisture off the walls, omo, I'm persnickety! Nice Launch, Thank You. Chicago Renee.

[@jmccracken491]

Just subscribed so I like what I see and I will be learning a great deal.

[@stephent1117]

Hi, just found your channel. Absolutely love that engine, you just can't get tired of listening to it. You made the best choice. All the best from Mr Green with Envy.

[@djreilly100]

Just found your channel Gent,like your style. I will be following you on your new adventures. Great trip and congrats.

[@CountryHouseGent]

+Mox Nix Thank you Mix and thank you for joining the journey. :)

[@nigellewis2014]

Just wonderful, another 12 years and I shall retire on the water and hopefully see you for a pint

[@johncornell13]

Congratulations, as you rightly said its something should do once in a lifetime, I was lucky to experience it in the 70's a mate of mine had a converted working boat he lived on at Rickmansworth, and we did quite a few trips, including one up the tidal Thames from Limehouse to Brentford. Amazing times.EnjoyJohnny in Oz.

[@VoklstWestie]

i just rewatched, I'm very 'intelligent' on safety/building issues... omg are those your gas/propane lines next to the stove burners??? BIG No No, I imagine thats how most narrow boats have fires!!! In my opinion you really need to move those hoses asap, thats an accident just waiting to happen! In the meantime, put some bricks there or something and dont use the burners closest to those. The fittings and connections should be under the counter and at least 30 inches or more away from the burners. I truely am loving your vids, just found you today 6/24/17 I will catch up! Chicago Renee saying prayers for you & your beautiful boat! yes you are priviledged & giving me ideas about doing the same.

[@CountryHouseGent]

I understand your concerns, however the placement of the hob in relation to the gas pipes is well within Boat Safety Test standards. Thank you for your concerns. :)

[@BoatingBiker]

Watching your vlog again I noticed you eventually aligned your exhaust stack as it was designed to be, with the hoop in line with the boat so as to disperse the exhaust smoke away from the tiller person. Took me awhile to figure that out but it works. I hope you're still enjoying your cruise. I'm out of the water for blacking, hoping to get some cruising done in September.

[@patsyporter1266]

i so agree, as i continued watching, that was brave to do the tunnel, i would abandoned ship just for that bit, but exciting too

[@therevster9828]

Good luck

[@CountryHouseGent]

+The Revster Cheers

[@richardlaundon]

Harecastle will be no problem for you whatsoever lol oh and maybe remove the chimney stack next time as tunnels get a lot lower than that one :D

[@CountryHouseGent]

Harecastle ??? But that's twice as long - and they shut the doors !!! :D I have a special short chimney for low tunnels and bridges. :)

[@richardlaundon]

I always see Harecastle as a sort of rite of passage for all boaters. I remember doing the Four Counties Ring back in the mid 80s as a child and we were fascinated by it.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Harecastle will be on my route as I'll be heading south from Crick, then along the Grand Union and onto the Trent & Mersey.

[@CruisingTheCut]

CountryHouseGent Ummm .... that's the wrong direction for the T&M!

[@CountryHouseGent]

+CruisingTheCut Mental note to self, consult a map before planning journeys, though from memory I'm sure you can eventually join the T&M by heading west along GU, or maybe not? Problem is, all my Nicholson guides are on the boat and I'm currently back in Cumbria. :)

[@jimbojet8728]

It must be said, you look the part, amazing even. I’m going to watch your vids. I’m a new subber. Thank you.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Awesome, thank you.

[@aliasdeputydog]

Hi there, CountryHouseGent and welcome to the world of canal cruising. I lived and worked on a narrow boat in the Birmingham area for 7 years and thoroughly enjoyed every minute cruising around the Midlands, when not stuck at work of course. Every day cruising was so different in the changing scenery and wildlife that it did not matter what the weather was like, snow, rain, wind, fog or glorious sun shine it was still a pleasure to move about as you please, moor up where you like (usually near a pub) and just enjoy. Sadly I had to sell up due to bad knees and now live in a house after having two knee replacements. This has curtailed any future boating activities unfortunately plus the fact I`m over 70 but I do miss the boat. All I can say is old son, get out there and Enjoy with a capital E, you have 2500 miles of canal to play on.

[@CountryHouseGent]

+aliasdeputydog Thank you for sharing your story. Yes, I hope to explore every corner on offer. :)

[@aliasdeputydog]

Don`t forget to get yourself a set of Nicholson`s Guides, very useful for finding the evening watering holes. Very good video`s you have made by the way and your`s is only the second boat I have seen with the B2 engine, the other was mounted in a 72ft 6" old and refurbished working boat that belonged to FMC and converted into a live a board. Bon Voyage Captain.

[@CountryHouseGent]

+aliasdeputydog Cheers but I (rather sadly) bought a full set second hand about 3 months before buying the boat. Made the wait even more excruciating, seeing all the fab places I could visit, one day. I would very much like to see another B2 and have a chat with the owner at some point if ever our paths cross.

[@irenedavo3768]

Fantastic

[@robaylmer2450]

Kevin, i take my hat off to you mate! absolutely marvellous - outstanding photography and commentary. have you thought of main streaming for tv? a very high quality documentary me thinks! are you planning living on your beautiful boat permanently? health, a modest wealth(!) and heaps of happiness. keep up the very good work, looking forward to your next posting :-)

[@CountryHouseGent]

+rob aylmer Hi Rob and great to hear from you. Lovely to hear you enjoyed the video. To be honest the thought of taking things to a wider audience has crossed my mind several times, but it would involve negotiating several minefields such as setting up a production company etc. And I thought I could just flog the idea to the Beeb. Definitely something that's on the cards though. Nothing ventured . . . ? :)

[@jamesshanks2614]

That hand operated horn was originally mounted on the floor of a Ford Model T and was operated by your left foot. Yup that type of horn dates back to the early automotive years, nice to have on board.

[@CountryHouseGent]

+James Shanks Thanks James and thanks for the info.

[@brucetinker288]

Came upon your video site recently. You have a beautiful rig. I live in central valley of California. So much beauty where you live. I'm watching all your videos. Best wishes and God bless you

[@sunnysyl7]

Aww you looked sad at the end ... I want to do what you are doing so bad .

[@Aerobob42]

I started watching your videos yesterday and find them very interesting and nicely paced, so have now subscribed. 40yrs ago my wife and I had a fortnight on the canals but have not been on them since. I just watch on YT now and then these days - it's better than TV. I find the boats and engines interesting especially the older ones like Lister and Gardner. Your Petter McLaren is a new one to me, a nice chunk of metal it has to be said. Regarding the exhaust smoke, isn't that a problem drifting into your face and does it mean that a rebore or some sort of overhaul is in the offing? Loved the start with the decompressor! I'll catch up with your videos in due course. All the best.

[@irenedavo3768]

Watching March 2022

[@Grevlain]

I just found your channel. I live in the United States. I've been planning to go full-time "working age" RV living for the past year. Sometimes I have a bad day when it all seem impossible and the "normal life" clamps down hard. Today was one of those days, but your recent vids cheered me up. I just need to keep on towards the goal. Thanks! I've subscribed and look forward to seeing your adventures.

[@CountryHouseGent]

+Grevlain Thanks for subscribing. I know exactly what you mean. Often the set backs and low points would appear out of nowhere, but I learned overtime to recognise them as soon as they arrived (most of the time). I would try to ignore them and remember my ultimate goal and dream and the reason I was putting myself through this. I know you've probably heard it a thousand times (I did) but it's true - if you want something badly enough, you will get it in the end. :)

[@bustagutable]

Thank you so much for that piece of wisdom. I live in the US and have been in the process of building a tiny house on wheels for the past few years. Minimalist living is calling my name. Started this journey in 2014 and I'm currently at a standstill. Very frustrating. Half way there though so that's something I guess. I'm building as I go (and I'm a 57 yr old woman!) so that its paid for when its completed (hopefully before I retire since that's the reason I'm building!). While researching tiny houses, I've stumbled onto long boats since there's a similarity in space. But I have to admit, I think I'd love to be on the water. A shame we don't have a canal system here. I love your honesty and the emotion you've shared in your video's. Gives me hope and encouragement to fight for another day towards my own dreams. Thanks for that. I've subscribed so I'll be following your journey. Cheers and the very best of luck (and serenity) to you!!

[@CountryHouseGent]

+Annie Jacks Thank you for sharing your story. I found whilst working towards a life on the water, that if it was getting too much, or I felt like I was getting nowhere fast, I would put it to one side and spend a day (or even a week) doing something totally unconnected. I would utterly forget about it, put paperwork to one side, not do research on the internet. After a break, I would come back with a fresh outlook on it and new ideas.

[@graememorrison333]

I would have just kept it on wheels and driven around the country in it! Would've raised a few eyebrows... Nice, easy style you have. And a luvverly boat 👍