40. Hawkesbury Junction to Nuneaton by narrowboat on the Coventry canal

[@azzif888]

"In the UK, allotments are small parcels of land rented to individuals usually for the purpose of growing food crops" (Had to look that up, so thought others might want to know too) :)

[@buddywest7968]

Glad u remarked about the rubbish. I have a car dash cam and i caught a guy littering so i gave the video to the council and they gave him a fine of $250. I hate people who litter.

[@CruisingTheCut]

It's one one my pet hates too. That's a steep fine! You'd think people round your way would learn with that kind of punishment!

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

Flotsam and jetsam. Two of my favourite words 🙂 Not necessarily the definition of the word, but rather they’re simply fun words to say.

[@antonyedwards3553]

Oh, Joy ! Your Pooterish progress, and your noble, uplifting, indomitable profile at the tiller, your ability to make a substantial something out of what appears to be very little simply by your enthusiasm and being just you, (masked by a formidable professionalism of course), is so addictive. As I've said before, if it was anyone else, your toungue in cheek meanderings and pithy comments about what you encounter would be just that, a meander. I watched your rant about the cushions in the dinette the other day, (what a horrible euphemism the word "dinette" is), and your disbelief that the cushion woudn't fit to make a proper bed, your enraged spittle flecked lips, the totally justified falsetto voiced hysteria at the pointlessness of it all ,the furious anger at the intransigence of inanimate objects, oh, I laughed and then smiled broadly for at least an hour. If you took up knitting I would still watch. Thank you, thank you. FYI, I live a lot of the time in South East Asia. Here we also have canals, but they are called roads when it stops raining.

[@CruisingTheCut]

You never know, the knitting vlog may yet follow when I run out of other stuff to film!

[@maryburt3114]

Now, do not be talking bad about knitting. It is a great sport on a cold nite. ha ha

[@centermassgamer323]

I’ve watched about 5 already, this man is so calming.

[@dwonthemove]

+Cruisingthecut ... "When the apocalypse comes we'll all want to be in Nuneaton" ... has to be quote of the day!

[@CruisingTheCut]

:-)

[@jimwheeler3193]

I stumbled onto episode 3 a few days ago, and am so glad I did. I’ve just now finished viewing all 40 and can barely wait for the next. The UK canal network is a treasure. You are so kind to share with us your adventure, and including both the highs and the lows.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you for your dedication!!

[@petertuohy2886]

This is so much fun! Thanks for taking us along!

[@r0cketplumber]

At 3:22 the homeowner is a Top Gear fan! Can you imagine Stig drifting a narrowboat through the corners at a blistering 3 mph?

[@UCs6ktlulE5BEeb3vBBOu6DQ]

most people show only the same old view from the pyramids that make you believe its still in the middle of the desert. I love the fact you show us the good the bad and the ugly.

[@CruisingTheCut]

+Daniel Lelievre You mean ... the pyramids AREN'T in the open desert??!!

[@UCs6ktlulE5BEeb3vBBOu6DQ]

They have an address, pay municipal taxes and have a mailbox now I believe

[@michaelpilling9659]

That's the first 40 episodes in two days. Thank you so much for life journey so far. A lovely film today, unfortunately showing the reality of rubbish dumping, graffiti dawbing and the selfishness of some boaters. Still, that's life isn't it. A better day tomorrow I hope. Thank you so much

[@gavinparkes1515]

Can't believe the Bedworth canalside scrap yard is still there! Amazed at how little has changed in the 10 years since I boated around that area.

[@CruisingTheCut]

I didn't realise it was such a long-term fixture! Probably the same crap in the canal as you saw!!

[@for.tax.reasons]

1:32 love the little cat silhouette on the wall.

[@joannapocock6055]

Awwww those ducklings were so cute thanx for sharing with us.

[@CruisingTheCut]

I've got better duckling shots in the next one ;-)

[@joannapocock6055]

yay

[@MrFQL]

On one week's canal adventure we counted 13 footballs bobbing about at various points. Some looked new enough that we figured someone might still be looking for them. Others were relics of bygone days past. The other crap is just plain disgusting. I'm happy you survived Nuneaton.

[@CruisingTheCut]

So am I! Cheers

[@AnotherVoice-jp1kj]

I'm alternating between your vlogs and old episodes of Frasier. They complement each other very well. I hope you feel suitably complimented by this. Great stuff! 😊

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you! 😊

[@whotknots]

I heartily concur with your solution of applying the 'cat o' nine tails' to the vile problem of vandals David.

[@r0cketplumber]

Does it get any more British than this? "The wind is still a bit chilly but there is the distinct hint of Sun in the air." When I was eight years old I read Bradbury's "All Summer in a Day" -while living through a winter in Belgium. I feel your pain.

[@jackytruelove5777]

The Ashby Canal is a delight, well worth a look next time you are passing. We were stoned by gangs of kids in Nuneaton !! I have just watched the full set of vlogs from the start and wondered why you didn't replace the sacrificial anodes while she was 'out'. They looked a bit tired. It's great to see so many familiar places as you cruise the cut. Keep it up.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Tired but not exhausted. They'll get replaced next time it's blacked. Glad I didn't get stoned!

[@mikehurley5052]

I thought i was going to go through the weekend without my narrowboat fix, but then up pops another great vlog. I guess we get used to you showing us the great scenery, parts of this brings us back to earth. Cant wait for the next one, safe cruising.

[@CruisingTheCut]

:-)

[@SailLife]

Loved the comparison to the Star Wars movie ;) Awesome video :)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks :-) Can't wait for your next ones ... best to you and Jokull

[@SailLife]

+CruisingTheCut I won't keep you waiting for long ;) (clicked the publish button 30 seconds ago)

[@CruisingTheCut]

I shall head straight to the KZbin app! Cheers

[@for.tax.reasons]

Nuneaton really does have some really pretty gardens and I love that they back to the canal

[@0HARE]

Thanks for another great vlog. It was interesting and informative. Like most folks, I find litter and graffiti disgusting. I'm with you on the public flogging for the offenders. Wishing you well on your journey.

[@Widestone001]

2009 and 2010 I was living sandwiched between 2 railway (double) lines with the train station 2 minutes away on foot. I loved it! Then again, I grew up around model railways and that sound always has and always will bring good feelings up in me. Even the cargo train with the old carriages which made the whole house shake a little and which were so loud that I had to pause if I was watching a movie.

[@johnhenry1338]

Always a pleasant surprise to see you've got another vlog up to watch, enjoy them much, you are really living the dream, , being in the US, it's very interesting to see a different way of life...Cheers

[@ShiresMatt]

Your getting quite good at this boating lark

[@emilsitka7590]

Starting Location: Hawkesbury Junction: www.google.com/maps/@52.4574671,-1.4693654,374a,35y,304.01h/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en Junction with Ashby Canal: www.google.com/maps/@52.4902649,-1.4590386,288a,35y,10.97h/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en Entering Nuneaton: www.google.com/maps/@52.5049232,-1.4613334,830a,35y,10.97h/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en More Allotments!: www.google.com/maps/@52.5174022,-1.4753288,595a,35y,10.97h/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en Leaving Nuneaton: www.google.com/maps/@52.5269031,-1.4865953,247a,35y,10.97h/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en Ending Location: www.google.com/maps/@52.5357274,-1.4838618,414a,35y,10.97h/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en

[@bobgraham4970]

Very enjoyable

[@thomasculley6022]

Love your videos keep it up

[@worldofrandometry6912]

Enjoying your Vlog - keep the vids coming. Graffiti is such a blemish on our towns and cities. Even Banksy should confine it to his own walls :-).

[@CruisingTheCut]

+John Mul Damn right. If he ever graffitis my house, it's being steam cleaned at his expense straight away!

[@andyclaret1]

well we watched following your hard work, as always enjoyable and at times funny, thanks.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@TheVirginiaStew]

Thanks..enjoyed it ...LOL the Manikin garden, was that plastic Easter eggs next to the swan....great narration...

[@CruisingTheCut]

No idea. Bizarre, isn't it?

[@cathycahoe6888]

its so sad the way some people throw trash in the canal ...thanks for sharing

[@kenlennon]

It's always advantageous for a man to have a longer hose. I'm looking for one too!Thanks for the vlog.Ken

[@CruisingTheCut]

Fnarr, fnarr

[@Jaynemee]

You were the first narrowboat channel we watched, probably a couple of years ago now. We binge watched all your videos and we learnt so much. This was while you still had your narrowboat, and we continue to follow you. We've also watched lots of others, including Heidi. Her version of your visit to the pirate boat was hilarious. We also follow the nomadic crobot. Have you seen them? They hold you in high esteem. It would be great if you did a vlog with them. You remain one of our favourites, though, so much so that we are having a re binge session. You look so young! 😆 xx

[@CruisingTheCut]

Ah, I was young once, I remember it well...

[@janebrown3587]

Yay! I just discovered you have a Patreon, so I contributed a wee bit. Double Yay - I bought two "I Like Cruising the Cut" tall mugs. :D I'd also buy a t-shirt or pretty much anything actually to support Cruising The Cut!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Woohoo! Thank you so much! :-)

[@pingpong5000]

Another gem. I'm not a grumpy guts but I do find the downside comments interesting, its easy to see and be told the good things but as a person considering a boating lifestyle i'm curious about things like the hassle of tying up in somewhere like you were advised against, keep them coming please.

[@CruisingTheCut]

You just need to keep your eyes open and consider where you are and how it looks, that's what I was told.

[@fearx303]

i have no idea why i like this

[@CruisingTheCut]

Because canals are great.

[@myrawhite3651]

Looked lovely, missing you at Yelvertoft!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Popping back in for ten mins on Monday, might see you?

[@myrawhite3651]

+CruisingTheCut look forward to seeing you!

[@codynova]

More averse to graffiti than trains I see! I've now made it through almost half of your vlogs. Although a bit out of order at first, I did go back and start with #1, and have now seen up to 40.

[@ccooper8785]

Nice bit of graffiti at 1:33. Thanks for another brilliant vlog. Happy travelling.

[@CruisingTheCut]

No such thing as nice graffiti. ;-)

[@campbellmj9405]

I'm beginning to think you'll never get past that bridge in the opening title scene. Every episode, you just...can't...seem...to...get...past...

[@CruisingTheCut]

Haha fear not, in later episodes I vary the intro shot according to each video.

[@VanderlyndenJengold]

If I was on the canals I 'd obsess about picking up litter. I voluntarily tidy a stretch of nearby brook; it's a never-ending task. Nothing new, people have always littered, though plastic, consumerism and more people make it look worse. I didn't like to look at it on my walk so started to bag it. I see others doing it too.

[@stephenmundane]

Appreciated the Star Wars trash compactor reference -- good job you didn't encounter a be-tentacled monster. As for that boatyard, must be cheap to moor there because why else would you bother! Hope the Bank Holiday hail wasn't too loud on your steel roof. Thanks for sharing.

[@CruisingTheCut]

A tentacled monster would have made for great video though ;-) cheers

[@asimplecheeseburgerwfries469]

I love the black cat and flowers painted on the bridge at 1:35.

[@riafymmij]

Re your burst water hose, Ill pass something on I saw on someone else video a few weeks back (can't recall who, sorry). Anyways, that style of water hose, when you coil it back up after use you can have water trapped inside. I the temperature gets low enough, that can freeze and burst the hose. You only find out the next time you use it. The guy who's blog it was suggested getting a hose that works similar to a fireman hose, flat when empty. My dad had one for his garden. They come on a spool and when you're done, rewinding it on the spool not only keeps it tidy, it also forces out any trapped water. They come with the usual hose connections fitted. Maybe not to replace a good hose you already have but when you actually need to replace one.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks. I've seen a few boaters with those but never found out what they think of them.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Had a good laugh at those mannequins... it's such a mess around there. They even spooked Hans as he had a good bark at them when we walked past. Nuneaton's not as bad as that looked really (although I was disappointed when I visited as I used to think it sounded posh). Although not sure what it's like at night. Atherstone next :)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Not surprised poor Hans was freaked out! It's a strange place.

[@drindajacobs5278]

Great turning ability, you obviously know what you are doing.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Haha sometimes!

[@modestadventurers]

Your modesty to such a skilled and visually aesthetically pleasing manoeuvre is a credit to your boatmanship. 😋

[@zapfanzapfan]

By the looks of those allotments the apocalypse has already happened... The Stig was cool though :-)

[@shipskepr1]

well david it is then,great vid,id say the closed to canel,is the erie,nothing that criss crosses the uk like you have,,,paul

[@xqqqme]

I'm in the U.S. but I'm also a KZbin subscriber to John Rogers and his many years of walks around London neighborhoods and the many brooks and rivers that feed into the Thames. As a result, I was already familiar with allotments and what they are (03:55). Your "international viewers" might not know that it's a British English term (full form: "allotment garden") which corresponds to what we in North America call a community garden.

[@johnfoey951]

I'm fairly sure that the bench in a weird spot at 4.45 is at Red Deeps, used by George Elliot in Mill on the Floss

[@johnrogers2826]

Was that The Stig?!

[@jordanhicks5131]

Now we know where they store him

[@zapfanzapfan]

"Some say that to relax from going very fast he watches narrowboats go very slow, he is called, The Stig!" That place for the bench by the way looks like a filled in former canal arm. Another restoration project in waiting maybe?

[@cyclingwithkiwi3956]

that was a well done video

[@CruisingTheCut]

Ta

[@cities_signs_and_deserts]

Chapter 9 Lord of the Rings Two Towers chapter titled Flotsam and Jetsam. Really enjoy the videos. I keep them on most of the day at work (always letting the ads run so you can get that .000001 per view).

[@Mr1990hjc]

I would have the little devils pilloried for sure, on the spot. floggings for the habituates, maybe ?

[@malcolmshaw9369]

Nutty as a fruitcake, bless you

[@CruisingTheCut]

+Malcolm Shaw Charming

[@dreamingflurry2729]

The poor nun :D - Damn cannibals! :D (SCNR...my dad's word-jokes are contagious it seems)

[@baritonejp1]

people seem to take great things for granted... I wish we had a canal system here in the states

[@normanboyes4983]

You have the ICW 😀👍

[@CruisingTheCut]

The what?

[@terryrigden4860]

You sent past us at the 2 1/2 minute mark ,we have our boat Grace at the end of the garden. It's a shame about the crap in the canal, normally we do litter runs either on our boat or on the Hargreaves trip boat, which is moored by Boot wharf and seems to survive moori g in Nuneaton

[@rud]

Waterpoints. I like that people were queuing up for the same water point, only to find an empty one around the corner. That sounds like something humans would do.

[@manicminer4127]

Come down the Birmingham & Fazeley, I walk along it daily. Very nice.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Already done it - appearing in a video very soon :-)

[@gertvandenheever5302]

It is obvious that you have a sweet tooth. Even when you do stop and visit a pub (of all the interesting ones you pass by), you will have some obscene sweet pudding or pastry?! I always anticipate hearing about a jolly good pie & gravy sloshed down with a pint!

[@cities_signs_and_deserts]

Same, being exiled in the states I am always waiting for him to speak of something more savory. Though, always envious of the jelly bears.

[@whotknots]

I believe the correct spelling is Cygnet.

[@UndergroundOverground]

Floggings too good for them :)

[@CruisingTheCut]

You could be right.

[@martinlongley5461]

Hired a boat in Rugby a few years back and went up to Coventry canal and then on to Ashby canal. Your vlogs brought back pleasant memories. There were some of the 'bored' kids drinking lager at the entrance to Ashby canal and they were quite aggressive. Was worried that they might jump aboard as entrance is very narrow (an old stop lock). All was well though and Ashby canal is to be recommended. Wonderfully peaceful trip but canal is shallow in places.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Hi, glad you enjoyed the video. The Ashby is on my "to do" list one day but you're not the first person I've heard to say it's shallow; shame.

[@EVAUnit4A]

3:22 The Stig.

[@ee-one-d7154]

I love this Chanel its so calm. Also where is the best place for me to buy a narrow boat?

[@CruisingTheCut]

+Kenan Clarke Thank you. For a first time buyer, I'd probably recommend a reputable broker (as around on the narrowboat forums for recommendations - there are a few brokers who are less well thought of than others). Generally, Rugby Boats and ABNB are regarded as good in my experience. ALWAYS get a survey of the boat before purchase (make sure your deposit is returnable if the survey is poor)

[@ee-one-d7154]

+CruisingTheCut thanks

[@lewis72]

Very familiar territory to me !! As I mentioned, I stayed in Nuneaton for 6 years when I was working away, only about a mile or so from the canal, so i did occasionally take the MTB along the footpath and do a loop round Nuneaton on the canal, go to the Coventry basin or take the Ashby canal up to Hinckley (where there's the canal side KFC !!) I don't think Nuneaton is THAT bad !! It's a bit dull but I never witnessed much in the 6 years I was there. I didn't even like Nuneaton much but looking back at it I grew fond of the situation I was in. Quite odd really. I was in a house share with a local-lass, so I really did get the "low down" on Nuneaton life. I'll hopefully visit that region again this summer and catch up with some friends.

[@geraldmeccia1825]

I spy "The Stig" at 3:23

[@snappyfish]

Excellent again. Now you passed some areas with some reputation for "this and that" but how does a narrow boat perform a 'quick get-a-way' ?

[@CruisingTheCut]

Slowly

[@MrJimbaloid]

Well fancy that David I've just watched CHG in the same place.

[@dillbuckler1239]

Haha Nuneaton-.civilised 😂😂 I'm originally from there . My. Mum had a narrow boat moored at starline. It's like dodge the trolleys and stolen mopeds in the cut

[@mjallenuk]

Best not stop in Nuneaton ... I'm only willing to drive through it at speed after having checked my tyres, oil and fuel levels for good measure. It's probably not all that bad these days, no worse than many places (Walsall comes to mind). I have to agree with the public flogging idea mind! Parents should be encouraged to do the clean up and I'm sure the flogging would be doubled at home!

[@wickedmuffin76]

3:22 "all we know is he's called The Stig"

[@maxmarcatili8823]

Every time you fill you water tank, you seem to lug the entire hose reel out to the tap and then roll the hose back to your tank. Can I suggest that you do it the opposite way? Leave the reel in the boat, shove the end bit that you normally attach to the tap into the tank then unreel the hose and attach the opposite end to the tap? I'm sure that would be easier. Probably no need for the obligatory sack of coal.

[@sophiedawn7142]

Have decided to call you David, as you look like one...can't be doing with not being able to call you something. Love your vlogs...I just hope I can do it one day. You could also be a Trevor......or a Bernard.....will decide in due course 😃

[@CruisingTheCut]

+sophie dawn Lucky that my name is David then really. Not a Bernard though, I don't think.

[@suecox2308]

I'd be interested to see a sort of demonstration of mooring on various different kinds of banks. What advantage does the metal edging provide, for example? Are there special thingies you can use to help you get a grip on a soggy bank? How many ropes do you need? What length are they? Do you carefully coil them after use or just dump them in the gas locker or something? What kind of knots do you use? Is nylon rope better or worse than hemp? Stuff like that.

[@CruisingTheCut]

The trouble with me filming that is that I'm solo and trying to moor while also filming is rather tricky. That said I had a go at it in my latest video (no 172) but it wasn't a specific mooring demo.

[@suecox2308]

Yes, of course, I can see that. (So to speak.)

[@stevenhj3124]

Another incredibly great episode. Do you ever pickup floating trash David? I carry a grabber with me while I'm hiking and pick up litter. Maybe you could have a fish net and grab floating litter.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Yes, I try to

[@SoloBench]

This is not the USA

[@CrankyBeach]

My great-grandfather on my mother's side was born in Nuneaton and emigrated to Petrolia, Ontario in 1862, when he was 10 years old. I understand there are still some several-times-removed cousins in that area....

[@dannyboy2228]

Hi David, I know I’m still a few years behind on your videos (I’m slowly catching up!) but how much of an issue have you found that kids/chavs mess around with peoples boats when they are moored? When I lived back home in the UK (Wellingborough) (I now live in Brisbane, Australia) I used to walk my dog down the towpaths and would often see young knobs pissing around with the locks etc.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Depends very much on where you moor and when. Summer hols near urban areas will be bad.

[@mischef18]

The rubbish sure does take away the splendor of the canal but on a few miles and all looks great again, some of those back yards look lovely though.

[@CruisingTheCut]

People put an amazing amount of effort into their gardens.

[@rckchp]

Hello David, I've enjoyed watching all your narrowboat/canal videos.....but I do not see any small craft such as outboard powered fishing boats,conventional powerboats, etc., or canoes and kayaks. Are such not allowed in UK canals? I'm guessing fast craft are not allowed (for good reasons).

[@CruisingTheCut]

No powerboats for sure - speed limit 4mph ish. There are some fibreglass cruisers powered by small outboard motors but they need to be built to the width limits if they want to go through the narrow canal locks (max beam 6'10"). There are canoes and kayaks though, I just haven't filmed any. They've tended to go past me in the evenings when I'm moored and not filming.

[@BMad-we6qf]

One of the houses in Nuneaton looks like 4 Privet Drive from Harry Potter!

[@thomasbernecky2078]

Graffiti vandals can be discouraged by getting a firm grasp of them and spraying their heads with an interesting paint spray colour...

[@jordanhicks5131]

Then give em a good wash in the canal. Just dunk em under until their feet stop wiggling

[@carper1325]

hi again how are the solar panels going sorry if I've missed a previous comment about them colin

[@CruisingTheCut]

They're superb. I've never had to run the engine to charge the batteries.

[@dalewilson8476]

We have collapsible hoses , we have two 100 yard hose.

[@iflick7235]

I would love to have a narrow boat but it looks like everybody already has one. I assume you'll eventually reach some quiet country side.

[@nixie45122]

Do you have canal clean up Events? I have been participating for many years in one of two local river (the Clackamas or the Willamette) clean ups. We have non profit groups here called Riverkeepers that organize the volunteers and bins to sort what we pick up. You get a rather nice free T shirt for a days work. I also pick up trash regularly when I walk my dog. I will spare you my rant on dog poo bags !

[@CruisingTheCut]

Yes, there are lots of canal societies and volunteers who do such things, thank goodness.

[@Rkk153]

Feeling sad to see the junk in the water.

[@helenaird5097]

Have you discovered by now that railway lines and motorway lines follow canal lines?

[@CruisingTheCut]

They never do! You're making it up ;-)

[@Gwril76]

Very enjoyable episode, shame about all the rubbish and public art shows on the cut. Keep up the good work.

[@mikeygallag]

👍

[@SirKaldar]

Here be Dragons? More like, Here be Chavs :P

[@williamlane4805]

What is an allotment?

[@Edsbar]

It's a plot of land available to rent that you can grow your own fruit and veg. Usually owned by a local council for the use by local people.

[@mikeskelly2356]

'Oh my, there's bodies everywhere, but at least there are None Eaten' ... 'Are we not amused?'...

[@JohnDickinson]

Sounds like Nuneaton is ready for Brexit with those allotments.

[@veggieafterfifty6395]

Well I would have loved to have seen the polytunnel at the bottom of Tellytubby hill because I have a thing for polytunnels and a floating polytunnel would have rocked my world.

[@jazziered142]

I ride my bike along the river way here in Salt Lake City, and I see the same garbage. It is really kind of sad.

[@CruisingTheCut]

:-(

[@johninokla2635]

I see I have a lot of videos to watch before I am caught up. So I had better get back to watching the vids or I'll never get caught up. I do enjoy your sense of humor at the most mundane things like graffiti. Some of it shows a good bit of talent but most of it should have been left in the artist head.👍