407 - An Impact the Wicken Lode!

In today's vlog we travel from Burwell to Wicken Fen. There is an unfortunate incident with a pike and we meet a lizard.
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► FAQ
Q• Why do you speed up some of the footage in your videos?
A• We don't, we film it as time-lapse footage. We do not have the battery capacity or data storage to film in real time as our cruises can last up to 7 or 8 hours. We use to the time-lapse footage to help tell the story of movement rather than showcase the scenery. We limit the amount of time-lapse shots we use in each vlog.
Q• Why are your video's so behind?
A• We would love to release all our video's in the same week that we film them but that isn't possible for us. Jo only really has the capacity to edit two video's per week and as we make a video for each cruise that we do and we some times cruise 3 or 4 or 5 times a week we inevitably get behind. We fit in the vlogs around our lives not the other way round.

[@Rickwardful]

The Urban site you mention was Fisons Cuprolite fertiliser factory against the river and the old Brick factory across the road , whose chimneys were collapsed in 1971, while I lived at Priory Farm. A very interesting book ‘The Farm in the Fen’ on the area was written and published in 1944 by the then farmer of Priory Farm, called Allan Bloom who went on to establish the famous Blooms Nurseries at Bressingham.

[@MinimalList]

Interesting info, thank you! M

[@davidpratthk]

In 1970, as a 16year old sailor in training from HMS Ganges at Shotley Gate, Ipswich, I spent a week there with my class to help clear areas of the reserve. They gave 16 year olds billhooks and axes !! Recipe for disaster and now, as a 67 year old veteran I look at a 5 inch scar on the back of my left hand from one of those axes, given me by a collegue whose name was forever prefixed "Chopper". Great to go down memory lane again. You are so lucky and the waterways are definately challenging.

[@MinimalList]

Ahh, the kind of fond memories we have as kids of the 20th century... that story brings back memory of Julia, AKA "slicer Jules" from my own high school years. I learned more that day about the fine muscular anatomy of my own hand then years of schooling could provide! M

[@btrowbridge8958]

Does Jo get a "Silver Hiking Shoes " award for walking most of England's canal system? (George too).

[@MinimalList]

She really should! M

[@deborahingles9392]

All of the Lodes scenery was very tranquil to watch thanks for the relaxing time views cheers Debz from Oz

[@MinimalList]

Glad you enjoyed the Lodes as much as we did! M

[@mscatherinelong67]

Looks lovely and relaxing. Except for the turn!

[@mallockracer]

Hi guys, having grown up in Wicken, this vlog reminds of my childhood, I used to play down Wicken Fen and used to go fishing down Burwell lode with my Grandad. The bridge you were talking about is called the "Cock up" Bridge.... Wicken fen was the first national trust site in the UK. One thing I remember was the oversized prehistoric mosquitos at Wicken, I remember being covered in welts and antihistamine cream. That was back in the late 70's when things were a little different.

[@MinimalList]

Things may have changed, but I can attest that the bloody mosquitoes are still there! M

[@AndyCutright]

Music has been great lately. Nice pacing.

[@peterdeasey3563]

That pianist was lucky if he didn’t fall off his stool!!!

[@MinimalList]

Glad you enjoy the music! M

[@earthgrumble7156]

Have to admit, the last two weeks has been one of my favorite canal(s) to see.

[@MinimalList]

Glad you’ve been enjoying these ones! They Great Ouse is now amongst our favorite waterways, for sure! M

[@kenking1228]

Spent lots of time down factory Rd in Burwell at Poors fen farm when my mum and dad worked there,always had our docket at 10 am when the train left Fisons fertiliser factory for the main line!.

[@Rickwardful]

I bet that most people wouldn’t understand what the word Dockey meant. Money docked from working hours during the time you stopped for some breakfast or lunch. I remember my Grandfather’s farm workers used to take the Dockey in on of the railwaymen’s workers huts between the level crossing and the Fish and Duck at Stretham.

[@Mywhtjp]

George needs a 4' x4' patch of grass on the roof. Looks like a fun life. Hello from Oregon, USA

[@MinimalList]

It is a fun life, though I’m not sure how we’d get him off there once we got him up! M

[@lucillecash3046]

Those wild ponies were lovely and lots of wildflowers on the bank. Lots of walkers around this area. I’m loving these fen journeys.

[@MinimalList]

The Fens have been truly lovely! Glad you like the videos! M

[@johnallen148]

Hi Jo Michael George, Jo don’t worry to much about the pike what got hit by the prop I would say it was a sick pike to get hit in the first place normal they are so fast and would have got out of the way ,it’s a beautiful part of the fens well overgrown,the guy on the trip boat who you moved over for did not even put his hand up to say thank you or did I miss it ,you sure have exploded the drains in this area good of you ,well great blog most enjoyable some history lesson as well till next time take care keep safe,John 🇬🇧👏👀🥂🐎

[@MinimalList]

We greeted each other as he passed, though his hands were full with the boat. As for the pike ... actually got a glimpse of it trying to hide under some weed below us, just before the impact, and it was very quick indeed ... I think I literally sucked it up off the bottom when the prop started to spin, poor thing! M

[@amoore6981]

My dog is also named George and the look on his face when you whistled and called for your George was priceless!

[@MinimalList]

Aww, good dog, George! M

[@MrOVERANOUT]

What was the name of that fish? Don't tell them Pike.

[@MinimalList]

"Your name vill also go on ze list! Vat is it?" ... heh! M

[@fp30e]

Jo, Michael, Really enjoyed this weeks Vlog. Your Vlogs are so interesting. I've said before and I say again, I love the intro and debrief chats. I feel very calm after watching you both today. That poor pike, poor thing, in the wrong place at the wrong time. George was having a great time with his walkies. So funny at the end when George went for his ball, but could not climb out of the water. I really felt for him (George), still he knew his Mummy would pull him out. Thank you, I loved every minute. Take care.

[@MinimalList]

Thank you so much, glad you enjoyed it! M

[@stevenmiller5400]

I didn't expect to hear "pike for ow" from Jo.

[@MinimalList]

Neither did I, hence my obvious confusion! M

[@cofinblood2000]

Burwell is typical of small towns/large villages, teenagers gather and find places where they don't get moved on and be teenagers. its a nice place with some really nice bits. I think people tend to recomend Wicken Lode because it goes into the Wicken Fen nature reserve, which is lovely, but gets quite busy. Some years the Burwell and Reach Lodes get blocked by weed, it can take hours to get down there if you can. Wicken Lode gets more usage so stays clear. Some very nice walks and cycle rides in the area, sometimes you will have to walk through the Konik horses. There is another nature reserve not far away called KingFisher Bridge, well worth a visit.

[@MinimalList]

Glad we hit all three in a year where they were open! Sadly missed Kingfisher Bridge, only found out about it after leaving the area! M

[@anthonywillis7613]

I am new to you 3 mainly into silver fox and the boat James . However I find you a delightful and interesting couple and your now in my top 3 to watch. I should count George also I guess. Unfortunately I cannot seem to find the refurbishment vlogs I saw and they are interesting too. I have changed phones and being an old man I blame both the aforementioned for losing the refurb. Take care you three and I am just a fan on a long list of fans.

[@MinimalList]

We love Colin, Shaun and James too! Welcome aboard, we’re very happy to have you here. I have created a playlist for the renovation videos which should make it easier to watch them kzbin.info/aero/PLt9UiadU1aXk4wfHO5Ey4O_hEwS93tqvc

[@anthonywillis7613]

@@MinimalList thank you. I will enjoy the refurb and it is following the quote I always used in business projects. " Whatever you think it is going to take, treble it. This means time, money and stress". I am looking forward to reading your book. 😀

[@oldfart6318]

You guys keep me entertained. I love your video contents, continuity and editing as well as imparted information and humour.

[@MinimalList]

Always glad to entertain! M

[@Timanator]

It is so hard to find yall, Searching narrowboat yall are like 50 scrolls down, Glad yall are still at it.

[@MinimalList]

There's a lot of narrowboat content around these days, and we don't spend a lot of time on trying to game the algorithm ... but glad you can still find us! M

[@johncallaghan8854]

Another great Vlog, went to Wicken Fen on a School trip about 45 years ago! Great trip down memory lane. I agree with Michael, Burwell is a wonderful little town. I used to go fishing on Burwell and Wicken lodes, so great to see them again. And of course always good to see George rolling in the grass. It was great to meet you guys last week! Good luck for the future

[@MinimalList]

Always good to bring back old memories! Was really nice to meet you too, and thanks once more for the wonderful pin! M

[@johncallaghan8854]

@@MinimalList You're very welcome

[@GenaF]

Yet another fantastic video. Michael must've been shocked to catch the fish with the prop. It didn't look to have much life in it but thank you for giving it a check over. Your kindness towards our fellow creatures on this planet is beautiful to see. I wonder if that tyre had come from a boat having been used as a fender 🤷🏼‍♀️ the critter was enjoying the warmth that the tyre would have absorbed and retained. Its quite a great place it had found.

[@MinimalList]

I wasn't nearly as shocked as the poor fish was! Close up it was still definitely alive, I do hope it recovered, poor thing! M

[@johampshire3790]

That back looks painful Michael! Ouch. Lovely film as usual.

[@MinimalList]

Thanks! It was definitely aching ... thankfully it didn't last more than a couple of days this time! M

[@christinegibbins6105]

Love theses vlogs from the Lodes, thank you both and George, Much appreciated for the tranquility. Take care and thank you.

[@MinimalList]

Thanks for watching! M

[@islamentable1290]

It is worth the 8 quid to get in! Get that membership and I get an annual English Heritage Pass whenever we visit, for all the castles we visit. Very brave to pick up that Pike!

[@MinimalList]

Just wish there were more NT properties within walking distance of the canals! Will have to visit more castles! As for the pike; I've handled much, much more dangerous beasties than that! M

[@pinefreshflash7881]

Glad you got back through Denver ok was great to meet you at Downham..

[@garycapson6713]

Looks like you are having a load of fun these last couple of vlog's. Now that is one happy dog looking for a belly rub. Stay safe you "3".

[@MinimalList]

So much fun! The lodes have been great! M

[@davidapp3730]

Great video of the Fens. The tire with the lizard looked like it had not been there long judging by the flattened grass.

[@MinimalList]

While it's a good perch for a lizard I do hope the tyre doesn't stay there long! M

[@philrusling4617]

Another fab vlog both, thank you 🙏 👍🏻😊

[@MinimalList]

Glad you liked it! M

[@navigator902]

Loved the Wicken Lode, must be the reeds.... and the fauna, and it's history. Never a disappointing cruise, and I think grass makes Georgie roll.

[@MinimalList]

Technically it's the zoomies that make George roll ... he does it any time he can! M

[@carolinebutcher8160]

Oh what a lovely vlog tonight! It was such a lovely journey through gorgeous scenery, with Perseverance cutting her own route through the wetlands seemingly. One of my favourite shots was the one with Jo , or at least the camera, down near the plant growth on both sides of the banks and Perseverance sails through between them. Beautiful shot. Loved the music...so relaxing like the scenery. BTW just finished 6our book Jo. Enjoyed your travels and meeting Michael. Xx

[@MinimalList]

Really glad you liked it, and that you enjoyed Jo's book as well! M

[@russellesimonetta3835]

You guys got the right idea. Explore the byways instead of the holiday makers routes.

[@MinimalList]

It's a good way to explore any new place, that's for sure! M

[@KatelynsAdventures707]

Your vlog was so calming, was feeling a bit stressed, but felt calm within mins. I bet you are both so chilled right now. Lovely scenery again and photography. George was awesome at the beginning rolling around wanting rubs. Take care both of you. 💜💜🙋‍♀️🙋‍♀️

[@MinimalList]

So glad we can help soothe your stresses! M

[@dereknevill]

Pike is very tasty. Would have been free dinner for me. Great vid again.

[@MinimalList]

Not sure you’re allowed to take fish from the Wicken Fen area, being an SSSI, but I’d have to defer to the relevant angling association. Me being a vegetarian, though, it was destined to go back in the water! M

[@trevpaula4781]

You are our ultimate canal vloggers, really enjoy your adventures 👍🏻

[@MinimalList]

Thank you! M

[@johncassels3475]

I have memories of Wicken Fen on school trips some fifty (plus) years ago! The Bog Oak exhibit was in existence even back then. Thanks for the reminder.

[@johncallaghan8854]

Same here John for Wicken Fen school trips

[@MinimalList]

Same exhibit, but afraid it wasn’t the same bog oak… there’s a sign up saying the current one was pulled out just a few years ago, while it’s surrounded by the remnants of an older example. M

[@danensis]

I do like the music you've used on the lode videos.

[@MinimalList]

Glad you like it! M

[@markgruenberg6277]

Just a quick Hello 👋. Be well and stay safe.

[@MinimalList]

Thank you! And you too! M

[@paulturner7837]

Really enjoyed your vlogs on the lodes, George was so cute at the start. The scenery was lovely, the grey sky even looked good 😂. Glad you got to see the wild ponies but it was a shame you didn’t get to see the windmill. National trust membership is a bit of a dilemma, I have the same issues as I don’t get enough time off to make it worthwhile.

[@MinimalList]

We really should just punt on a membership, as it's really not very expensive and their work very worthwhile... but when we pass their sites so rarely it definitely feels like an expense we can't justify! So glad you liked the video! M

[@paulturner7837]

@@MinimalList yeah you’re probably right,I’m going to the Lake District in September and could probably save enough on carpark fees to pay most of it 😂

[@Bender24k]

If I smiled any wider when George was rolling around & bounding my face would have broken.

[@MinimalList]

Whoop, be careful out there! We can't warranty your faces! M

[@MarcelEling]

Nice pictures overthere

[@MinimalList]

Thanks! M

[@richardthiel683]

That Pike would have made a good meal.

[@richardthiel683]

@Laurence Harding You can fillet the bones out.

[@MinimalList]

Technically it was in a wildlife reserve and SSSI…. don’t think you’re allowed to eat it! M

[@clairefirth2383]

Ooh been waiting all day for this was just about to go to bed then decided to check for one last time 🙃

[@MinimalList]

Hope it was worth the loss of sleep! M

[@garybennett1879]

Thank you both, great video.

[@MinimalList]

Thanks for watching! M

[@Hans_Niemand]

"Skully Bits," Oh, my 🤣

[@MinimalList]

Very important bits! M

[@camdenmcandrews]

"The boat can push through the reeds but it cannot push through the bank." Who'd've thought it? I shall alert the media!

[@MinimalList]

They shall, no doubt, be shocked! M

[@narrowboatersatlarge]

Some lovely places you've been to on these cruises. We have the same issues with National Trust as yourselves. We are too far away from their sites to cover the cost of joining. George looked so happy.

[@MinimalList]

It's a dilemma ... the Trust is obviously worth supporting, but I do wish the sites were a bit more frequent and accessible by canal! M

[@chastito6063]

Awesome vids, keep it up!!! From New Zealand...

[@MinimalList]

Glad you like them! We miss New Zealand terribly! Hope things are warming up now that your days are getting longer! M

[@OldNickHindle]

I reckon a fit and healthy Pike would have shot away as soon as it heard your prop get anywhere near, so I reckon this one wasn't in a good state anyway, so don't feel bad 🌝

[@MinimalList]

Dunno, we see lots of pike around the boat in clear waters… I think I just surprised the poor thing by turning instead of carrying on! M

[@johnworboys6435]

Loving you Fenn vlogs greetings Portsmouth

[@MinimalList]

Glad you like them! M

[@eskimojulie]

Thank you for sharing I enjoyed that, I am hoping that you are going to travel up the old west and up on to bedford , its over 20 years since i did myself and it would be lovely to see it all again.

[@MinimalList]

We'll be traveling up that way in coming videos! M

[@trendtraderx]

An adventure from the wide water of the wash to the restricted reed runs....

[@MinimalList]

Quite a contrast in a relatively short trip! M

[@shardlake]

More fantastic cruising, the scenery, flora and fauna are just idyllic makes me want to sell up and move onto a boat :)

[@MinimalList]

No time like the present! ;-) M

[@sarabaldeschwieler7763]

Hope Michael's back went back to normal quickly! Loving your Fens series. Thanks for the Sunday afternoon treat.

[@MinimalList]

Thankfully it was only out for a few days! M

[@oceana9294]

Jo, I like the overshirt (sweatshirt, tunic...?) you were wearing at the beginning of the vlog, very pretty color. The vlog today was very relaxing and those ponies were amazing, thank you.

[@MinimalList]

That's our "Perseverance" hoodie in "Fire Red", available via artbyannamarie.com/shop/minimal-list-perseverance-hoodie-unisex. Glad you liked the video! M

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

Good video crank it on the cut stay safe lee

[@MinimalList]

Thanks! M

[@JohnSmith-bx8zb]

Reeds, weeds and SSI seem to be conspiring to turn navigations of all types into some kind of linear wetland which will eventually make navigation difficult if not impossible.

[@MinimalList]

If given the opportunity, nature will reclaim them shockingly quick ... personally I take heart in the fact that any mark we make on the landscape is ultimately fleeting, but I'm still glad the EA is working hard to keep even these little oft forgotten Lodes navigable! M

[@ScooterMLS1960]

Really like the music on this vlog. Is there no routine systematic removal of the overgrowth along the canals? I really enjoy following the cruising. We have nothing of the sort here in Oklahoma USA.

[@MinimalList]

There are canals that get that kind of treatment, but they tend to be the very high traffic routes, not the rural ones. Instead the EA will send boats through every so often to cut a channel through the reeds, but just enough to keep the navigation open. M

[@MsVanorak]

:( I let my lawn get a bit too tall and when I did get in there with the hover mower I hit a little frog hiding in the grass. He still had his hopping action but I saw blood. That was over a fortnight ago but my conscience is still blighting every other day or so.

[@MinimalList]

Oh, poor little froggie ... I know the feeling; it really aches to have injured something you simply didn't know was there! M

[@nevardmedia]

Ah, the darn GoPro SD card error - happened to me recently on my GoPro Hero 8. I don't think it liked me just deleting old data rather than formatting regularly. Hey ho. Your edit still looks fab though, as a viewer I'm sure most of us would never know.

[@MinimalList]

SD Cards do have a limited capacity for overwrites, and I think this one may just be kaput… we format quite regularly. Thankfully it didn’t lose anything up till the moment the camera died! M

[@josephkerley363]

Beautiful country side. Well you answered my earlier question about meeting another vessel on such a narrow waterway. LOL, fens, hides (?), lodes … all new terms. But I’m learning. I’m enjoying your travels … Something I’ll have to put on my bucket list. Do they have live aboard tours on similar boats?

[@philroberts7238]

Hides are for birdwatchers - places to watch but without being seen by those being spied upon.

[@MinimalList]

There are hotel boats out there, but not aware of any that specifically do tours of the Lodes. The best option is to rent a boat yourself and just roam! M

[@nazdagg2027]

do you have a place where you can lay flat and maybe doing some relaxed lumbar rolls? George is a trip. be safe, have fun.

[@navigator902]

Ah, cool.... kettles on the boil... so I'm ready.... Ship Ahoy.

[@MinimalList]

Enjoy! M

[@cms9902]

Reference your map or perhaps chart of navigable canals in the UK. I would like to suggest highlighting canals suitable for wide beams.

[@MinimalList]

Jo has considered a version that shows widebeam-accessible sections, I'll mention another vote for it! M

[@Mywhtjp]

haha... Michael should wire up a power cord to that front camera.. 10:40 mark

[@MinimalList]

I’ve thought about it, but don’t want to compromise the waterproof housing… it’s easier on the newer GoPro modes unfortunately. M

[@johnwilson-zz5ij]

Thought you'd traded Perseverance for the African Queen!!

[@MinimalList]

If only I could trade my mug for Bogart's! M

[@garyb47]

Jo, is "ah diddy dah" George speak for "don't you dare shake yourself now" ??

[@MinimalList]

Yep! M

[@jillosler9353]

Wicken Lode is different because it's in the middle of one of Europe's most important wetlands with very diverse wildlife. The reeds are an actual local crop for thatching and the waterway is more for scientific purposes than it is for people on a boat; hard maybe to grasp if you are used to 'canals'.

[@MinimalList]

Technically the Cambridgeshire lodes are all canals, constructed specifically for boats and the people on them, and legally they're still navigations first and foremost. I am glad there's science being done on the wetlands, of course, but the lodes are as unnatural as any other canal and unless and until they're legally removed from being public rights of navigation the interests of scientists and thatchers will always have to be balanced with that of boaters. M

[@Pesmog]

I love Wicken fen for all the wonderful dragonflies. Some are almost as big as a small helicopter..............😃

[@MinimalList]

I know, they’re huge! Got a real good view of one that day when it landed just behind the rear GoPro, though I couldn’t get a camera out before it flew off… just enormous! M

[@joannebarrett2687]

Occasional Wicken Fen boat trips still available September.

[@MinimalList]

Nice! They look like fun! M

[@polytaz]

Hi M, Sorry I did not get a great view of the fish but it could of been a Zander in them there parts !! Can I return a zander to the canal? As the law stands, it is illegal to return a zander or any other non-native fish species to the canal network. This is set out in the terms and conditions of our KIFR permits. Do not feel bad if it was a Zander and it did not make it. ❤️❤️

[@johncallaghan8854]

It was most definitely a Pike

[@MinimalList]

Appears it was indeed a pike, though by nature I’d have returned any living thing to the place I found it. M

[@polytaz]

@@MinimalList Hi M, I know you 3 would/will always do the best for nature and wildlife !! I was in my twisted way trying to ease your mind. No Harm meant !!❤️❤️❤️ Deepest Apologies if any harm done !!! I have watch you 2/3 from day one of your vlogs ❤️❤️❤️ Ps Do you Know if we are getting another series of The Expanse ?? Stay Safe !! Have Fun !!! Keep Smiling !!!

[@rwbimbie5854]

Famous KZbinrs wearing shades

[@MinimalList]

It was bloody bright! M

[@chrismccartney8668]

We're the birds terns was it a sooty tern which is quite rare..

[@MinimalList]

Can't be sure, but they seem to be closer to the Common Fen than the Sooty Fen in my memory. M

[@chrismccartney8668]

@@MinimalList great to any terns

[@rogerbond7811]

Was the trip boat electric?

[@MinimalList]

Can't confirm for certain (I was too busy trying not to hit them) but I think it was! M

[@williamreimund9001]

As narrow as this waterway is can two boats actually pass each other?

[@ScholarGypsyOx]

Yes, except for a few spots (eg the blind bend)

[@MinimalList]

There's a lot of reeds, but they'll push to the side quite a ways, so there's quite a few opportunities to pass. M

[@fritters56]

you need a pike patch kit

[@MinimalList]

Heh! M

[@slartybartfast6868]

Why is there not a mosquito problem with all that standing water? Do they treat the canal for mosquitos? Just wondering as I grew up in Alaska, and anywhere there is any standing water, there are mosquitos.

[@MinimalList]

Trust us, we have mosquitos

[@gonzo_the_great1675]

I'd have kept the pike for lunch. A bit muddy tasting, but still ....

[@MinimalList]

Maybe if I wasn't vegetarian and had an angling license! M

[@JS-zy6pw]

Don't feel bad for the pike. They're killing machines.

[@rwbimbie5854]

Still, Putting it down is the responsible thing to do for any animal you mortally injure be that hunting, driving, or boating

[@MinimalList]

I've been bitten by a heck of a lot worse (and weirder) than pike! M

[@MinimalList]

As a human I know a thing or two about killing machines ... I do my best to not act like one. M

[@theresalittle5041]

Hi Michael In vlog 409 how about 5 songs coming home by Dan lebowitz wishful thinking by Dan lebowitz barely small by Freedom trail studio price check by Freedom trail studio And let's go home by Jeremy Blake thanks from Ethan

[@sissysimpson792]

wow I don’t think I’ve ever seen you without your 🧢

[@MinimalList]

It doesn’t come off often when the sun is out! M

[@Chuck59ish]

How many bugs did Michael swallow in the making of this video?

[@MinimalList]

Several grams of protein, that's for sure! M

[@markattardo]

👍😎👍

[@theresalittle5041]

Hi Michael In vlog 410 how about 6 songs coming home by Dan lebowitz tupelo train by Chris haugen morning mandolin by Chris haugen firefly by Chris haugen rainny Sundays by the 126ers and smile by Jeremy Blake thanks from Ethan

[@MinimalList]

Hi Ethan, I'll pass these along to Jo, but she's editing a lot right now with a big backlog, so not sure how many will make it in! M

[@janicecoulson5388]

Never realised Wicken Fen belonged to the N T

[@MinimalList]

Apparently Wicken Fen is the oldest nature reserve in the NT's care, having been established in 1899! M

[@fritters56]

George needs a camera

[@MinimalList]

We tried that ... the resulting vibration made a bunch of viewers ill! Can't figure out a good way to stabilize that dog! M

[@kimpatsuhekigan583]

Please, please, please! Take off your sunglasses for the few minutes when you are shooting video of yourselves. You may as well be robots with your eyes hidden. I live 9,000 kms away, but still enjoy your video stories of life on your narrowboat. Thanks for listening to my rant. All the best...

[@MinimalList]

Glad you enjoy the videos! We always try to remove the sunglasses whenever we can physically stand it, so if we're wearing them it usually means the sun was directly in our eyes, or glaring really badly off the water. Unfortunately we can't really choose where the boat ends up in relationship to the sun, so we compromise by putting the sunglasses on rather than either squint through the recording or go blind with retinal damage, sorry! M

[@chrismccartney8668]

Looks idilyc you certainly find the out of way places.

[@MinimalList]

Best way to find them is to go all the way to the ends! M

[@davidmackie2901]

Pike probably attacked you. They can be moody that way.

[@MinimalList]

I saw him trying to hide, just before we passed over ... pretty sure we were the aggressor in that one! M