69. A NARROWBOAT Safari On The Oxford Canal. Plus A Cracking Cruise From Napton To Fenny Compton!

[@mrgoodwrench8181]

That was great Vince, I love it when you go walkabout.

[@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoy the walkabouts!

[@kathpayne4364]

Well Vince what a lovely vlog, beautiful countryside, unusual beasts in the fields and beautiful Fenny Compton. The craftsman back then seemed to build churches etc that were going to to last.. That twin tub brought back childhood memories 😅. Ashby seems to taking in the view's, he's a good little chap.. Thanks for sharing Vince until next time.

[@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle]

Glad you liked it Kath! The way I look at it, the twin tub is better than washing and rinsing the clothes in the sink haha! And yes some of these big churches in tiny villages are amazing! See you on the next one Kath!

[@timothybearne147]

The story I heard about the boat in the field is that it belongs to a farmhand who used to moor on the canal, but the CRT were hounding him for not moving enough so the farmer dug the channel into his field. The CRT still wanted money because it was connected so the farmer blocked it off.

[@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle]

That's good to know the real reason why that boats stuck there Timothy. Thanks!

[@markrutter5996]

Great cruise Vince and some lovely scenery. You really are cracking on since your first videos from Lea Valley. Still a great channel to watch and loving Ashby too. Thanks as always for taking us along with you. . . Take care mate.

[@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle]

Thanks Mark, you must have a very patient personality to be still watching these vids after all this time haha! I really do appreciate that you're still here watching the vids, and long may it continue! Thanks mate!

[@normg2242]

This is what intrigues me most about canal life - "I stopped for a cup of tea and ended up staying here for the night"...

[@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle]

That's what its like Norm, when you take your home with you everywhere you go. Haha!

[@Arabrabj1248]

Hi Vince, great vlog again, lovely the way most of you canal users help each other. That was a lovely village and church. Beautiful scenery. That little washing machine worked very well considering. Ashby is growing into a lovely little dog. Take care Vince. Love aunt Babs XXX

[@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle]

Yes, its like a different world the way people help each other, out here. The washing machine just about gets me out of trouble. Saves me from becoming a complete tramp haha! All the best Vince xxx

[@rikkiharcourt3868]

Been with you for many miles Vince, and would recommend any new watcher to sign up, you are a jolly good watch, interesting and fun to be with. Go on!!! I dare you.

[@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle]

Thanks Rikki, I will have to sign you up as a sales person haha!

[@patriciaparker7786]

Hi Vince, was just thinking you should be putting out another vlog soon, went over to you tube and there you were. Great to see you and, of course, Ashby. He has grown so quick. Really interesting on the way to operate a lock single handed. What a beautiful countryside and great how you mainly all help each other. Loved the walk through the village, old time style I love and what a beautiful church. I think Ashby has settled down and enjoying his walks too. See you soon. Love Mumxx

[@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle]

Ashby is probably fully grown now mum! Most of the people out here are very nice, and help each other out! Ashby loves the ball you got him. Take it easy mum and I'll see you soon Vince xxx

[@micb5454]

Thanks for another great vlog, look forward to seeing the next one

[@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle]

Cheers Mic its my pleasure!

[@suzannehague5203]

I vince want a lovely place you are in nice to have your family with you all the best for now 😊

[@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle]

Yes Suzanne, it is lovely when the family visit. See you next time!

[@neilmitchell3374]

Thanks for the vlog I really enjoy my trips up the canals with you, as definitely get to see different parts of the country side and lovely wee villages full of history, The visits in the churches are amazing as its hard to get head round the age of them. Plus the craftsmanship it took to build them. Looking forward to your next vlog.

[@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle]

Its my pleasure Neil. I'm amazed at the size of the churches, in such small villages!

[@paulturner7837]

Great vlog Vince, the countryside looked lovely. Very unusual to see water buffaloes 🐃. Funny Compton looked beautiful,hope you had a nice stay there and had a meal in the pub 👍 have a good week mate

[@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle]

Cheers Paul! Yes it did make it feel like a Safari, I was looking out for the Lions haha! All the best Vince!

[@TheByard]

Hi Vince, operating a lock by yourself does involve lots of walking back and forth, but it does help to keep you fit. Just take extra care when help is not around especialy walking across the gate with a key in your hand. I worked on the Taiwan High Speed Rail the section I was on cut across flood plains and rice paddies, so was built as a viaduct so farmers had access underneath. There's a section in the foothills so we built tunnels, a length of earthworks a bridge, earthworks and then another tunnel. Kept me busy for four years and gave me some pocket money that I spent doing up my old boat, to travel the Dutch, Belgium and French canals. Thanks for posting and stay safe out there.

[@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle]

There's definitely some good money to be earned on these big projects. Must have been interesting too in that part of the world. See you next time!

[@kevinbrown4892]

Hello Vince, six locks in one day now that is good going for a single boater. As for your solar and wind powered washer dryer system, very environmentally friendly. Thanks for the trip down the Oxford, it's a lovely part of the country. I bet Ashby loved it. Keep up the good work, until the next time cheers. Kev

[@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle]

I'd say 6 locks is enough for an old codger haha! Ashby is loving it, I think he's a lucky boy living out here Kev! See you next time!

[@westaussiejeff1547]

Well Vince, we still have a twin tub.Perhaps a bit bigger than yours. Does us proud! As always great vlog - thanks...

[@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle]

Good on ya! I would guess yours heats the water! Where I have to boil a kettle haha!

[@westaussiejeff1547]

Nothing as flash as a heater

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

good vid thanks lee

[@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle]

Thanks Lee!

[@Brian-1948]

I don't have any views on HS2 but you have said a comment that probably started with the canals and then with the railways and followed by the roads. When we think back the first canals cutting across the countryside the effects must have been very similar. But the scars heal as we know by enjoying the views from the canals nowadays. Glad that you are still enjoying the canals yourself.

[@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle]

You make a good point Brian. But I'm not sure HS2 will have the same positive effect on the country as the canals etc. But who knows? See you next time mate!

[@Brian-1948]

@@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle Very true.

[@spencehh]

HS2 is the perfect example of the word ‘Boondoggle’.

[@jasoncorr9910]

Ya brilliant viewing again, interesting at the church and scenery magnificent. Also the practical tips at locks and how you get ya washing done! I suppose you could run a line the length of Aitch to dry the clothes! Ashby has settled down to canal boat life too I bet he's keeping you company. Thanks again Vince, I'm saving me pounds n pennies to hopefully get ready to sell up and do the same. Looking forward to the next installment mate, thanks again, Jay.

[@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle]

Hello Jay. If you are determined enough, and work hard for it, you should be able to get yourself a boat. There are static washing lines that you can buy that fit on the tiller arm, but that's being much too organised for the likes of me! me haha! See you next time!

[@julesstone7990]

Hey hey Vince! I hope your are well. The Water Buffalo are stunning. I don't eat meat but I would like to try the ice cream x

[@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle]

Hi Jules. All is well thank you! It was unusual to see fields full of buffalo's over here. All the best Vince x

[@johnboughton7451]

Hi Vince..just to let you know that Bev & I really enjoyed your last video I’ve set our viewing to receive notification of your video upload so we shouldn’t have to go hunting for you across KZbin thanks for taking the time to film edit & upload John & Bev

[@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle]

Cheers John & Bev! Seems a bit strange how my viewing figures have just evaporated all of a sudden. I put a bit of work into these vlogs, and if I feel that KZbin are playing silly buggers, it doesn't give me much incentive to make these vids! All the best Vince!

[@tonycarter3756]

That must make me the only bloke still using a dolly tub and punch😂 Those HS2 operatives seemed to be lacking a striped tent ,maybe lack of funding .loving the cruise ,this was the first canal l did in the 1970’s.The lock keeper at Napton told us to nose up to the plate on the top gate and put the drive in forward to hold the boat in place .Just a thought.

[@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle]

Haha! don't forget the washboard Tony! I might try that, thanks for the tip!

[@MissScrappy]

Wonderful video! Much enjoyed after dealing with a hurricane. 😮😅 Maybe you'd like popping by with that cute little washer and helping us out with clean up.😉 Cheers =^··^=

[@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle]

Hope you are ok Scrappy! Hopefully not too much damage!

[@linda-g]

I think you live in the best type of world. I remember twin tubs, didn't know they were still around. I do still have a clothes horse. What a lovely village and church, love that part of your videos. Enjoy.

[@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle]

The old twin tub is ideal for out here, it just about gets me out of trouble Linda! I enjoy looking around these little villages too!

[@jasonnoodles7792]

Hi . I was just wondering how you feel about the narrowboat life after two years of living it. Cheers. Jason

[@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle]

Hi Jason! I've been out over 3 years now and I'm still loving it.

[@pope1089]

Hi from Ireland. I'm 47 and just sick of toxic people in general. Haven't a penny to my name but I'm dreaming of this lifestyle and somehow I'm going to do it before I'm too old. I deserve to just be left alone, my life is a disaster full of failures. Time to change

[@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle]

Try to be positive, and in my experience good things happen. All the best Vince!

[@Jane-bs6un]

Hi Vince. Don’t seem to be getting notifications about your videos. Looking forward to watching this one. Kind regards Jane.

[@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle]

Thanks for letting me know that Jane! I don't think an old dinosaurs like me is KZbins cup of tea haha!😁

[@floatybyboaty]

May bump into you soon as i am bringing my Boat down from Chester to Market Harborough. Only a little 10 day cruise.

[@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle]

My daughter Clare has just bought a boat up there. She will be bringing it down south next week!

[@floatybyboaty]

Where has she purchased it from Vince? @@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle Tell her we are leaving on Friday 8th from Wincham.

[@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle]

@@floatybyboaty On the Middlewich, I think her and her partner will have a couple of days head start on you Floaty!

[@inagnu5347]

Thanks Vince, I'm a bit of a fan of canal top levels, the locals are Oxford South and Leicester line North with its possibility of a foot path and healthy stroll. 😀 The Ashby canal as you know can be a little fierce in winter, but great in the warmer weather. Still a novelty that our home canal may have a new mascot in Ashby the dog? C & P.

[@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle]

I think I missed a trick with doing the Ashby in the winter. Perhaps I'll go back some day in the future and see what it's like in the summer. The mooring I have at the moment, which is between Fenny Compton & Cropredy, is outstanding. And that is on the summit. As for Ashby as a mascot, I reckon that's a nice idea haha!

[@paullowden1643]

Hello Vince, yes I’ve been getting notifications for your episodes although I don’t get round to watching them straight away. Lovely video, I cruised the Oxford in 2020 with my youngest daughter who was then 12 we had a great time. I then went onto the R. Thames and the K&A and continued up the Severn Estuary and into Sharpness. I loved it.

[@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle]

Thanks for letting me know about the notifications Paul. I'm thinking at the moment to turn back when I get to Oxford. Then have a look at Warwick & Stratford upon Avon but things could change! I might take the route that you and your daughter took. But that is less likely. All the best Vince!

[@sheepdog1102]

Was that canal water in the washing machine? It was definitely the same color or at least it looks like it on camera.😂 I always enjoy your videos!

[@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle]

No Richard, I'm embarrassed to say that it was the dirt from the clothes yuk!

[@stephenedwards3397]

Hello Vince, Lovely video once again sir. Every time I watch one of these blogs or a members episode I get all restless to jack it all in and do what you are doing. Trouble is living in Czech we don’t have quite such a network of waterways as you do. I just bought a slightly bigger boat though and will take some inspiration from you and go a bit further afield on the rivers. Maybe I will will hit Germany !! Thanks again though, I really do enjoy watching every minute.

[@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle]

Thanks Stephen! Taking the boat to Germany sounds exciting. I don't know what the mooring situation is, on the rivers that you use. But it sounds like a bit of an adventure. All the best Vince!

[@alantaylor6911]

Loving the trip on the Oxford not so keen on the weather, another great Vlog full of interesting people and scenery see you on the next one, what trade were you on the building sites used to be a joiner myself on the maintenance and repair but finished on bad health after and accident stay safe out there on your own.

[@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle]

Glad you're enjoying it Alan! I'm an Electrician.

[@alantaylor6911]

@@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle thought you looked handy sorting the wiring on board

[@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle]

@@alantaylor6911 Probably forgot how to do it now mate haha!

[@alantaylor6911]

@@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle same here lol 😆

[@thelastpilot4582]

I have watch all your Vlogs, they are great. I was wondering, do you use Colour Magnets to stop colour mixing (Whites & Pink)?

[@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle]

Thanks for watching them. No I don't use anything in the washing, all my whites turn out slightly pink haha!

[@christaylor4145]

Another lovely video Vince, and I have to say what a cracking little dog Ashby has become, great shot of him in the church yard. All the best mate, to you and Ashby.

[@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle]

Cheers Chris! I do agree, Ashby has calmed down a bit and is becoming a fantastic little companion!