92. Alrewas to Fradley Junction on my canal narrowboat.

#narrowboat #narrowboats #canal #canals #liveaboard #cruisingthecut
After a couple of days in the rather lovely village of Alrewas I take the boat further along the Trent & Mersey canal to Fradley Junction, where it meets the top of the Coventry Canal. From the CRT cafe, I buy and enjoy a nice slice of lemon drizzle cake. Yum.
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Theme music: "Vespers" by Topher Mohr and Alex Alena, from the KZbin music library

[@sandrak7587]

I ALWAYS look forward to your video's for several reasons. I love your accent and how you exquisitely choose your words. Your video's are so calming to the senses, just wonderful to watch and listen to. Very informative also, as this way of life is not something common in America, I find it very interesting. Thank you for all the hard work you do in sharing this journey with us.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you, that means a lot. Cheers!

[@ronnielloyd4676]

Hi David, You were lucky with the volunteer Lockies. It makes it SO much easier when you're single handing. Having worked in IT all my working life and had to sit through so many presentations, I realised there were people who really knew their stuff, but couldn't present, some who could present but didn't know their stuff, but pretended they did, and some who could present well and accepted they didn't know everything...these were the best...and I hope you don't mind me saying, in terms of narrowboating you fit into that category perfectly. (Just in case you are in ANY doubt, this is meant as a huge compliment!) Cheers, Ronnie.

[@ronnielloyd4676]

Oh...and I won't keep commenting on the puns...just know I get them and enjoy them :)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you; that is indeed a huge compliment and I'm flattered. Cheers!

[@howardwilson5247]

I'c been working my way through your vlogs since August and slowly catching up. I think this is the best one yet. How can a vlog about a narrow boat slowly venturing through canals be so engrossing. Well done and keep up the good work.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you!

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

I so agree. Something about this episode. I wish there was a ‘I really like this episode double thumbs up’ 👍👍

[@bruceclark5627]

love your videos.medication after a long and stressful day!cheers from the States.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad to hear it!

[@curtlynn8495]

Loving your videos. Very inspiring to me in a different way. I live in the states, so traveling and living on the canal is out of the question, but can see myself living aboard in a houseboat, maybe off the coast of Maine. Also like that you give great detail of your location. Usually watch via a roku box on the tv, but follow your progress via google maps on the iPad. Really brings it alive for me.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you. Glad you enjoy it and I like the ipad tracking while watching idea :-)

[@dwjattila]

Every one of your videos sparks an urge in me, to win the lottery. You have a blessed life, my friend.

[@CruisingTheCut]

I still want to win the lottery too though :-)

[@Kevin-wo3kp]

Well, I'm sure I won't be the only one to say I haven't really much or anything to say - except thanks for all your hard work in sharing your life and work with us. For every "thumbs up" I think you should consider this to be the case. All the best, and I (we, the YT community...) wish you a lovely year of boating. ;-)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you Kevin, I appreciate that :-)

[@ncplantdoctor]

Lovely footage. This should make anyone envious.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you liked it :-)

[@tomdallas1211]

AWESOME I do look forward to your videos. so thank you. for sharing

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks Tom

[@nairbllebpmac4179]

Ahhhh Lemon Drizzle, the favorite of the wife and I. Great with an ice cold glass of milk. I'll bet you fancy yours with a bit of Earl-One-Shade-of-Grey! Ha! Thanks as always! What lovely countryside.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Earl Grey? No thanks! Just Tesco ordinary teabags are fine for me!

[@stevenhj3124]

Yes, I would give the volunteer openers a "thumbs-up" and "well done".

[@darling4713]

Since the boat has never floated away while you are opening the lock no can no longer call yourself incompetent. Cheers.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Ah, you mean I've never *shown* it floating away ... ;-) No, you're right, it hasn't.

[@billjenkins687]

I can only image the amount of time and effort required to edit this high quality video presentation. Cheers!

[@gatinaud]

Some 20 years ago, I cruised down from the direction in which you're heading and then turned RIGHT down the Coventry. Even then, I thought this to be an excellent, peaceful and empty stretch of canal. Your video does it full justice. Just wanted to mention that some of us actually enjoy being near the railway; strange but true!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Oddly, I don't really mind the railways either; I can happily sleep through them thundering past even close.

[@pattyfarghaly1821]

A vacation in every vlog. Thank you. I appreciate them.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Good! Thanks.

[@for.tax.reasons]

After nearly a hundred episodes of vlog I have finally understood that when you say "brollies" you mean umbrellas. This whole time I thought they were a particularly versatile type of screwdriver or something.

[@Budgetsmurf]

It is a remarkable life you're leading David. "I'll just moor up here for a few days.." Is it always cup of tea time after you've moored up? My top tip from my 149m2 bricks and mortar in SW WA is... buy TWO slices of lemon drizzle cake (or any cake will do) and freeze one for when you are too far from a nice cafe and deserve a little treat. Yum!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Always tea after mooring, yes! And I already buy far too much cake and biscuits, I'm beginning to look like Homer Simpson :-(

[@anbu1884]

Somehow I fell down the KZbin rabbit hole and found your channel and I have to say that I absolutely love it. Some of the best cinematography and narration on the tubes. You really do capture the magic of the great outdoors and what it's like to travel the canals - I feel like I'm right there with you. Kudos good sir!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you very much! Oh my, if you've only just found me you have some catching up to do ... better get the kettle on for a nice cup of tea :-)

[@bhmnoise]

This video contains quite possibly the most British thing I've ever seen!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Specifically..?!!

[@wideawake914]

@@CruisingTheCut brolly good show.

[@TheVirginiaStew]

Fradley is awesome...Love the ducks and the cafe...Love Lemon drizzle cake...

[@CruisingTheCut]

It was delicious

[@davetoplis5756]

HI David, watched your clog on lock gate problems. Marian, my wife and I had the same problem with the same lock gates. Going up I was pulling my hair out, in the end I opened one of the top paddles to allow a flow through the lock. Very naughty I know but as I said I didn't know what else to do. Returning a few days later I used the stern rope that I'd removed to tie the gates together. At the end of the vlog you moored at the top of Farsley which is very pretty, unfortunately I was reading in the latest issue of Waterways World that HS2 is scheduled to pass very close to this position which will obviously spoil the whole scene. Just a quick thank you for your wonderful tales of your journeys as good look for the future. Cheers

[@CruisingTheCut]

Hi. Glad to hear it wasn't just me. A few people have said I should have opened the paddles and let water flow but being solo, it would have flowed quite a bit by the time I ran back and pushed both gates shut so I didn't want to do that. As for HS2, I seem to have moored in several spots where there are HS2 planning notices pinned up, unfortunately. Cheers

[@Tj-co2ww]

I love your videos only for two reasons your British accent and beautiful scenery documented by your vlogs. Nicely done. Keep up the good work.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you :-)

[@PuntBamaPunt1972]

I have a strange fascination with your videos, and have been watching from the first one. The narrowboat lifestyle in no way appeals to me but I do understand why you would love it - I am in the market for a bluewater sailboat myself. I did a quick peek ahead and am glad you are still producing these videos.

[@andreamundt]

That umbrella technique to hold the lock gates shut is ingenious....and so very British indeed! Haha , cool ! : D

[@dulciebarnes6228]

Great vlog. I hate that Bagnall lock. They've had gate props on order for about a year now and still not arrived! Last time we went through someone had left some sticks there propping them closed but seems they've now been taken! Looking forward to your next instalment 👍

[@CruisingTheCut]

I'm so glad it's not just me!

[@SPANNERMAN001]

David my friend, another wonderful tale, much appreciated. We have been following your progress on our many Canal Companion Books which we keep close at hand. They act as further inspiration to our UK Canal Tour dreams by sitting at the ready on our coffee table. On our 4 Counties trip a couple of years ago we spent a few nights moored at the Great Haywood Marina which you are not far from now. A very nice place to stop, do the necessary including some desperately needed laundry as I remember. Keep them coming, absolutely love your Vlogs. Cheers

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you! I've just finished my next Canal Boat article in which I write about my preoccupation with laundry services!!

[@ClassicCarCave]

David, Always watch in when you post a vlog. Love the play on words each episode from movies or sayings very clever. After all my working life on the sea i don‘t miss water but i have to admit the canal life seems soothing Take care David

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you, much appreciated.

[@stephenshaw6505]

Once again, a vlog to go into the great section bucket! Can't really say more than all the comments so far, I agree with them all (well the good ones anyway) - just one more thing then, FAB SAS Boat (!)

[@CruisingTheCut]

:-)

[@johnbrookes2196]

David add the umbrellas to your merchandise with the CC logo and advertise as lock gate jammers. Another very well presented vlog.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Haha, not a bad idea!

[@StevieGstar]

Im enjoying your holiday as much as you are these vlogs are fantastic please keep going with this channel it's very easy on the eye at bed time and enjoyable to listen two your wit .. Stevie

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers Stevie, more on the way :-)

[@derekclarke5456]

In total agreement with Bruce, a lovely stress free few minutes

[@CruisingTheCut]

Good!

[@bosse641]

Unending vistas of beautiful scenery. ....lovely.

[@CruisingTheCut]

:-)

[@whotknots]

My apologies David, but this trip is so very interesting and relaxing I am occasionally forgetting to 'like' your excellent presentations. Ah well, I can always do so the next time I binge on them as I certainly will!

[@davidbagley1783]

Awesome .. thank you for all the effort in creating these vlogs

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers

[@craigw.scribner6490]

Nice title, David, and, in the same vein, as long as there's lemon drizzle cake available, as God is my witness, you'll never go hungry again!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Mmmmm, lemon drizzle cake....

[@steveseiler8782]

England oozes history and has a charm all its self Great video once again keep them coming thank you cheers

[@CruisingTheCut]

It does indeed! Ta

[@christopherlussenden3021]

Aaah what a nice vlog to watch just after taking my dog outside for a call of nature at 2am! Thank you CTC, great as usual!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Haha, that's what I'm here for!

[@williamjordan811]

VERY GOOD!!! Loved all the shops and scenes. Thank you for taking us along! As always, Cheers and God bless

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks William.

[@allanscott7512]

Really enjoy watching your posts - very relaxing - cheers

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you

[@cyclingwithkiwi3956]

good videos i loved the scenery too .

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers

[@jasonwoods3711]

Thankyou ! ' bread is really bad for ducks ' ( birds in general really ) I began spreading the word 12 years ago at Hebdon Bridge on the Rochdale Canal. . I was laughed at lol. Manifestations are such wonderful concepts 😇

[@kenlynch6332]

Thanks for the enjoyable jaunt down the canal

[@CruisingTheCut]

:-)

[@drtydawg73]

you know, im kinda glad i found your channel a few years late because now i can go from start all the way through, binge watching a good bunch at a time. :-)

[@pattyfarghaly1821]

What a lovely little place to come upon. Love your trips. Thank you.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers :-)

[@0HARE]

Very well done. This was an especially nice video, and I really enjoyed it. Something about the atmosphere, the infrastructure, & facilities, and the scenery made this one a delight to watch. Thanks for taking us along. Cheers!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks Allen

[@zapfanzapfan]

Always carry an umbrella, along with the obligatory towel I guess :-)

[@petermartintv]

well done on mentioning the 'don't feed bread to ducks' & respect for being brave enough to admit you have 2 umbrellas! I don't think the 'locky' actually needed a lunch break, bless 'im!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Both umbrellas left on the boat by the prior owner, which means I actually have three as I also brought my own!

[@Parkerditchfield921]

Another great vlog David thank you

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers

[@c.j.brownbearflips742]

great to hear mate , geez it's not getting any better over there , please check on your loved ones and friends my prayers are with you all . such a shame , bloody nonsense ! stay strong 🇬🇧

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks

[@Bammyja]

If you have a gate being an arse and opening itself, just crack open the top paddle slightly for a bit of a gentle push. Had to do that today as it happens. Also make it a little easier closing as the water does the hard work.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Normally I'd agree if it were just not quite open but these were fully open and I'd have wasted a fair bit of water getting enough flow to hold them. The brollies worked!

[@Bammyja]

Yes, you do still need to start them off closing. I'm a lone boater like yourself and I'm finding this trick is brilliant for the heavy gates too.

[@doyle201206]

Was just eating lemon drizzle cake with a cuppa as you picked up yours. Looks a horrendous place to stay for upto 14 days. Peace, quite and facilities a walk away. :) Nothing like Regents or Victoria Parks let alone being in Brom.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Oh, it was quite dreadful. I can't advise anyone to stay there ;-)

[@toms4123]

Thank you David, once again.

[@CruisingTheCut]

:-)

[@lindataylor6835]

that was nice ,taking us with you to see the shops ,pubs and points of interest.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you, glad you liked it.

[@deanbarnes20]

Very enjoyable David. I must admit I'm smiling to myself in the knowledge of what happened on that end mooring adjacent to the lock landing over the bank holiday weekend :)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Ha!!!

[@moragodofthunder]

I love that you are showing more footage of what's around your mooring. Good info for future canal travels of my own. Cheers!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks :-)

[@nitramretep]

I like your videos..a slice of calm in the busy day! Thanks.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Excellent!

[@kailashbtw9103]

Thank you for knowing not to give ducks bread and for sharing that information. Im actually new to cruising the cut, watching the cruise section start to finish! Such great narration! its been a really fun adventure thus far!I cant wait to see the rest of the series!

[@tbw357]

Another wonderful video. Always look forward to seeing the next.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you

[@greenspiritarts]

Excellent vlog (as always)! It has been a dream of mine since I was a wee lass to take up this adventure for the cycle of a year (minimum). Your vlog inspires me to keep saving and also fills the longing all in a single sitting, well done! Perhaps when the stars align I can make my way from across the pond and purchase a boat and live the dream. Until then I relish every second in your beautifully crafted mini-retreats. YOu make us feel as if we are right there. Thank you for making these vlogs....they are a treasure!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you for watching; I hope your dream comes true one day :-)

[@SpiritBear12]

Thank you for another neat vlog! That white brick building called "The Swan" at 7:45 was to me especially nice. I found the looks of it charming. I liked the whole row of the buildings and I do like red brick. But I found the off white one to be cute. I'm a sucker for bay windows that stick out of the building. I also liked the entry door area with it's bit of shelter before going in.

[@CruisingTheCut]

:-)

[@ThisNarrowboatAdventure]

yay I love to see a new cruising the cut video! glad to see some more cruising :)

[@ThisNarrowboatAdventure]

I love the umbrella solution!

[@CruisingTheCut]

I was rather pleased with it myself!

[@andywheal6477]

Another good one and you also have the weather, thanks David

[@CruisingTheCut]

I certainly did, it was great. Cheers.

[@schirmeyerb]

Nice pictures. .. very well filmed....I have never been in England..and with you I visite the country ....I love to pass along the french cannals..and rivers. ....with my moped ..I live there

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you Bernard, I'm pleased to have you as my "virtual" passenger ;-)

[@bennyfromda-bronx6343]

Your lifestyle is so calm and peaceful. Wish I could do the same one day. Cheers

[@richardlheureux7602]

Another interesting video. Such peaceful settings and beautiful countryside. Thanks for showing this Yank a Britain he would never have discovered any other way. There are many folks in the states who are doing the same as you except in travel trailers (caravans). Check out: "Less Junk, More Journey" about a young small family and " This Streamin Life" another couple touring the US in their Airstream. Also Andrew Ditton from your side of the ocean is posting wonderful videos of the Hebrides. All of these folks are making great videos, with amazing camerawork. I think these folks and you have stumbled onto something, leaving the rat race, and enjoying the incredible world around us. Thanks for keeping that spirit of wonder and discovery alive! Cheers, mate!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks. I knew a couple of those but not "this streamin life", I'll have a look. Cheers!

[@tinplategeek1058]

I can Fradley believe my excitement, a new CTC video. :)

[@CruisingTheCut]

:-)

[@cyberi4a]

Fradley Junction does look like a nice place to hang out.

[@CruisingTheCut]

It's very popular!

[@pttrent123]

What if the bread was whole grain? Maybe with a little butter and marmalade, I bet the ducks would like that :) The sea strike boat is for catching people that feed bread to the ducks!

[@henrybodkin]

Brought back memories of a great holiday out of Burton, Many thanks

[@CruisingTheCut]

:-)

[@Zeemike1]

I like that hat at 3.07...makes you look like the Indiana Jones of canal boaters. Thank god you did not want to be a lion tamer...;) That is such a beautiful part of the country...and you show it well.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Lion taming would make for exciting videos though, eh?

[@dwightturner3070]

At 2:40 it is amazing how reflective the water is.

[@CruisingTheCut]

True!

[@tootz1950]

Fradley Junction is a very pretty area. Lucky you.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers

[@DoubleOld7]

Very clever use of brollies

[@peterrowe7858]

Another great vlog please keep them coming, I always enjoy watching.

[@CruisingTheCut]

More soon

[@yellownev]

Another great video, thanks. I have my boat on the Hunts lock moorings, the CRT moorings before the flight. They are as you describe very peaceful and there is a great little community of boaters there. There was a rash of vacancies last year and they do come up every now and again. We have been there 10 years now with three boats over that time. Great cruising routes also. Fradley has two personalities, busy (sometimes noisy) when all the visitors arrive, then as they depart tranquility arrives. Out of season its lovely all the time. There are also showers in the service block. Shame I missed you but hopefully soon to be joining your club !! BTW we crack a top paddle on Bagnall lock which does not move the gates but allows them to be closed and then after 10 seconds they stay shut.... but I like the umbrella options - inventive.

[@CruisingTheCut]

You're very lucky, I really liked those moorings. Re the lock, as both gates swung themselves fully open, I didn't want to let even a bit of water flood through; it didn't seem that it would work unless both could be kept closed for a short time.

[@tazerstogi82]

Hi there, just wanted to say how much I enjoy your vlogs! Love your sense of humor, too!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you! Glad you enjoy them.

[@hoppend]

Loved the attack craft! Lovely David!

[@CruisingTheCut]

:-)

[@NoWayMrBobby]

Nice Vlog again, Thanks. btw. bread is not only bad for ducks it is not too healthy for us humans either, especially those that sit around on moorings all day :P

[@CruisingTheCut]

Mmmmm but ... toast! And cheese and tomato sandwiches. Mmmm

[@petermastenbroek5264]

Thanks for this lovely vlog again, everything seemed to work well for you with a helpful volontaire lockkeeper at almost every lock to make life easier for you.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Yes, loads of them about; very handy indeed!

[@drmogz2677]

Lovely bit of canal, and great to see the action cam. I'm tempted to become a lock volunteer now.

[@CruisingTheCut]

I expect the CRT would be delighted to hear from you :-)

[@JensChrStrandos]

Thank you again for a new video. So nice to see your vlogs :-)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you

[@michaelpilling9659]

The sights and sounds of Fradley Juntion are a lot different now than they were when i last passed through in 1974. A super video - thank you David. Great commentary and I love the camera work whilst you are working the locks.

[@leepaulin8587]

Your videos are very well done and they give an interesting view of the U.K. not often seen.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers!

[@tonybirdwell2917]

Thank you for your vlog’s they are all very interesting with a spot of history tossed in for good measure. Very relaxing to watch you having a mostly relaxing cruising the cuts.

[@michaelcarroll543]

loved the river run sections. Great scenery

[@kenlennon]

Another good vlog. Thanks David.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Ta

[@bex82uk]

as lock would have it! Nice to be shown the hidden parts of these charming places you stop at which may not have been as well known about if not for these vlogs. Fradley looks like somewhere I'd love to have a nosey around sometime. hope you had a nice bank hol wkend there.

[@CruisingTheCut]

It was very pleasant apart from some boats banging alongside me ;-)

[@timbillo3026]

I am enjoying your vlog Started about a month ago at #1 here at 92 keep on cruising Cheerio

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you!

[@1gunrunner351]

Has taken me about 10 days.

[@mentalmotard]

I started watching you vlog a few days back, since we are all quarantined these last few weeks. It has been nice keeping track of your travels and I have even been following along with the C&RT canal map and googlemap! I have intentions and plans to possibly move to the U.K. and caravan from race track to race track and following your vlog has been a nice way to get to know the english country side and pick up some tips as well! Caravaning a narrowboating seem to have quite a bit of overlap!

[@for.tax.reasons]

Loving the action cam

[@billroberts4910]

Thank you for another neat video.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers Bill

[@theindieprojects]

Loving the action cam shots :)

[@CruisingTheCut]

:-)

[@mickyjb2003]

Excellent Vlog, Lemon Drizzle cake, now you are talking. Love the idea of the umbrella props. Thanks.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it :-)

[@donroot1309]

Wonderful memory of our one and only longboat holiday...Sawley Marina to Fradley Junction and return. One of my best ever experiences.

[@lisag7346]

Another Anerican here. I came across your channel when I was researching house boats. I have been binge watching ever since! I never knew of this! I was wondering how did the canals come to be as a recreational waterways. I live in Maryland and we have the C&O canal. It is more historical/educational site now. I often thought it would be incredible to still have access to the old waterways. Your vlog makes my imagination go wild. Now I have a new item on my bucket list!

[@schoentje62]

i really love your umbrella solution :-)

[@CruisingTheCut]

I was rather pleased with it myself! :-)

[@OllieGordonRump]

great video! makes me wanna go on another canal holiday!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Do it!

[@OllieGordonRump]

So expensive! Went on the Llangollen 3 years ago. was my 6th time! Not many canals in Swansea...

[@flumpaustin1994]

A visitors' centre that isn't open at the weekend. Not very helpful, considering the busiest time there is the weekend. I am moored on that very same spot at the top of the lock. It's nice :)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Shut at the weekends? Goodness, I didn't know that. I suspect it's run by volunteers maybe, the CRT use a lot of them.

[@stevecooney1361]

Thank you.👍

[@CruisingTheCut]

:-)

[@garrystacey7018]

Hi we are heading you way just done Harecastle Tunnel today will look out for you on your way up the Trent & Mersey all the best Garry

[@CruisingTheCut]

Ah, too late - that was about four weeks ago. I'm miles away now. Cheers though.