95. Going through Stoke-on-Trent on my canal narrowboat

[@jamesdavis5096]

Seriously, your level of wit, charm, brilliance and intelligence in this episode is amazing. This is what all the videos should be modeled after. so informative, educational, production value through the roof, just loaded chock full of production value. And I understand your humor, which surprises me, because i usually dont get British humor. This is a great show. TV quality.

[@wideawake914]

Thanks ma.

[@dallassukerkin6878]

For 10 points, the 'chimney place' is the council incinerator :).

[@2LaneTraveler]

7:46: There's an interesting bit of history to the Etruria Forge as well. One if its employees, operating a steam hammer back in the 1860s, was a young teen-aged lad named Edward Smith, who would go on to obtain a mariner's certification, and was eventually employed by the White Star Line, where he was the first and only Captain of the ill-fated RMS TITANIC.

[@CruisingTheCut]

That's a great nugget of info! Love that.

[@markuschecketts4007]

these vlogs are the best time of my day. im very busy all the time and alot goes on in my head, it's nice to take a leisurely cruise to settle my brain. thanks for the relaxing break.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Great! Glad to hear it, thank you.

[@rvertv]

Its amazing the how old the buildings and waterways are and still in use..... great tour

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers Russ!

[@davidw1518]

I love most of your puns (one or two have been over my head), but you excelled yourself with Steelite Span (at least for those of us of a certain age, who remember Steeleye Span when they were young and exciting). I laughed out loud and I think frightened my cat!

[@stevej71393]

I'm sure residents of the UK would laugh at me for saying this, but so much of England looks like a park or open air museum, I love it. I hope to visit one day.

[@peregrineflow7354]

I enjoy your channel and recently started using google maps to follow along. I highly recommend it.

[@andywheal6477]

Up to the usual standard....... Excellent. Thanks very much David.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you

[@GlasgowGallus]

6.00 Yep, I agree, and I'm not alone in this: love a good cemetery me, and find them not only really peaceful, but excellent local history books. Full of stories...👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@stevehandy5381]

Hi there just thought I would say how much I enjoy your vlogs I live in stoke and used to have a boat on the leek arm my dad, bless him built our first boat a wooden one I might add at stone and we had such wonderful times on the canal in the 1960s/70s You sound like an educated man and come across as being a real nice person best wishes steve

[@luanncrownover4]

Oh to be cruising! Thanks for another great vlog!

[@CruisingTheCut]

:-)

[@RichardPullin]

I remember coming through this section of the canal in the early 1980s with my Dad. Back then it was very different and we cruised through the middle of Shelton Steelworks. I remember seeing yellow hot bars of steel shooting down from one side of the plant to the other. It was spectacular. Does anyone else remember seeing this?

[@christopherlussenden3021]

Aaah CTC, nice, nice, nice and nice again! Thank you very much.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks Bruce :-)

[@richglenn3729]

Beautiful footage, great audio and splendid editing. As always, +1

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you!

[@BrassLock]

Your Vlog is very addictive David, and I look forward to the regular invitations to watch the latest high quality production. It's a fascinating world you're travelling through, and I can see one has to be fit, fearless and "sticky of foot" to manage such slippery tall lock-ladders. Thanks for such great stuff.

[@CruisingTheCut]

I grip the rungs like Luke Skywalker hanging under the mining colony on Bespin...

[@focusfrenzy9759]

you hook a leg in and hang upside down while calling out to your sister? LOL

[@CruisingTheCut]

Haha, something like that!

[@mikerobson1786]

David Thank you for answering my many questions over recent weeks. I am still catching up with some of your previous vlogs. I just watched the 'Brothers in Arms' vlog about the North Oxford restoration. What an excellent vlog that was, the interview with the organising volunteer just captured the spirit of the canal volunteers and what they have achieved over the past 65 years - I do think that these vlogs will be a very important archive material in the future. I also recall the interview with the man canoeing the network for charity, also very interesting I thought. When you interview people in this way they seem to relax and just tell their story, you seem to disappear and they have the space to 'tell', reminds me a little of the listening project on the BBC at times. I recall being on the Errewash recently. We were delayed at the Gallows lock while the volunteers fitted a plaque to the lock gate. We chatted to them while we waited. They were mostly retired engineers, they used a restored historic work boat as their work base that they were extremely proud of, I can only describe them as a totally charming and marvelously eccentric bunch with many fascinating stories to tell. The voices on the canals, whether they be boaters on the network, canal trust staff, volunteers, canoe fund raisers etc, are often very interesting raconteurs, arguably more individual and unique than in any other walk of life. When you do capture these voices I find myself transfixed. Any chance we could hear some more of them within the vlogs? Mike

[@CruisingTheCut]

Hi. Thanks. It's really a question of when I come across them, them being willing to go on camera, and there being a visual story to tell. It's not enough for them to talk, there needs to be relevant pictures to go over the top, to make a decent video. I do, when I can :-)

[@fullyfledgedlob]

Sorry, slightly boring comment, but many fish love the churning of locks as it stirs up food for them. Excellent spot for perch fishing. If you didn't fall asleep. Thanks.

[@GlasgowGallus]

Was going to say the same thing, they live a good roll about in the turbulence. Aerates the water too 👍

[@eboniteboy]

Hello David, I've just finished my "binge watch" to catch up on your wonderful video's ... enjoyed 'em all, thanks, oh and completely agree with you about Cadbury's and graffiti. Long may you continue to C.T.C.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Well done on your epic watch! Glad you're enjoying them. Cheers.

[@karlfair]

This series is very well done. You're doing a great job of taking us along. The meeting the boat at the narrow point is another fine example of "Critical Convergence".

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you, much appreciated :-)

[@edwarhys1]

i've lived in Stoke on Trent for 3 years now and it was nice to see this video

[@joannapocock6055]

Loved this vlog fish rollercoaster and Steeleye Span too funny !!

[@CruisingTheCut]

:-)

[@johnbrookes2196]

Trentham that would be where the well known garden attractions would be I think. Thanks David your spoiling us with these fabulous cruising vlogs.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers John

[@TheVirginiaStew]

Awesome Video....Dolphin Discount was flying its 1800's Southern USA Flag LOL not gonna mention its name.......that was the Hanford waste recycling Center smoke stacks you pointed out.....also those train wheel tables, there is the Axiom Rail Complex They have thousands of Rail car wheels everywhere, That was a eerie narrowboat at 5:00 thought that was Charon (ferryman of Hades who carries souls of the newly deceased across the rivers Styx)....You should of toured the at Trentham Lake and Gardens....so are you gonna take a dip at Water World.

[@CruisingTheCut]

You are a mine of information!

[@frankholmes1138]

You spoil us dear friend ! And such wonderful weather to support you ! Another halfhour's real pleasure. Thank you.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Very kind, cheers.

[@WildeFyre69]

Well, I've watched for about 19 hours straight and I'm packing it in for today! I heartily enjoyed all of your videos and had some great laugh out loud moments while watching them. Thank you, thank you!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you're enjoying them! Pace yourself!! Cheers

[@toms4123]

Thank you David, for the wonderful narrative as much as the pitures, very enjoyable.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you

[@aimeelee76]

This ended too soon for me; I could have watched it for ages more. So soothing!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Sorry - it ends when that section of travel ends! But the next one will be up soon :--)

[@jacobmassey3897]

As a Stokie I have to say that you made the area sound more appealing than it actually is lol. I've walked this entire stretch of the canal and live about 10 minutes walk from the Caldon canal which is much more picturesque.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Ha! You're the only Stokie to say so. I had to trim a few seconds out of the start of this video after many furious locals expressed vitriolic fury that I said I'd read forum comments about Stoke not being somewhere to stop overnight. I didn't even say whether I agreed or if it was true or not, just said I'd read it but lots of folk got extremely annoyed.

[@jacobmassey3897]

@@CruisingTheCut yeah Stoke does have a lot of angry people who don't like being filmed. My guess is that most of them have criminal records lol.

[@schoentje62]

I really love your video's and your comment. It looks very professional and is very informative. Very nice for a Dutch guy to watch. Thanks very much!!!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you Ron, I am glad you like them. Cheers.

[@jamesdavis5096]

The way you capture the details is amazing, you can tell this is pro.

[@isbcornbinder]

Another magic few minutes. I appreciate your videos so much. Thankyou

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers Bob

[@johnbuckley5761]

I too like cemeteries, they are dead cool. I tend the find that the history you referred to is hidden just below the surface. Buried in fact! Great vlog. Thanks.

[@CruisingTheCut]

:-)

[@michaelpilling9659]

the answer to your chimney question = incinerator. A grand boating experience through an area the canals were built for. Coal coming in and pottery going out. Fascinating trip, excellent film. Thank you David.

[@scooby2142]

I appreciated the Steelite Span Joke ! Well done sir :-)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you!

[@daviddirom7429]

Scooby2142 there was me thinking I'm the only guy left who remembers Steeleye Span lol and then I watch Cruising the cut lol

[@mattreid8768]

So, that's where Hyacinth's Royal Dalton China was made ;)

[@user-lx6bl2wd8g]

Great vlog. Back in Blighty now. Your vlogs have almost given me the confidence to put an end to my far east existence and buy my own boat. Almost.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Steady on old bean, that's dramatic talk!!

[@johnwigglesworth7961]

The puns are getting better David. I tip my all around my hat to you young sir.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Very kind :-)

[@hannuhelminen9653]

One of the most charming video posts this far. A real enjoyment to watch it. Thanks!

[@Calonius32]

I know i ma coupel of years late but the building with the large tower is the recycling center and incinirator

[@movedon12]

I really enjoy your videos, went ouch on the steel ice span bit lol 😂 thank you you made me smile(your not sad looking at gravestones I find them interesting to, guess we're just nosy lol

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you liked it; it's interesting to look at the people's names and think about who they were and all that history.

[@movedon12]

CruisingTheCut I agree

[@stevencarter9401]

Very good, even the corny joke! That water park is excellent well our dog thought so. Looking forward to the tunnel.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Corny? How very dare you...

[@waltherr.diemel2347]

Another wonderful video. Best wishes!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you!

[@matthewoliver6655]

These vlogs are wonderful! My friend has given up the house and the job at 58 and migrated to the canals as well. More and more people seem to be doing this. I have not got the courage to do it, but good luck to you!

[@clareking1851]

Absolutely love all your vlogs but particularly loving these ones as we bought our boat from Great Haywood and did this exact journey your doing. We went up to Anderton. Its really great to see it all again and be able to giggle along. Thank you.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Lovely! My Anderton video is only half-edited but coming soon :-)

[@ryanexsus]

I'm watching all your videos in succession. I really enjoy them! I had never heard of narrowboats before discovering your channel, and now I wish I had one. In Arkansas we have the Arkansas River and the Mississippi River, but I don't know if a narrowboat would be able to operate on those.

[@CruisingTheCut]

I think those rivers would be too wide and turbulent for a narrowboat.

[@randallfield4036]

I really look forward to each new vlog and following your journey on google earth. Thanks David

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks for watching :-)

[@acea2477]

Love this episode! Keep up the great work (:

[@acea2477]

I love cemeteries too! lots of history!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Yes, exactly

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers Ashleigh

[@williamjordan811]

Great history bits.... Love it! Nice Cheers and as always God bless

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks William :-)

[@wallacegrommet9343]

Dying of envy. Perhaps I should book a plot at that cemetery? At least I will be near the canal for an extended time!

[@melted_cheetah]

2:57 hahaha dang man, love the UK sense of humor

[@karlrichards]

Absolutely love it when you come through my home city. One day I'll spot you.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers but I’m not tending to cruise these days

[@karlrichards]

@@CruisingTheCut hope everything is alright..

[@rolandwolf1327]

A treat as always. Keep it up please.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers

[@chunkytanker7365]

I always enjoy watching your vlogs, keep up the good work

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you :-)

[@keithmuller4127]

That chimney building 3:41 is the city incinerator.

[@judytaylor5400]

Another lovely VLOG as always. I also love to walk through old cemeteries and read the inscriptions. I was surprised to see the sign for Portmeirion - I have been to the enchanting village of Portmeirion but it is in Wales, I guess the pottery is in England. You have to be extremely agile to get up those ladders in the locks! Keep up the good work.

[@CruisingTheCut]

I recently went up the narrowest, most ridiculous lock ladder ever, just wide enough for one foot and only an inch or so for that foot to go through the rungs; quite dangerous!

[@blitzie1233]

I find watching your videos very relaxing and fun. thank you!

[@sylviapage8572]

What a lovely place to moor. This journey is great. I can't wait to see your trip through the tunnel, you've probably done it by now. I hope it went OK!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Oh yes, it was some weeks ago and all fine, thanks.

[@flumpaustin1994]

A train station but no trains stop there anymore :( Etruria Junction in Stoke is absolutely fine to moor at overnight. Hanley park on The Caldon arm, however, is not.

[@kenlynch6332]

Liked the new LOGO at the start; and always enjoy your narrated jaunt along the canal

[@CruisingTheCut]

New logo? It's been like that for ages...

[@kenlynch6332]

Obviously you are correct...Can't believe I never noticed it before... Must be old eyes failing me.

[@CruisingTheCut]

I was panicking in case I'd slipped up or something there...

[@nkiey]

Was Middleport Pottery where they filmed the Great British Pottery Throw-down? I just checked on Wikipedia and yes, it was.

[@jimfritz8983]

Wow! That's an interesting area! Thanks for another great vlog!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers Jim

[@andykayll1414]

Enjoyable as always .....

[@CruisingTheCut]

Ta

[@christophersteers9192]

If you ever get than chance in future years I highly recommend the Caldon. Its a great detour and even has a steam line following it part of the way.

[@CruisingTheCut]

One day... !

[@kenpage1107]

Another good one Dave, we have relos in Stoke and we were there for a brief visit just before last Christmas, its a very historic place and well worth a more extended visit, keep on cruising mate, good to watch, cheers, Ken

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks Ken. I don't tend to visit the places much as I go through, I'm not much of a tourist. Maybe when I get my campervan...

[@Lady_Iron]

If I am not mistaken the reason why the locks in Stoke are fairly deep is due to the subsidance issues stoke has. Stoke was subject to large amounts of mining whether it be the coal mines or potteries digging holes in their yards to mine clay for the saggar boxes used in kilns. In fact you can see on the last lock you entre (next to etruia industrial museum) the top of the lock has had to shored over the years to revent the canal from leaking over the sides. The canal next to the origional wedge wood factory for example is now roughly 14 feet above where the last remaining part of the factory used to be.

[@curtbonnell4308]

I have been binge watching your vlogs today, my backside is getting numb, lol. But well worth it.

[@jdhinckley1954]

Steellite Span. Perfect!

[@CruisingTheCut]

I’m glad some folk like my appalling jokes!

[@timpani25]

@@CruisingTheCut Grooaan!!!!

[@wideawake914]

I love the puns too. I look at these vlogs at night to help me 😴. not being sarcastic, so relaxing.

[@lynneevans4265]

Another great vlog, always full of information, your nearing 100 hope it's something special.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Errr, no, it's just another vlog!

[@JPinFuerteventura]

Advert duly watched to the end. Good vlog as always David.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Good man, cheers JP

[@martinsach5599]

Not sure if anyone tried the (3:40) "ten point chimney building" (and I am as far from "local" of Stoke as can be), but according google maps, the whole complex of buildings including the chimney, is part of M.E.S. Environmental, wich does recycle waste and produce (electrical) energy out of waste by burning. That would explain the atypical shape of the chimney (it has to be full of exhaust filters and scrubers). Proof: www.mesenvironmental.co.uk/index.php/operations/stoke/

[@firewall783]

It's the stoke incinerator I see it everyday

[@alanwatkiss7993]

Yep it's the local tip

[@suzannebudlong8376]

I love cemeteries. There are so many stories written in stone. I spent two hours yesterday exploring Brookside Cemetery in Winnipeg. It seem that every time i find a half hidden stone in the underbrush, a long forgotten person lives again .... just for a moment. I also saw two deer, and a coyote.

[@simplywonderful449]

Maintaining and running a cemetery is always a great undertaking!

[@deltavee2]

6:03 I like cemeterys for the same reason when I'm out riding my Yammie on the highway. Quiet, peaceful and a wander round the older stones always provides a history lesson about the local town. Most often you'll see the faded family names on the stones repeated as street names that have been there forever. Early settlers and movers and shakers of the times 100+ years ago. Plenty of pictures on the smartphone, of course. We don't have the depth of history here in Canada that you do in England. I enjoyed the family visits to England from Paris for the history, the architecture and my god, the castles...brilliant.

[@chriswellstead776]

Buried history in the cemetery I think! They are rather intriguing places just the names and the dates of those who have moved on is interesting in an odd way. Great blog again.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks Chris

[@OCteahead]

6:22 nice bit of helmsmanship!

[@ki4clz]

Some excellent shots; and I do like the "new" camera angles from the bow this go 'round...

[@CruisingTheCut]

Good! (You have no idea how much extra work I've made for myself using two cams...)

[@winfredstacy5843]

I, too like stalking around old cemeteries. I grew up in Kentucky and, the old family cemeteries are beyond fascinating. In your more rural footage it takes me back to sailing on the Kentucky River which makes a diagonal cut across the state. It is fairly narrow (compared to the Ohio or Mississippi) and has bucolic country settings and few urban areas...Thank You Again.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Sounds lovely! Cheers

[@winfredstacy5843]

Someday if you are in the USA I suggest the Kentucky River as a cruising spot...

[@CruisingTheCut]

I think an overseas series of Cruising The Cut would be very interesting :-)

[@davos1280]

your vlog is such a treat

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks!

[@pattyfarghaly1821]

I live the little forge area . SO much difference in a few miles. awesome.

[@CruisingTheCut]

:-)

[@dulciebarnes6228]

Great vlog. Really looking to the next one. Hope it doesn't put me off the tunnel too much!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Errrrrrrrrrrrr, it might :-)

[@tomdallas1211]

Awesome journey David. :-) thank you for sharing.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Ta

[@flatusinteruptus]

Some impressive helmsmanship there , you are becoming the admiral Nelson of the canal system.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Haha, yes I like that. Out of my way, everyone!

[@mattlourer9692]

I have a Facebook friend in Stoke-on-Trent. I do hope to meet up with her one day. I'm in the states but a long stay in the U.K. is on my bucket list.

[@jugglerjim01]

At 9:37, many moons ago, you'd have actually been passing through Shelton Bar, a now long gone Steel Foundry 😎

[@HansFranke]

The missing bridge (2:33) was part of a railway line, the Trentham Park Branch. The chimney in Sideway is part of an incinerator, I guess for household waste. At least it's marked as such in the Nicholsen guide #4. Which is exactly the spot where a low hanging branch grabbed my copy and threw it into the T&M. That miscivious plant is clearly visible on your clip. Glad you made it arround :)) For the Etruria Industrial Museum, the second building is the main museum, housing the mill. The first building is a warehouse, originally part of the gauging station, now used as exhibition room for the museum. Your caveat about mooring overnight in Stoke is maybe a bit outdated. We stayed this May for three (seperate) nights in Stoke, twice about ~200m north of Etruria Junction. No problems at all, in fact, it felt way more safe than on some rural stretches, where nights where torn apart by motorbikes roaring along the towpath. If at all, the area arround Hanley park is a less desirable mooring spot due to many idle students during afternoon and evening. Its nice to recall our own trip by watching your vlog. Thanks. narrowboat.meckerhut.de/2017/05/11/die-englaender-ihre-hunde-und-der-hundsdreck/

[@CruisingTheCut]

Good info!

[@wannabeeboater3798]

Good job again David, Etruria was the original site of Joshia Wedgewood"s original pottery. He of course was one of the original proposers of the Trent and Mersey.

[@CruisingTheCut]

I did not know that (about the site), cheers

[@danielbriggs7393]

Thanks David love your vlogs from the very beginning are you near Market Drayton you need to stop at the ANCHOR at High Offley you will be transported back in time not changed since the time of the working boats. also stop at the Whalfe at Goldstone where lLTC Rolt stopped after going through the deep cutting it is truly beautiful, I am moored at Betton Wood still refurbishing my old 23ft Springer.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Hi Daniel. Thank you. I'm a long way past, these vlogs are a few weeks delayed from actuality due to the editing time involved.

[@pixels2u]

Yay! can't wait for the "Scarecastle" tomorrow! =D

[@CruisingTheCut]

It was "tomorrow" for me, it'll be next week for you :-)

[@jdknbw]

neat about the china area--and seeing the spode sign and now knowing the area where all of my christmas dishes came from was neat---and the comment about the cemetery. i have family buried in the same cemetery as an old time midwestern gangster, you are right about how much history there is in a cemetery.

[@moondancer5115]

nice little cruise, somewhat scarey looking ladder. I'd not want to slip and fall , yikes! looking forward to more pastoral scenery. . .

[@CruisingTheCut]

Yup, they're all like that though not necessarily as tall.

[@davexvs]

i had my boat moored at dolphin for a few years. really enjoying your footage, remembering my days on the canal system keep it up {:-)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers, will do!

[@focusfrenzy9759]

the smokestack is for the Hanford household waste recycling center! I went to Stoke on Trent in google maps and found a road overpass and went into street view and located the stack and moved to it.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Perhaps you have missed your calling as a private investigator!

[@JohnyComeLately]

"Many of the famous ceramics companies are here" Me, an unrefined yank from the colonies eating cereal from a Rubbermaid bowl, 'oh yeah those brands'

[@mikerobson1786]

David The online forums that you use regarding where is ok to moor etc, which forums do you find the best? Mike

[@flatusinteruptus]

Your vlog is becoming somewhat educational , being from the U.S. , I didn't understand the steelite span reference , so , I had to search all around ( my hat) to find out what it meant.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Haha!! Glad you (clearly) found it ;-)

[@gavinhackland8440]

The ‘ten point’ chimney is the local municipal incinerator. And the llama may have been a llama (no expert on the difference) but it was standing in the grounds of a well-known alpaca farm.

[@simplywonderful449]

At the Chimney Building (3:46), you wondered what they do in there. They make smoke.

[@redoorn]

Sounds to me squeez geese.

[@starwater9828]

10:06 Steelite span / Steeleye Span . . . . ho, ho!

[@Amalthea11]

Your commentary was hillarious! 😂 I lived in Stoke for more than 3 years and did lots of walking by that canal. Always wondered how it must be on one of those boats. Thank you for bringing all those nice memories back. Sooo...did u have time to do some walking around the Westport Lake? Seemed like it was where the ducks were (remember them from there).

[@CruisingTheCut]

Yes, I had a little stroll around in the sunshine, it was very pleasant.

[@jamesdavis5096]

this is the most amazing thing i have ever seen; just EVERYTHING about this. the show, and the canal technology ; truly amazed . Will you hire me as you cook/lock boy?/cameraman?

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoy it! Cheers