CRT volunteers help us at epic Bratch locks on the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal (2019)

[@AlisonBryen]

I've spent so many happy days walking and enjoying the canal at The Bratch. When I was about 9 years old the lock keeper allowed me and my cousin to help push the lock gates open. It was so much fun 🙂.

[@Offutticus]

A wheelchair accessible narrowboat! Yay!

[@terryrigden4860]

One of my favourite stretches of canal

[@derrickfelix6206]

Anna, you are so happy, looking during this vlog, Kath you are so right. cheers

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Thanks

[@ilox11]

Thank you ladies and cats, that indeed was a very pretty part of England, enhanced of course by your lovely smiles. Odd that the "facilities" seem to be further apart than some other canals but considering the resources needed to put the facilities in place, probably understandable. For the very many kilometres of canal and waterways that the C&RT has to look after I think you end up with a bargain for your travel dollar. The volunteers always deserve special mention. To put in the hours just to help canal boaters, that's pretty amazing right there. They do such a great job and their value to the boating fraternity is priceless.

[@chillinretreat5124]

My husband and I watch you always with grear interest from Canada...love your journey!!

[@Audio_Book_Nut]

Wow! A reference to Jasper Fforde in a narrowboat vlog! That’s something I never would have imagined in my wildest dreams. I adored his Thursday Next series.

[@antonbarlow2854]

a very very big thumbs up girls .

[@qiajenaehamilton6638]

Thoroughly enjoyable cruise, as ever, gals, thanks so much! A very chill day, considering all the locks. So glad there were volunteers to assist! Hoorah for the CRT volunteers! Woohoo!

[@karenryan3016]

I enjoy your videos ladies thanks! You mention water points after Great Haywood and I wanted to mention Penkridge. There is water just after the lock and before the winding hole. There’s not much space around there so probably easy to miss!

[@RetroRatz]

I think those locks with Brick walls surrounding them, have extra nostalgia. Also the lock keepers cottage looked pretty.

[@mozamariner4443]

Morning ladies always thumbs up your vlogs cos they’re very enjoyable, Sunday morning would never be the same with out you coming into our homes. ❤️

[@SamSitar]

their canal travels are entertaining.

[@markwng]

Ah the wonderful brick work. So much wear on the exit to the last one..

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Yes, well spotted

[@markwng]

@@TheNarrowboatExperience But where does that little stare case go? It looks a but "Arry Potta" to me

[@navigator902]

Excellent pinning at morage. Great a Pub run. Loved the coined phrase ... "Pot Luck Weather", think we can all share in this part of our travel mystery. Good ole Big John says Hi....

[@andrewdennis6654]

Great stuff again! There is a rubbish point at Autherley Junction, which is also convenient for Morrisons at Pendeford. But you are right about water At Autherley the water pint is on the Shroppie. Andy, Nb Whiskey Mac.

[@stevemusgrave2000]

Just had a week of a lovely Indian summer spell, forecast told us that we are now in for a fortnight of rain. They weren't lying. Albeit, at the beginning of the day it's drizzly, luckily, to bring sunshine back into our lives, there are two delightful vixens spreading joy and happiness along the canals, for all to soak up. Lovely little cruise, unusual system of locks there at Bratch locks, gates aplenty. Splendid thro the hedge this week ladies as well, you spoil us. Keep well xx

[@jayoneill1533]

Thanks ladies!

[@wsatnutter9674]

great times

[@chrisskelhorn5727]

As with all your other viewers, how could the sight of you beautiful girls not cheer my Sunday? Lovely video, and some delightful scenery! Catch you soon! :-)

[@Andolf10001]

Next time you pass along there pull up at Caunsall near Kinver. There’s a pub called the Anchor( they do have a Facebook page). They do the best cobs, cider and ales that people come from all over the country

[@davidcutts2650]

Thanks. Such a Lovely video.👍👍😎

[@raymondstrunk4770]

Really interesting shots of the locks. Thank you!

[@patg6930]

Another nice vlog ladies.I look foreward to the bell letting me know your waiting for my attention.

[@abefrohman1759]

CRT volunteers can be so handy 😁

[@geoffupton]

lovely 😊 both surroundings and our hostesses 😊 lovely way to start the day while having brekkie!

[@sylviapage8572]

I’m amazed there’s one bumblehole never mind two! That looked like a lovely cruise, the weather makes such a difference. Thanks as always for a great video. I hope you managed to get in for your twofor. 😋

[@pootle2768]

I loved seeing Alice doing a quality check on your springer lines! She’s so adorable ❤️ the Bratch Locks were so pretty and so well looked after. Thank you for sharing x

[@bruceshaw2402]

Those locks are emaculate , I have a friend who lives very near them , and I tried to buy a house in Wombourne some years ago , as you said this was in August it's to late now but there are a couple of decent pubs in Wombourn village , The Vine and just on the edge ( not through it 😁 ) The New Inns just in case you pass that way again in the future . Take care

[@AlisonBryen]

I live a few miles out of Wombourne. I can confirm The Vine is a lovely pub, the food is very good there. Covid permitting we've booked in for a meal on New Year's Eve.

[@nbflyingfox4672]

Great vlog Anna and Kath. Nice journey through the locks must admit those locks at Bumblehole certainly empty fast. Look forward to the next instalment but as I am on catch up that wont be to long..

[@johnhardwick8771]

Liam K the locks you actually saw them going down in were the Bratch Locks, the Bumblehole Lock is not attached to the Bratch

[@PupsandpawsNetRosie]

Lovely vlog girls. The staff and volunteers are always friendly at Bratch. It is so easier to navigate with their help. No need to remember the colour coding!

[@millomweb]

Who needs colour coding - but I did notice some blue !

[@LittleCarol]

Hello Girls, you two and the cats are such naturals. I love your vlogs. I would love to have some hairdressing tips! Annamarie always looks so elegant...I would love to know how she does it living on a Narrowboat, I always seem to have bed hair every day!

[@klayofthemystics]

Great video as always. It's amazing the quality of work that went into everything during the industrial age. That lock set was built for more than utility, rounded brickwork, rounded and carved stones. Today we pour concrete and call it a day. Question: Does Alice sprawl out on the roof in the sun? Over the years we have had many cats, for some reason all the short haired black cats loved the sun. Hottest days, everyone running for shade, they are spread out collecting the rays.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Glad you liked it.

[@jiloute22]

nice vlog,good weather

[@thejoose]

Hands up for a narrowboat experience foxes afloat colab video......

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

We love a collab. We’ve got an exciting one planned soon. Watch this space.

[@57629589]

Hey Hey! A blue rope shout out!! We are honored and humbled. 😎

[@ncplantdoctor]

I thought from the beginning that Alice was getting her own vlog. Nice to see her checking your lines for quality control, though. Square bottom boat? You need a stern talking too, Miss Straya.

[@davidsedlickas8222]

Nice to see very little rain in this vlog We never made this stretch we turned left off the shroppie. Very pretty canal glad you both had a nice trip on this cruising. Keep safe.go slow.

[@bex82uk]

Beautiful vlog as always🌺 really interesting seeing inside the locks from the boats POV, also Bumblehole is an excellent word😀

[@bex82uk]

And to answer your question my boat is neither curved or square and the rest is missing too lol

[@davidsmith1620]

A lovely trip with some interesting locks. Thanks for bringing us along.

[@26CT1445]

Spring lines, that's a great idea. I use them on the Broads but can see how useful they can be when using mooring pins. Did I spot a lock keeper with long powder blue painted finger nails? 😲

[@ianofsjkartwork]

Brilliant vlog great information...thanks for sharing

[@lizpegden1635]

Just so enjoy your blogs. I'm addicted 😜 love your new " baby" she is soo beautiful

[@joybeasley5363]

Always enjoy your videos and this one was no exception. 😊

[@paulfosbery6026]

As always, another wonderful video which I always watch with a big smile on my face! It's addictive!...😄...😄...! Take care, both!

[@annedwards9002]

Another great vlog girls,see you next time.xx

[@sonicindustries227]

Loving the journey girls. Very close to Stourbridge now (I'll wave)

[@stephenlittle7534]

They where a different set of locks. I bet you were glad of a little help. Nice one girls.

[@s1nb4d59]

Another lovely vlog girls,looking forward to the scenic part tho i think most of it is beautiful anyway.

[@johninokla2635]

Thanks for the trip. I'm eagerly waiting to see your next video. 👍

[@johnhardwick8771]

You missed the water point’s at Stafford Boat Club, Otherton Marina. Also the water, Elsan and rubbish at Penkridge

[@eirishemd]

Great video looks like a lovely canal. Can’t wait for the next instalment 👍

[@heavyg1653]

As a proud member of the Blue Roper Lover's Club, thanks for the (all too brief) glimpse of that lovely blue rope. What color is that rope? At the last BRLC meeting there was what came to be a rather contentious discussion as to whether that is indigo or navy (cheeky Niles just said it was "dark blue").

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Oh my- I’d never win in an argument about colour.

[@altacat9702]

Thank you for the ride along Beautiful area !! : )

[@celticwanderer6407]

Good Morning Ladies Surely Another Great Enjoyable Video 5*

[@dudleyblokerave]

Bumble Hole action!

[@riverbendtube]

Some super locks footage!

[@CJT80]

What a lovely video, and an impressive set of locks!

[@ae-ribae6426]

I can now take solace in the knowledge that I'm not the only flat bottomed girl here. Great vid as always girls!

[@scottfw7169]

The depth of those locks has me wondering about the total elevation change height through those locks. Playing in Google found a CRT web page and several other web pages, and the Bratch Pumping Station, the old Wombourn railway station, the Bratch canal picnic area, and even about the origin of the name, but I haven't found the height data.

[@suecox2308]

Always enjoy your videos, but honestly, the locks scare the living heck out of me. All that rushing water and the big tall gates--brrrr!.

[@truckerfromreno]

Those life belt things the lock keepers wear - do they inflate at the pull of a string? Is it gas?

[@mattstubbington8805]

Proper job ladies, as usual another superb vlog.... Ahhhh having to wait for the next lol!!!!

[@theoldhobbit3640]

Great vlog as always. Those are some serious fingernails at 7:58 lol. Definitely decided to take a hire boat for the first time next year.

[@hughcarson6837]

As usual I enjoyed your blog

[@carycoombe3380]

Alice "mugging" For the camera.😘

[@Renovator26]

Same here ladies. The critters had a low profile this time, but we know they're there! BTW - do you ever get mice on narrowboats? Happy days. John, Ontario, Canada

[@millomweb]

They don't - or if they do, they're dead ones !

[@paulstanding7267]

Hi both nice vlog and weather looked good better than your last cruising when raining ☔️.One question I can hear your engine reviving up then down is down to the water flowing in or out the locks keep them coming 😀👍👍

[@FiddlingwithmyWhistle]

When you say Square Bottom... do you mean a Square Cruiser Stern narrowboat??

[@user-kb1ir7dy8j]

Now winter is so near, have you sorted out a stove for your boat...and how do u intend to increase your water capacity ....?? Xx

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

No stove yet!!!!!

[@denisedeardo3966]

Hi ladies. What a great trip today. Glad to see you. I have a question for you both. When will it start getting colder there?

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

It probably gets cold around October

[@tonyp011]

hi Annemarie and Kath those cats they are so lovely and just to let you know we've just had to have our second cat put to sleep last Wednesday night as he was very poorly he suddenly went downhill very fast Wednesday and come early evening he was crying in pain couldn't go to the toilet then suddenly started being violently sick so we took him to the vets, vet examined him but lucky just curled up didn't even purr at the vet like he usually did, vet said this is not lucky he is so poorly, vets examined him and found 2 lumps one large one in his bowl and a small one in his throat and it turned out to be cancer, vet sedated him lucky just remained curled up as though he was just sleeping and before the vet could administer the fatal dose his heart started to give up but he was suffering so the vet gave him the injection but he just started to administer the drug when his poor little heart just stopped beating vet said cant believe it that was quick , we brought him back home to be buried in the garden and he was still curled up as though he was just having his usual sleep, thats both our cats that have been lost to cancer in less than 5 months, enjoy your cats as they are such a joy to watch play and friendly, its great to see your 2 cats enjoying life on the canal and its great how they come straight back to the boat especially when your at places thats so strange to them, and the 2 badges I bought off you earlier this year I wear with pride,another gt video by the way

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Sorry to hear about your loss. We hope you and your wife are ok.

[@for.tax.reasons]

0:33 Anna your hair looks amazing! is it like a hybrid ponytail and french plait?

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Aw thank you

[@paulm1aib]

Square Stern surely, square bottom sounds far too uncomfortable :D

[@Stubones999]

Almost all canal boats are flat bottomed boats...

[@wanderingpots]

Stuart Warren Yes, but not always to the tip of the bow, our 70 ft is quite curved under the bow, I wonder if that is why.

[@ralhmcc47]

Mornings ladies looks like a really nice area to spend some time. You said you do not go to pubs a lot Well as I am new to your channel, less than a month, could you tell me why. Safe travels Ralph

[@LittleCarol]

@Ralph McCoy I would like to explain why ,on the Girls, behalf the possible reason. In the UK two attractive young ladies together in a pub is generally spoilt by unwanted attention by Men. Sadly over consumption of alcohol has become a national sport. I cannot describe how upsetting it is to be confronted by a drunk man who seems to have chosen to pester you for a date. I avoid Pubs for this reason as I call it 'being hit on'. There is always someone who thinks in this warped way, It still happens to me all the time.Despite my older age, it is tiresome having to deal with this scenario. Fortunately I have developed some very good put down lines...So perhaps, that is their reason? Or it may be something else entirely. I could be simply the high costs of pub meals is detrimental to the girls budget. Do watch the vlog about the puddings though, well worth a look

[@willsgetoff1157]

Lovely cruise thanks ladies. Do you know why they didn't just make those last locks into staircase locks, seams strange to have such a small pound in between?

[@stevegoodier1241]

If I owned a canal side bar/restaurant you'd be made most welcome...

[@TaoJones101]

Perhaps it's just me, but it strikes me as odd that the engine controls aren't placed at a more comfortable working height so one would not need to bend or stoop to lower the hand to the controls. Were the early narrowboats built when people were much shorter and did controls placement just become standardized at that level? Has no one given any thought to installing them higher? Or is it just that you two are particularly tall? I don't think it's just your vessel, either, as I see other vloggers having to do the same bending motion (well, maybe not David [CC] who seems to be rather short). :-)

[@lynnmurray4584]

Do either of you ever get claustrophobic in those really deep locks?

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

No. But I don’t enjoy a long tunnel.

[@allanmarshall4582]

Just a thought, what is the length of your boat. Enjoy the coming week.

[@RangieNZ]

4:29

[@jillski4000]

Those nails would be high maintenance for lock duty...7:59

[@57629589]

All that water coming in during your square bottom monologue, is it leakage or on purpose?

[@millomweb]

Leaks are a standard feature of canals, locks and gates. Those in this video were not very leaky compared to some !

[@trevorsurplice1582]

its the staffs and worcester canal

[@anderswegge6828]

Is that the world's shortest lock pond?

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

That’s an interesting question. Quite possibly.

[@petercrisp5989]

Great Vlog as always. Looks like theres a new crew member?

[@SamSitar]

they should make some locks 2 boats wide for that reason.

[@MattBrunton1965]

Some canals do Sam. Look at some of Kath and Anna's earlier videos where they are on the Grand Union and you may see an example.

[@InclusiveDriving]

For some odd reason, around here, Wightwick is pronounced Whittick, and Wombourne is pronounced Wumbourne. Bumblehole is just Bumblehole.

[@MarkThornton1]

The Round Oak is a twofer or a bogof ? (buy one get one free) :)

[@gillgregory6327]

I think you mean square stern as opposed to square bottom perhaps?

[@millomweb]

Well, if it's 'square' at the front too then it is 'square bottomed' !

[@philnbspook6446]

Whitick Whitick Whitick NOT White wick. Nice to see you enjoying my part of the world.

[@kiltedbill7594]

HEY!!! I AM THE FIRST COMMENT! HAPPY DAY GIRLS!

[@edwiser3547]

I like your videos and your cats but it is too cold for me in merry old England.

[@barriepayne6200]

No big coats on girls, bikinis next maybe!! And look some blue sky hope you have a nice shop

[@320ifq]

"Square bottom boat" I think the word you are looking for may well be transom or stern.

[@klayofthemystics]

I believe she means it's a flat bottom boat with the sides extending straight up. A rounded or vee bottom boat would have no difficulty with beveled or rounded lock sides. Rounded or vee would give the boat a deeper draft though, bad in low water areas.

[@oxenforde]

9:40

[@millomweb]

'Cats on board' - so that anyone passing doesn't think the cats are shut in or abandoned.

[@srqlisa7881]

Would it not look pretty if someone happen to paint a garden growing out of the top rails (?) of the boat roof. anyone know an artist. lol :) peace

[@jdclover]

Comment #1

[@JonMadsen70]

:)

[@Santafefrank]

Hi lady I ask you a well back if you chance your logo? Did you?Please let me know. Because if you did I would like to buy your new logo sticker.Thank you.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

We have a black boat now- yes.

[@Santafefrank]

Where can I buy your new Sticker of your black boat

[@Santafefrank]

No new stickers?

[@jonah1234567891]

Whitick!!! NOT whitewick

[@superlaz9659]

Its pronounced Witik.