Cruising through Henley-on-Thames. Life on a Narrowboat #31

In this episode, we cruise through Henly-on-Thames on our narrowboat and spend the last week of warm weather enjoying the views on the river. Filmed in September 2020.
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We’ve always wanted to find an alternative way of living and the idea of moving onto a canal boat came to us in September 2018. In January 2019 we bought Alba! Watch the full story here: bit.ly/AlbaEpi...
WATCH OUR FILMS:
🔹 Our boat tour • Narrowboat TOUR: a Wal...
🔹 London Aqueduct • A Couple on a NARROWBO...
🔹 Engine fireworks • Boat NIGHTMARE: Engine...
🔹 Flamingoes on the canal • FLAMINGOS & Isolation....
🔹 How we became boat owners • Becoming NARROWBOAT Ow...
🔹 Off-grid living in lockdown • OFF-GRID Living in LOC...
🔹 It’s hailing in paradise • It’s HAILING in PARADI...
🔹 We rescued a bat • We RESCUED a Bat! DRON...
🔹 Our engine is fixed • Our ENGINE is Fixed! L...
🔹 Scared on the boat • SCARY Story & Narrowbo...
🔹 How not to go crazy in isolation • NARROWBOAT Life: How t...
🔹 We have news! • We Have NEWS!
🔹 Engine service & bat rescue • Bat RESCUE & Engine Se...
🔹 The start of the new adventure • The JOURNEY Begins! CR...
🔹 Why we have a dinghy • Need a DINGHY for a CA...
🔹 Living and travelling slowly on a boat • We Live, WORK and TRAV...
🔹 Boating underground • Boating UNDERGROUND. T...
🔹 Oxford canal mistake • Young Couple Travels t...
🔹 We crashed our boat on the Oxford canal • We CRASHED Our Boat on...
🔹 Hailstorm on a narrowboat • We CRASHED Our Boat on...
🔹 Fire on a boat • We Almost Had a FIRE o...
🔹 How we do laundry on our boat • How We Do LAUNDRY on a...
🔹 We swapped canal life with river life • We Swapped CANAL Life ...
🔹 Made it to the source of the Thames • Made it to the SOURCE ...
🔹 Oxford canal timelapse • Oxford Canal - Narrowb...
🔹 The worst things about living on a boat • The WORST Things about...
🔹 Swimming with swans • Swimming with SWANS. L...
🔹 We crashed into a lock • We CRASHED into a Lock...
🔹 Fixing windows • NARROWBOAT Life: Fixin...
🔹 A day in a life on the Thames • A DAY IN THE LIFE Livi...
🔹 Boating on the Thames • NARROWBOAT on the Tham...
🔹 Birthday aboard • Narrowboat LIFE on the...
🔹 One month on the Thames • What it's Like to LIVE...
🔹 Boating on rivers vs canals • Boating on RIVER vs CA...
🔹 Full-time liveaboards • Young Couple Lives on ...
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[@CruisingAlba]

If you would like to support the episodes join our crew on Patreon www.patreon.com/cruisingalba to get early access to the videos, bonus content and the chance to meet in person and come on board! 💜xx

[@ralphwood9865]

HI Marina I follow several narrowboaters who have been on the Thames this year but your interpretation of this stretch of water is by far the best. The photography is fabulous, your style is impeccable and against this superb background is your choice of music and then your so soothing voice, its a magical experience. Thank you so much I look forward to your every vlog as I know there will be a treat in store. Take care stay safe lots of love to one of my favourite narrow boat couple X.

[@EarthWatcher736]

Your videos are like a long breath of peacefulness.

[@CruisingAlba]

Hi Mick, wow that's such a lovely thing to say! Thank you so much for watching! 💜 xx

[@randystogner5466]

Excellent episode

[@CruisingAlba]

Thank you so much for watching Randy and thank you for you kind words 💜 xx

[@veronicamoss2597]

You really do live the dream🙏😍😎

[@TheByard]

I kept my boat on the Old Windsor Lock weir run for two years and loved the Thames in all seasons. Did a lot of night passages returning from ADLS meets and the Classic boat rally at Henley, now the river at night comes alive with fishermen. The locks gates had to be wound open with that huge wheel I saw in one of your shots. It gets hard work after 4 or 5 locks. I had friends who operated the pleasure boats and got lots of tips on free moorings, decent eateries and great pubs. Mt boat had been on the Thames since the 1930s and so lock keepers knew her and just liked to keep up with the new owners she's had in her life. She went to war in 1940 saving soldiers from the beaches of Dunkirk and then spent the rest of the war on mine patrol of the Thames Estuary. Sadly I had to sell her in 2010, but she has gone to great owners. Thanks for reminding me of the THAMES.

[@CruisingAlba]

Thank you so much for watching and sharing a little bit about your boat, it is so interesting! What a great bit of history. What was your boat called?

[@TheByard]

@@CruisingAlba Lazy Days, though some of the nights were hectic.

[@johnallen148]

Hi Marina Myles what a beautiful place to visit lots of stunning properties several narrowboat have done the same trip as you but Marina you tell the story so much better with your soft voice and accent so lovely to listen to ,the music in the background is lovely to listen to ,Myles you are one of a lucky guy to have someone like Marina at your side I can only wish you two all the happiest in the wold .you know what Marina you would make a real good story reader your voice is perfect for it ,Myles if you lost your anchor y not just use a mud weight,Marina you look so dam fit doing you exercise beautiful .well till next time take care keep safe in this second lockdown,love John 🥂❤️🌹🌹🎄🎅🏻🥃🎅🏻🎅🏻

[@CruisingAlba]

Thank you so much John, you are very kind!

[@DH-pq2ud]

The camera work is so good I feel like I’m on the journey with you! Thank you guys 😘

[@jonturner3179]

Bought our first house in Henley (more of a shoebox than a house) in 1997. Spent 18 months there and moved on. Happy memories and a great episode.

[@KatelynsAdventures707]

Beautiful reflections. 💗💗🙋‍♀️

[@bobbutcher7725]

Your visit to Henley takes me back 45 years when I was a teenager and my parents decided to holiday on the Thames. Our normal home mooring was on the River Medway at Allington and we had to cruise down the Medway and then turn up into the Thames. The trip up the tidal Thames was I remember fairly hairy and we had to tie up overnight at Southwark alongside a lighter. Our boat was not really powerful enough to go against the tide. Once through Teddington the river was delightful and I have wonderful memories of Henley in particular.

[@johnpeters5842]

I thought this was one of your best vlogs....great video, music and narration!

[@CruisingAlba]

Thank you so much John, that's really lovely to hear 💜 xx

[@great-grandmakirk8828]

Omg, no way would I swim in that filthy water,I hope that you and Myles stay well.❤️ I love the beautiful buildings on the river and the shrubbery is wonderful to see.

[@kevinconrad6156]

The Silver Foxes came down the Thames a few months ago, I'm seeing some of the same stunning buildings and views. Great episode!!

[@timothyhopkins6960]

I enjoyed your video very much you have an enhanced life .

[@lyndamorrissey6646]

Love the music. Lovely well editor edited

[@themanofmead5273]

Your comments about enjoying the peace and tranquility of first light struck a chord with me. I love that feeling too of being the only one enjoying the beauty of the new day. Another beautiful and relaxing and atmospheric presentation. Thank you.

[@richardpace9818]

My boats on the Wey at Weybridge. But I grew up around the Thames at Kew in the 80s and love the river. Your videos really hit the nail on the head for me. Coffee money sent. Keep it up.

[@FlashGormless]

As always a perfect video, Love watching you guys :)

[@simon-nb-Betsyray]

Thank u both for a excellent tour around Henley on Thames 😀 it is a lovely place to visit u made me feel as if l was there my self. I was amazed by the drone shots from above the lock to see how many boats it could take at one time, and the very large houses that line the river bank. Early mornings are a must for me as well to hear the dawn chorus and the start of another day , the early morning freshness of the due and the Trails of the aeroplanes in the sky u can't beat it. 2days vlog captured the real essence of ur daily life cruising with all the lovely scenery , and doesn't the little out board engine make a difference than rowing but to honest l was expecting the engine to run out of fuel lol😂😂. Thank u ever so much again for a great vlog 😀. Take care and stay safe. Simon💜 xx

[@brenda9990]

Excellent video as always. 😍

[@charliewilson4670]

Really enjoyed watching this video the view's and the place we're very peaceful added to the enjoyment of watching ☺👍

[@mickmclaren3270]

Glad to see you back ,keep safe & well,,💐💐

[@JCDiamond]

Henley is beautiful.

[@dawndietz4654]

Simply stunning as always, thank you for the journey.

[@rogermcd9918]

Great video again guys, l used to moor at The Willows just past Windsor Marina, unfortunately all us residential moorers were evicted in the name of corporate greed, l think l miss the Thames more because we were forced to leave rather than wanted to leave but l do enjoy the canals too. Take care, be safe and hope to see you out there some day.

[@scottyoder3717]

OMG, Your videos are my zen!! Thank you for taking the time to do all that you do to share your lives and adventures with us!!

[@glennhaley7404]

My Home Town...So hope you enjoyed it. Once again a beautiful video. How long ago Summer now seems. But you two certainly seem to have found the perfect way to enjoy life.

[@josephturner4047]

Mine too.

[@revonda5204]

Beautiful! Homes, boats, scenery, everything. Your body strength is amazing! So jealous...coming from a 60+ year old body! Keep it up girlfriend! ❤😊

[@chrisp4306]

You guys always choose such great music to accompany your vlogs. Very relaxing and perfectly matched to the tone of your videos. Thank you for continuing to share your adventures. :)

[@stephenorgill8276]

watching your vlogs is my meditation thank you.

[@CruisingAlba]

Awww so glad to hear that, sending you our love 💜

[@jimsretiring2024]

Thank you for another great episode. Your take on boat life is different from other vloggers, and I find myself really enjoying your story. It has to be the dingy.

[@richardfoote4518]

Beautiful vlog very well done. The scenery was spectacular but your video and editing made me feel like I was there.

[@stephenrowcroft6939]

Another enjoyable vlog,Henley looked good keep them coming 🚢😁👍🏼

[@TheBiblue]

Nice to see you back. Awesome vlog.

[@philipizzard2584]

Another beautifully filmed vlog so luck with the weather and nice to see the Thames also looks stunning 🤩

[@dorothyhart8127]

A lovely video. Henley is a very interesting town. Did you know that the singer Dusty Springfield is buried in the churchyard of Henley church.

[@howarddyke5448]

Beautiful video as usual After a rubbish day at work it's lovely to watch your chilled out videos Really cheered me up Thank you Stay safe 💓

[@mikemiles3068]

Very enjoyable video‼️

[@stevo845er]

fantastic vids keep them coming

[@THErealBRITSofFlorida]

beautifully narrated...the scenery was gorgeous. New subbie and i'll definitely be back. Thanks so much for sharing :)

[@mwgolfacademy]

Beautiful🙏

[@shoedesigner]

recycle-now website for recycling locations, or just Google recycling centre. Love your videos, I miss my boat and the big river, you have captured Henley and how it feels to be a boater there, exactly, well done.

[@h-j.k.8971]

used to be taken out to Henly on Thames by my Pairents for a Sunday outing:-)

[@katyward1895]

I went to school at Shiplake College and have race Henley Royal Regatta a few times so I am very fond of this stretch of river. Lovely to see you explore it. I am thinking about buying a narrowboat and living some where on that stretch, perhaps Reading Marinas

[@lynnescaddan8919]

Sausages are brilliant cooked in oven with hash browns. :-) All those people at pub, you don't look like ur on lockdown. Lucky you ♡♡ Wow ur weather must be nice ;-)

[@CruisingAlba]

Thanks Lynne, at the time of filming we weren't in lockdown that's why there are so many people around. That weekend felt very 'normal' even then 💜 xx

[@redsnappersadler34]

Beautiful video. Thanks for posting

[@waynewaring]

Such a great vlog guys, really well put together with perfect music to accompany it. Great to see the remnants of summer. Your vlogs are perfect for chilling out with on a Friday evening after a hard week at work. Thanks so much 😊🍷

[@redhotchilli23]

Wow what a beautiful place those houses omg how the other half live hehe, I love the music you use on your video's so beautiful and relaxing, would love to know who many of the artists are so I could make a playlist!

[@paulmessis1985]

You guys should head on the Wey Navigation down to Guildford and Godalming, I think you'll like it around there.... there is a big restoration project linking The Wey to the coast, so hopefully in your lifetime the wey and arun canal will be restored for you to boat down to the South Coast/English Channel.

[@CheckFred]

I grew up in #Wargrave 50's/60's when it was a HIVE of Activity down at the river (Virtually LIVED ON and IN the river) - A pretty lonely place nowadays :-( ................ #Shiplake lock was a Social Hub as well with it's shop and Camping Community on the land next to it (Rather Baron now) ..... Campfires and parties every night, then the walk over the railway viaduct in the pitch black to get back home :-) ...... You got some pretty good shots of the riverside though (if a bit short) ...... #Henley though ?? STILL the best place to go and unwind with a great walk in either direction of the Road bridge...... Still do the walks every couple of weeks and NEVER get tired of them. Probably one of the most 'Positive' places around - (Until Regatta Week which has SUNK! into a Festival of Selfishness - It 'used' to be the BEST week - when 'everyone' had FUN!) ........ This is a great little video - you should FLOG it to the Henley Tourist Board :-) .........

[@lynnescaddan8919]

Wow, there are some beautiful houses on the river, I don't envy them in floods tho. It's January 29 today really wet & cold here in Leeds.

[@CruisingAlba]

Thanks you for watching Lynne! We love Leeds! 💜 xx

[@paullowden1643]

Lovely! We hired a narrowboat a couple of years ago and cruised to Henley and Marlow, (from Reading) we loved it. I remember having to pay to berth at those locations which was mildly irritating. Are you planning to stay on the Thames over winter or going to the Kennet & Avon? Hard core continuous cruisers! Excellent.

[@davidmills636]

Exquisite

[@jasonbrant6394]

Houses of the rich and shameless . A boat powered by sun would certainly have a very short range most years in our ever soggier summer's

[@CruisingAlba]

At this moment in time, but imagine how technology develops in one or even three centuries, surely this wont be an issue then 🤔

[@PinoKalado]

Красиво снято 5+

[@trevorsbarkingmadchannel4501]

Awesome vlog.

[@pspls3285]

I’m enjoying your videos very much. You two are quickly becoming some of my favorites to watch. I love that you’re so open with sharing so much, from cleaning your boat, traveling & even sharing with us letting the snails back into snail society 😊. What happened to the anchor? Did it just fall off? And was that someone falling into the lock, the part circled ⭕️ ? Ive never seen any video of anyone falling into a lock before. I wasn’t sure if I was seeing that correctly, but if they did, that’s terrifying to think what could’ve happened. Stay safe & take care. I hope December is being good to you two.

[@CruisingAlba]

Hey lovely, thank you so so much for watching and for your kind words! Yes we've lost the anchor... Yep it just fell off. And yes someone did fall in the lock when they threw a line over the bannister and lost their balance!

[@RickDeckard6531]

привет лодочники: I continue to enjoy your videos, but you should maybe consider changing the name of your channel to Cruising the Thames ;-). When will you venture out into the other parts of Alba? Looking forward to further installments.

[@valeriebaxter2354]

How's the out board motor holding up? are you pleased with your purchase? it 's better than oars for sure! x.

[@j.b.maxwell8300]

Hi , how many miles/kilometres do you think you have traveled on the canal system

[@maureenrummenie]

Love your videos..just curious though... where is your accent from? I hear an English accent along with maybe an Aussie accent? With a hint of European? (I'm in Canada)

[@bethiakittify]

Marina is Russian.

[@bigmaxthecat]

Has she lived/house shared with a South African - there is a hint of that accent too

[@lynnescaddan8919]

Is it free to use recycling & rubbish bins on the canal ? I'd imagine it comes in with ur licence & fees.

[@CruisingAlba]

Hi Lynne, yes it's free and part of the license 👌 Thank you for watching 💜 xx

[@EDOOB]

So they stole the boat from a marina, but couldn't get through the lock so they smashed all the windows and ran! I feel so sorry for the boat's owner :(

[@dadt8009]

Nah. That's nothing for these rich people. The insurance should cover the damage as well. Feel sorry for people like me who don't have a beautiful house by the river and only have a temporary job.

[@jonny7491]

Now you know where all the politicians houses are.

[@keithhenley3982]

my name henley

[@denniscook7160]

Hey Marina, So you are annoyed at so many people walking by when moored in a town like Henley ( my hometown ) Well, I'm annoyed that you make such a stupid comment like that, remember the river belongs to everyone, not just you. Such a pity because you are a very talented filmmaker as others have said.

[@CruisingAlba]

Hi Dennis! Thank you so much for watching the film and for the complement. I agree with you, the river is for everyboady. I might have not been very clear explaining my point. The reason I mentioned the people was because of the contrast I experienced after living in the middle of nowhere for a while and then being moored up in town. Being in Henley reminded me of living in certain parts of London on the boat. When we are inside the boat and when there are so many people walking by we can hear every word and it feels like people are on the boat, there is also a lot less privacy. It is an experience that takes time getting used to, one of the challenges (for me anyway). Sometimes is so exciting to cruise and stay in a city but then it hits you what the price you pay. I try to share the whole spectrum of boatlife experiences and this is just one of them. My comment really only meant just that. Have a lovely weekend, Marina 💜

[@thestu4602]

Whoa dude she made an observation & commented, there was no negativity associated whatsoever!

[@jasonbrant6394]

Did you have to pay any extortionate mooring fees lots of horror stories about outrageous prices being charged

[@CruisingAlba]

Hi Jason, we paid £10 to stay overnight and they took all our rubbish so it was very reasonable 😬