255. The 2,000-mile canal journey that took four years

In October last year (2021), my friends Jo and Michael (plus dog George) completed a four year epic trip around every navigable mile of the connected UK canal network. Along with many of their viewers, I went along to document the final five miles.
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[@Trebor2024]

River Nene….Neene! 👍

[@CruisingTheCut]

Nope, it's Nen at the Northampton end. Neen towards Peterborough.

[@Tom_YouTube_stole_my_handle]

@@CruisingTheCut But Nene College, part of the University of Northampton is definitely, 100%, undeniably and irrefutably pronounced Neene.

[@firesurfer]

@@CruisingTheCut ! :)

[@2019freddie]

@@CruisingTheCut Nene has an 'e' on the end, how can it be 'Nen'? Nen is for numpties! enjoyed the video David.

[@CruisingTheCut]

The spelling of any British place name is often hardly indicative of how it’s pronounced!

[@natet3345]

Near the end of 2020 I found CruisingTheCut. I was in a very dark place. Now, looking back, I realize this channel saved my life. Thank you David for sharing your peace.

[@CruisingTheCut]

I’m sorry to hear things were so bleak but glad the videos have been able to cheers you up. Best wishes for your ongoing good health.

[@robertblake1032]

I also found a peaceful place to watch narrow boating in a seemingly ideal environment. Thank you David.

[@coling7091]

Nate. I only found the channel 6 months or so ago. It has also helped me through great difficulties also. Very grateful. Thank you David.

[@CraigBedell]

David - Great video and so wonderful that you were there to film this accomplishment. Your reporting/storytelling shines!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you

[@CMPInstructor]

Like many who have followed the journey of @MinimalList, I am enchanted. They introduced the world to aspects of England that have highlighted its charm and character. Well done for them! And thank you David for documenting the moment. This is a most worthwhile video. Excellent journalism.

[@junco477]

Thanks for that Dave. Jo and Micheal's cruising vlogs are back in time a ways, and the reno is progressing more recently, so nice to see the dramatic finish. Just glorious to see the volunteers coming out, and of course, George enjoying his new balls.

[@brodie2711]

I've watched Jo, Michael and George almost from the beginning and to my mind their achievement is nothing short of heroic. I'm surprised that the CRT didn't celebrate such an epic journey. At least you did them proud with this Vlog. Well done David. All the best. Stephen👍

[@Acapulc941]

It is lovely that you honored and celebrated Jo, Michael and George's accomplishments. I send my most heartfelt gratitude to all of you. -Leigh, Texas

[@loganbaileysfunwithtrains606]

I’ve become a bit fascinated by these narrow boats, and the canals in general. I live in West Virginia, at one point in time the only way to navigate through the mountains was on push boats up and down the river and there were some canals built, sadly not many if any remain to my knowledge, once the railroads conquered the mountains that was it for boat travel, still some large coal barges that take up the big rivers but many of the smaller creeks and feeder systems have become hard to navigate with anything larger than a John boat, the timber industry kept alot of the waterways accessible for floating logs but once that practice died out the river and creeks silted up and shallowed. Great videos I really appreciate them on my work lunch break

[@antonybellamy508]

Great to hear the Cetti’s warbler calling just over 5 mins in - quite a special bird for the uk

[@brianthomsen1163]

This is making me pine for your cruising videos. I do enjoy your new stuff and thankfully you have a nice back catalog of cruising stuff!

[@doonsbury9656]

Man alive! That undergrowth is so thick in places that I fully expected to see Bogie emerge from it towing the African Queen!🤣

[@J7116R]

It's been a few months since I last visited your vlog. Glad I did and felt that I was home again. Yours is the most informative, useful and interesting site of it's kind. Although I live in Kansas, USA, where there are no canals, I feel very much at home watching your channel and your many adventures, experiences, instructions, lessons and advice come to mind. Thank you for being there. Laird Wilcox

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you

[@rogerturley]

David, you do such a wonderful job with your videos. I can't think of anyone I'd have rather had documenting Michael and Jo's accomplishment. Those two are such nice people. We're for Utah, USA and met them at Barbridge Junction on our two week Four Counties Ring hire adventure. I know we were delaying them but they took an hour out of their day and spent it with us. Canal people are great people.

[@stephencb9234]

It was great to meet up with you and to assist Michael and Jo complete their epic voyage. The number of supporters definitely grew from us few that started at the bottom lock. And it was surprising how far some of them had travelled! It was a testament to how, over the four years, an impact Michael and Jo's (not forgetting George) vlogs have made on new, old or love-the-idea viewers all over the world. Many thanks for another great video👍🏻

[@swansox]

It was lovely of you to help them reach the end and celebrate the achievement.

[@markgruenberg6277]

Thanks for documenting this part of Jo and Michael's journey. Much appreciated.

[@Project_Servotopia]

It should not have surprised me one bit that you would be on hand to document Jo and Michael's completing of their epic journey. I mean, it did -- slightly -- but it shouldn't have. What was definitely NOT surprising was that this was yet another excellent mini-documentary the likes of which we've come to expect from your channel. Thanks for sharing!

[@gregdixon5848]

Who better to document the achievement? Nice tribute David.

[@robertlalor8090]

Great tribute to Michael and Jo, a lovely couple. Thanks King David (you have been crowned by Chugging Along, another lovely couple).

[@CruisingTheCut]

Hahaha have I? They're so lovely :-)

[@robertlalor8090]

@@CruisingTheCut Yes indeed. Now the HRH balance is restored.

[@markames3688]

Positively triumphant! Thanks

[@jessicakellerart4268]

This was wonderful! Congratulations to Jo, Michael and George! The way their viewers showed up...beautiful sense of community.

[@tonypowell2165]

I was one of those that were there on the day (mercifully only brief appearance in your video). Retrospectively annoyed with myself for not making sure I took some pictures of you, especially when I vaguely recall you were sat on a very low post or something by one of the locks, perhaps auditioning for the role of nautical gnome? It was lovely there was such a good crowd for Jo and Michael and to get a chance to briefly chat with them and yourself.

[@jamesa7506]

A fine video sir! I feel like they deserve a plaque or a medal of some sort! At least a sticker... Here's a big thumbs-up from me at any rate! 👍😁👏

[@greenspiritarts]

I am grateful beyond words that you were the one to document this mile stone! What an achievement by Jo and Michael ( and Perseverance! ) David your documentary skills once again produce a stellar video. Thank you for capturing the event so beautifully. 👏 👏 👏

[@narrowboatersatlarge]

So pleased for them that they achieved it, pandemic notwithstanding! We met them on the Chesterfield and they were lovely. Now we need to buy them a mini narrowboat so they can trailer it to all the non-connected waterways like the Monmouth and Brecon 😄

[@carolinebutcher8160]

What a wonderful tribute vlog for Michael and Jo from you David, and how lovely that you made it! It was wonderful to see them both complete their epic journey with Perseverance, made in your wonderful style of humour and description. One to view again and again! Thanks. Looking forward to your next project. Take care of yourself x

[@Random-rt5ec]

I love watching these CruisingTheCut videos (From Boston, MA) I find the canal’s to be peaceful & relaxing. As I watch I can see myself as a canal boat captain bravely taking my wife & 2 cats for a 1-year tour. Except I need a long hot shower twice a day, I need a vigorous morning exercise & being Finnish I have to have a sauna at least twice a week. If these amenities were along the canal, then I could spend time on the canal.

[@barrylaflin8425]

Always a bit of a treat..a ‘David’ video, Thanks again sir!!

[@peterharper3861]

Thanks for these more documentary style videos, they are really a very good watch. While I do miss your cruising videos, I find the thought and quality of this new direction more than makes up for that. Eagerly await your next video essay!

[@daveotter5547]

Thank you David for bringing this phenomenal feat to the world along with so many other intriguing aspects of narrowboating through your channel! Bravo to Perseverance and her grand crew!

[@sabine8308]

Awesome vlog, thank you David. What an achievement and congratulations to Mike&Jo!!

[@marilynkirby-roach187]

Thank you so much for posting. I follow them because of your exposure of them on a previous vlog. In fact, you have opened up a whole new world I never knew existed, so I’m so thankful for all your vlogs. I do miss your own cruising videos, your new format has been really educational for me. Thank you again.

[@suecox2308]

What an accomplishment! It's fun to see Jo and Michael (and you, David) being treated like celebrities by your viewer volunteers. Sure, there are Kardashians for humbler folk, but us canal groupies have REAL celebrities.

[@TheBeeryBoater]

Wow… mission's accomplished Captain, and it couldn’t have happened to a nicer couple. Thanks for sharing, David 😉

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@davemccracken3457]

Thank you for documenting this momentous occasion. I'm sure we will be seeing Jo and Michael's perspective once Minimal List's videos get to that point, but it's also good to see it through your professional journalist's perspective and interviewing skills.

[@fp30e]

David, I loved this video with Michael and Jo. I have been following their journey. Thank you. Take care.

[@carlthor91]

You beat me too it. Congratulations, now for refit for them, and new adventures for all. May they be pleasant ones.

[@jw4620]

Simply splendid! Thank you!

[@for.tax.reasons]

I love that the viewers show up to help with the locks that is so sweet :)

[@tonybirdwell2624]

WOW. That’s a HUGE ,accomplishment. CONGRATULATIONS guys!

[@deanmills5106]

Thank you David, very nice. They both seam like peaceful soles.

[@peterdockerty8077]

The last minute of this vlog is absolutely brilliant, and from an American it makes you feel so proud. Its almost like we in the UK have been force fed how bad our country is but at last the blinkers come off.

[@ianraffel7505]

Great to see the volunteers helping out and well done to the Perseverance and her crew. Quite an achievement. Perfectly captured by David.

[@johnd7904]

It's so nice to watch a video about people who still enjoy continuous cruising.

[@ronharrington228]

As always, we'll done David! Documenting a moment for others using your substantial talent is a gift to all of us 🇺🇸. (A viewer from Washington state).

[@garylydement5020]

Nice to see you cruising again (on someone else's boat) Might have to rename your channel to Stopped on the Cut 😀😀

[@onefunnyoldman]

Excellent David, loved it. Thank you. 4 years, what memories they must have. I wonder whats next for them? Best wishes

[@danaldrete9666]

Great vlog! I really enjoyed all the great camera work and the attention you gave Jo, Michael and George!

[@TrevsTravelsByNarrowboat]

It was nice to see Jo And Michael complete their epic canal journey. The Rothersthorpe flight I have done so many times over the years but it holds special memories for me. I do not think I will ever go on every canal, but I do hope to do just as many miles.

[@markattardo]

Awesome accomplishment! Great way to end their journey with viewers assisting through the final flight and chatting it up. Nice coverage👍👍

[@esthers5876]

Fantastic! So glad you were there to witness and film the event - thank you! It was heart-warming to see their friends and followers join them along the way. Congratulations to Jo and Michael!

[@JoseLara-dg4zk]

Perfect timing! A new Cruising The Cut video to accompany the cheese sandwiches I'm having for lunch!!!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Perfect indeed!

[@for.tax.reasons]

I cant believe Jo and Micheal did it :o that's amazing!!

[@PS-sd8yc]

I have watched every vlog they have released. Great viewing. Now enjoying their narrowboat restoration quest. Very relaxing and informative, kept me feeling good during lockdown. Thankyou Jo, Michael and George. Would make a great tv series.

[@lauracox2018]

Wow! Congrats Jo and Michael!!!🍾🥂What a fantastic journey. That’s like doing every mile of Route 66 through western U.S. (2448 miles). I’m in Arizona right now trying to do just that.

[@danhoppy5517]

4 years to do just over 2,000 miles sums up the slow pace of the canals. Great to see some vicarious cruising on the channel again.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks 👍

[@jaquigreenlees]

The funny thing is, when they were built the canals were faster than any other means of movement.

[@beth.icanfly3983]

What a wonderful episode! Thank you, David, for giving us such a treat. It was lovely to cruise once again and delightful to see Jo and Michael reach such a milestone. Narrowboat folks are a different level of kind. I have you to thank for that realization. I trust you're wintering well. - Beth in Ohio, US

[@ronnyskaar3737]

Quite an acomplishment. I can't imagine anyone else ever having done the same. Congratulations!

[@johninokla2635]

As usual a well made vlog. Jo, Michael and George of course should be very proud of themselves for this.

[@tammyvincent9417]

David, as an American who loves your channel but has not been to the UK (yet), you strike me as the most British man on KZbin. I say that purely as a compliment, and I'm fascinated with the different regional accents etc. in Britain. I'm not sure where you are from but you have all the classic British characteristics that so many of us love. As a subscriber and fan I'm happy to pronounce you the most British man on KZbin.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you. I'm from the West Midlands but oddly I don't have that accent; mine is more "Home Counties" (central southern England)

[@jcderby129]

@@CruisingTheCut I meant to ask that sometime ago David, was that 'a trained' accent that you acquired for broadcasting?

[@CruisingTheCut]

Nope, I had that style and delivery before I did any broadcasting; it's just how I read aloud!

[@leoncolyer9420]

Thank you for your vlog on Joe and Michael they are great people 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 from Victoria Australia 🇦🇺🇦🇺 stay safe and well and hope you all have a great 2022

[@johnmcclellan9020]

Your podcasting craft just keeps getting better.

[@terrycook8914]

Thank you so much for sharing the finish of Jo and Michael's journey! I found their vlogs through yours and have really enjoyed seeing their travels! And thank you so much for all the videos you've shared here. I always enjoy listening to you and seeing what you're up to, even now that you're not cruising. Keep up the good work! :0)

[@billwatkins8227]

David, I will always watch your videos but I really really really miss your meanderings. They were all such a relaxing end to my day.

[@tara1971able]

You always have the best videos that truly share with us what it’s like there~ thank you. I wish you the best of luck in whatever you do, and wherever you decide to have your forever home.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you so much

[@HaskellMoore]

So good to see you on again! Best wishes and stay safe. Here's looking forward to a better year in 2022!

[@nesleinf]

Lovely documentary. As well as I have been following you since you bought your narrowboat, I have been following Jo and Michael on their whole journey around GB since they started. It has been a wonderfull trip and I am looking forward to be along with both you and Perserverance for the time to come in the future. Thank you - both teams - for some lovely moments. Your biggest danish fan (I think) 🤣

[@kevinbarry3380]

What an achievement and great memories. Lovely to see some more canal cruising too!! Great.

[@antoniooto6601]

Thanks for sharing this momentous day. And, congrats to your canal mates.

[@JustMe-pp8mn]

David, thank you for sharing their story. While some wouldn't consider it an accomplish, it is a high point in your life. I am happy and envious of them for their accomplishment. Belated happy holidays to you.

[@stephenrhughes]

Great to see the community turn out for these guys. Great video as always.

[@meanqueensuperscrimper8908]

A smashing video. I loved that the boating community all came together to lend a hand and show their support. ilona

[@borderreiver90]

What an amazing journey they have done and showed us parts we might never get to see......

[@janetcreasman6441]

Thanks David!

[@johngregory662]

That was a great achievement on their part. Good video. Live confidently and peacefully

[@mikethomas2138]

It seemed appropriate to watch this again today. Glad I did. I’ve seen two excellent views of the same event this afternoon.

[@franadams6389]

Me too! 😄👍 a great record of the last journey 😥

[@hughcarson6837]

Good to see you posting again. All the best for 2022. Stay safe and well.

[@andyrbush]

It’s truly great to see you taking us around others boaters. Thank you

[@sbnsbaker1]

Hahaha......When I first glanced at your Thumbnail comment, I thought it said "Mile High Club". And your channel suddenly became soooo interesting!!!!!!

[@bwcbiz]

One of the more unique KZbin meet-and-greets. Could only be done with a canal boat.

[@Rovinman]

What an EPIC journey ! So nice of so many followers, to follow them to the end ! I'm sure there will be more after the Refit ! Thanks for producing this Vlog David, in your own inimitable style. Stu xx

[@Zwillix]

What a nice little movie. Thank you, David. Please more of that! And congratulations to Mike & Joe.

[@syhelios3618]

That's so great. I really like the ending remark about all places being at least worth seeing 🙂

[@craigw.scribner6490]

Thanks for another great video! The only thing missing, David, is one of your legendary hand-drawn maps, this time of their "huge, wiggly route around the country." Thanks again and keep up the great work!

[@glencrandall7051]

The whole 2000 miles. WOW. If I were 20 years younger. Thank you for sharing. Have a great 2022.

[@darrenthompson6115]

Brilliant... what an achievement... 😊

[@howdymartin6258]

Great video and well done Perseverance - Ive walked a lot of the Grand Union these past two years and last year (about the same time as you) my walk included the Northampton Arm. It's strange walking "under" the M1 and whoever designed those up/down inclines must be a friend of Chris Bonington. Great video, great channel (or should that be "cut") - love the videos and your great sense of humour. Keep up the good work.

[@paulherbst752]

What a wonderful journey.

[@ThePhrenchen]

what a great win-win idea to come up with: inviting viewers to help at that 17-lock marathon! :) enjoying your videos as usual - keep it up! :)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Jesuscares7680]

Okay so be honest now people.. How many of you read this as The Mile High Club to begin with ?? and then had to reread it..

[@garrettswoodworx1873]

I'll admit it! I did. ;)

[@donotwantahandle1111]

Yes. Or something similar.

[@kertmustapha2367]

Congratulations to Jo and Michael and of course George for getting this done and a big thanks for taking us along for the ride.

[@philipwinter8729]

Thanks you doing this as I don't think that Jo & Michael have quite got round to doing their own record of the moment yet. So pleased that that many viewers turned up to celebrate the moment with them.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Haha no they're a long way behind in their cruising videos. I did ask their permission to post this before them!

[@isobelchapman9548]

Wow that’s some vlog. I do miss you cruising David, whether be on land in your van or on the canals but you’re bringing us some lovely vlogs of other very interesting canal happenings, so thank you, will now subscribe to Jo and Michael’s channel, thanks for the link.

[@marksaunders4149]

Great vlog and an incredible feat

[@MrSheckstr]

There needs to be some sort of displayable symbol that one shows when they have accomplished this. Much like the clean sweep in baseball and submarine warfare, or shooting ones hat off the catapult on a carrier …. Perhaps a flag with a Möbius strip canal on it?

[@bethp1530]

Well done...what a fitting triubute to such a lovely couple and their adventure. Here's to more from all three of you !!

[@JoeNaz888]

Greetings from Texas. 👋 This looks like fun to me. Thank you for sharing

[@stilcrazychris]

David that's why they took you along to open those 17 lockes...... lol..... I like Michael & Jo, they seam to be very nice. Looks like there subscribes like them to, helping then through those locks. Very peaceful ride for me bc I didn't have to lift a finger except to write this comment, 😅. Y'all have a wonderful day, be safe, & God bless, Chris from Missouri Also CONGRATULATIONS ON COMPLETING 2,000 MILES OF BOATING MICHAEL & JO & yes we can not forget about their fur baby George.

[@RichardBriggsLeanSoftware]

Such an amazing achievement, I was so lucky to have met them on the Leeds and Liverpool, hope again one day

[@leonlowe]

Two of Michael's three top canal experiences I viewed right here! The third I viewed after sticking with them after the Wash crossing. Thanks for commerating the conclusion of their epic voyage. A really delightful couple and a joyful dog! They've given us a lot of wonderful videos and while I'll maybe not view them all, I will enjoy some of their adventures pre-Wash. I shall be looking to do the Kennet and Avon cruises after they've posted the last of their series. I understand they are planning to sell Perseverance. Maybe some museum should buy it?

[@simon4525]

Wonderful both, well done.

[@kimpulsipher647]

Thank you for another great video. Congratulations to the Perseverance!