277. Narrowboat cruising up a creek in Cambridgeshire

This is the third and final part of my cruise along the Middle Level Navigations across the Cambridgeshire Fens on a borrowed narrowboat, in which I go up Well Creek.
Part 1: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6fRnHybgtGqhbs
Part 2: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYq2fpuQpNCSb7c
Start point: goo.gl/maps/WFrHRDbGjDZgFmuf8
Furthest point: goo.gl/maps/YXBJdAhEBnAkyVKC9
End point: goo.gl/maps/hCakZiwjWEYXhbrQA
Info about the Middle Level Navigations
waterways.org.uk/waterways/discover-the-waterways/middle-level-navigations
middlelevel.gov.uk/navigation/
If you have enjoyed the video, a tip can be left via
www.ko-fi.com/davidjohns
or www.patreon.com/CruisingTheCut
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Info
Q&A: www.CruisingTheCut.co.uk/f-a-q/
Filming Gear: www.CruisingTheCut.co.uk/gear/
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Theme music: "Vespers" by Topher Mohr and Alex Alena, from the KZbin music library
#narrowboat #canal #cruisingthecut #rivers #offgrid #liveaboard

[@lmcburney]

Question: has anyone tried using a cordless drill in place of a windless to open or close paddles? We don’t boat so perhaps it’s a crazy idea.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Not a good idea as it could damage the paddle gear when it reaches the end stops and comes to an abrupt halt

[@Simon_Nonymous]

@@CruisingTheCut similar to using a cordless drill on caravan steadies (unless you have a torque limiter on it and know how to set it at the right level?)

[@LongPeter]

Those paddles appear to be hydraulic. Pretty big rams - no wonder it takes so many turns.

[@misamsung6191]

@@Simon_Nonymous I would think that if you set it to its lowest setting and keep notching it one setting until the drill starts to move the gears you should have the right setting. Just a regular cordless drill with the torque ring and not a cordless hammer drill.

[@misamsung6191]

I thought about that too and came to the determination that for the gates that have the older style ratchet paddles you'd need a strong drill which could damage the mechanism. BUT for the mechanism that David showed here with the multi-turn paddles a cordless drill with the right bit in the chuck should work a treat. BUT the torque setting would have to be kept low.

[@davidpiper3652]

From someone who does not have a narrowboat: you do make the best narrowboat videos!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Haha cheers David

[@1geckobros63]

still the best narrowboat channel on yt

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you

[@billwatkins8227]

Really really really miss these travel videos. Just like old times.

[@lindahazlewood936]

I always enjoy another cruise in England.. everything looks so beautiful.. picturesque.. clean.. tidy.. Soothing.. with so much madness and mayhem in the world.. these cruises are so comforting and calming.. keep on keeping on…👍🙃🦘👏

[@marilynkirby-roach187]

Watching these last few cruising videos makes me realize how much I miss your regular narrowboat vlog. But you’ve been very faithful to give us regular content and for that I’m thankful.

[@stevenflebbe]

Thank you for an enjoyable trip. 🙂

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you for watching!

[@MrPecksniff]

Great video David and it's nice to see the Fen waterways get some airtime. As a Wisbech boy born and raised, it's such a shame that the canal got filled in beyond Outwell. The house I grew up in would have had it running at the bottom of the garden such as those in March. How lovely that could have been.

[@TheShootist]

of all the words of tongue and pen, the saddest are, what might have been. I feel you.

[@presspound7358]

A Good stretch of weather is undoubtedly a Narrowboater’s “best friend”. Thanks for all the work that you invest in these travelogues. Many … are the journeys not taken in life. You enable us to venture out and about and we appreciate you for it. Cheers 🥂 🇨🇦

[@elizaonthemountain3464]

Swords and cannons, white-knuckle turns 😉 it's all much more than I bargained for. Lovely journey, thank you.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@danhoppy5517]

Wonderful trilogy. Most of us who watch narrowboat channels will see the same bits of the canals, albeit in different seasons, but I can honestly say that these cuttings are new to me!

[@paulmurphy5648]

Oh, Dave, I have missed these vlogs.....Please do keep them coming. If we don't speak before......Merry Christmas!!!!!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks, you too!

[@Suilebheinn]

I love the Fenland Waterways. I know the canals are prettier, and I'm very enamoured of the Lancashire/Yorkshire canals, but there's just something about the fenlands. The skies are so huge against the flatlands, and it's so quiet ~ there are few boats ~ you feel you're in a different age. Ely is a favourite, and stops at Cambridge, St Ives and beyond is a lovely route ~ and a widebeam is viable. Then there's all the deserted lodes, small drainage dikes and meandering the Great Ouse. I wish they would make more mooring ~ only I don't want others to know about it. There's nowhere quite like it on the waterways. I think I must have webbed feet! Thank you for these. A much appreciated escape from the freezing cold of this winter.

[@mark3863]

Ah 😌, after a hectic day your video is the best calming medicine, although the wine also helped.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Hahahahaha cheers!

[@JayFude]

Works good to start my day too. Gets me off to work in the right frame of mind for tedious trucking.

[@_DENZEL_]

Nothing like a CruisingTheCut intro to get some dopamine pumping. You Legend!

[@chuckwallalv]

I love your vlogs. Beautiful images, very informative, and funny! I also appreciate the fact that you are filming the scenery and narrating without having your face in every single shot like some other vlogs.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you

[@zachory1234]

If I ever leave the states I'd love to plan a vacation where I could see these little boats these look so neat

[@paulmcmanus6222]

My thoughts as well. Shortly after I started watching these videos I found a narrow boat for sale. Thought real strongly about it. Then, remembered that the Locks in Oregon City were decommissioned curtailing any excursions south of there.

[@troyw8338]

Plan your trip all out, then when your able set the time and go. Lifes short" get on with it. 😊 I promise you will love every minute in England.

[@BohemianBeatster]

Always nice to see you back on the canal waterways, narrow boating. Your narration is always superb.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Many thanks!

[@Project_Servotopia]

Now I have these mental images of David cackling like a maniac while opening the throttle all the way up to 4 mph like he was playing the narrowboat version of "Grand Theft Auto..." along with the fisherman waving his fist and complaining loudly about all the "darn kids" flying by on the canals... 🤣 Wonderful throwback to the old cruising vids of yore. Thanks for sharing!

[@shirleylynch7529]

Beautiful relaxing idyllic cruise. Thank you. Most enjoyable

[@grayfool]

Nice. More good memories for me. We lived on the sixteen foot bank at Stonea for about five years so this really was a journey back in time for me. You're right about cars falling off the road, two went in to the sixteen foot while we lived there. It makes for a rather White knuckle drive at night or in freezing weather!

[@allaurence1092]

Interesting vlog, keep up the good work.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you!

[@TodHegstrom]

So glad to have cruising periodically!

[@johnlong3214]

Enjoyed every minute, thank you for taking us along.👍

[@garycowan7445]

Still the best sir, very enjoyable Thank you

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you too!

[@RobMartin1ds]

Another super charged rampage down the canals accentuated by the Heron, Geese and other onlookers adding to the serenity. Sigh..... love it!

[@billvs6505]

Love your videos. So calming and informative.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you so much!

[@SamSitar]

@@CruisingTheCut good way to relax on a cool day.

[@jab9694]

We loved that sunflower and were happy to see you master that tricky turn on the way back! Thanks for sharing!

[@Revenant_Knight]

Watching these gives me a sense of calm. Rewatching them on Netflix / Prime has been fun. I love the clear water compared to the canals. Actually, this is by far the nicest areas that you have cruised.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you. Bear in mind that anything from 2020 onwards is on KZbin only (and where Prime ended is equal to approx vlog 201 here)

[@willsumnall3499]

What a welcome diversion from war, inflation and the energy crisis. Thank you.

[@Dstew57A]

So happy to see you back on the cut.

[@esiebert7625]

Man these bring back some fond old memories, I started watching your cruising videos about 5 years ago, you totally have to borrow more narrowboats and keep making these, cheerio😎

[@rm55555]

Really love these videos, if only we could see more of them! Unlike many KZbinrs who point the camera at their faces for much of the video, your content is always informative, insightful and gives a real sense of being there. I lived on the cut for nearly 5 years but still learn a lot from your videos. We will continue to feature your videos on Canal World for our members to see and enjoy. Thanks again!

[@cbhlde]

Great to see you jollying the Cut!:)

[@frankquevedo3453]

Always a pleasure watching, and listening to your narration as you cruise along in a narrow boat. Cheers & all the best!

[@hamshackleton]

I'm listening to the lashing rain - following a big thunderstorm, as you chug along in the sunshine!

[@vernonthompson7695]

G'day David I enjoy your blogs very much. Living in Arizona, USA, and not having anything remotely like your canals, I find myself somewhat envious. As you see by my Avatar, you'll guess that I was once a Commonwealther from "Down Under." Since 1988, I had a deep desire to vote and thus, became a US Citizen. I haven't always had the fruits of my voting become the norm. Retired now and living on 37 acres, I find your vlogs enjoyable indeed Looking forward to seeing your next iteration of a narrow-boat. Good luck. Vernon.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks Vernon

[@folkblues4u]

It's truly astounding how - even at such slow speeds - such precision and forethought is needed to navigate such a thin, yet very heavy and long boat through these narrow waterways. One could argue that it takes more effort than even most sea-going craft... It reminds me of the game "operation" - where you're trying to maneuver these pieces (only barely smaller than their holes) out without touching the sides!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Haha very similar!

[@SnabbKassa]

You'd drive slowly if you had no brakes and the only way to slow was to use reverse

[@DB-thats-me]

@@SnabbKassa, I thought that’s what the bank, or on-coming traffic, was for! 😱😂

[@urbanrider429]

Think I can speak for all your subscribers when I say we do miss you on your boat

[@garywilson3183]

I really like seeing your drone's perspective of the canals

[@SinisterMD]

To be honest...I think the addition of broadswords and cannon fire would be a lovely addition to the channel. At least I don't think anyone else is doing it...yet. :)

[@CruisingTheCut]

🤣🤣

[@Onemattressatatime]

I don’t realize it but I always look forward to your shows . great job again thank you

[@sheyleendarling1651]

that gave me such a laugh when you were using the windless in slow motion and stated "another thousand turns of the windless laterrr..." lol. no joke it seemed like a thousand times

[@emmellj7133]

Thank you for sharing. Nice with a calm narrowboat tour this wednesday evening.

[@myhillslife27]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video! It was like a classic David video. Thankyou and the bonus was you had your Funny Pants on LOL😂

[@andrewstrathdee1469]

What a fascinating three videos, David, great to see you back cruising because you always giver such a good picture of the countryside through which you pass. This was really an interesting trip "off canal"' and I hope to see more over time! Thank you! Look forward to your next adventure. A.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Many thanks!

[@horstszibulski19]

The lock with the bywash and the 90° bend...handled like a pro... 👍👍👍 With the sharp bends and the low bridges and no tow path alongside, you could really tell that these waterways wern't made for boating... Thx for showing! 🛳

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks 👍

[@maryjnorwood3962]

The dread pirate David duking it out for dock space! Great video! 💕💕💕😎

[@grenvillephillips6998]

Captain Bywash tackles the watery world of the English prairies, harassed by Quixotic giants which march across the landscape. Fear not, our knight errant returned unscathed, to once again sweetly dream of his enchanted Dulcinea del Toboso.

[@Debba521]

Well done! I couldn't believe how much effort was required to get through that lock, I'm surprised your poor arms didn't fall off! A pretty trip to be sure and glad it all went off without a hitch. Thanks for sharing!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you very much!

[@Tom-ih8gr]

Static houseboat. Interest peaked, looks like another episode of ‘looking over someone else’s boat’ is in order!

[@WimJilf]

Farmers and fishermen. What can you do?!? Another super vid thanks David - excellent work 👍🏼

[@jw4620]

Walking speed or less, and still always an adventure. Thanks!

[@rickkearn7100]

Masterful steering of that narrowboat, David. You're an "old hat". Charming adventure this. Wanted to comment, there is no substitute for engaging and expert narrative. I have seen many excellently filmed vlogs where the narrative is so bad and less than amateurish that the experience is ruined for the viewer. One never need worry about that with your posts, it's an integral component of what makes them so enjoyable. You are truly top shelf! There it is. My shameless, gushing shout-out for arguably one of the best vlogs on YT ever. Thoroughly enjoyed this odyssey. Cheers.

[@CruisingTheCut]

That is so very kind indeed, thank you! :-)

[@oldsteam3618]

Thank you, David, for the end of the summer CruisingTheCut.Cruise very nice of you. Cheerio .

[@lorencolt]

A Freaking GLASSTRON. 007's boat! No doubt made in North Carolina. Not sure but in that movie it set the Guinness world record for the longest boat jump. Sadly that factory is now a poly pipe plant that my son just set up a new production line in. But not to worry I have 3 Glasstrons setting in my hoop shed.

[@paulhoughton5266]

A very nice chill out watch on a damp Wednesday night

[@philkeyes3004]

If you haven't read it already, I heartily recommend "the Nine Taylors" by Dorothy Sayers. It's a Lord Peter Whimsey mystery, set in the Fens, and is also a great introduction to that other quintessential English pastime (besides narrowboats) of change ringing! Thanks for bring us along on your journey!

[@ScholarGypsyOx]

I think Christchurch (where she was brought up) was on one of the signposts on this video,. You can certainly see it from the boat at Outwell.

[@frankquevedo3453]

Or read; THE SWALLOWS & AMAZON'S books. Just as fun! Far less blood n gore ; - )

[@obsydium]

Thank you for sharing this trip, it’s been great to join you on a cruise again.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@barbarataylor1535]

Nice to hear you on the cut David, love it, thank you

[@SamSitar]

a narrowboat cannon fight would fun to watch.

[@user-mikie]

This was the best of the series David I really enjoyed this travel log and commentary.

[@egrainger48]

A complete delight to go cruising with you again, David. Many thanks to you very kind hosts.

[@Tex1947]

Thoroughly enjoyed your trip and actually found myself wanting to duck my head at those low bridges. Well done, David.

[@66squeaky]

I really enjoyed this, thanks.

[@andrewpoloni4197]

No matter where you go on the canal network I am always amazed by the beauty of the English countryside. It's truly a treasure that I hope gets preserved for others to enjoy. I can understand why so many enjoy living on narrowboats and traveling the country (and Wales) via the network.

[@willar7179]

Those low bridges on your canals always make me think of the song we learn as school children in the States. Here, with apologies in case of copyright, is the first verse and the chorus. “I've got an old mule and her name is Sal Fifteen years on the Erie Canal She's a good old worker and a good old pal Fifteen years on the Erie Canal We've hauled some barges in our day Filled with lumber, coal, and hay And every inch of the way we know From Albany to Buffalo Chorus: Low bridge, everybody down Low bridge for we're coming to a town And you'll always know your neighbor And you'll always know your pal If you've ever navigated on the Erie Canal”

[@214rwoz]

Thank you for all your time and effort.

[@mattevans-koch9353]

Thank you David for the relaxing Wednesday evening canal voyage. Very relaxing and soothing.

[@markattardo]

That completed a fun trip! Really enjoyed every minute.

[@minb1217]

A great finish to what looked like a lovely holiday. I’m still freaking over those bridges though!

[@janetcreasman6441]

Thanks for a wonderful jaunt David!

[@smilysun8358]

Oh my what is not to love of these vlogs….Thank you!

[@TravelPhuket]

I miss these very much….they are calming zen to me.

[@joparkinson6867]

Even 50 yrs later, the backwash thing reminds me of a quite terrifying experience, steering a cabin cruiser against a mill race on the River Ouse. It must have been raining a lot or something, I didn't remember there being any noticeable current there before - somewhere near the Offords I think, and was caught unawares. To make it worse, I was 7 months pregnant - I thought I would go into precipitate labour with the effort and stress. It was fine, and the baby waited and arrived on her due date.

[@matthewlambert1371]

jve so missed your journeys on the canals so imagine my joy at finding this one ! brilliant. made my sunday cheers

[@MrFQL]

Your work is, as always, a cut way above the boating videos that are being made these days. Your camera work is delightful, I can understand every word you say, and it all makes sense. I miss the old "boattubers" that met for dinner at the Admiral Nelson. Oh, and thanks for the brief view of Cath and Anna on your camper van channel. It was good to see them if only briefly.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you. Yes, it was lovely to catch up with them and see their house.

[@artlife6210]

you smart man you, you finally learned its best to have a friend with a boat instead of a boat cheers!!🙂

[@stephenhayes6133]

You do great holding the camera and steering at the same time, and thank you for another great video.

[@anthonyveal7167]

Oh it is great to be on the cut with you again !

[@layalabi1667]

A lovely trip! Thanks!

[@bobnewey2233]

I've enjoyed your videos of the Middle Levels. They are the only part of the country I haven't taken my narrowboat on because I've always perceived them to be boring and monotonous ditches with not a lot to see except for a few nice villages. Thanks for confirming this with your videos, and I think I will stick to the normal canals and rivers.

[@peterelsegood2700]

Gods own country, if you’re local.

[@AlongtheRiverLife]

I loved watching this entire video series! Great Job!

[@tomokra]

this series was good fun, thanks David.

[@tweaker1968]

Very enjoyable!

[@EBaker0129]

Glad to see you back out on the water!!

[@craigrschulz]

Delightful trip David! Thank you. God bless you!

[@Richardj410]

Thank you sir, always enjoyable.

[@bernadettec6386]

Thank you , most enjoyable.

[@marionjohansson4235]

Enjoyed that so much

[@miked1765]

Very enjoyable, as always.

[@Matthew.L]

Love the crusing vlogs!

[@Smannellites]

Great series. Thanks, I enjoyed watching them.

[@ToddTalksTech]

For those who thought David selling the boat would make Cruising the Cut go down the drain... you now stand corrected! Ye of little faith. Pass the cheese sandwiches please..

[@CruisingTheCut]

Hi, please see this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4e4qmiuZrppjq8

[@blitz9431]

And cup of tea

[@Motorhomelife_Adventures]

Lovely video as always, many thanks for taking the time to create these lovely videos!

[@markwhitcher2138]

Always a great trip

[@sharonbogard7720]

I so enjoy this type of vid. Thanks for taking us along.

[@carolleenkelmann4751]

It's been a delightful tour of these Midland ...Ditches. Seems unfair to call them that. Thankyou David, for sharing. Wish I could do the same. and 😂 yes, endlessly journeying on like the Flying Dutchman. Oh, we are really quite the drama queen today, David, aren't we- I know. It's just your humour, which I do appreciate. Hope to see you back underway soon. Cherrio.

[@celiaty5814]

David the man who can "scurry"..had such a good chuckle!!😁 What generous folks to share their boat with you😊✌️ Look forward to your videos. Thanks.

[@crystaledelmann]

Thank you, David! I really enjoyed the trip. It's great to see you out on a narrowboat again!