222. A buttock-clenchingly tight squeeze on my narrowboat canal journey

#narrowboat #narrowboats #canal #canals #liveaboard #cruisingthecut
An episode in which, despite wind and rain, I boated on like a trooper to get from Otherton to Autherley, including the extremely narrow section that's barely wide enough for one boat just before you get to Autherley.
LHCRT video: • 187. The £40million ca...
Prior trip from Autherley to Stourport starts here: • 103. Going through Aut...
Start point: goo.gl/maps/tx4qpDsgaGo8g4er8
End point: goo.gl/maps/Q2MUqq7qsD5Ht3L87
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Theme music: "Vespers" by Topher Mohr and Alex Alena, from the KZbin music library

[@Darklor_WCF]

"Absolutely flooring it" = 6 MPH

[@CruisingTheCut]

Goodness no, the canal limit is 4mph ;-)

[@Darklor_WCF]

@@CruisingTheCut haha, glad to know you are not a speed demon then. I have really been enjoying the rich documentary style of your videos, please keep them coming!

[@D11Alpha]

As my father would say, "one thing we can always relay on in England, is the rain." Enjoy seeing your travels and the rain, too.

[@JG-nx3jg]

@Josh bicknell i prefer relay.

[@joewoodchuck3824]

Do you ever have droughts? Looks wonderful.

[@D11Alpha]

@Josh bicknell, Swype drives me nutz. Then again, I dont rally caress mucho. 😆

[@carycoombe3380]

"High stress" and "High drama", through the "Squishy bit". Your years of experience in exciting British journalism is showing. ;-)

[@thomastrout9997]

When you "floored" it I set my desk fan on high.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Hahahahaha excellent

[@hades4424]

Thanks youtube algorithm for the completely different suggestion that I watched more out of curiosity and now enjoyed 🤣

[@lewis72]

The urge to sing "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" is only ever a whim away.

[@maobfh]

a whim away, a whim away !

[@roboftherock]

Oh dear.

[@avibarr2751]

A-wimbawe A-wimbawe A-wimbawe...

[@becknjosh1]

This video is buttock-clenchingly British. A number of fine chaps are making narrowboat videos, but this is the most colorful I’ve seen. Like the James May of narrrowboats. Love it!

[@justreallybored6014]

"Note to self, conquer the world via Narrowboat. Security will never expect it!" Sorta like the Spanish Inquisition.

[@zapfanzapfan]

Our chief weapon is stealth, stealth and heron, our TWO weapons are... :-)

[@bigdickpornsuperstar]

"Nobody expects the Narrowboat Invasion!"

[@mrdelaney4440]

I'm sure the Mod has tried converting one into a mobile nuclear launching system just like the soviet Union done with trains.

[@carljohanrydberg357]

I still can't figure out why this is so fascinating, but it is...

[@monicalifornia_]

Was so relaxed on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, I fell asleep watching this. Does not reflect my interest level, just the beauty and peace of it all. 😬❤👍

[@timbettger]

In the North Country of New York State, USA, we often drove by the remains of locks from the all too brief glory days of the Erie, and it’s many fingers that once carried pig-iron, salt, coal, lumber, and textiles to exotic foreign ports, (like Buffalo and Syracuse. LOL.) Speeding along the interstate by these moss-covered cut-stone walls - still standing at attention to yet receive the next loaded narrow boat that would never come - I often felt a wistful longing. As if the distant memory of a life I never knew called me to alert to the shout of the mule team drover on the tow-path, to the next low bridge or coming series of locks . Thank you for making me sigh and smile with such vicarious satisfaction.

[@meridianx9020]

I love that you said 'blimey O'Reilly'. I thought I was the only left! 😄😄😄

[@grahamwestgate1192]

We keep our boat a little further south, at Austcliffe, so cruise trough those narrows fairly often, fun aren't they, especially if you meet another boat coming the other way! I believe it's a line of Marl clay, which as Dave Hutchins found when trying to construct Marlcliff lock, on the Avon, is very difficult to excavate, even using explosives!! It lines up with a couple of shorter narrows on the Shroppie, you may remember them? Incidentally, solo boater, poor weather conditions, slippery lock sides, NO LIFE JACKET!!?? I've recently started wearing one, even when my wife is aboard, at 70 the idea of stepping across at a narrow lock, slipping, banging my head and falling in has convinced me that after 60 years canaling, I want to survive another few years!!!! Very enjoyable vlog. Hope you enjoyed the return through the narrows!!

[@Cramduck]

Thanks, algorithm. All of my habits definitely point to this as my primary interest. very good.

[@pulltheotherone5035]

Yeah a lovely narrow boat cruise again....raining where I am as well.....but really enjoyed your little cruise through the English countryside....keeps my mind from wandering and settling on the Bizarro world we live in presently.....thanks once again....I am sure these videos are helping to keep me sane ....🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@cmalilaywhite]

I just clicked for "buttock-clenchingly" as any serious video with a title that includes these words is bound to be gold

[@JackalGB]

Usain Bolt you say? More like Insain Nut. I think I pulled a hamstring just watching you run. Haha! Love the videos, keep 'em coming David! :)

[@brianlopez8855]

I am not sure you realise what a public service your channel provides in times of stress for viewers, David. So relaxing and reassuring.

[@dorightal4965]

I thoroughly enjoy your narrations. It's been said that GB and the USA are two nations divided by a common language. You (and your fellow Brits) have such lovely ways to say the most common things. You always seem to manage a bit of dry humor in your commentary. Greatly appreciated!

[@rebeccafreeman1713]

Blimey O'Reilly! 🤣I'm gonna use that one! But I totally understand the anxiety of going alone through the locks. But so wonderfully green! Not so much here in Texas right now. Lol

[@thereissomecoolstuff]

"Touch Wood" English version "Knock on wood" North American Version. Touching wood would appear to be way more fun for everyone..

[@michaelpilling9659]

I'm now bnag up to date with your vlogs, having started 5 years ago with "How I came to buy a norrow boat" to No. 222 on 2nd. August 2020. What a fantstic journey and it's all thanks down to you David. A virtual adventure that I hope will continue for a long time to come

[@markb1487]

I've watched many many of these videos now, I don't know wether it's the scenery or the type of life that comes along with owning a narrow boat, but I've watched this journey and really really like it.. It helps that this gentleman is proper articulate, informed with a dry sense of humour.. Great Great video...

[@soundgroundermusic]

After discovering your channel and travelling at warp speed through your amazing number of adventures, a few weeks ago we found ourselves up to date. Ever since we found ourselves searching for more. But we realised you are not on any kind of slow down this is now reality and your out put is as is. We had moved forward four years or so in time which is a great escape tool from the nonsense going on around us so thank you so much there is obviously a lot of effort put into your productions which is much appreciated. We hope you never feel as if you have done that before or oh they have seen something like this or I said this or that before so I wont say it again etc. Each of your adventures is a different journey enjoyed by thousands look forward to the continuation. PS. perhaps the Bee was working a dance out on your boat when it stopped for a rest to tell its community, it didn't get splattered against a windscreen and that there is hope for humans, they do travel in a civilised way.

[@2LaneTraveler]

Have you checked out his other channels, especially Vandemonium?

[@RVgeeks]

That narrow bit looked as though you were boating through the woods, with no water. Very cool!

[@ws8061]

I'm American and I had no idea this was a thing but it seems really cool

[@cuzinevil1]

Just like our man, getting involved with flighty birds,finding himself in a bit of a tight spot and going all the way. My goodness what a glamours life you lead.

[@AllTiedUpFlyTyingSchool]

222, Herring, a bee, and a narrow boat on a narrow bit of canal. Thanks for another great vlog.

[@TinoDeBiaso]

KZbin algorithm really be hittin' sometime

[@dorsk84]

Touch wood, fingers crossed! Wink, Wink! Nudge, nudge! Know what I mean? Know what I mean.

[@bryanbadger6841]

G'day David. What a peaceful video to watch in this mad crazy time we're all experiencing. Thanks for the time and effort you put into the production of these videos. Speaking for me, i do appreciate it. Take care.

[@SGTDuckButter]

I think you must be one of the luckiest guys in the world, what a sweet life. And your humor is spot on, entertaining,.

[@michael7324]

I just stumbled upon your channel and have to say I love it. Not a lifestyle found in the US but I can watch your videos for days. Thank you.

[@susanmarker2164]

Oh. The mystery.....I almost can't bear it....leaving us,all at the precipice....on the edge of tomorrow...😊

[@jennybailey6842]

Well done for going through that narrow bit, I was leaning forward willing you to get through quickly! 😂

[@stephenlittle7534]

I often go and see your quite bit sitting in my chair with a pot of tea. Lovely 😊. Let the world go by. And stress come of your being. It's wonderful feeling. 😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@ClarissaASCope]

it's crazy how soothing this is.

[@eviltruckie2515]

Love the way you reply to all queries that certainly improves knowledge about this wonderful life like I said before if I won a lotto will spend all my millions while cruising the cut.......

[@IstasPumaNevada]

I'm always happy to see a video about buttock-clenching in my youtube subscriptions.

[@Matelot123]

Can't think why this man isn't on mainstream telly with a longer programme. Far more entertaining than those annoying "celebrity barging" programmes.

[@mbr5742]

Basically the Bob Ross of narrowboating. And here we have a happy little lock...

[@CruisingTheCut]

Ah, the BBC signed up Robbie and he's doing a fantastic job for them.

[@carolehayden8566]

You have a dry wit that I thoroughly enjoy. I'm new here and have subscribed. Never heard of narrow boats until a couple few weeks ago and now I'm besotted. We don't have the like in California. We have an ocean, but are light on the canals. Thanks for the narration and allowing me to share the beauty and tranquility.

[@mrc1539]

carole Hayden , We have lots of canals here in California they just won’t let us put boats on them 😉 !

[@joerogers4227]

I would love a trip on one of these Narrow boat. Great Briton has done a excellent job preserving the canals. AT one point of the U.S.A history in the midwest we had canals also. I have relatives that lived in Roscoe, Ohio a canal town in history, It all started with the Erie Canal and in the 1830's and 1840's canals were all over the State of Ohio. But Railroads soon took over and many canals's only turned into Garbage Dumps. Only if I could visit GB for 6 months and tour on the narrow boats. My dream vacation if I win the Lottery. I would also enjoy Ham radio too.

[@lewis72]

That was an Autherley good video to watch.

[@371508129]

I just love the way you phrase your words. So very British.

[@ianmiller1879]

this is like watching the last of the summer wine on a sunday, so so chilled out, love it.

[@Jusoon]

Thank you for posting this. I really needed a nice, peaceful break and this was it!

[@resolute492]

wow the views have tripled while I read comments for half an hour. Great for David. Viewers let the ad's play out fully as our gracious narrowboat host will benefit.

[@carolleenkelmann4751]

What a beautiful Vlog today. So...Narrow-boaty. Did you know, those Bumble-bees on cold, wet days need a lot more energy /as all bees do) and they can only get that from nectar-producing flowers.(Like all bees, big or small.) Not all flowers produce nectar. That is why we should be encouraged to plants special nectar producing flowering plants and trees. I do hope the B-B found it's way home again. Just imagine if that sign on the bridge to Autherely had been vandalized and there was a "not" before the "This way to.." that had been erased.

[@risvegliato]

Great video! Am enjoying going through your 'back catalogue' at the moment. I live not too far from that narrow bit - its known locally as the Rockin. It was dug through solid rock at the summit there before the age of explosives with just navvies with pickaxes, so I suppose they just removed the minimum amount of material necessary to make a navigable cut!

[@CruisingTheCut]

I don't envy them!

[@philipwinter8729]

Thanks. I was wondering why it was so narrow!

[@leonlowe]

At my age, I don't have many stresses but your videos provide a wonderfully relaxing diversion from my daily routine. I felt no drama during your "buttock-clenchingly" squeeze approaching Autherley! I was disappointed when you turned the boat, though I'm sure there will be something good after you retrace today's cruise route.

[@nairbvel]

A narrowboat that's towing a small boat that's carrying a kayak.... the ultimate "belt *and* suspenders" system!

[@MrMurrayA]

NZ T shirt noted. Well done!

[@joyeyoder4783]

Loved the color commentary for this video. You are very entertaining. Thanks for sharing.

[@mikeu5380]

Hi from Japan, David-san. Sure wish we had such things "canal-wise" here in Japan... There was a time when most of the rivers here were navigable and used for commerce. But the 20th century brought the construction technology and know-how needed to regulate the waterways so as to curtail flooding that annually devastated the river towns. Alas, the motorways have taken over... Never mind-- Things could be worse than being left with your excellent series in which to experience the canal life, albeit vicariously!

[@artistjoh]

M Khonger Some places, like Japan and New Zealand are too mountainous to make it easy to build long distance canals. However, your beautiful Japan has many other things that other places might wish they could have :)

[@amphihill]

Another great vid CTC. Keep them coming, this is my therapy during COVID 19..... Cheers from Michigan USA.

[@SicilianStealth]

From 1968-1994 we vacationed Lake Winnipesaukee in Wolfeboro New Hampshire. A 29 mile long lake with white caps in the main lake coves and quiet places were abound. I was 8. I'm 60 now. I miss it so much.

[@philipschrantz8402]

To quote an old sailing friend, ”There is no bad weather. Just bad clothing.”

[@fokker34]

Your channel is my happy place. I never knew the UK had such canals until recently, and am catching up on all your adventures. Thanks for sharing!

[@TheFogLakeshore]

David, you have considered it no doubt, but you still have no idea how much we look forward to these positive videos during these times. Signed: An American.

[@millomweb]

Worth a note to say his vids aren't alone in that. For the animal lovers, I_am_Puma and michael jamison channels are notably soothing.

[@curtbonnell4308]

You must be thrilled when a walker offers to open/close the locks for you. That was a beautiful canal up until that VERY narrow section.

[@avibarr2751]

I just discovered that New York State (where I live in America) has a bunch of canals. I knew about the Erie Canal (a series of rivers connecting the Hudson River/NYC to the Great lakes, with the occasional stretch of canal where the rivers are not navigable) and today I discovered the Champlain Canal, which is a more proper canal linking the Hudson River to Lake Champlain. Given that you aren’t from here, I don’t know how much of that made any sense. Oh well

[@79RockShox]

Never been interested in narrow boating, but I think the slowlife on the water is probably quite good for your soul, thanks for posting, I'll be sure to watch more. :)

[@walleye364]

The other day I was loading a semi Trailer at work. I was imagining that it was about as wide as a Narrow Boat. and length. In a moment of folly I was imagining putting a couch and stove inside with a bed, then attaching a motor on the back of the trailer and having myself a cheap version or a Narrow Boat.. Of course I realized that would be a stupid idea but funny.

[@mfbfreak]

It would make one hell of a nice mobile home!

[@jerrystewart796]

Really enjoyed it as always; especially when the "hooligan" in you came out and you were screaming down that narrow portion. Thanks for another look at your country. Enjoying it here in central Texas.

[@skippyjones2077]

Hello David what a wonderful cruise Thank you for sharing.. Did you ever think of starting a KZbin channel on Reading Books even like children Books Because your voice is perfect for that just my opinion..🙏☮️👍

[@sidneybowerman558]

Today is my birthday and this video has made up for a non existing cake.

[@ObamaoZedong]

Happy revolution around the colossal nuclear reactor in the sky!

[@bossyjoyce3711]

Happy Birthday!

[@sidneybowerman558]

@@bossyjoyce3711 Thanks, and I bet you're not at all bossy.

[@sidneybowerman558]

@@ObamaoZedong Thanks.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Happy Birthday!

[@ccooper8785]

Better than the buttock-clenchingly tight squeeze I now have trying to get my post-lockdown backside into my work trousers...

[@roberthayward9299]

Another great, relaxing vlog David. Thanks. I've been recently immersed (mmm possibly not the best boaty verb...) in another boating vlog. It's thanks to you and my childrens' interest in narrow boats, that I've developed my own interest in boating. This other vlog is largely narrated by another Aussie so I confess to more than a little nationalistic bias here... This other vlog is called SAILING into FREEDOM and if you're not attracted by self depreciating, occasionally earthy Aussie humour, DON'T WATCH IT! The captain/narrator pretends to be dim witted on occasions but the reality is he's a double degree qualified engineer. I really like his laid back but precisely accurate descriptions of his boat maintenance and sailcraft. As a (retired) science master, I just love technically accurate but simply presented descriptions. I do recommend SAILING into FREEDOM to anyone who enjoys no frills descriptions of how things get done. Cheers David. I always enjoy your videos and I loved this latest one.

[@OverlandCO]

I'm from San Diego, CA and boy do I love watching your videos. Really well put together and each one takes me on a journey of your lifestyle.

[@Dmate89]

David, oh dear, you did not say cheerio

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cherio!

[@Dmate89]

@@CruisingTheCut now my video-experience is complete, thank you :) Cherio

[@kenlynch6332]

Always a pleasure cruising with you, listening to the narrative and enjoying the scenery. ⛴ ⛴ ⛴ ⛴ ⛴

[@interspeciesfamily8043]

Adorable way of speak8ng. Just so satisfying. Could listen forever.

[@celiaty5814]

(Arkansas fan) Every video is so cool and wonderful to watch. Thanks David. 😊

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you

[@saran.4001]

Had to laugh at 8:42 with the pronunciation of Birmingham. Birmingham Alabama here, was named after your same UK city, by English settlers in 1871. Only we pronounce it Bur Ming Haayyumm. Of course, yours is the original, it was just funny to hear the differences in speech.

[@Deebz270]

Oh yeah... And Eding'borrow... Which is quite easy - if you can remember Edin-burr (up the arse). Although Scar'borrow is closer in pronounciation. Yanks just can't get their heads (or tongues) around the legacy of the Norman invasion. Much like English speakers trying to get their tongues around speaking Russian (or vice-versa...), although that is more understandable.

[@steveblackwe11]

G’day from Down Under. We stumbled on your vlogs back in April and have just caught up. We love them and your presentation style perfectly matches the tranquil setting. Looking forward to many more.

[@Renovator26]

Very nice. I often think if I was at the controls during one of those idyllic tranquil stretches, I would wonder if all (this) is an illusion - a sort of parallel universe that doesn't actually exist and I will soon be back in the land of motorways, sirens, crowded semi-detached or terraced houses, a five-day week cubicle somewhere in Woking, and multiple takeaway places that smell of curry and fried everything. You made the right choice David, and you have earned the right to be a teeny bit smug. Enjoy your freedom. John, Ontario, Canada.

[@CruisingTheCut]

It always feels like that when I have to go to the shops etc

[@Renovator26]

@@CruisingTheCut Oddly Enough, I'm beginning to look back on the lockdown days as the "good old days" - I'm a senior with a four-wheel electric scooter and I was able to access the beautiful trails around Georgian Bay and have it all to myself. All the usual tourist traps were closed: boat rental, golf courses, hotels, and the hordes of people from Toronto Selfish of me I know, but it reminds me of the beginning of the Second World War when I was just 13, Petrol was rationed and cars vanished. I could cycle for miles and not see a soul. Now I find myself irritated at tripping over crowds (most not wearing masks) and accepting that I'm a cantankerous old bugger!. John, Ontario, Canada.

[@danieltaylor5231]

A heron that didn't fly away? Suspicious. Perhaps he's keeping tabs on you for the lock gate nudging incident? 🤔

[@contrafax]

Birds aren't real!!!😆😆😆

[@duncanwallace7760]

I was expecting Gandalf on the other boat to say, 'you shall not pass'!

[@frankfreeman1444]

So good to have cruising videos from you again. I watch them all several times!

[@JadedMinx]

Love these videos, especially the parts with the flora and trees covering both sides. It's like a feeling of another older world~

[@alex-E7WHU]

Picking the really big blackberries that overhung the water that the folk on the towpath can't reach.. Lovely. 👍

[@Biscuitchris7again]

12:05 "Flooring it." _Whoa!! Slow down, Maurice._ ~Gaston

[@stanlibuda96]

Ah, a new video by you. Always a welcome pleasure, I still don't exactly know how you do it but they are really special, with a certain feel, calming yet full of mild suspence, gentle but not sentimental or kitschy. Great work. Thanks from germany

[@paul-hu4pz]

Thanks, David I really enjoyed that video with a nice cup of tea and a cheese sandwich and malted milk biscuits. To our American friend's cookies.

[@PeterComputerino]

This is the most british thing I've watched all year

[@richardavery3497]

Your wry and dry humour is an absolute delight. Came across this channel a few weeks or so ago and was so entertained that I have gone right back to No 1 and now made it to 222. It looks like great fun; I wonder if a fit and agile 71-year old could solo a narrowboat - perhaps one a bit shorter than yours?

[@CruisingTheCut]

Yes, if fit and agile it should be fine. Not even a shorter boat, necessarily.

[@annespeir1146]

Love your tee shirt .. and love your videos, such a pleasant way to discover England. Thanks from Auckland

[@bahamasking2063]

That narrow junction really puts the narrow into narrow canal boating.

[@petesmowerrepair]

Another cool video ! Never disappointed ! Thanks ! 👍👍👍🇺🇸

[@bruceharrison8889]

Just love the tee shirt ... wish we had narrow boats in NZ. Great show.

[@stephenfox966]

Maybe you should get a pet woofer dog to keep you company on your boat.There are a lot of helpful people around the locks of England I am sure.

[@christinehunter9867]

A very enjoyable vlog, I breathed in as you went hell for leather through the narrow bit 🤣🤣🤣😆😆😆Stay safe x

[@allanrichts7620]

At a rate of knots, you where going

[@Annubus01]

Just wanted to say thank you for making these videos! I sometime watch the your Slow TV videos in VR. This allows me to view them on a giant VR screen that fills my view for 180 degrees top to bottom and side to side. Makes me feel like I am almost on the boat and is so relaxing!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you like them!

[@bhkfdbfb]

I'm gonna live on a boat one day.. after my daughter moves out or gets a bit older.. not sure whether it will be a sailboat or a yacht of some sort, but it's a dream I mean to see come to fruition.. fair winds and calm canals lol

[@onefunnyoldman]

Thank you David, it was lovely. I really do appreciate the descriptions you use in the narration to your vlogs. i.e. 'Squishy', it is an accurate, instantly recognizable term for the situation. Time for a cheese sandwich and a cuppa I think :)

[@eirishemd]

Wow I was on tenterhooks during that narrow bit! Another great vlog! Thanks so much for sharing with us David🇨🇦💕

[@brettschmoll8350]

oh no, that was too enjoyable to watch...I may have found my next youtube black hole...

[@CruisingTheCut]

Welcome along :-)

[@charliejohn5855]

You need to remember that the Met office doesn't always get things right. I remember in the summer of 1984 they made a complete dog's breakfast of the weather forecast. They said it was going to be sunny all day and it actually was!

[@millomweb]

LOL ! And that infamous Fishy time Sevenoaks was converted to Oneoak !

[@charliejohn5855]

Oh yes, I remember that one!

[@tomhudson1409]

I do enjoy your canal wildlife commentary, part of the pleasure of being on the water is being close to nature, thank you!

[@raulrrojas]

I am amazed of the landscape, and to see how well maintained is all that infrastructure. Bizarre as it is for my foraign eyes, I admire the valuable tranquility that the experience gives to a soul.

[@DeagleGamesTV]

Likewise, as an american, this seems akin to those bikers that tour the country by highway, only this would be much more relaxing and down to earth for me.

[@electrostatic1]

Look up "The Canal and River Trust". It takes a lot of work, volunteering, and funding to make it happen. A lot of the money comes form the boaters themselves, in the form of permits and licensing.

[@phillipbateman2284]

Amazing tee shirt. Incredibly good taste .