Narrowboating UP this HISTORIC Boat Lift - Ep.2

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[@01jvb]

For those of us in the UK who have been boating on our canals for many years, it is fascinating to see your reactions as you are experiencing them for the first time. It is great to see you enjoying yourselves so much !

[@Yesica1993]

I'm in America and his first video on this was the first I even learned of these canals and that people can use them! (For reasons other than perhaps business/commercial.)

[@candygram4435]

@@Yesica1993same. It’s fascinating

[@DorenesFoodPrepResource]

@@Yesica1993 Same

[@martynjewell5627]

Totally agree.

[@ike1660]

@@Yesica1993 No real commercial use anymore, unless you count the narrowboat rental companies. If you're interested, there's a whole ecosystem of narrowboating YT channels!

[@raverdeath100]

the thing about Britain's canals is that they really did kickstart the modern world. not only transporting iron and coal, they enabled the delivery of fresh food, milk and produce to the towns and London which in turn enabled the industrial revolution in Britain. both improving the economy and general health, they were the super highways of the day.

[@zeitghost1321]

To a great country who gets much too much unfair criticism I want to say Thank You for the Industrial Revolution. The world owes you a debt of gratitude

[@the.abhiram.r]

@@zeitghost1321although britain did some terrible things with colonization, they indirectly helped modernize the world and made it safer to live in

[@zeitghost1321]

@the.abhiram.r I agree. It was an exchange. Only the most negative characterisation is recognized in current times, unfortunately.

[@vickdin480]

There’s nothing sweeter than being able to afford the luxury of traveling to different locations as enchanting and beautiful as this

[@NathanElcoate]

It's certainly aspirational! My Wife and I are definately on a 10 year goal to do a canal boat holiday.

[@kirstyharrison1825]

Middlewich is a lovely place and my hometown

[@adiwest]

I actually grew up in most of the places in this video. The flight of locks was somewhere me & my friend used to play on, and then we realised that people would pay you if you did the locks for them. In the summer we used to make a lot of money at the weekends getting tips from all the boaters on those 3 locks! We would work from 8am for a few hours and then at lunchtime we’d go for a bike ride and spend the money that we’d earned. Great video! And it wad great to see you in my old home town, since I’ve just recently discovered your channel 😎👍🏽

[@nickpapagiorgio5056]

The UK canal system is such an untapped getaway! So many people outside of the UK and Wales no absolutely nothing about this amazing activity and way of life even for so many Brits. Nothing but peace, serenity, and nature for over 2000 miles. An amazing historical masterpiece of British innovation and culture! Thank you so much for bringing us along! It’s like the “it’s a small world” Disney ride but for adults! Lol😊

[@ONLYJOKING101]

I work in a supermarket right next to a canal and the range of people using it is amazing. You get American tourists, European tourists, older live aboards and young hippy type live aboards. Quite the eclectic mix.

[@allieg3223]

This is so unique, at least for me as an American. I've always known about the canals and narrowboats in England and Wales but never really learned about them. Thank you so much for bringing us beautiful experiences, scenery and fascinating history and architecture.

[@theslushboat]

Thanks again guys for pulling my boat in and mooring it back up. This often happens when boats cruise past too fast, it can also happen if it was poorly moored up to start with. Great video...

[@DownieLive]

Oh no way! That was you?!? So fun that you got to watch the video! No worries SlushBoat

[@RogerLetour]

Well done, Mike! I even had my wife watching this. Absolutely fascinating, I had no idea this system of canals even existed.

[@DownieLive]

Glad to hear it Roger!

[@janentomenkafka]

Western Europe has a similar network of rivers and canals. You can sail from the Mediterranean to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam or Berlin only using inland waterways... if you have the time. We know a (retired) New Zealand couple who bought a boat in the Netherlands. Every spring they arrive in Europe to continue their travels. Early autumn they go back home, where spring has started. They leave their boat in a marina and pick it up the next spring.

[@starlakelsey2782]

First I wanted to travel the USA by train. Now I've tossed that notion and want to go to the UK and tour the canals. It is just the most fun looking thing to do!

[@DownieLive]

It’s so fun!

[@carl48uk]

Starla, I can tell you from experience , that if you are suffering from any form of mental health issues, then get on a narrowboat holiday for a week. After one day cruising the canal in the countryside, you will experience your shoulders getting a lot lighter and that smile getting wider and wider.. I had a boat on the midland canals and it was by far the best money per experience spent.. You can't do anything quickly and have to slow down.... It's great !!

[@CaseyBDook]

Good stuff Mike. I'm a BC boy too. You're representing us as the curious bunch we are. For anyone in another country, this is what western Canadian tourists are like. Totally intense about the beauty of the place we visit. We come from a place that is epic in it's beauty and we seek that in our destinations. British Columbia has been a wonderful resource of curious Canadians seeking interesting adventures on you tube. I couldn't be more grateful to be Canadian at the moment.

[@Devastatia669]

This comment couldn't be more true. My boyfriend lives in BC, when he comes to visit me in the UK he's always amazed at the things that I probably take for granted because I've seen them so often. I'm probably the same when I travel to visit him though, this little country is nearly four times smaller than your Province and everything is so different and I find things beautiful that he finds just ordinary and part of every day life.

[@robbybobbyhobbies]

I'm a Brit from a little east of this canal. Now living in Whistler, BC. I feel the same awe for the surroundings I've found myself in and the places I visit.

[@deloresthomas5624]

This is another episode Mike that I share with my grandchildren so they can aspire to experience the many wonders our world has to offer. Thank you so much!

[@catherinelinton3444]

Now that you’re a pro at going through locks, you should come to Ontario, we have plenty of locks and even some lift locks, including the Peterborough Lift Lock which is the highest hydronic lift lock in the world and the Kirkfield Lift Lock, and then the Big Chute Marine Railway which is really cool too, it lifts your boat right out of the water. All of them are along the Trent Severn Waterway which is a historic site. There’s 42 historic lock stations and it runs between Georgian bay and Lake Ontario. The experience will be slightly different though, because the Parks Canada staff operate the locks here in Ontario, so you just have to navigate your boat.

[@brianfraser2495]

No canals out in western Canada. Yours would be the closest.

[@THEGODROD]

Being an American who’s lived in Michigan my whole life. The locks remind me of our locks and the freighters that travel up and down the lakes at all hours of the day though they’re bigger than your typical narrow boat. Still very cool.

[@Trektrendy]

I enjoyed this so much, what a wholesome experience and captured so brilliantly Mike. Can't wait to see next week :)

[@DownieLive]

Thanks Will! I’d love to see you and Millie on a narrowboat someday!

[@DownieLive]

Thanks Will! I’d love to see you and Millie on a narrowboat someday!

[@MrFrankhdgs]

It's great to see Gareth again - Congratulations to he and Helen, on their nuptials. COWS OVERHEAD! TUNNELS! LOCKS! A BOAT ELEVATOR!? ...and we are only halfway through this series! Mike & Nicole, I can't wait to see what's ahead!

[@durlead5103]

I can only say, if you have enjoyed this, then maybe you would also enjoy taking daytrips through the Spreewald in Germany. It is very beautiful in spring and summer, and while you don't live on a boat you also take the whole day discovering a big network of beautiful canals through a lush green landscape. Just a small recommendation from me ^^

[@bobjpgr3683]

Hi. My husband had wanted to do this someday, has now changed his mind seeing how much works goes with this with the lochs. I’m glad we watch your videos!Thanks Mike.

[@lynfl9814]

I didn't want this one end; this is a real adventure. And, this leg was even greater; you did it with wonderful friends. Nice to meet you Gareth and Helen; and, CONGRATULATIONS on your marriage!

[@kencase2179]

Mike, Nicole, Gareth and Helen, The countryside in the UK is so beautiful. I can't wait to see what the next two episodes have to show us. Thank you for bringing us along on this adventure. Gareth and Helen, CONGRATULATIONS on your marriage!

[@drmbj]

You are an example of us living vicariously through your life because some of us will never be able to do these things. I find it fascinating as well. Thank you so much! 😊

[@glendaigle1]

I am obsessed with this trip!! Lots of boating here in Louisiana, but I need canals in my life.

[@cynthiabohli-nelson1824]

Thanks for showing us the beauty of these canals. I live within a 10 minute drive of the Erie canal, & love taking a stroll along the canalway paths. :)

[@BenMaxson23]

Sooooo excited for this series! You have the BEST Narration around! You get just the Most Excited about your adventures and love it even more that your bringing your significant other along for the series. Love the travels by rail series but also love that you are branching out. Keep up that great content!

[@niceguy5976]

I am really enjoying this series. This is certainly one of the most interesting vacations I that I have ever seen. Looking forward to the next episode.

[@janellevoigt5481]

More quiet than a track, less bumpy too, must kind of feel like your sleeping on a water bed, and like you said, a Disney ride to boot. Thanks Mike and Nicole. Loved the video and congratulations to your newly wed friends!

[@PokhrajRoy.]

So happy in the knowledge that Mike is one of those people who likes all forms of trivia and enjoys tidbits of history.

[@paulolson]

Loved the big grin on your face when you were going through the long tunnel. "This is soooo coooool." You tha man, Mike.

[@kennethneece4838]

Canal traveling looks like fun and as you have pointed out that there’s those challenges to overcome and they can be overcome when you have friends along too!

[@YamIa3gypsy]

Amazing countryside. And the architectural genius is fascinating! 🌸Thanks for the great video, Michael.

[@billmiller1445]

A great episode. Gareth and Helen a welcome edition. Nichole always fabulous and awesome. Was not aware of the canals so wonderful series. Ans yes, Mike. You're doing stellar work as usual. Looking forward to next week.

[@debbiehaney2467]

I love all of your travel videos, but I think this just may be my favorite yet!!

[@mraidymaddful]

A friend of mine I used to know years ago had a small canal boat. I spent a week with him on it up near Skipton. It was so relaxing to sleep at night with the gentle rocking of the water. And where I live now in Hudderfield, overlooks our canal.

[@waynegarton3478]

Stunning as always. Love the narrative and the edits. Hands down my favorite travel vlog, no matter where you are. Cheers from OZ

[@musingwithreba9667]

Congratulations to Helen and Gareth! 🎉🎊🥂 This looks like quite the adventure. Marvelous 3 point turn there Mike! Do you get some sort of achievement badges when you've done all these locks and things? 🤣

[@craigmckenzie3131]

I am really enjoying this current series so much. I have always liked watching Downie Live, and the places and unique experiences that have been encountered along the way. Thank you for doing what you do, and more importantly doing what you love to do, provide people the opportunity to share your experiences. Big Fan. PS- Nice to finally see Nicole in this current series.

[@brendadishaw9273]

Michael I love these new adventures. My Husband is now a new fan of yours too. He's started watching the videos with me now. He was doing some work outside and came back in and found me watch this latest video, he had me back it up so he could watch it.😂Love to you and Nicole

[@jacklane3368]

It’s great to share this trip with you. You are so relaxed and happy, which makes it even more enjoyable.

[@nikjonestravel]

The best part was you taking the time to help that boat that got loose! Love your channel, such feel good vibes!

[@wendymckay8844]

Great storytelling and adventures happy you could share it with friends. My parents loved the Falkirk Wheel connecting Forth and Clyde Canals

[@jameslittle4414]

I had no idea this all existed. Thanks for the exposure and getting to see the better half with you!

[@feel_goodpaintingsandlifea715]

Your videos are so tranquil and beautiful just like Beautiful Wales.. I lived in England for 10 years then came back to India.. England , Wales and Scotland they are all amazingly beautiful places, people are so friendly and welcoming ❤️💕

[@julieatherton4530]

I'm loving this new boating series, mostly because this is my neck of the woods. 😁 Northwich is my local town. I live in a village about 3 miles away, in between Acton Bridge and Anderton. In fact many years ago I used to work for the Black Prince holidays at Acton Bridge where you picked your boat up from. We go to Anderton often in the summer to walk the trails there. Such a beautiful place. Was great seeing my home town from the river too. Gives a completely different perspective. I hope you enjoyed your journey. Earlier this year we visited Falkirk in Scotland to see the only other boat lift on the canals, the Falkirk Wheel. Was great comparing it to the Anderton boat lift. A canal boat holiday is definitely on mine and my husbands "to do" list. One of my sisters friends lives on a canal boat, such a peaceful, relaxing pace of life. 👍

[@scubarider1]

That was a great video. I had been looking forward to this one since your first one was finished and I can hardly wait for the third one. You did a fantastic job of explaining the canal network and how everything works. Incredible scenery everywhere!

[@richardporter154]

I fell in love with canal life after watching your videos, loved them all,thank you.

[@Scottcov23]

What an amazing trip. Me and my family did the Norfolk broads canals back in 2017 and I was to young to appreciate how peaceful and enjoyable it was been. Thanks to your videos I will be doing the exact route you did! I cant wait.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

The moment Gareth mentioned the locks and what happens there, it went from ‘Schitt’s Creek’ to ‘1899’. Thé anxiety is real.

[@Badjester1]

We did a couple of narrow boat holidays as a family years ago in this area. We don't have canals around Newcastle in the UK. The nearest is either Scotland or Leeds. Last week I booked a week over Christmas for me and my Dad. He's obsessed with narrow boats. Cant wait for a peaceful week away over Christmas in the Midlands countryside 😁

[@fngreeliz8079]

i live in barnton and it is mental to see someone with 500k subscribers going past somewhere i go every single day

[@ivylujan1021]

he UK canal system is such an untapped getaway! So many people outside of the UK and Wales no absolutely nothing about this amazing activity and way of life even for so many Brits. Nothing but peace, serenity, and nature for over 2000 miles. An amazing historical masterpiece of British innovation and culture! Thank you so much for bringing us along! It’s like the “it’s a small world” Disney ride but for adults! Lol nivnfijrcf

[@radicalnomad1]

These series have singlehandedly put narrow boating very high on my bucket list when I visit the UK

[@barbb]

Another amazing episode! Thank you for taking us along. Wow, the information that we got today as well as the beautiful scenery. Thank you!

[@DownieLive]

So happy to hear that Barb! So glad you're enjoying it!

[@The_PaleHorseman]

So a cool train/canal fact for you Downie! In Cincinnati the Miami and Erie Canal use to run through Cincinnati from the Ohio River all the way up to Toledo and the Great Lakes, they dried the canal up and proceeded to place a subway in the canal beds previous spot, after getting 6 miles of the tunnel done, they abandoned the subway and it’s still there to this very day under Central parkway in Cincinnati, the largest abandoned subway in the United States. Even has station platforms. Cool mixture because you like trains, history, and canals!

[@jaimeknoble3315]

The scenery is absolutely stunning, especially with your amazing drone footage. I would love to go to the UK, I'm just blown away by the old, beautiful buildings and the canals and the nature. The lift and the concrete boats were crazy interesting and you always make the history lesson really fun. The locks seemed like such a pain in the butt to have to do, but still so impressive and engaging to watch and learn about. Miss Mary Mack had me cracking up and remembering the good ole days back on the elementary school playground 😂

[@fayesouthall6604]

Must say that I love these videos! Especially as you always say hi to the animals 😊

[@DownieLive]

😊 thank you

[@MilanGP]

Yes I agree

[@FlyFree2023]

I enjoyed your first episode and the second steps up a notch - brilliant. I'm fortunate to live the life you have filmed in such a positive Vlog. Its akin to the welcome I have always received in visiting BC and Alberta over 20 years. Life is out there to explore and thanks for all your Vlogs that inspire that human desire. Onwards to episode three. 👍

[@bobtuckey2409]

I just love watching you and your friends navigate these beautiful, serene canals Mike. What a great adventure. Looking forward to next week.

[@johntaylor1759]

Mike your enthusiasm and joy is so infectious you are a delight to watch, thank you for that.

[@walk_with_me_23]

Woo hoo another Downie Live Adventure 🙌 Enjoying this series very much. Thank you for sharing 🥰 🇦🇺

[@babymammoth6254]

I grew up taking holidays on the canals This brought back so many good memories Best videos you’ve done so far

[@NickGoesFar]

That lift is a total engineering marvel! They could probably produce an entire show about it, just the engineering challenges, construction, etc. Very cool to see it in operation.

[@wehojm7320]

What an experience. This was totally engaging. I knew everything would turn out ok but it still gripped me with anticipation. Glad you made it through.👍🏻🙏😎

[@terrybc7004]

Wow Mike what an amazing trip this has been. Looks like Nicole is really enjoying this vacation. So nice of you to take her along, especially when you did the 2 Train series. Speaking of Canals, I think both Nicole & yourself are due for a Panama Canal Cruise & then see the size of those Locks. It's on my Bucket List!

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Omg a Mini-Moon THAT IS SO CUTE! Wishing Gareth and Helen all the best. Also, what an introduction to Gareth indeed 😂

[@user-et2hv2kz6x]

I have pleasure in telling you (and confessing) that I seriously thought OMG North American on a canal boat ...this is just going to be rubbish ... I ABSOLUTELY LOVE your high energy informative style - really do feel like I'm sharing the journey with you. You guys rock!

[@leanneharris3191]

Thank you for this Mike it’s interesting. Love the scenery, Wales is beautiful.

[@FROMKYLE2U]

My week has been so busy that I'm finally getting to see this.... so worth the wait !!! Once again you deliver.... Thank you and be well

[@kimberlyshalaby1134]

I've really enjoyed this boat series with you & Nicole. Was nice to meet your friends. Look forward to next week. Have a good week.

[@liisahancock2125]

Cows are my favorite, too! Definitely need to plan a boat canal tour. Thanks for sharing.

[@robert-jeanray2701]

Okay...WoW...you have showcased so many amazing experiences ... in Canada ... the United States ... and now the United Kingdom...looking forward to the next adventures you imagine.

[@cindygasaway8600]

Love this series! From seeing the beautiful scenery to the meals on the longboat, it is FUN! I mean, seriously, we laughed out loud 😂.

[@kevinwells4986]

I've been called many things, perhaps almost all of them... but now I'm a gongoozler? Really? I'm just trying to enjoy myself watching boats. Thanks for all the education, in everything you are doing. ** Oh, and yeah - every new trip is going to be your favorite trip, for probably many years. Your eyes are wide open. I was there once.

[@knowledgeispowermediaprodu7094]

The countryside is so beautiful!!! These videos allow me to travel the world even though I'm not able to leave Joshua Tree, Ca. as I take care of my parents. But it's all good. I'm blessed to still have both of my parents even though I'm 50. Good times!

[@beverlystewart1096]

Spent many happy hours in Camden Town, in London, watching the boats go through the lock. Fascinating!

[@ironmaiden2258]

I have gone from watching you travel across the US via train to travelling along the canal near where I live. Having done a boating Holiday on the Shropshire Union canal I totally agree with how good the experience is and how peaceful, relaxing it is too… looking forward to the Aqueduct episode as that was the most amazing part of or trip… Keep up the good work Mike

[@noelmurray8052]

this is such a great series already. I mean this in the nicest way possible but I love nicole's sardonic vibe playing the foil to the usual tone of your videos. This seems like such a good couples vacation

[@John_Fugazzi]

There's so much more to this than I ever would have imagined. My first impression was that it would be just idyllically drifting through pastoral scenery, but these locks and tunnels make it a challenge (not to mention pubs closed on Mondays). Looking forward to next week.

[@tthom2459]

A gr8 learning experience . . . those fascinating lifts and lockes . . . and a thoroughly enjoyable venture. Thanks Mike!

[@thistinylife]

Really enjoyed your boating videos and pleased you got to experience this way of travelling the UK! We moved on board in 2019 and have not looked back. Love the lifestyle and the community is the best part!

[@Sim0nTrains]

Second episode was brilliant around Cheshire, I live next to Cheshire in Staffordshire but Cheshire has some good lovely areas. Enjoyed the Anderton Boat Lift and even know I'm from the UK, I did learnt that any town with 'Wich' on end is a Salt town and I honestly didn't knew that! Brilliant Video.

[@anjavonpfeil4312]

I have to smile every time you wave hello to the farm animals 🤣

[@Bill_Gray-Pullman_Travels]

I love this series and it's great to see Nicole too!

[@andywillis2650]

Brilliant, what great, and sometimes stressful adventures !! Can't wait to see Ep.3 ! :)

[@awilliamsbsm]

Can’t believe you were in Nantwich, where I live after following you for years! Such a small world! Really enjoying the series, as always

[@DownieLive]

So cool!

[@racingcat303gaming9]

I learn alot about cultures from places u visit love how u interact with anything that comes up and adapt to that community wholesome🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@yvonneqarwine7606]

i keep thinking this channel cant get any better, but you continue to prove me wrong. im really enjoying this season. ive loved it and learn something new. thanks so much for sharing

[@sczuo]

love the videos, making my day each week. Keep it up!

[@ecoop1234]

wow Michael another fantastic video ... thank you again for the ride ...

[@karenmurphy2437]

Congratulations to Gareth and Helen... Love love the video.cant wait till next week.

[@rowanmelrose4600]

This is why I love my country the most though I live in Mexico for half my life I did this with my parents before boat hire locks were scary but I managed them like a pro at 9 now I think they look scary .... Just want to say thank you for these videos its a love letter to the green and pleasant land that our ancestors were willing to die for to protect

[@vancouversworstdrivers]

Looks so peaceful!

[@monder1060]

Gotta say thank you, Michael. Recently I found a discount on European rail passes I sometimes use, and I thought it would be epic to get one of the largest ones and just travel Europe for a couple of weeks on my own. To an extent, your videos and the Travel by Train series helped me tip over and made me do it. Looking forward to spring and just doing something crazy! When if not now? And maybe I'll see some of these boats too.

[@TENNESSEETORNADO]

Honestly.. and I mean this.. this episode was one of my favorites.. you guys are so lucky to enjoy that.. .. again kudos on this episode!!!!

[@bryancohn9406]

The locks reminded me of a work trip to Canadian Motorsports Park (Mosport) in Bowmanville way back in 1988 where we took a detour to Lock 21 in Peterborough on the Trent Canal. It was a mind blowing experience, the engineering, as it was originally built in 1904, rebuilt in the 1980’s. It is a boat elevator using water pressure from the weight of the downstream lift to raise the upstream lift and vise versa. Amazing, simply amazing. I’d been through normal locks on the Missouri River and while interesting they were nothing compared to the Lock Lift 21! Loving this narrow boat series, learning lots as a bonus.

[@lotanerve]

Yeah, a work trip to Mosport, tough times. And to go to the Peterborough Lift Lock also is just a bonus. A 65 foot difference in hight.

[@helixhippie]

Great episode. We like them all. For a second we thought you were going to shut up for awhile. Silence is nice now and then. 😉

[@5uperMik3]

I absolutely love your videos, and this journey has been spectacular. Cannot wait for next week!

[@TravelsWithCharlie]

The Anderton Boat Lift was another almost mythical canal structure from my childhood, and another one I got to visit when older - a few years when I took a detour on a cycling trip in the area to take it in. I don't think I did it justice though. Amazing videos, loving this canal series 👏👏

[@timsands7288]

Another great episode: you seem to have been unlucky with pubs serving dinner. I live in an old canalside pub that hasn't been serving dinners to passing boaters since 1945😀

[@trippmediamolle]

Wow! amazing video! Enjoyed every moment of it can’t wait for next weeks video!

[@joynelson7230]

ENJOYING your canal boat ride,operations and life in the boat Canal. Love the tunnels,cows. VERY educational and beautiful. THANKS MIKE. TEAM WORK . AMAZING.❤️❤️❤️☮️☮️☮️😊😁😃🖐️👌👍