EP23 From canal boat to cafe boat: A young couple on the edge

[@BCTGuitarPlayer]

Just when I think I can’t be more impressed with you two, I watch another episode? Are these episodes? Close enough...

[@nancyspringston8547]

I am enjoying just starting to follow you. At 75 I have just realized my “dream” of running a bakery/Cafe’. I only do it on Sunday mornings at our church. It is a darling little Cafe’ with a commercial kitchen ALMOST ready to turn over to me. I will then, be in charge of producing full meals as the church needs. So, I am very very excited to be watching your progress. I am trying to watch from beginning to current, so hoping that by now you are open for business and I can hardly wait to see it completed, and all the wonderful things you are serving. Thankfully, I did not have to build my Cafe’! Someone had a dream when they built the new part of the church, and I happened to come along to complete that dream. It is quite succssful. And, I had thought that is what we would do IF (only dreaming) if we had a Narrowboat. Alas, continuous cruising at our ages, though we are healthy strong seniors what is involved with all of those canals wear me out just watching those of you I follow. If we get to make a trip to the UK next year, I will definitely want to find Holly and be a customer. We live in the Rocky Mountains of So. Colorado at 8600 ft altitude.

[@marvinehicks1463]

I have watched over 100 hours of narrow boat videos and in November of 2018 we came to the UK and rented a narrowboat for 11 days on the Ashby Canal from the Ashby Boat Company. They were surprised at how much I knew. It was great. We hope to buy a narrow boat in about a year and spend half the year in the UK. We live in Florida and it is too Hot here.

[@nbspudley]

Chin up. Don’t get disheartened guys - you’ve come so far! There’s loads of us ready to spend cash with you when you’re ready. 👍🏻

[@lordbelvoir2543]

I'm not... I want a free coffee for the hours I've spent watching👍😉🤣

[@jakefarra7537]

Bravo to you& Vic givin kudos to Kath&Annamarie-- they're awesome, thanx

[@michaelbundy3867]

Hang in there Vic. If I lived closer I would come give a hand. I liked your description of drilling into steel, ha it's exactly what it is.

[@jakefarra7537]

Your journey w/Holly is So intriguing; I truly, sincerely wish riches befall you in proportion to So much effort you've made. Idea of cafe boat is genius; best wishes for narrowboat folk to realize lovely convenience that Holly & you shall provide!Bravo!

[@annm6049]

I have just finished binge-watching all your vlogs and I'm hooked. Great progress and really looking forward to seeing the finished result. Good luck guys xx

[@scottphillips7108]

13:04 = aesthetically nice... Reminds me a bit of the Art Deco era... art deco n. A decorative and architectural style of the period 1925-1940, characterized by geometric designs, bold colors, and the use of plastic and glass. n. a style of design that was popular in the 1920s and 1930s; marked by stylized forms and geometric designs adapted to mass production

[@scottphillips7108]

æsthetic adj. Relating to the philosophy or theories of aesthetics. adj. Of or concerning the appreciation of beauty or good taste.

[@laurab8236]

The brackets look great! They add to the character of the boat.

[@bencooper6284]

‘How to’ vlogs are all very well, but you make up for it with quality cinematography and music

[@keltic_nomad]

1:36 the M25 of boat life 🙂 found your channel a few weeks back now binge watching and enjoying when I return to the UK this year I hope to be doing the same thing minus the cafe boat 🙂

[@stevehoare6378]

If Robbie Cummings can get a telly series then you two should be the next vloggers on the BBC. You would be a mega hit.! Still loving your vlogs (I've followed you since day 1)...the boat is looking stunning. Keep up the great work and start badgering the TV series commissioning people.. 🍷🍷

[@bikepackingadventure7913]

Searched for ‘Watching paint dry’ , your channel recommended The best watching paint dry vlogs I’ve ever watched Loving them 😏😏😊😊

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

:-D thanks, glad you found us! More paint drying coming soon!

[@stevepursglove1224]

Shape Up !!!!!! Vic get your act together. Everything is going to be alright. Steve

[@howardwhitney9314]

I really enjoy your vlog mostly because of all the hard work you are putting into the job. I’m 77 and my wife is 75 but years ago we rebuilt our house from the foundation up by ourselves. So I know how much you have to learn and how much you have to work. I remember the first piece of drywall we put on the ceiling. We put it up overhead 8 times before we had it right. Keep at it kids; the work will bring you closer together. Good bless.

[@sa9861]

Haha! You two are funny.... The security thingys look great, almost as if they are meant to be there. Best wishes from Tasmania Australia

[@sheryld1957]

Those attachments to the windows look great! Hang in there. If you look at where you first started, you will see all the progress you have made

[@thebigchip]

If not instructional, your vlogs are inspirational. Watching you tap that hole makes me want to have a try at it. I have no need for this skill, but I am going to try. Actually, I can't wait to come try a decent wedge of carrot cake and an Earl Grey tea. (Thumbs up emoji)

[@mjallenuk]

Dan... winging it by eye as always. It's one of his special skills. Keri then makes it all perfect! Another great episode. Glad to see it coming together slowly but surely.

[@orchidhouse297]

Winter equinox is December 21st. Six months after my son's birthday which was the longest day, especially for his mum. Stay strong; you are doing so well.

[@Cameramancan]

Don’t be glum...it will all work out. The window waves look brilliant!

[@sammierobinson9226]

I love watching you two. You're just both so beautiful. Optimism is the key. Keep a positive outlook. It will happen.

[@Smokeysbandit]

Looking great guys. Don’t give up Vic you doing a great job. Chin up my friend be positive you can do it this year.

[@yvonneajackson]

A year from now, there will be some new narrow boat owners on you tube talking about how they weren't sure how to go about turning a narrow boat into a successful cafe/restaurant/book shop. But they watch some great videos from the successful Holly - The cafe boat, and learnt so much from their videos that it gave them the confidence to give it ago. You might be feeling lost and in over your heads but narrow boat experience will have been where you are once, they could have spent a month researching how to do stuff before producing a video on the subject you just don't see that side of things, just as you see all sides of the things you do but then only use the most interesting bits to create a video.

[@kevinconrad6156]

Cruising the Cut has a hearth video as well.

[@stuartrogers621]

Slowly but surely you are getting it done! Well done! You are both awsom!

[@paultaylor9652]

Just another great video from jo and vic.

[@iviewforfun]

Just brilliant guys! I can’t help feeling that if Will went any slower he’d stop altogether, but that is part of his infectious charm. But then he does need a little prod from you Jo to keep his momentum going. What you two have achieved is truly inspirational and I am just loving the journey. xx Mike

[@richardearth2848]

Will? Who is Will😆. I think Vic would be Jealous. 😆😆👍👍

[@mcauleyrj]

I can’t imagine you two being grumpy. You always sound so positive. Your attitude has served you well . You have made remarkable progress on Holly. I look forward to seeing the end result of the renovations and seeing your business prosper. ...P.S. Jo should sing more often.

[@johnsharman7614]

The Paintjob outside Holly is 100% Wow what a finish did you do all the painting yourself? Interior is fantastic as well you should be really proud of your joint efforts cos got to hand it to you Its Great. I've arrived late watching you guys start and finish your Project but its certainly made me feel soo good for you both to be completely different and Original with your ideas for making a living while living on a narrowboat Congratulations 🎊🎉🎊👍🎉👍🎉👌🎊🎉♥️🤘🎊😁🎉👌🎊🎉 Good luck for your future 😁👍🎉

[@utt1229]

Keep your heads up.The ones who hold their nerve,are the ones who will come through this.

[@890zg]

good one ... the ending was perfect ... keep safe you two Goran

[@DavidLasoff]

It's all going to come together, you lovely people you! Really cool bottom window curvy thingies that make the shape so nautical! Plod, plod, plod now. It's happening, for sure.

[@mickb6285]

Hi Vic and Jo, I have been watching your vlogs since day one, your humour just gets better & better, don't ever do a how to vlog. What you are doing is just brilliant.

[@stevejennings1160]

Brilliant! I have now seen all the videos! Just finished No23! Upto date, i've enjoyed every one of them! Can't wait to see the next part of your journey. Keep going! You've both done an amazing job!

[@ianfrankland8173]

A* for the transition from the water to the tree 😉😀😀👍

[@measureoncecutthreetimes8677]

Such a good update, Jo and Vic. Really do like those panels now that you have completed one side. You really are making good progress, in spite of Vic and his pessimism the work is getting done and it really won't be that long before you will have your Approvals and be able to sell coffees to the Gongoozlers and Canal folks. Truly, it will not be that long and your goal of transforming "Holly" into your future will be reached. So looking forward to that time, as you both will be too. PS: Talking seriously now Jo, has anybody told you that you have an absolutely marvellous smile? When you turn to the camera and smile it makes all my worries float away in the sunshine of your face. Keep up those smiles, they are what will make your boat such an attraction for those looking for a beverage or two. PPS: I notice you have really upped your game with Keywords. 68 for this episode. Are they working for you? Have you noticed an improvement is new views now that the Search engine supposedly sends more viewers your way?

[@earthwizz]

The window waves look great. The first thing that leapt to mind was your boat artist could put an art work on each of them...... or not. A menu suggestion for your café. Watership Down. You've read the book, you've seen the movie, now taste the pie.

[@qwertyTRiG]

I think that might put people off, to be honest!

[@redjacc7581]

see!! that yellow has calmed down and looks great.

[@simondodge9733]

Exciting journey. I am almost retired, and I wish I had the same courage as you two when I was your age. What an adventure ! I can almost anticipate a trip to the Cafe in the cold winter to warm up on tea and cake (+ mince pies). Also like you Aga in your other boat. That must have been a challenge (or did it come like that)

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

Thanks Simon! The boat was built around the Aga, so apart from the base plate it was the first thing in there :-D

[@blueclue57]

@@HollyTheCafeBoat - have you heard of any other narrow boats with an Aga? It has to be quite unique.

[@slowlycruising8548]

Fantastic guys. Well done

[@asboss63]

Looking better with every vlog, hope you complete Holly soon and start trading. Thanks for sharing your journey. 👍

[@nikmayes1995]

Look forward to your weekly VLOGS.. There is definite progress and I think your doing a cracking job.

[@hmarc417]

That thing in the tool box that you lifted out is your new frother device, you can install a wisk on it's end, and save on the steam . :-)lol:-)

[@TheByard]

Comes in very handy when the batteries are flat and no shore power. But then I'm old school.

[@mikkodecraeye3559]

I love you friends! Beautiful videos and looking forward to having a coffee with my family one day!

[@stevejennings1160]

I've been watching 'foxes afloat' and just found you guys! I'm hooked! Great video! Now ill follow and start at the beginning of your journey so far!

[@yeoldfart8762]

Watched earlier today on the Telly. That morning canoe ride looked real nice. I would have had to extend it rather than work. Be glad, here the first snow that sticks usually comes the second week of October and doesn’t melt until mid April. You have lots of time. I’m scrambling to get outside chores done before snow.

[@johnallen148]

Hi Jo ,,,Vic ,it’s looking beautiful I love the window waves they will and do look beautiful ,you two must be so proud of your achievement I’m looking forward to the day you are open for business maybe if you are not to far away I would love to visit you caff not sure what you call it ,take care guys keep safe,John 🌹🌹🌹💐💐🥂🥃🍺

[@gusgus2539]

Thank you

[@hmarc417]

If you listen to it one way Vic, you say it right but if you listen to it the other way in your head with out the pauses, you say that you baked a cake in the canoe now. HE HE HE HE Still wish i could be one of your first consumers. luv you guys.

[@wdoll3783]

Great episode Holly is looking great, you both will finish Holly and you will be so proud of your achievements!! Carry on with confidence!! 👋 😊 ☕ 🍰 🥧 🍪

[@mylifeandwhatitbrings9972]

Enjoy the journey, just like we enjoy your Vlog.

[@MikeWilliams-yp9kl]

Vic its going very well you need some moral support not negativity "Vic come on you will make it".

[@SongOfEire]

When I feel pessimistic, I find it helpful to differentiate between which of my thoughts are actual predictions and which ones are simply fears. This is especially important when verbalizing them, as it’s less dismaying to the listener to hear that you’re aware that your statement is one of fear. Even so, I’ve found that hearing myself say it out loud helps me distance myself from my sense of impending doom, a bit.

[@jakefarra7537]

Merely a tidbit of info, dear Jo & Vic, equinox is when Sun is straight above equator. Sunset to sunrise lengthens over other 'til max @ winter solstice,~Dec.21 or 22

[@fromtheflightdeck252]

Really interesting to watch and love the film like photography

[@busesandroutes6984]

Great vlog again guys. Keep up the great work. Don't listen to the voices ❤️

[@leedsman3815]

Great vlog again, time to look forward and find or plan a site/circular route for Holly. Perhaps I'd go for a mooring at Stratford U Avon or such for the bussiness to flourish. Stay positive by planning the cafe adventure, bums on seats, cakes/sales and a life adventure.

[@tomwragg1016]

Brilliant vlog guys #addicted lol

[@paulayala4816]

The stainless steel brackets look like faux window planter boxes which is a nice touch, now you'll have to paint faux flowers on the windows. I suppose if there were a bright side to this social distancing stuff it's that it gives us time to finish off projects.

[@bdh3949]

I've been looking forward to watching your "first dollar" being made.

[@markwebb-elliott8802]

When tapping holes by hand,change it for a gun tap (machine tap) and you can put it in the drill,as long as the drill has a reverse there so much quicker.

[@andrewhilton8142]

That’s right Vic, get the camera out of the canoe lol. Another great vlog, and so much done. Keep it up.

[@jazzsounds9076]

Lol really guys...i luv these quirky bits u add with a great choice of music at the end...keep the faith eh..major hard work but u are achieving.....9.5 x..( ps ur both gorgeous).J ..uk.

[@lauradobb8819]

What make and model is Holly? I am in love! She looks so sturdy! We used to live on a 35 ft Narrowboat and lived at Bath Marina but missed out on travelling and were too squished with two adults, one child and one dog! We are doing our 3-5 year plan and May like to try again but be up North or in the Midlands like you. Keep up the refreshing and wonderfully real videos! We love them!

[@petertrevena804]

Just started to watch you vlogs. Look forward to seeing more of you adventures. And love the accents 😂

[@martynevans8201]

You're an exceptional young couple it'll be worth all the sacrifice in the end

[@nicholasbriantorrens7783]

The helicopter scene was my favourite.

[@qiajenaehamilton6638]

You're entertaining all us usa'ers who r stuck inside due to the govt. NOT handling the virus crisis. Take heart, all is well & you'll be out & about long b4 we will over here! Peace! Will u b making mochas? I love those....sigh....Q

[@hmarc417]

BEAUTIFUL...CHEERSSSSS

[@BrettSirrell]

Water ship down is a real place btw a big hill outside Newbury. A place called Kingsclere.

[@chriscross9505]

Ooo, those wavy brackets would look spectacular in red and mirror the red waviness of the front canopy. Bear in mind I really don't know what I'm talking about when it comes to these things but I just thought it would look striking imho. #2cents

[@-TheRealThing-]

lol.. I thought the same only after you 🤣

[@torissubconsciousmind2173]

Agree

[@duncanfife918]

Yes the brackets would look outstanding painted red .

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

Hiya! Yeah we did think about red and then thought maybe cream to blend in with the sides with a red pinstripe?

[@chriscross9505]

@@HollyTheCafeBoat It's a floating cafe. You wanna blend in or attract passing customers? Oops, there I go again. I really don't know what I'm talking about here . . or do I? 🤔 :)

[@paulandbecky6149]

The ending haha >.< all takes time..

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

Oh look a train behind jo’s head this time ❤

[@mikesmith2401]

oh that was so nice to watch and slowly, slowly catch a monkey. Those things you put on the windows look very nice, is there a gap so as to let the driving rain out ? you don't want to wake up and open a window and a Pike fish drops on your boat or salmon. I do like the opening shots and I think has Vic remembered to put his trunks on this time 😂😂😂lol both see you next week 😘😘

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

Salmon I wouldn't mind :-) Yes there are gaps in the bottom to let all the rain out

[@qwertyTRiG]

I'm new here. Without wanting to be too creepy, if there are shots where Vic doesn't have his trunks on, I want to see them! Sorry.

[@mikesmith2401]

@@qwertyTRiG It was just a joke 😏🙄

[@qwertyTRiG]

@@mikesmith2401 What a pity.

[@grumpyclark]

Brilliant again and scary at the end! 🧟‍♀️🧟‍♂️ 😊🤭

[@johnmac6202]

I am a counsellor I think I mentioned that before, so on watching you both this week and come to the conclusion you both should perhaps take a week away, just to charge your batteries. like go home or the east coast or where ever you want to, (Time out). Holly is looking really good! bless you both and take care.. John in NZ... Kai-ora..

[@Minikisses20000]

Think positive!!! You guys will get the boat done. I love the added security. I wasn't sure how it was going to look, but now that one side is dinner, it looks amazing. Just like waves. Keep up the great work. Jo, isn't Annamarie and Kath great? I love watching their vlogs. Also, I loved your ending. 💕💕💕

[@stevepursglove1224]

Jo How does the train go. LOL just love it. Steve

[@mikesmith2401]

Joanna did do a very good train impression 🚂🚆😃

[@lordbelvoir2543]

Just a useless bit of information..... Its a class 66 ticking over in the background.... Could be worse ya could be moored at Willington 🤣🤣

[@jakefarra7537]

Holly is lookin beautiful as at 20:47-- I'm lovin her! Bravo

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

Ah Thanks Jake!

[@Bicyclehub]

Ha ha! It's excellent as ever. You are doing fine and Holly is progressing steadily. Is she named after Holly Golightly? Breakfast at Trent & Mersey? Vic, you are too hard on yourself. It's a big project but it will be finished this year.

[@zulu5282]

Hard hard graft👍

[@robertsmme]

You only see the small changes, we see how far you have come. Clearly novelty helps keep projects fresh, so the point you are in is the worst point. It will start to speed up soon as you start ticking off jobs.

[@-TheRealThing-]

I was wondering if the new window additions would look nice in the same red & detailing as the overhang..

[@maobfh]

I DO love the artistry in your videos! Vic is weary. Maybe both of you are and he simply has a more expressive countenance. I don't know. But you two do. Had you established and are you following a timeline? It is really helpful to have one and work off of it. This is very helpful in prioritizing your chores as well as keeping you on schedule and knowing right off when a snag will have a minor or no effect on your timeline, and help you with some decision making when you can see if a delay might have a devastating effect on your end date. I highly recommend it. When you drill holes in the boat, what do you do to seal off that hole that from any water getting into the structure of the boat? Do you use rubber gaskets, or silicon beads or, or...? What was that beeping when you were on the tow path beside Holly. You tried to muffle it in editing but i wanted to yell at someone to either take the keys from the ignition or close the door. Was that a car nearby or something else? From the look of the interior of the boat, it looks ready to place the furnishings and equipment and go. I am confident that there are still things that need doing but you are more than halfway there! Will you have seating for hungry passengers? Will you have a glide by window for canal boat customers? I have 30 more questions but need to leave you with SOME secrets! Lovely boat. Brilliant video. Thanks!

[@malcolmjames1866]

Well done, Guys. Love your curves! You're getting there!

[@theonlywoody2shoes]

Just remember; it’s not rain, it’s natural lubricant for drilling and tapping the holes in Holly. Do you need lights on the canoe at night?

[@hughcasement5443]

Sunny day ! Sweepin' the clouds away ! On my way to where the air is sweet ! Can you tell me how to get, How to get to Sesame Street? (not a bad earworm all things considered)

[@tinalopez1522]

Hello, just a funny thought. The doorway from end of kitchen is so tight, having a baby belly would stop u going into that,,! This before u were pregnant and now u can tell me how it worked out!😅Tina

[@eugenetrollip751]

Hang in there guys, your smiles can launch a thousand ships, surely you can launch one cafe on the water!! I think I missed it, is there a specific purpose to the curved bracket in front of the windows? Looks good though.

[@lesleysilverstone2868]

Wow the weather is changing rapidly this year. Here in the Colonies (lol) we have already had some 4 degree (C) mornings.....so I was wondering about your heating for Holly. Will you have a wood/coal stove? or like Annamarie and Kath have a diesel one?? Once Holly is toasty it will easier to work and "git 'er done". Hugs.

[@russgaulke1364]

You produce a well made and entertaining video about your journey. There are a lot of people hoping your venture is a fulfilling and profitable success. Hang in there.

[@ianvance2744]

The cakes Im doing the mixture was a little runny than before,will it be alright???Love the journey though,you two are smashing it out of the park

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

Ah thanks Ian!

[@matthewmaddox8582]

Don’t get down.....it’s always darkest before the dawn....

[@vadmal5210]

One small detail; day and night has the same length oct 22. Sun rise and set at 6 and 18

[@Bicyclehub]

Google autumn equinox and you will find that Vic was right.

[@TimBrownLondon]

Did I glimpse some window linings? I hope so, I've been worrying about those for the last three months.

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

:-D good spot. We have started but not finished a window, just testing out a way of doing them!

[@jillipepper5353]

Woodlice in a cafe.......🤯😳🙄. Holly is getting close, she’s looking great, Reno’s always take twice as much time and money as you think it might. No more Reno’s for me, they can just hire somebody . 🤣😂🤣 🙋🏼

[@Mikeybike]

Good morning, I heard some ask so will I be able to get a full English breakfast? Actually I am 90% vegan but I really miss good old British Food. Place is looking good. You are on my visit list if ever we can get out of Oregon. I love what you are doing and I am more than willing to overpay and heavy tip even for cold black coffee is a dirty mug with a crack.

[@Mark-ct5dh]

Hay Vic why didn’t you use a gulper pump for the sink instead of the container and pump?