Episode 53 A Bridge Too Far - Banbury to Oxford

[@lionelmarytravels6003]

Hello Andrew. That was a very good all round video. Good photography and plenty of humour. The geese section was really good. Well done 10/10.

[@talesfromtheswansneck]

Many thanks again.

[@ramseybarber8312]

You should have tied a rope around the base of your pole then as you pass under the lift bridge pull the rope, the bridge comes down pull in the rope and retrieve your pole, NO stopping.That is the old way of doing it, Those Dredger barges are called Hoppers.Cheers

[@talesfromtheswansneck]

That sounds brilliant, cheers. And yes I'd heard the term hoppers before but for the life of me couldn't remember what they were called. Thanks.

[@johnmcgaw2753]

I stumbled across your channel only a short while ago after binging on those 'other' narrowboat vloggers. Sometimes I feel as if I should give it a try myself but for a non-citizen I'd imagine that live-aboard would be nearly impossible. I watched the series out of order -- last 15-or-so first, then the 'lockdown period', and now I'm going to the beginning to see the rest. Next May I'm going to try, Covid permitting, to get off on a long-delayed hike on the north coast of Wales and watching your vlog has convinced me that I'll need to extend the trip by a few days just to walk across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Cheers, and hope to see a new upload soon.

[@talesfromtheswansneck]

Hi John, I'm pleased you've been enjoying my little contribution to the UK waterways, and there will be an upload coming soon (ish), but I've been rather busy with photography work recently, so forgive the delay. I have come across people who spend six months in the UK cruising around. It is certainly possible, and I believe there are companies who lease narrowboats by the month. I've also come across a couple from Texas who keep a boat here, and they too spend 6 months a year on the water. Secondly, I only came across your contribution this morning and have not yet got around to emailing a proper reply - but I shall do. Hope this gives you food for thought...

[@talesfromtheswansneck]

...and following from from my first reply, if you want to experience The Pontcysyllte from a boat -which I highly recommend (no pun intended) - then hire a day boat (a 30 foot narrowboat available for daily hire) available from Anglo Welsh at Trevor Basin www.anglowelsh.co.uk/our-boats/dayboats/

[@Renovator26]

A nice tribute to life as you like it. I loved the Canada Geese taking a bath. This species is becoming a pest in parts of Canada with their poop fouling golf courses and public parks. If they don't fly south for the winter they make a mess everywhere. Great vlog as usual. Massive summer thunderstorms, lightning, and lashing winds, and rain here in my part of Ontario, and I'm glad I'm in a house and not in a narrowboat. Sometime, you must tell us how you cope with weather extremes. Stay safe. John, Ontario, Canada.

[@talesfromtheswansneck]

As usual many thanks for your comment John. I'm quite astonished at the numbers of Canada geese on the canals. I do like them, their honking and peculiar movements, but I can see how they would begin to cause a problem. I've seen lock-landings covered in their mess which isn't too pleasant. It's been a strange 'summer' here too. Mostly overcast and windy, but occasionally heat like we're not used to in the UK. Yes, that's a good idea about extreme weather on the boat. Watch this space...

[@OldNickHindle]

A very uplifting episode, plus an excellent Scooby Doo impression and the origins of an old English phrase to boot! Thanks Andrew ☺️

[@talesfromtheswansneck]

Thanks Nick, glad you enjoyed it.

[@brianfirth9087]

When will you show more

[@stickman18]

Yes CRT seem to be hell bent on vandalising the towpaths burying them under tarmac. Where as the boater has to make do with broken beams , paddles that don't work , a boat sunk on a lock landing over a year ago and not to mention encroaching vegetation. But we still love boating and watching your wonderful videos. Cheers Grahame

[@talesfromtheswansneck]

Thanks Grahame, pleased you enjoyed the vlog. In context I do appreciate much of what the CRT do, and I know it's been a difficult year for them as well as the rest of us. I'm pleased that I've seen little of Fountains this year mowing and trimming the towpath unnecessarily, I guess the CRT have cut back their contract. Also much of what I didn't like about Oxford (and I spoke to several other boaters who didn't like being there) was probably more to do with the city council not allowing the CRT to provide adequate facilities. But to tarmac the towpath for the cyclists in Oxford is frankly a travesty... rant over.

[@yeoldfart8762]

Woke at 6 AM and couldn’t get back to sleep. At least there was a new video. I read that book..quite awhile ago. A really nice fall here. The birch and aspen are all a lovely yellow. I’ve been helping with a well insulated water tank shed. A very geriatric crew. My bum leg makes me moving really slow. Wish I was floating on a canal.

[@talesfromtheswansneck]

I saw the first yellow leaves yesterday. I'm surrounded by steep wooded valleys which should look amazing in a month. Hope the leg eases up soon. At least it won't stop you playing music.

[@lindahodson6455]

Missing you! Hope you are ok....

[@talesfromtheswansneck]

Thank you Linda, I'm fit and well thanks but pretty busy with other things. I'm sure new episodes will be along at some point.

[@Adamwolfone]

Oh goody it pays to get up super early I get to see this. Brit here in Vancouver.

[@talesfromtheswansneck]

Thanks Celine, I hope it didn't send you back to sleep again!

[@Adamwolfone]

@@talesfromtheswansneck No loved it! It's my dream to quit the rat race over here move back home and get a narrowboat or a widebeam not sure which yet. The video showed some lovely peaceful countryside. Yes there's lovely rugged mountains ect over here but there's a lot of stuff in out there that wants to eat you! LOL. Not so in Britain.

[@talesfromtheswansneck]

@@Adamwolfone Oh don't you believe it, there's a lot about the world which isn't too pleasant anymore, but that said life on the canals is a breath of fresh air, literally and metaphorically. Lots of wide beams here on the Kennet and Avon which you will no doubt see in upcoming episodes.

[@simbayukiwolf]

Very nice journey. Abandoned boats should be pulled and scrapped like we do, removes clutter and makes everything more pleasant on the eyes.

[@talesfromtheswansneck]

The 'abandoned' boats you mentioned were historic working boats which were due to be restored at Tooleys Boatyard which was to the right of the boats.

[@simbayukiwolf]

@@talesfromtheswansneck I stand corrected. I do remember a journey to Stradfort upon Avon though where there were a lot of abandoned boats along the way, surely they are not all up for restoration. But never mind, it was just an observation.

[@YllaStar95970]

With all that spectacular canal bank vegetation cruising towards Lock 39, l cannot help but think, in another 6 weeks, the riot of colour and water reflections would make a great picture for a canal calendar, for the month of October.

[@talesfromtheswansneck]

I am with you all the way. However I am now in an even more spectacular location which will be unbelievably stunning in the autumn, so watch this space...

[@barleyafloat]

Whoop.. saw my boat at Belchers!

[@talesfromtheswansneck]

Cool beans! Nice boat.

[@chrisflint7317spiderandson]

Happy Christmas Andrew all the best from Chris and I hope you are OK hope to see you soon with your vlogs

[@talesfromtheswansneck]

And a happy Christmas to you Chris. Yes I'm fine thanks, and you've probably seen the new vlog by now.

[@lorrainerichardson3280]

16:20+ what an amazing place, you would feel so completely at one with nature. Beautiful. There is certainly a good reason to live on a boat. Take care =-).

[@talesfromtheswansneck]

One of the many good reasons Lorraine.

[@CinemaScope100]

Was great meeting up last week mate. Nice to see the latest video.

[@talesfromtheswansneck]

Yeah, we'll meet up again soon mate

[@NarrowboatJourneys]

Thank you for the mention. I know that area very well. The lift bridges are not counterbalanced properly and some can come down on the boat! It depends on how wet or dry the wood is as this affects the balance.

[@talesfromtheswansneck]

No worries Phil - I've enjoyed watching many of your blogs. That's an interesting point about the bridges.

[@peterpearce2011]

A very lovely place, with lots of things from nature. Love all the scenes and the birds.

[@talesfromtheswansneck]

Thanks Peter

[@lynettecoates4272]

Hello Andrew.... just wondering whether you will be doing a Dec vlog leading up to Xmas, hoping you are ok and well and are out and about taking lots of photos of the stunning Autumn colours!! Xx

[@talesfromtheswansneck]

Hi Lynette, I've been having a great time photographing the autumn colours as you say. I did have a vlog in mind for the Christmas, but have a lot on at the moment - BSS exam, blacking, internal refit, so we'll have to see how the time goes.

[@Boatdog_Traveller]

Brilliant vlog mate. Loved the Scooby Doo impression 😂😅

[@talesfromtheswansneck]

Cheers Del.

[@cathafloat1519]

Nope…..Dashwood’s lock is still not fixed!!! We went through it today. They have added a few more bolts and wood, I guess that it will be replaced during the winter stoppages. The locks on the lower Oxford are very tough with stiff paddles and heavy gates, and some that won’t open completely. We are on the stretch shown in this blog, currently moored on the white tops for the disestablished lift bridge 119, near the railway bridge (!). Our daughter was one of those who couldn’t afford to live in Oxford and lived on this boat at Enslow Marina, Gibraltar, which you passed. We enjoy your vlogs, thank you.

[@talesfromtheswansneck]

Thanks Cath, I'm surprised Dashwood hasn't been fixed yet as the balance beam didn't seem too secure to me. But you're probably right, it will get done over the winter.

[@nicolanicolle1250]

One for the calm app I think 😊

[@talesfromtheswansneck]

Slowing down and taking time to appreciate nature has a nurturing effect, and I hope this comes across in my videos. Works for me anyway...

[@nicolanicolle1250]

@@talesfromtheswansneck yes indeed, the film/photography is great, the more rural the better. Xmas floating market is a fab event on the Avon to

[@talesfromtheswansneck]

@@nicolanicolle1250 thanks for the heads-up about the market, sounds good. Is that in Bath?

[@sammierobinson9226]

I've read that book but didn't get it there.

[@emmm5713]

Andrew, such a nice video. I envy your lifestyle.

[@talesfromtheswansneck]

Thank you so much, it's not a bad way to live is it? I would say take the plunge and go for it...

[@yeoldfart8762]

Just wondering how you are doing. It’s been a long time. Finally got the water tank shed done. A good thing as the weather has been hanging around freezing. Mostly a little below of late. It’s bound to start dropping before long. Maybe I can get back to music though I have some house projects to work on here. Hope you are well. Skip.

[@talesfromtheswansneck]

Hi Skip, great to hear from you. I'm OK thanks, although had something which may, (or may not) have been covid. Anyways, I survived. I've been struggling putting together videos of the Kennet and Avon canal, which has had it's highs, but also it's lows. And like you, I've been busy with other things, other than being creative. I am though working on the 3 vids of the Kennet and Avon, and have a christmas special planned. There will be things coming... Can't believe it's freezing with you already. The leaves are slowly turning here. The last 6 weeks have been more like summer than summer was. Anyway mate, take care out there in the frozen north, hope you get all your jobs sorted before proper winter sets in.

[@yeoldfart8762]

@@talesfromtheswansneck well we had the warmest sunniest fall that I can remember and October has been very nice though cooler than September. It made the building project enjoyable even with a hurting leg. With all this social distancing I’ve only had two colds and they were very minor. Just slightly annoying. I look forward to your videos. Take care.

[@motorhomenarrowboat1]

Great Vlog . Stunning views and wildlife.

[@talesfromtheswansneck]

Thanks Thomas

[@wendycrooks875]

Thoroughly enjoyed your vlogs. Trying to find numbers 10 & 11 and having trouble. Help!!

[@talesfromtheswansneck]

Pleased you're enjoying them Wendy. I've just checked and 10 and 11 appear to be there. A night on the flash, and On burrowed time. Let me know if you have any trouble and I'll send you links

[@wendycrooks875]

@@talesfromtheswansneck Thank you, I’ve found them. Hopefully we will see you on the canals next year as we are having a narrowboat built for continuous cruising, which should be ready at the beginning of July (build starts next March).

[@talesfromtheswansneck]

@@wendycrooks875 well I hope you enjoy it all as much as I do. Waterway to live!

[@tonycarter3756]

Looks like you could do with a Banbury stick (nice bit of improvisation)Joey boats tended to work more in the Birmingham area .see Coros on the cut he is just restoring an old converted “joey” in Caggy Steven’ s yard .

[@alisonhampshire3081]

Hi Andrew another lovely vlog thank you so much for your beautiful photography. Certainly a very pretty canal. I always instantly relax while watching your vlogs. Is it physically quite demanding opening and shutting those locks though? All the best Alison ex Bursledon!

[@talesfromtheswansneck]

Hello again Alison, whilst it's relaxing for me too to luxuriate in the stunning countryside, it can also be hard graft working the locks, but usually one can chose how many to do. It's certainly good exercise though, in my first three months on board I lost a stone and a half! My kids exclaimed, 'dad, you've got muscles!'

[@alisonhampshire3081]

@@talesfromtheswansneck that’s funny Andrew re what your kids said. You certainly look pretty fit and yes looking back on your early vlogs I can see the weight you lost, 1 1/2 stone that’s really significant!

[@robertorr8960]

i am a boater and have got one off the e-scooters helps to get from boat to car one day i had moved 8miles i had three bickes pas me and i lost them on a quiet bit i went full speed15.mphand could not cach up to eny of the bicks but as a (boater) i slow right down when pasing peps ect so it just shows how fast the bicicals go and thay dont slow down so when r c&rt goint to sort the prob out

[@talesfromtheswansneck]

Yes the art should try to do something about it. When they tarmac the towpath it enables cyclists to go even faster. It would be interesting to know how many people ar hit by bikes on the towpath every year.

[@johnmcgaw2753]

Starting to wonder. Are you still alive and afloat? It has been a long time...

[@talesfromtheswansneck]

Not sunk yet, and still fit and well...

[@lockfairy8770]

Even as a cyclist I’d prefer they didn’t tarmac the tow paths. A few roots and a bit of mud doesn’t do anyone any harm, but a cyclist doing 30 miles an hour on a narrow towpath is a liability. Lovely stretch of canal. I’m at Coventry and probably doing the Oxford next after a quick explore up the Ashby.

[@talesfromtheswansneck]

Yeah if the towpaths weren't tarmaced cyclists wouldn't be able to go so fast. I wonder how many people are hit by bikes on our towpaths every year? Hope you enjoy the Oxford. South of Banury is gorgeous.

[@danensis]

I agree completely about the towpaths. I jumped off the boat one time and nearly got mown down by a speeding cyclist. I understand that some areas are now putting down gravel to try and slow the cyclists - not very good for wheelchair users though.

[@talesfromtheswansneck]

Yes I've nearly been run down on a couple of occasions. I also forgot to mention in the vlog that I leapt of the boat whilst mooring in Oxford and my foot went down a pothole in the freshly mown grass. I was lucky not to break my ankle.

[@naughtysquirrellyndatee96]

A big stick always comes in handy… happy boating💜

[@talesfromtheswansneck]

ooo-er, you are a naughty squirrel !