How to Enjoy Boat Life in Winter Including Difficult Chores

Living on a narrowboat requires extra work and maintenance. Some tasks are daily and some are easily forgotten for months. On this warm winter day, Marina decides to clean out the chimney, we build a native terrarium and cross the final lock of winter closures that separate us from making it to the winter end of the K&A.
🎬 Episode 40.
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[@CruisingAlba]

If you would like to support the episodes join our crew on Patreon www.patreon.com/cruisingalba to get early ad-free access to the videos, bonus content, live streams, Cruising Alba sticker, monthly phone and desktop backgrounds and the chance to meet in person and come on board! 💜 xx

[@tanyamckenzie7482]

My parents used those briquettes 35 years ago in former Jugoslavija. I remember carrying them from our wood shed in basement to the third floor, no lift.

[@davidmills636]

Such a delightful vlog - I love the longer format! So nice to see you collecting litter - you're part of the network of litter pickers (including me) that help keep our country pleasant :-)

[@CruisingAlba]

Thanks for watching David 🥰 yep we always pick it ip from land or from the dinghy if rubbish gets onto the unaccessible side of the canal 💜

[@rickc5303]

That gorgeous free hand calligraphy is just plain showing off,...and you should! I am way envious of your steady hand! My desk is covered in bits and pieces of paper with sad chicken scratch penmanship,....I may never summon the courage to put pen to paper again.

[@kennyscouse3388]

I’m running out of adjectives/superlatives to comment on your ever improving Vlogs!🤔 My favourite moment on this episode?……… The dubbed giggle when Myles said "Marina’s going to polish up the terrarium jar", really made me laugh🤣 Your calligraphy is improving so much Marina, you are doing effortless/natural pen strokes now compared with the very early Vlogs. Loved my extended ‘fix’ for this week’s episode - hopefully soon they will be an hour long?!!🤗 (which still won’t be long enough) Please, please, please, never stop these VLogs. Take care & stay safe, both of you. 👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻💙

[@nicpalmer3597]

Imagine the height of summer and being moored up with other boater friends then setting up your projector so it shines onto a white sheet suspended in a tree. People could pop over for drinkies and a chat and watch a film, or just show fun imagery 😊😊😊

[@paulharwood6864]

It doesn’t really matter how long or short the video is, it’s the content that’s important.

[@sunnybnk]

Enjoying your vlogs. Remember, a knot is not a knot that cannot be undone!!

[@paulturner7837]

Thanks for cleaning up after the scumbags Myles. The Terrarium was great,my wife watched with me and has decided she would like to create one 😁 . The length of the vlog was great as the content was interesting and you were both engaging and amusing xx

[@freddythefrog70]

Myles before you use silcone/glue submerge the cartridge in very warm water (not boiling) It seems to make the product more sticky too. Well done on picking up the rubbish guys, got me some of those grabbers now I'm 50 year old and riddled with arthritis......the joys of Fibromyalgia. Great videos guys & gals 💕

[@AndreasDuessca]

Next time you’re at a chandlery pick up a fibreglass repair kit. Sand down, add tape and glass over. Easy fix.

[@workingboat]

Hi you two, I made a naked Terrarium the other day, its called a jam jar, I took Miles advice and washed it myself. It looks nice, easy maintenance to. Love the Smart projector, I want one of those, Brilliant. PS the longer format the better.

[@chrishill4034]

amazing drone shots,you marina is nailing it, it just gets better and better,well done, cant wait for fridays,you both make my week,thankyou soooo much

[@seanadams6328]

Great new format...But its basically more of you Guys to enjoy... whats not to love!! Great Carling quote lol Be well and be safe guys!

[@bumblebee-mygt867]

I prefer the 20min vlogs. Just my personal preference. Keep them coming

[@ijwheeler5287]

Came across you in February, now watched all episodes. It's like being out on the water with you!!

[@captlucky16]

Enjoy your journey to Bristol, we were lucky enough to do it last summer. Well done for picking up the litter, why people can carry full cans out but not take back empty light cans pisses me off. I like the teranium garden. I know you can get through with just one lock gate open, but when everyone does it it wears away at the gate. Then CRT have to repair the gates and waste our fees, instead of dreading the canal. Pass it on. A well filmed vlog, well done, look forward to the next episode.

[@bryanbadger6841]

Only 26minutes?? No not long at all. Loved the idea of the terrarium. Adds another dimension to Alba. Don't you think.? Said this before, but yep I do love your channel. Take care guys. And atb from Nz.

[@richardpope2114]

Nice episode and David's Isopon P40 will be the best thing to fix the boat , its chopped fibre glass mixed in resin and is activated, just make sure you mix it well and use a different tool to apply so no neat hardner is on the applicator and not too much hardener , loads of uses on a boat and lasts forever in its tin until the hardener is added Regards Richard

[@tanyamckenzie7482]

Miles looks happy in this video, his girl is an electrician and a chimney sweep. ;)

[@dirkjordy9point714]

Liked the using of a flowerpot to bail water trick. Never gets old that one🙄😁👍!

[@simon-nb-Betsyray]

That was a very interesting vlog this week it covered several topics, l loved the array of different colours on the canal as well as the clothes and bobble hats u wore very seasonal. I enjoyed the longer vlog version l didn't want it the end. Hope u have a safe coming week 💜xxx

[@CruisingAlba]

Thank you Simon, sending you our love 🥰💜

[@paulayala4816]

You can use some 2 part epoxy to fix the hole in your boat or a good plumbers epoxy and caulk. You have beautiful calligraphy Marina.

[@heatherhunter7372]

Another lovely vlog guys. A++ for litter picking other peoples rubbish. We clean our chimney every 3 months that’s only because I’m paranoid about a chimney fire, you can get 2 free smoke alarms & a carbon monoxide detector if contact Dorset & Wiltshire fire service, under normal circumstances boaters on the K&A attend a yearly fire lecture & get the freebies then, plus they will happily visit you boat & give advice regarding fire safety. Marina can you let me know what calligraphy practice book you were using in the vlog?

[@kennethainley5254]

Really enjoyed the longer format. Keep up the great work.

[@ericgoodall7089]

I liked your choice of background music, and enjoyed the vlog very much.

[@steveyountz9184]

Folks, Really enjoy your lifestyle and boat. I think you guys are lucky to have the time, energy and each other.

[@mikey2864]

'Who drinks Carling' priceless... couldn't agree more :-) Keep it up... very impressed.

[@CruisingAlba]

🥰💜

[@johnfellows2867]

@@CruisingAlba Carling is a hugely popular in South Africa, but I always drank Castle when we were over there.

[@sheepdog1102]

Great video, I love the music that you use in your video. First tool of a good chimney sweep is a pair of gloves 🧤

[@redhotchilli23]

Great video as always, I much prefer the longer format's as it is nice to sit down in the evening and to watch an extra long edition!

[@johnsharman7614]

Hi again guys its looking quite cool On the canal side, I see you like Caligrafi I've always been interested in the old world writing it looks so good and very gracious and stylish Always love to see people who are either Learning and especially when one can do it without guidelines etc all part of learning I suppose. Great job. Take care and stay safe 👍

[@RetroRatz]

The Terrianium looked a good idea! Always like a clean chimney 👌 We've loved our winter fires, but oh my aren't we now looking forward to summer!!

[@paulinehiggins8239]

Loved the longer format.

[@mikebikekite1]

I gave you a thumbs up for the litter picking. Good job and I wish more people felt the same way.

[@CruisingAlba]

Thanks Michael, we try doing our bit, we feel it's important 👌

[@LibbyWithnall]

Great filming and editing. Loved the drone shots. Good of you to pick up rubbish on your walk. The terrarium looks great. Watching you tie on the new fenders took me back to days of sailing. Enjoyed the longer vlog.

[@nancyspringston8547]

I am enjoying catching up on past vlogs…. It is so interesting to follow different ages, and singles, and couples….thank you for sharing life on your boat with us. I am from the Rocky Mountains of Colorado….

[@lyndamorrissey6646]

It was good I didn't realize it wad longer. Yep enjoyed watching. You didn't take tags off the new pillows. It was funny like watching home make over show where th e y prepare home for sale they hire all the furnisher then just wripe the tags off everything. You would be coming into spring now we are hitting Autumn in Australia

[@borderreiver3288]

Hope you are both keeping safe and well and coping with the block down.....

[@jhindmarch8790]

Love your videos and the longer format 👍🏼

[@Mrsknowler]

Hahaha lovin' the trousers Myles........we just love you guys

[@RexWaldron]

Moments like 7:49 just keep me coming back :) Big yes to the longer format videos as they are even more immersive.

[@jonturner3179]

So true. No-one in their right mind drinks Carling. Great shots via the drone!

[@briandouglass6565]

Brill as always, like the extended version. Bear x

[@MsBluemoth]

Definitely enjoyef the longer episode.! Thank you so much for shai your adventures. You brought me back to my childhood making the terrarium. They lasted for years. Still going when I moved out! Take care out there xx

[@rickypatel2517]

The way youve edited this video is really great as it makes it really easy for me to watch, it was easy viewing thanks

[@ralphwood9865]

Hmmmmm 3 boats in a lock at once well done Marina.!!!......nice scarf hope you're keeping nice and snug. Great job on the stove and chimney. That hat band really makes that black hat ,gorgeous smile too. Here's to Gorilla Tape..... mans best friend...Big gold star for Myles for his trash pick up. Cheers my friends take care stay safe ,stay warm.XOXO

[@CruisingAlba]

Thank you for tuning in each week Ralph, big love 💜🥰

[@btraffordphotos]

Really enjoyed it, have a great week.

[@billlewis2401]

Definitely like the longer format.

[@brenda9990]

Love you two. Love your vlogs and adventures!

[@krazykat4349]

I love the idea bout a terrarium for every different canal...good job done Myles

[@AndyHale-wh3dl]

What's not to Like? Love the content and the long format.

[@summitdetailing6697]

What's not to like about an extended episode!.....cracking as always guys, loved the variety in this one. Cheers, Chris

[@sharonrimsza7960]

Love the longer video.

[@laurahardy9295]

I love how honist you are. Like you never hind that your boat has a hole and stuf! Love you! And stay safe

[@garethwood8812]

In the old days a chicken was used to sweep the chimney, 2 jobs in one , the chimney was swept and the poor old chicken got de loused with the soot , no need for louse powder in them days.

[@designabeej]

Yes do like the longer format 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@shelleymantach5904]

Fab episode, thank you. xxx

[@drawbridgep]

Love the longer format.

[@robinhearn8974]

Love your taste in music. Pete in New Zealand

[@crucera4850]

Hey guys, mad respect for cleaning up the trash!!! Great show as always. Thank you.

[@jinnytruman7299]

Made me smile x

[@deanfielding5881]

Really enjoyed watching your adventures. It’s great to see two young people experiencing life at its best. Paul and Debs

[@pfalzgraf7527]

Loved it! Didn’t even actually realize this was longer … well, that is to say: this time I wasn’t disappointed because it was so short ;) may be this is because I am used to youtube videos lasting between 20 and 30 minutse.

[@altacat9702]

...great music !! ...I bet a lot of people would enjoy a fiberglass repair video ...so easy to do .. sunlight will activate new style fiberglass so easy to use : )

[@chrishibbard6488]

Always a joy to watch. I feel part of your journey now that I have become a patreon. Stay well and keep safe. ...Chris xx

[@fp30e]

Great Vlog as always. And I enjoyed the longer version which was a delight to watch. Loved your new mini eco Terrarium system. I may try that myself. Always a very professional looking Vlog. Thank you as always. Take care.

[@MrJayscinema]

Longer format means more time watching! Find these so relaxing. I liked the universal sign language for feeling cold. “Squidging” your hand. 😂

[@CruisingAlba]

Thank you for watching Jay 💜🥰

[@Widestone001]

Fantastic vlog :-) Concerning the Dinghi: It's akin to a sea anchor, if a really, really bad one. A sea anchors is basically a clump of wood bits or other floating things that have some weight compared to the vessel it anchors, if the real anchor does not work or the water is too deep for that. Not that either is much of a problem on the canals I imagine 😁

[@MrGrtx]

great video your projector is really cool

[@tobiasneko]

Great vlog!! great cleaning, fixing and more!! greetings from Chile!!!

[@claire4486]

You can get epoxy putty which you squish it in your fingers to mix it then just put it in the hole wait till dry and sand it. If you ever get a hole in your narrow boat is a good temporary fix for that to. Is only £3 on eBay. Wouldn't let me put link sorry.

[@jimbob356]

You look absolutely lovely, arranging your scatter cushions😉

[@Cydonius1]

the terrarium is so cool i think i'll look into making one also

[@gabrielecox365]

Lovely vlog with magic moments - good start into the weekend.

[@douglasrussell5098]

Love all things Star Trek!

[@glendaelwell5498]

Love your little garden great idea to make one on every Canal

[@CruisingAlba]

Thank you Glenda, it was such a fun activity and now we get to look at it every day 💜🥰

[@jimrussell5931]

Great video, really enjoyed it and good that it was longer. Something to look forward to each week.

[@stevecalver1879]

Great vlog thanks

[@edenbreckhouse]

I live on a boat too and the hardest task I find is emptying the pump out toilet into the nearest field - have to do that at 0200 when nobody is on the towpath. Not been caught so far which is ace.

[@adrianinafrica]

Very relaxing and interesting episode.

[@lorismithjennaway1547]

Love the longer content!

[@mikelovelidge]

The best Vlog so far guys, wonderful, loved the Tarrarium so much I sent the idea to the parents of my grandchildren, thanks x

[@brianbevington8777]

very nice episode, stay safe and keep going,...like the extended video very much :)

[@karendevine3971]

Loved this as we used to have a boat at the marina at Bradford on Avon really miss it

[@emel60]

Hey you two! Have you seen or heard about the creosote removing products? You throw the package in, while the wood stove is running, and it dissolves the buildup without its particles flying all around the place. Especially because they are quite cancerogenic. A woodstove hoover might come in handy, but I guess you would have had it by now if you wanted to. Lastly, did you ever consider changing a flue cap with a spinning cap?

[@hellyavard8552]

Great vlog such a variety of topics covered. I enjoyed it looking forward to the next video

[@shaunmoore5518]

Brilliant

[@baggiesjoe1608]

Great video...will you make it to the west midlands, we have some great waterways

[@waynewaring]

Loved the vlog again this week and the extended format. Love your can do attitude!

[@CruisingAlba]

Thank you so much for watching Wayne 🥰💜

[@camilocuervo6046]

I promise I will clean my boat this weekend, , 🤣

[@julie011267]

Great video once again loved the extended version stay safe x

[@MattSmith-qp2ns]

You have a really interesting channel, looks like a great life on the canal and by the way looks like you were reading a book on the radiant rider waite tarot, thats a nice deck of cards!!

[@paultaylor9652]

Another nice video you two.

[@brettthickhammer1546]

Great story this episode, thanks for sharing

[@CruisingAlba]

Glad you enjoyed it Brett 💜 xx

[@letsbefrank6269]

Cut the Gorilla tube in half to get some glue out. Great content!

[@soraya4890]

Love the vlogs... so cozy..

[@samwestley5949]

Oh man, I'd subscribed before the intro had even finished :) . Quality stuff, that 27 minutes went way to quick.

[@trevorsbarkingmadchannel4501]

Great vlog. Must be eerie cruising in the dark.

[@dickramsbottom1616]

20 minutes of sanding, a small patch of fiberglass wetted with resin or epoxy and that dingy is as good as new. Probably cheaper than a caulk gun and a tube of sticky gunk too.

[@chevyimp5857]

Nice edit..thanks for posting

[@CruisingAlba]

Thank you for watching lovely 🥰💜