016 NARROWBOATING IN THE RAIN ON THE K&A

[@GenaF]

The way I see it, if the rain is far to heavy for anyone to be at the tiller moving the boat, you can pretty much moor wherever you like because nobody in their right mind is going to come out to see why you are there! 😉

[@MinimalList]

That's true! M

[@Minikisses20000]

The look when you went to pull away , his look was precious. It was like Dad wait for me. Loved it.

[@MinimalList]

He’s always a wee bit concerned we might leave him, though of course we never shall! M

[@petermastenbroek5264]

It's not as much fun when it's pooring down with rain, but it's still nice to go through beautiful country side. After his 7 hours walk, George had energy left for at least another 7 hours by the looks of it, and I'm pretty sure he wouldn't mind doing that running, he'll wear you both out.

[@MinimalList]

He's already succeeding! And yes, the countryside is lovely. Even the rain wouldn't be so bad if we were more prepared for it. M.

[@mjallenuk]

Early George days .... bless him. Set Ella off barking with all the George sound effects!

[@MinimalList]

Sorry Ella! M

[@wiltsrocket7147]

That lock is a fierce one! Especially for longer boats the bottom gates leaks so bad you have to open the paddles fully up to enable the lock to fill but then the flow of water to the bow is full on!. Anyway you will have plenty of further challenges both physical and mental with locks on this canal for that I can guarantee, but you will soon be passing some glorious countryside and lovely villages, towns and cities which makes this canal so lovely, If I see you about I will come and say hello to you both and George. Keep up the good work with Vlogs they are always very informative as well as entertaining whilst being very very funny at times.

[@MinimalList]

Please do! What's the name of your boat and what area might we find you? Sounds like there's Fun to be had ahead! M.

[@wiltsrocket7147]

Minimal List, Currently moored in Hungerford, NB Marquis

[@MinimalList]

We'll try to keep an eye out when we get closer! M

[@wilelowman8028]

Hey,guys another great video. Really liked the shots of the narrow boat passing. Not many VLOGS show the tow path. As we say in Chicago "don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes".

[@MinimalList]

Thank you! George much prefers walking on the tow path than riding on the boat so that is where we were! Michael is slowly starting to understand that British weather is totally unpredictable! Jo

[@Lynette21122431]

I just found y’all the other day. I think it was from country house gent. (sorry, talking to iPhone, not stopping for punctuation at this time) Anyway I decided to go back to the beginning and get to know y’all, now I’m getting to know George, too, and getting to know your boat. Y’all are fantastic. I watch a lot of these Narrowboat things on KZbin and love them all, but y’all rock and roll!

[@AndiCowell]

Really enjoying you Chanel. Until George arrived, now LOVING it... He such a handsome boy!!!

[@MinimalList]

Watch it, his head is already swollen!! M

[@segrove]

I have watched other canal boat vlogs, enjoyed most. The troubles you have had with the boat is typical, all used boats have them. I want to put a plug in for "Journey with Jono" if you are interested in converting to Lithium batteries. His vlog showing how he did it with multiple charging sources and their controllers. He does work for the company that sold him the equipment.

[@jimcurrier3922]

When you first moved off the moring, George gave you a look like where the heck are you going with my boat.

[@MinimalList]

Heh, yeah he’s often rather surprised we’re moving his bowl again! M

[@peterrutter7332]

well done in the rain guys

[@MinimalList]

Thanks! M

[@midsomermikey]

Welcome to The K&A Two Points When Locking up & using gate paddles as apposed to ground paddles always open them slightly until the water goes over the top of the paddle otherwise you will fill up the bow. Secondly the reason that the bottom gates leak lower down is the fact that only one gate has been opened & the boats rubbing strake rubs along the gate eventually making a hole when both gates are closed. As you will notice the hole is about gunwale height of the boat.

[@MinimalList]

Hmm, interesting. We did try the slight opening idea, but it was running out the bottom gates too fast to fill. You're right though, the worst was at gunnel height, but it actually extended up to roughly roof height. The gates really only mated properly for the top three feet of a 9 foot lock! M.

[@rigby3780]

OK M. it's time you embrace the british summer and ride through the rain in only your hawaiian board shorts and a sou'wester (body paint optional) ;) great video enjoy the K&A

[@MinimalList]

That is an image no one needs to see. Or imagine. Especially the body paint. Ugh! M.

[@rigby3780]

haha!

[@richardsherburn4816]

Reminds me of the old British expression; Ah! the suns out! I expect it'll be raining soon.

[@MinimalList]

Truly an accurate saying! M

[@JP-mu5ic]

My sincerest congratulations and gratitude for putting together such beautiful pieces. I understand the amount of time and thought that must go into the making,-- may you have the stamina to continue as long as possible. Such a relaxed presentation, so easy to watch. The Wey and Godalming, Basingstoke, Thames and K&A have had very special memories for 3 generations of my family over 4 decades with far too many stories for me to even start here. Your documentaries let us relive those precious moments. We used to hire from the Farncombe Boat House. Your REVIEW system should be compulsory viewing at the hire boat houses! I wonder if you had the same feeling as us when you first left Thames Lock, the last on the Wey. From being a large vessel travelling a muddy ditch the Wey, to suddenly feeling very small as the Thames opened up in front. Something for the future, have you studied the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct yet? one thing for sure if Michael struggles with PURRford............ You really are living out one of my dreams, enjoy every moment. My warm regards to you both (and Pooch), although as I write its pouring outside and you're not many miles away. Jim kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5m7aJqBlqZ_bZY

[@MinimalList]

Thank you for all of that, glad we could bring back some memories as well! And yes I'm both aware of the "Ponky Thither?" and trying to learn how to pronounce it before we get there! As for the Thames ... oh man, yeah that was so weird as a transition. It felt like coming out onto a major motorway directly off a little one way country lane, boats everywhere honking and buzzing and beeping, and then suddenly getting shouted at by the people orchestrating a rowing race! Fun times! Still pouring! M

[@blueskyredkite]

So many narrow boats I see in YT videos are either down by the stern, or light in the bow; which ever it is, they all run up hill from stern to bow. But yours sits very well on her waterline. What weight do you have in your bow to keep it so level?!

[@MinimalList]

Nothing specific, though there is the bow thruster, the steel work that supports that, and its battery. Also our water tank is steel, fairly large, and pretty far forward compared to others we've seen, which is why when it's not full our front end also rises a lot. Honestly the only boats I see that aren't very stern-heavy are the ones with the traditional working-boat layout of (stern to bow) a boatman's cabin, followed by engine room, followed by main living area. The engine and its diesel are the biggest non-hull weights by far in the boat, so it stands to reason. M

[@ikonixx]

George has Michael wrapped around his paw!

[@MinimalList]

+Brian Jones I'm well trained! M

[@Lynette21122431]

I believe I remember where I first saw y’all now. I saw what you drew on the TV as you were explaining why you got the lithium batteries, that’s what spurred me to remember correctly. Thanks for the help! Cruisin the Cut accompanied as you achieved your goal recently of cruising the entire canal system. Am I right? Thanks!

[@AdrianJeens]

Great vlog thank you like the T-Shirt Homer lol.

[@MinimalList]

Thanks! My friend designed it, and it's become my favorite! M

[@muckshifter]

So, welcome to Britain. :)

[@MinimalList]

I'm enjoying it, I just wish I could find some rain gear my size! M

[@thecanucklehead7351]

The thunder probably did not help George's behavior, I know my two shepherds are leery during and a couple of hours after a thunderstorm - and they are pretty calm normally (comparatively speaking). Another great vlog guys - thanks.

[@MinimalList]

Thanks! Yeah he wasn't pleased with the heavens barking at him, that's for sure! He did enjoy the mud though. M.

[@epj900]

I love that music! what is it please

[@stevenmorehouse8087]

Weird, I didn't get any notifications you had posted any videos until today and I see I'm 4 (and 2 weeks) behind! I was wondering what you were up to.

[@MinimalList]

+Steven Morehouse Yeah they changed the notifications thing; you have to both subscribe and then right click and turn on notifications, otherwise they just show up in your feed if it's been updated recently. M

[@stevenmorehouse8087]

Aha! Done. Thanks.

[@stevenmorehouse8087]

On a side... why can't your dog drink out of the bowl?

[@MinimalList]

+Steven Morehouse He can do, he just chooses not to. Actually it's just something I figured out; if I want to get him to drink from the bowl I put some water in my hand. If I don't do that he likes to lick the canal opportunistically.

[@GeorgeStephen1959]

George Pulls you along because you let him, when walking learn to have him closer shorter lead and by your side and learn to make him heel beside you not in front, , so yeah you all may need some formal training 👍😎👌

[@MinimalList]

Let me put it like this... right now I can hold him on such a short lead that his front paws are entirely off the ground, and he's still pulling. He'll stop and wait if we do and we make him sit, though he starts to shake with excitement. But the moment we make any indication that we can move forward he just shoots off like a rocket. Now, when we walk him off the lead, he'll go forward just thirty to forty feet or so, then look back or return. He's got some recall, he's got some idea of staying close, but actually walking at heel or not pulling at the lead -- and by pulling I mean with sufficient force to cause friction burns on our hands from -- is just lost to him. Yeah, we definitely need formal help. M

[@JoshuaW]

So just how often do you get called a Yank?

[@MinimalList]

Mercifully not that often, and primarily by expat Aussies. M

[@darrannewman7113]

is it a bird?, is it a plane?, no it's George the spoilt doggy trying to fly "hey Michael cup me some more water".

[@MinimalList]

We're trying not to spoil him, but he's just so damned cute! M.

[@SquirrelFromGradLife]

Heard about an umbrella?

[@MinimalList]

+SquirrelFromGradLife yeah, they are in the cupboard on the boat!😀

[@peterrussell9473]

Day boats are often full of idiots.

[@MinimalList]

Not always... but they definitely have the least experience!

[@Chuck59ish]

Okay, you mean 4 British seasons in one day. You wouldn't want 4 Canadian seasons in one day.

[@MinimalList]

Eek no! Not sure we would still have been smiling if they were Canadian seasons! Jo

[@JP-mu5ic]

Hello again Jo & Michael, I see you're getting plenty of advice, I have resisted the temptation to give advice so far, information overload and all that. But one item has been playing on my mind that I would be more comfortable knowing that you know. As new boat and new dog owners it could easily be something you are not aware of. I have attached an introductory article on the dangers of blue green algae. Sorry to give something else to worry you. Looking forward to your next report, all your videos go on to our 58in Tv and your picture arrives in an excellent quality. Anyway, try to keep dry (stupid thing to say, I know) Jim www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/blue-green-algae-and-its-dangers-dogs

[@MinimalList]

Thank you for the article, we shall take a look! M

[@Minikisses20000]

Wow, very good article. I am wondering if this is what got Dillion from Foxes Afloat and Eric this year. This hurts to know it can be deadly and if they survive there can be complications down there road. 💕💕💕

[@JP-mu5ic]

Kimberly Brown Yes, yet another sinister side of nature. We need to raise public awareness of this killer, so pass the word!.....J

[@Minikisses20000]

@@JP-mu5ic you are so right. I had never heard of this until I read the article. I always wondered what that stuff was. Might be okay to go through but it is a killer. Me being from the states, just something I never have come in contact with. And from the videos I am watching from Michael and JO, looks like adorable George loves the water. They should have signs every where along the tow paths about this killer.

[@MinimalList]

We’ve talked to the Foxes, and Dillon’s tragic loss definitely wasn’t blue green algae poisoning. M

[@fredfish8918]

Ya I know you will not do it. But i would suggest you have George pull the boat.20 minutes a day should do the trick.Sure he will need help getting it started.And no doubt some snow flake will complain . That or get a bike. .I would have a Rüppell's vulture. Myself .

[@MinimalList]

It's not a bad idea to be honest! Not sure we could train him just to pull in one direction though!

[@fredfish8918]

well no doubt he will want company to be with him anyway. Even the horse are not alone

[@fredfish8918]

Ya no doubt someone would call the police.Truth is the best thing i ever found was find a steep hill to play catch with him on. That should tire him out good. And you will know when he has had enough

[@bobf5804]

I would have Gorge pull the boat. Save fuel. LOL

[@MinimalList]

I've been trying to figure out a harness, plus a means of not having him drag us out or the river and through the fields if he spots a bird. M.

[@bobf5804]

That is too funny. I can just see the boat in the field skidding to the left, then skidding to the right........

[@tpp2001]

If you keep stroking the dog while he's not acting correctly he will get worse. He's learning you as your learning him. As for pulling while your walking try to cut a few very small pieces of chicken or salami or beef and when he pulls stop and let him know that's wrong. As you walk start with a small piece of treat have him walk alongside you. The best side is left . Then as you move treat him the first few steps and increase the distance between treats. till he realizes he needs to stay along side you. all commands you wish to be obeyed will take time but you will find that the treat is not needed and the dog will obey. it can be a day of training then the next day the dog gets it. BE PATIENT. Sit, Stay and return are the best first to train. Any time George is getting excited say when you get a ball or pull out the leash to take him of the boat make sure he is still and calm before you allow him off. This takes patience but just standing and waiting till he gets it will save you in the end. George should not leave the boat unless you allow it with him calm.

[@MinimalList]

Thank you for all of that. We are trying to sort out a place to take him for some formal training, as we've got a couple problem areas: the first is he's not at all treat responsive when he's outside, he basically just ignores everything until he's sniffed or otherwise investigated whatever has his attention for the millisecond, and so far the only thing that can keep his attention is a ball. But whoever had him before must have been using one of those plastic throwing arm things, because if you don't throw it pretty quickly he'll jump and snatch it out of your hand. He gets frustrated pretty easily and won't calm, he literally starts to tremble until he just bursts. We're trying not to give him mixed messages, but it's proving quite difficult when trying to film because if he's allowed out on the well deck he just starts looking for things to track again. He's a handful. But he's our handful, and we think a lot of his restlessness is because of all the changes on the boat. If you know any good training centers along the K&A it would be great to hear about them. Cheers. M.

[@tpp2001]

Since the ball is his treat, not food, use the ball. the anxiety is expressed due to his panic. Let him go through it till he calms. do not throw a ball for him till he's calm. Calm does not mean him tense and wildly wagging his tail and panting heavily. this takes patience. He will quickly learn his impatience is not right. If your holding the ball and he goes for it tisk him to go back.till he's calm. He's shown you the tool you just need to train him to respect you first. don't pull the ball away or hide it behind your back if he goes for it. He needs to understand the ball is not his but yours. Once you throw the ball its his job to retrieve it. Give a dog a job and he will be calm. You also may think of a pack for him to carry things along the canal for you also. best of luck.

[@MinimalList]

We're doing all that, and when he's got the ball to focus on it's fairly easy, though we still need more work on snatching, though that's reduced. With the ball it's like he's a different dog, and that's his sole focus with nothing else whatsoever being interesting. It's when he loses the ball -- which is often, he likes to see it go into the canal -- that he becomes so agitated and distracted that nothing seems to get through to him until there's either another ball or he's back inside the boat, where he'll still pace for like a half hour before settling. M

[@tpp2001]

Patience is key. He's obviously bored and agitated but this is probably due to his past. You need to give him work. Find jobs for him. as i said about a tot for him to carry things. he needs a lot of activity to wear him out. Has he had a day where you've run him to the point he's just lied down from exhaustion. If not you need to find that point. He will be easier to train if his energy has been reduced. training is based on cooperation between you and him. sometimes the good boys and the cuddling is not the best thing till he knows the rules and boundaries you wish to set. As i keep saying patience is everything. do not let yourself feel frustrated inside. do not show your frustration. If it's not working step back drink a tea and then try again. Your going to do great. Dogs can become obsessed with objects. It can be a ball, cloth, even it's tail. these are a form of insecurity. try to find other items instead of a ball that you can use like a rubber toy or shape so you can make him less obsessed. when you go to play do not name the object. if you have it in your possession he already knows. don't say things like ball time or lets play ball. just calmly call and direct him in what you want him to do. if you go to an opening along the canal, taking the ball out to play. He's going to follow you and probably place himself in front of you. try to remain calm and look for him to be calm. if it means sitting for half an hour then that is what you need to do. This is the patience part. when you both calm then you can start the game.

[@MinimalList]

Thanks. When possible we've been playing ball with him till he lies himself down, and he is definitely less of a handful after that. We're not frustrated, we're just waiting for him to start to relax a bit more with changes in the environment. Unfortunately for the moment there's a lot of those changes, as we had the battery refit (2 days of chaos), a window to replace (4 days), just now a rewiring of the DC circuit (2 days), and we're still only half way through the prep for solar, which is another 2 days of work before doing the actual panel fitting ... result is the poor dog has a constantly changing environment and two distracted, stressed out owners, who are hoping that he gets the full attention he needs starting in a week, weather cooperating. He's learning to be patient with us, though! Love the tot idea! M

[@glenb4261]

To many speed up videos ? How are we supposed to see anything

[@MinimalList]

We don't speed up the video, we film it as time-lapse footage. We do not have the battery capacity or data storage to film in real time as our cruises can last up to 7 or 8 hours. We use to the time-lapse footage to help tell the story of movement rather than showcase the scenery. We limit the amount of time-lapse shots we use in each vlog.