My Canal Journey Is Going To Take an Unexpected Turn

The canal system is very old which means that things will go wrong on it and that can take time to fix. When you live your life as a continuous cruiser then you have to learn to manage unexpected changes to your travel plans. This week, I have to do that too. Sit back, relax and enjoy. Take care 🦋🌻
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It's Time to Go by AGSoundtrax
The Beginning by VictoryAudio
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Good Days Ahead by AGSoundtrax
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Sentimentality Emotion by Seral Studio
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It's always lovely to hear from you and I will get back to you.

[@stellasanford9511]

So glad I found you, my daughter watches now, very calming, what a talented artist x

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I’m am so glad that you found me too! Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care 🦋🌻

[@shannon5766]

Another beautiful video ❤❤❤❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much! Take care 🦋🌻

[@brianclarke7169]

Yours is usually the last video of the day, so relaxing. Thank you for what you do

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I hope you found it relaxing this week? Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

[@bobnmarewilcox4855]

Congratulations on the dipper and a big thank you for the history, art, and poetry. Have a greT everyday.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@garyp8471]

Why folk want to fly over our wonderful landscape to foreign lands i'll never know, thank you for sharing another great video of all those bridges that the hard working Navvy's built over the canals they also dug out by hand, and the wonderful nature plus views you find. All the best Gary n Irene

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

There are so many beautiful places to see here. Thank you for your lovely comment, Gary and Irene. Have a super weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

[@butchbinion1560]

Thanks, just amazing. ✌🏻👊🏼

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you! Thank you so much. Have a super week. Take care 🦋🌻

[@carlfama140]

Love the shots of the plants and flowers. A natural way of life.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much. It is a privilege to able to film the plants and flowers. Have a super week. Take care 🦋🌻

[@StevesRepairs]

Thanks Vanessa, for taking us along on this beautiful cruise with lots of Historical info' and wonderful nature scenes, and particularly finding the Dipper. As always your journal is magical. Take care and all the best. Stevie

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Stevie, the Dipper is the highlight of my year so far! 🤩 Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care 🦋🌻

[@birteeliasen6423]

Thankyou for another lovely Cruise Vanessa

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

You are so welcome- thank you for a lovely comment. Take care 🦋🌻

[@juditharcher1481]

Vanessa, I'm watching you from Baltimore, Maryland, USA! Your videos are just spectacular, and your details on the history of where you're filming is excellent! I enjoy your calm, beautiful manner so much! Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful drawings and poetry with us as well. I hope to buy one of your journals soon! All the best ! ❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Judi from Baltimore Maryland, USA! Thank you so much for watching and for your lovely comment too. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@annwagner5779]

Hi! I’m from just down the highway in Washington, DC, though I live in Arkansas now. I love Vanessa’s videos, too!

[@deeannh17]

This channel is such an exciting adventure! Thank you for all the history and nature lessons as well.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you!Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super week. Take care 🌻🦋

[@TheJessierb]

oh the lovely Dipper - well spotted! And the landscape is breathtaking. The bridges are truly works of beauty constructed by nameless artisans. I am so glad you draw our attention to them. Thanks for yet another history lesson about the Roman lakes. Have a lovely week ahead on your travels Vanessa. Take care, w. xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Wendy, it was such a surprise to stumble upon that old mill and toll house- what a special place and as for the dipper! Well there aren't any words!!!! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@PaulWest_Videographer]

I simply love your excitement when seeing a wildlife treat like that Dipper - that has to be on my wildlife treat list for this year. Thank for yet another entertaining and informative Vlog. Always a treat for a Friday's KZbin viewing. Looking forward to next Friday... 🙂

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Paul, seeing the dippers was so exciting. I would love to see them swimming too. Thank you for your lovely comment. Happy dipper watching!🦋🌻

[@PaulWest_Videographer]

@@themindfulnarrowboat Thank you! 🙂

[@wilgipp4653]

Your journal is a thing if beauty. So inspiring. Thank you for the calm you bring into my home.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you are enjoying it.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you- thank you so much! Have a super rest of the weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@gailmowat3149]

Thank you Vanessa for taking us chairsitters on your journeys. We enjoy some breathtaking scenery, all kinds of wildlife, your excitement in discovering them, canals that seem to go on forever, and interesting tidbits of history, and Zephyr too. God bless you.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for such a kind comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@susansharples8555]

The secret water point used to be a proper service with elsan and toilet before the new houses were built xxx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Did it? I hope the new services go in soon then for the boaters in that area. Thank you for watching. Take care 🌻🦋

[@Margaret_J]

Beautiful, beautiful vlog this week Vanessa May you enjoy many delights of the unexpected in your journeys 🦋🌸

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Margaret, it is such a pretty place and an honour to be here. I hope you are well?Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@WavzonRox39]

What a relaxing joy your video is! Perfect narration with wonderful details of the history ~ so glad i found your channel! Thanks!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for such a kind comment. I am pleased that you found my channel too! Have a super week. Take care 🦋🌻

[@MarcelEling]

Thank you very much, I enjoy tbe travels and want to see it myself😅

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you are enjoying the journey. Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🦋🌻

[@dazwalkingman]

I think it’s time the massive water companies that take from the water system should start paying to clean up and take care of the same system that they profit from

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Very good point! Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🦋🌻

[@BlissAtthebay]

Your videos bring joy and tranquility of spirit and a unique view of the UK, thank you (from NZ)

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is wonderful to know that you are watching and enjoying the vlogs all the way from beautiful NZ! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@arthurraymond6239]

Another superb episode on your journey on the most picturesque canal on the network 😊a joyful experience 😃many thanks for sharing 😊😎⭐️

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you enjoyed it, Arthur!Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@orchidhouse297]

When you talked about Goyt Valley it reminded me of a few photos from 1962 I had scanned and saved from an old photo album. It was a teen haunt when I lived in Derbyshire. I stopped the video to search for those photos. It looks very different now with an abundance of trees . In those days, according to the photos, it was fairly open, but just as beautiful. As they say, I knew it well - sixty plus years ago!. Then you ended with a delightful poem. Thanks.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is good to know that there are more trees now. I bet those photos are a great record of the past on this stretch of water. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@mwardbf1]

Thank you so much for my 2 lovely books. The videos every week are so relaxing to watch, the history is so fascinating, so is your knowledge on the wildlife

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you have got your books. Thank you so much for buying them and for your lovely comment too. Take care 🦋🌻

[@buddhabob4168]

Absolutely beautiful, thank you 🙏🫶🙏

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you!Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@stephenhayes6133]

If you were touring by road, you might not see these hidden places on the canal. Thank you, Vanessa, sharing your experience, with us.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is very true. It is such a super way to travel. Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🦋🌻

[@MelG-ut3hs]

I like to leave your video as the last one before I go to bed because I know it will be so calm and relaxing to watch and this one did not disappoint. Beautiful.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I hope you found this week's vlog calming too? Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

[@irenebrown8363]

Thank you for the magical minutes spent with you on you boat travelling through the canal s wonderful also Mr dipper too❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I and Mr Dipper are very grateful for your kindness! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@obiblooze5902]

What a lovely vlog again. Love what you do with the fender, the wildflowers are gorgeous. The dipper is amazing, that's a great zoom lens you have. Thanks for showing us the beautiful countryside and wildlife 💖

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I hope the fender is as good as last year's but the weather is very different this year, so I'm not sure what will happen?Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@markoa6999]

Hey my comment is first 🤓. Looked forward to your videos and calming sit down with tea, biscuits and drawings. I am still amazed with how many canals there are in England and these crazy boat overpasses, mind blown.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Congratulations on being the first to comment- 🥇 thank you so much! Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@markoa6999]

@@themindfulnarrowboat LOL, my wife says simple minds are entertained by simple things, I said yup I am a guy after all. 🤣

[@samjones6347]

Love your tea making..and cookies…..

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I love drinking it and eating them. 😀 Thank you for watching. Take care, Sam🌻🦋

[@user-hd6se1qq9g]

Really enjoy the nature and history content with a smile - why couldn't I do that at school all those years ago?🤔 ps forgetting the 'Aw Gawd' in the tricky key situation didn't help! 🤣

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you are enjoying the nature and history; it fascinates me so much and like you, more than it ever did at school! 🤭 "Aw Gawd" really did help again didn't it?😂Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@raktoda707]

What a neat historical tour !

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you enjoyed it! Take care 🦋🌻

[@otter736]

Thanks so much again for a wonderful video!!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you! Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care 🦋🌻

[@melissalambert7615]

A dipper!! So cool! Good for you.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

They are so cool aren't they? Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super week. Take care 🦋🌻

[@trevorbarrett9971]

Thank you for providing such relaxing but informative content. Your appreciation and knowledge of nature is comforting, but sadly in decline amongst us, I believe. Your Nature Journal of a Narrowboater (2022 & 2023) arrived today - so beautiful, thank you - now looking forward to the 2024 one! 😎

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Trevor, I am so pleased that your books arrived today! Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

[@trevorbarrett9971]

@@themindfulnarrowboat Hi Vanessa, thank you, you too, happy cruising with the lovely Zephyr! 😎

[@RobinMuirhead]

Wonderful nature shots thanks x

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you for your kind comment. Take care 🦋🌻

[@dnewnova]

such beautifull countryside and buildings its a great start to my weekend usually before the sun comes up thank you

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you. Have a super rest of the week. Take care 🌻🦋

[@FreeSpeach5491]

I’ve never seen a Dipper but hey one day.. great illustration V

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I hope you see a Dipper one day. They are doing well along the River Goyt if you're ever nearby. Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care 🦋🌻

[@dianehunter1285]

Hello Vanessa we only found you this last week. I am so glad that we did as your videos have been an oasis of calm in the most stress full of weeks when we have been scammed and our dog was poorly, she is better now thank goodness. We are really enjoying watching your adventures. We will be buying your journals when things have calmed down a little. Thank you Diane

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Oh Diane- what an awful week you've had, but I am so glad that your dog is better; it must have been so worrying watching her be so unwell. Thank you so much for still taking the time to comment too. Take care 🦋🌻🐾🐾

[@bex82uk]

Your beautiful vlogs are always such a wonderful treat, and a lovely way to advocate for mindfulness and wellbeing. I wish I could support your channel more for all the hard work you put into these wonderful creations and the positive effects they bring with the joy you radiate through each one. Sadly I can’t give financially but just so you know your updates are always a treat to me and I look for to seeing where you’ve been and what art work you’ll captured for us each week. A big warm hearted thank you and enjoy the holiday weekend ❤☺️

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so, so grateful to you for watching and making such a lovely comment. That is all the reward that I need. Thank you so much. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@robnarwidphotography7754]

It looks like a gorgeous spring day on the canal and we always get to learn a little British history from you videos.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

The weather has been much sunnier lately. Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care 🦋🌻

[@intrusivenature9758]

A nice cup of tea and Scotch Fingers yummy. Beautiful Vlog and artwork TY

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It’s a great combination! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care 🌻🦋

[@KathLowe-qr9nb]

Oh Vanessa that was a beautiful vlog I love all the little birds that flit around near the waterways ,I really wish I was younger and fitter and was able to do what you do lots of love Kath Lowe xxx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you enjoyed the little birds. They are fabulous to watch and the dipper is such a talented little thing too. Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care 🦋🌻

[@mikeyf8195]

Ohh that tea looks so good. 🤗

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It was delicious! Thank you for watching. Take care 🦋🌻

[@elinaranes4357]

Hi Vanessa, the Dipper has been named our national bird here in Norway😊 So great to follow you on your travels. Take care🌸

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

How wonderful to have the Dipper as your national bird! It is very special. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super week. Take care 🦋🌻

[@hsoderberg6505]

Thank you so much for your research into the history of areas you travel through & sharing wildlife along the way. Your poetry & drawings are amazing!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you. I am so pleased that you are enjoying the vlogs.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@billsavage807]

I'm lucky enough to live on north Dartmoor and walk my dog along one of the rivers there where I will see a Dipper most days. If I'm very lucky I will see a Kingfisher perhaps once or twice a year. My wife and I enjoy your vlogs, thank you for taking the time to produce them.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

How wonderful to have a daily dose of dipper! You are very lucky indeed. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care 🦋🌻

[@mariopioggiajr.8546]

Beautiful hillsides on this trip!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

The hills are amazing here! 🤩 Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

[@havootu]

Your videos are like a peaceful reality show love it❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you- thank you so much! Take care 🦋🌻

[@louisewhite9152]

Hi Vanessa,~ I’ve literally just come to my room. It was my birthday today so the whole centre celebrated with presents and cakes. It was really kind of them - as usual I haven’t watched the Vlog/video but I will do in about 30 minutes. I’m just going to FaceTime my mum and dad and my brother - I love my Friday nights as you know because I know your vlog/video is happening and I absolutely love them - I hope you have a good weekend - sending loads of love and loads of hugs ~ Xxx Xxx

[@juliehanns802]

Happy birthday. It sounds like you had a lovely day 🎁🎂

[@quietlife7186]

🩵🩵🩵

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Happy birthday, Louise! I hope you have a wonderful rest of the day. Take care 🎂🦋🌻

[@apekool3]

Happy birthday !

[@SJC49]

Happy Birthday!😍🇨🇦

[@robertseaman2254]

Thankyou for that very interesting journey it’s so relaxing and beautiful scenery ,wish you many more Vanessa

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care 🦋🌻

[@scottfw7169]

That segment of the video has me thinking, would 'The Duck and Dipper' be a neat name for a pub? And then it needs a story about how it got that name. Our local creative writers group meets Saturday (here in the US) maybe something there might inspire some ideas.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

How wonderful to be part of a local writers group. I think the Duck and Dipper would be a super pub name; a mallard is a dabbling duck so it could also be called 'The Dabbler and Dipper' Let me know if you come up with a good back story too! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@scottfw7169]

@@themindfulnarrowboat Seems KZbin is about to add value to my vocabulary, off to go look up what a dabbling duck is. Just because I've lived in a little midwestern county seat farm burg since 2007 that doesn't mean I know everything about wildlife and about plants! 🤔🙂

[@johnmact5548]

Years ago I watched a guy who would make up seed balls and drive around throwing them on to roundabout etc. Brilliant

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

There must be some wonderful roundabout meadows where you are then! Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🌻🦋

[@dogzlipstick]

Stressfull chef day, thankyou, relaxed👍🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I imagine every day as a chef is stressful? I don't know how you do it! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@petemoring67]

What Spectacular Scenery you have on this journey?? ..... I've spent untold hours walking River/Canal tow-paths - (Years ago 'on' the water too) - and I've NEVER seen Canadian Geese (Or any other big bird) Rolling like that in the water .... Is it common? - Or were you just 'Lucky' ?? 🤠

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is bootiful here, really bootiful! 🥰 I have seen the Canadian geese rolling a few times like that, but I haven't managed to catch it on camera; it's very clever isn't it? And a great way to wash the hard to reach places.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@anniemac3075]

Hi Vanessa, catching up with videos this evening & saw your dipper. A couple of decades ago we were leaning over a railing looking down at the stream running under the suburban Cardiff road we were walking along to visit the reservoir & there was a glorious little dipper bobbing around the stones & repeatedly diving into the water. Today I was lucky enough to watch a pair of speckled woods courting in my garden, flying round & round one way then a couple the other following the same pattern repeatedly until they shot off into the hedge. The wonders of nature. Thank you for your video, now I'm going to watch this week's too so it's a double bill for me, what a treat!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Speckled Woods are so appropriately named aren't they? How wonderful that you remember dipper watching that day too.Thank you so much for your lovely comment.Have a super weekend.Take care 🦋🌻

[@oldmanhuppiedos]

I think your flowers on your boat are beautiful, a sign of happiness. The dam's breakthrough was even in the news in the Netherlands. It's a beautiful spring day, wish you many more beautiful days.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I get so much pleasure from checking on my tiny garden every day and I hope the fender garden starts to shoot up now too. I'm sure it is looking stunning in the Netherlands right now!Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@keithburgess-zf3vl]

Thank you for another great vlog you make your vlogs so intresting to watch ,I didn't realise there was so much wildlife keep making your vlogs looking forward to next week

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

There is so much living and growing along our waterways and in the local areas that it is quite astounding! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super week. Take care 🦋🌻

[@arjanvogel6444]

Thanks for your vid 😇💟💟💟 Love and bless you Vanessa, brilliant story telling girl 💓

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Love and bless you too!Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@barbohanley3882]

Love your videos,keep up the great work ❣️🇨🇦

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much! Have a super rest of the week. Take care 🦋🌻

[@Graygramma]

Thank you for the beautiful butterfly, One appeared before me after the death of my best friend and every time I see one now, I know she is near. So she must be visiting England…a place she always wanted to visit.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is a beautiful thought to see a butterfly and think of your best friend. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🦋🦋🦋🌻

[@jackmullett9198]

From your description, two stunning canals, the Macclesfield and the Peak, what an adventure! I’m glad you were able to film the Dipper, they are really superb birds to see in the wild. I’d never heard of a pee stone, had to look them up, there are several in London, though knowing that, not exactly the place to eat your sandwich. Once again a great video😊

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Yes, I agree that there are perhaps nicer spots to enjoy a sandwich! 😂 Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

[@bondbug73]

Gorgeous. ❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

[@Debba521]

Lovely video. Fun watching the little dipper at work. And like that little bird, you'll need new plans as the canal you were to visit will be out of order for awhile longer. I have no doubt you will find something else, just as marvelous. Meanwhile, enjoy your Bugsworth Basin. The shortbread to be enjoyed with tea looks yummy! I just made a batch of cranberry and blueberry shortbread bars. Needed to use up the few cranberries I had left in the freezer. Have a great weekend!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Oooh, Debba your cranberry and blueberry shortbread bars sound wonderful! Surely they must count as one of your five a day too?😄👍 Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

[@annielewes]

Its lovely to see someone else be thrilled to see a Dipper! They are fascinating little birds and also a sign of a clean and healthy river.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Oh Annie, they are wonderful, little birds aren't they! I am so pleased that you get excited about them too. Have a super weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

[@paulmclaine6413]

I never miss your video's Vanessa although I am always late or the last. Another time you've shown me places I've never been before. Shows how much you miss just being in towns or Cities. I've never known people like you , that get so excited to see a Bird or Insect , Flower ,and I think that's the best part of watching your vlogs. Seeing your delight is all I need to continue watching. Those views Zephyr and you were staring at is everything I miss about England and I bet you find some more wonderful views next time too.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Paul, I can't help myself when it comes to spotting something exciting living or growing nearby! I must sound utterly ridiculous😂🙈 Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super week. Take care 🌻🦋

[@paulmclaine6413]

You never sound ridiculous Vanessa. You just show your passion for the things you love and that's the main reason people love your Channel.

[@hughcrawford1978]

A lovely tranquil area full of bird life with the river and trees. The canals, and cotton mills which once reflected an industrial environment now transformed to a habitation for traveling narrowboats and wild life. Thanks

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is a wonderful transformation to see nature reclaiming the space isn't it? Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super week. Take care 🌻🦋

[@pilpelet100]

I'm so happy that you finally found your dipper! Thanks so much, as always, for sharing your journey with us.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Ruth, I am over the moon at spotting the dipper! I am still smiling about it now. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care 🦋🌻

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

Good video

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Lee! Take care 🦋🌻

[@anthonybelcher7261]

Hi every week l watch your vlog so enthusiastically and just love listening to you sharing your superb pearls of wildlife wisdom.it’s so nice to learn more about the many different species of wildlife that live alongside the picturesque canal.it’s even more intriguing when you find the beautiful wildlife whilst in their natural environment and capture their incredible photographic images on your camera.which is truly fascinating to see.l especially loved watching the common sandpiper and the mistletoe thrush ❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Anthony, thank you so much for your kindness once again. I am so grateful for your lovely comments. Take care 🦋🌻

[@neildaly6787]

What a way to start my day: having breakfast while following Alice through the magnificent English countryside. Fascinating history of the mill at the Roman Lake. Thanks again!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is a privilege and honour to start your day with you!. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@jackiejones1684]

What stunning countryside and a lovely day as well. You are so lucky seeing such a variety of wildlife, the dipper was fabulous

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for such a lovely comment, Jackie. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@robertcharlessceats3647]

I think the interior of your boat is superb, so attractive and immaculate . It never ceased to amuse me when you end with your ritual tea and having biscuits. Another excellent video. Thanks Vanessa.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Robert, the boat is often a chaotic mess, but I have a tidy up on filming days! 😂🙈Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@tracyirwin8681]

What a beautiful part of the country you are in Vanessa and it was fascinating to learn about the Roman bridge, lakes and a bit of industrial archaeology too. I guess you just have to go with the flow with regards to your plans being disrupted but at least it means you can exlore a bit further. Well done on getting a Dipper too, a very elusive bird, delightful footage thank you so much. Lovely to see nature springing back to life after such a long winter x

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Watching everything suddenly burst into life here is absolutely wonderful! Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Tracy. Have a super week. Take care 🦋🌻

[@tracyirwin8681]

@@themindfulnarrowboat thank you Vanessa looking forward to watching your new vlog x

[@dino00555]

Outstanding work as always!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you!Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Steve. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@michaelketley1252]

In the early 1950’s I delivered newspapers, via the Peak Forest canal, down to Strines, over the Roman Bridge to the sub editor of the Manchester Guardian, the side of the Roman Lakes. If you get the chance whilst you’re in Bugsworth Basin, try to visit Dunge Farm Garden in Kettleshulme. At this time of year, it has some of the rarest and most beautiful Rhododendrons in the UK. Declaration of interest; the owner is my brother David.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

What a stunning place to deliver newspapers! Thank you for the tip too. Have a super week. Take care 🦋🌻

[@robsin2810]

Unflappable Vanessa. So enjoyable.🙏👍🇦🇺

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you enjoyed it, Robin!Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@KathLowe-qr9nb]

Great poem as well I love your vlogs even though I may not comment I always watch and dream what it would be like to live on the canals as you do xx Kath Lowe

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is so lovely to know that you are enjoying the vlogs, Kath. Thank you so much. Take care 🦋🌻

[@helenlane8281]

Nice to see you putting that one bloke in his place!😄😄

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

🤭 Thank you so much for watching! Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@user-pg7iq8zd5u]

A ROMAN BRIDGE...who would have thought ...wow...we enjoy your videos....

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I read that it was called Roman Bridge to make it sound fancy as it was called Windy Bottom bridge at first and that definitely doesn't sound fancy! 😂 Thank you for watching. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@sandylerski9352]

Great see your adventures again. Shame you had a change of plans. Ruski sends his regards to Zephyr. Hope you got the two video's I sent. We had a great day.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Sandy, I haven't seen the two videos? Are you sure they sent? I'll go back through my emails and have a look. Thank you for watching. Have a super weekend to the both of you. 🦋🌻

[@KayleenGnwmythr]

Thank you for a wonderful video - I look forward to watching more 😊

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you are enjoying the vlogs. Take care 🦋🌻

[@TrevsTravelsByNarrowboat]

When I was at the top of Bosley the lock volunteer told me they had found another problem at Marple and the re-opening could be extended until August. Hence one of the reasons I turned around at Bollington. BTW I am glad you saw some Dippers!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I will have to come back one day so that I can experience the Marple Flight. I hope you are enjoying this gorgeous sunshine! Oh the Dippers, Trev- don't get me started on those wonderful birds because I'll be here all day, typing away! 😂 Safe and sunny cruising. Take care 🌻🦋

[@TrevsTravelsByNarrowboat]

@@themindfulnarrowboat I cruised today from Rode Heath to Kidsgrove, it might only be about 5 miles, but there are 11 locks in the way also.

[@lyndaturner6686]

I lived in Bugsworth during the restoration in the 80’s there were a few problems with leaks but I used to love the walk from Bugsworth or Buxworth as it was renamed to Whaley Bridge , I now live in Cornwall so it was such a treat to revisit that region, I wish there could have been more views of Bugsworth and the Navigation Pub . But thanks for taking me back xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Lynda; I can see why you loved that walk; it is very pretty. The moorings at Bugsworth are only 48 hours so I couldn’t stay long enough to film there properly. Sorry about that. Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🦋🌻

[@Red-ns9ny]

My wonderful dose of your presence of your vlog ❤🥰💕 Thank you Vanessa

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Red! Have a super duper weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@Red-ns9ny]

@@themindfulnarrowboat 🥰🧚‍♀️have a dipper , daper wknd 😊🥰💕🧚‍♀️

[@garethvaughan426]

Great vlog Vanessa, lovely area, your not far from where we live, Chisworth nr Marple, glad you liked beautiful Derbyshire 😊

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Derbyshire is so beautiful! You are lucky to live in such a great place. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care 🦋🌻

[@vanessascola4708]

Finaly we have sunshine. How long has it taken. Lifts our moods and hopefully it will stay now.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

The sunshine makes a big difference doesn't it? Enjoy the warmth. Take care 🦋🌻

[@mattgordon9179]

Oh well, looks like you guys will have to have a dip in the lake while your waiting for the locks:) Looks like you lucked in as far as an astounding place for spring.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It really is the most magical place to be this time of year, so I can't complain.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@propulsar]

"moiling" A new word to me. Oh well every day's a school day!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I thought it sounded like the river. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

[@nicolaj3294]

Saturday morning in Australia, cup of coffee and Vanessa's wonderful vlog. My happy place ❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Have a wonderful day over there! Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

[@DebNewton-kh4cv]

Me too Nicola, breakfast on a Saturday with a new Vanessa video…always hit the like button before I watch because I just know I will thoroughly enjoy it.

[@Kev_the-Brinklow-Kayaker]

Lovely video. Shame plans changed. Love the birds will hopefully see a dipper to show my daughter who after a while of spotting certain birds she learns their names... good job I know the common ones to teach her. Her favourite is the oyster catchers and the pied wagtail and grey wagtail too. Kev the brinklow kayaker

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I really hope you find a dipper soon! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I am a great fan of oyster catchers too. Take care 🌻🦋

[@peterbrookes5609]

Love the history and photos in this episode thank you

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It was exciting to stumble upon the history of the mill and toll house.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@Amidekor]

Dziękuję.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much! Take care 🦋🌻

[@jamescook8897]

Hope you have a lovely weekend to 🦋🌻❤

[@richardkeen1996]

This is a trip down memory lane for me!! Just over 50 years ago my then new wife and I hired a narrow boat and went along the Peak Forest and Macclefield canals. All a long time ago but some scenes evoke distant happy memories!! Thanks for your great vlogs!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I’m so pleased that it brought back lovely memories for you. Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🌻🦋

[@ehofman7636]

Thank you

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

You’re welcome. Thank you so much for watching and commenting. Take care 🦋🌻

[@lorrainerichardson3280]

Thank you for this weeks journey and every weeks journey. I hope it warms up for you soon, hmm 0.2c at my place today, Winter has arrived. Take care =-)

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Wrap up warm, Lorraine. I hope your winter's kind to you. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@michaelhiggins7365]

Another truly enjoyable video Vanessa, I was especially intrigued by the appearance of the Marmalade Hoverfly as she sought out the nectar to be found in the beautiful flowers of your boats fender. It's always nice to see boaters supporting the fuel boats they provide such a wonderful service to the boating community. Sending all my very best wishes from Avondale, Arizona.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Michael. I hope the weather is treating you well in Avondale? The fuel boats do such an amazing job of keeping us boaters all stocked up and functioning. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@robertpurcell5711]

Have you ever found the Romany books.they were published in the. 50's and we're filled with gypsy lore and tales. Also filled with drawing of all kinds of old dashed farm implements. Out with Romany was the most popular.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I will look that book up and see if I can get it. They sound wonderful!. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@robertpurcell5711]

The Chronicles of the Daisy Meadow An introduction. Once upon a time in a land far far away, just where the gently flowing River Bryn meets the green untidy unkempt field, there is a daisy meadow full of both daisies and wild growing daffodils, and unknown to the farmer who owns all of this land, a whole community had grown up in it. In it live rabbits, foxes, badgers, small gentle dwarfs, little underground fairies and even what some would call pocket dragons, and the strange thing is that even though they normally wouldn’t get along, in this small isolated world that lies far from anywhere else, they do. In the banks of the river Bryn live water rats and small mermaids. They were all able to do this because the farmer who owns this land actually likes the untidy mess that is the daisy meadow, and he loves the gentle hum that the bees make as they gather in their honey. Even though he could plough it up and make lots more money, he would rather look across from his farm house and just admire the view that he gets, and occasionally the bees leave a milk bottle that they have found by the side of the road full of honey just for him to have as a way of saying ‘thank you’ for leaving their world just the way it was. He also loved looking at the gentle flutterbies that seemed to fly in their thousands above the wild flowers, which brought him a quite serenity that he enjoyed. This is the story of this isolated little community of wild animals and story book characters and some of the adventures that they have, not as a daily basis but something that just happens to them as they go ahead with their normal lives. At the side of the meadow, coming down from the mountains ran the River Bryn and in this river, about twenty mermaids lived. Now normally mermaids lived in the sea but these mermaids liked this river and they had created their own land here, and they just added to the community of the daisy meadow. Oh did I tell you, no I didn’t, that right at the edge of the daisy meadow rising up towards the mountains far far away is the start of the evil and much feared Ten Thousand Tree Wood, a dark and nasty place full of strange noises and sudden sounds that none could explain; a place where no meadow folk normally would go anywhere near. This was because of some of the stories that they have heard about it made it a place that was to be feared. No one knows who actually started these stories but it kept the youngsters out of the wood, so none of the parents minded. It doesn’t actually have ten thousand trees in it; it’s just that it is so big and so dark that once you were inside of it , no one can count high enough to count how many trees were actually in it. In the meadow every group has their own piece of land to live in, and everyone respects the rights of that group to call it his own. Once a month under the full moon, they meet under that huge weeping willow that sits right in the middle of the meadow to have a ‘moon party’, and lots of very tasty food and refreshing elderberry water is consumed by all, and sometimes on special occasions, even the young were allowed to attend.

[@robertpurcell5711]

The little desk. The little wooden desk sat in the corner of the room, and sobbed. Every night it was heard to sob, until one night the bookcase had had enough. It asked the little wooden desk in an angry voice why it sobbed every night, and through its tears it said to the bookcase, “Well wouldn’t you cry? Look at me. I was once a proud member of a family of three. There was me, the tall boy, and the wardrobe. We went everywhere together, proudly doing what we were made for. I can remember the feeling of pride the first time I was polished with lots of beeswax and elbow grease, and I came out shining like I had been on the day I was first sold. Then over the years the attention I received became less and less, until it seemed like I was only ever cleaned when I was sold. Then I was painted white and given golden handles by that beautiful lady with the lovely hair, and she even put a three position mirror on me. It was a proud day for me, and I was in heaven. I smelt of her perfume, and was gently covered with her make up, and she rubbed me down occasionally when the make up built up too much. Then sadly she left me. I don’t know why, because I was still up to the task of being her mirror and desk. Then the man took me down from the bedroom and cut into me with the saw, and took out of me my drawers, and fitted a computer into me, and every night he would come to the computer and pound away at it, and I was always covered with bits and pieces, and that is why I cry. I will never be sold with my two brothers now, because I am now not as useful I was”. The bookcase wanted to laugh at the desk, but instead he told him how silly he was, he said to the little wooden desk, “Don’t you realise what you have become. You are right when you say that you will no longer be sold along with your two brothers of wood, you will now be sold as a one off. You are the desk that the Writer sat at and wrote the great trilogy about the dragon Aaverlith and his journey through the land where he met Ildiarth the elf and Aldrin the wizard. You are the desk that the writer sat at to write the stories about the three boys who found lost hoards of treasure in secret locations. You are the desk that the writer sat at when he wrote about Hitler’s last secret weapon, and many more things beside. You have become a much prized item, because without you, he might not have been able to do any of those things, and you might actually make it to where we all aspire to go to, you might make it into a museum behind a glass case, looked at and revered by the masses and to be prized by all”. This was a revelation to the little wooden desk, and he had a lot to think of. I can tell you that after that night, the little wooden desk never cried again, but I can also report that it was still not silent in the room. When things were quiet, and everything is still, a gentle tuneless hum can be heard in the room, and occasionally a little gentle chuckle. ROB PURCELL

[@robertpurcell5711]

I have sent you a couple of short stories. Hope you will enjoy them.