OLD V’s NEW … What do you think? | NARROWBOAT Living Ep116

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

If you enjoy our videos and would like to leave us a tip, you can buy us a coffee here, just click on the link, bmc.link/JulieandMartin Thank you so much, it really means a lot to us ❤️

[@rocka-cb7kk]

JULE back in the day bearwood harborne was the d areas we used to go shopping people was very kind and nice i work in bearwood park rd b67 look it up if you can its ok where i work and i work croftdown rd b17 look it up if you can there real nice places but bearwood high street is run down its a real shame ,we use to go there we had cake shops few pubs lots of diffrent shops in fact it felt like bearwood but god knows whats gone wrong its like where we kive it was real nice but it seems we have people who rent out the houses and there no way as nice as our old neighbours back in the day .i will say me and julie never change .we still us ,we still listen to slade sweet queen beatles 10 cc and more we have been told we are nice we feel to keep it that way i mean julie 60 im 64 still rocking hey .i cut down on largar because at one time i drank to much that was cause i was in a band i use to play guitar im left handed but things went wrong when i was 29 i lost my foirst wife of cancer she was 23 jeanette she was a very pretty lady and she was learning bass guitar and other things how ever she had a tumour between her heart and lungs we only found out when we lost a baby boy so every thing after that didnt matter but when i was 45 i met julie and shes great so i guess i just take life as i find it now ,the gardening does me good keeps me going but honest julie martin we think your the best thats the truth i love to see ya both on the rivers its a great show keep going cause we love it liz ernie paul are nice folk she going to give you a hug from us when they see ya you know there in north wales i love that place its great ,no dought you two have been there keep up the great views

[@raymellors3752]

The square holes are from WW2 for fire brigade too fighting fire

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Oh wow, thank you Ray! I knew there had to be a reason for them, it seemed too strange to have square cut outs otherwise, thank you!! xx

[@rkitson9436]

You beat me to it!!

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Aww thank you! xx

[@amyleasure536]

Especially here in the US, I see trash tossed RANDOMLY where there are no dump sites or where there are heavy fees or staggering taxation for use of designated dumpsites. Our transfer station has been increasingly by $2.00 every year. Our residential trash pickup has also been increasing every year and they refuse to pick up anything that will not fit in the rubbish bin. Once a year there is a street pick up of a limited amount of big household items. This leaves people to dump their broken appliances or household items like sofas in nearby rivers and arroyo’s and on vacant lands. We are a nation of wasteful and greedy people. So sad. 😢

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Oh no Any, that sounds awful! 😞 Thankfully we don’t have as much as that, just certain areas of the canals that are affected by graffiti and dumping. This was quite a different cruise to our normal lush green rural views, but we really enjoyed going under the motorway, it was amazing! Thanks Amy! xx

[@joycedellinger2528]

I enjoy the older bridges because of all the brickwork. It's a shame that people have to throw trash in the canals. I loved the part after you left Birmingham and the water was so calm. The reflections were impressive! The motorway bridges would've made me nervous traveling underneath them. Can't wait to see the next video!

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Hi Joyce, we really enjoyed this cruise, it was certainly something different, quite surreal going under the motorway, and soooo loud lol! Love seeing the reflections in the water! Thank you so much! xx

[@So1othurn]

11:00 Its on the back side of a building that is owned by Avery Weight-Tronix, a weight scale manufacturer, and Calibration Select, a precision measurement company. If you go to either of their websites, you can email them to see if they know anything about the building with the chimney by the canal. In my opinion it might of been a foundry of some sort. There are other old buildings that appear abandoned as well nearby. On the other side of it, there is a company called Unimetals Smethwick, a metal recycling company. 22:35 The sign behind the vegetation says Sandwell Park Colliery Wharf. I'm not sure if it is related to that wall. I think its just a wall. Up top is a newer building that belongs to a company called "dpd local." DPD is a transport company. 35:18 H&R Gruppe, a chemical plant owned by a german company. Those were tanks with chemicals. It got a one star review by an accountant, so if you are an accountant, don't work at H&R I guess.

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Oh wow! Thank you for all this info, that really helps! Glad you enjoyed it! xx

[@Bill-1370]

The bridge built in 1790 and still standing, and in use shows the quality of craftsmanship practiced back then compared to today, WOW.

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Yes, this is one thing that really amazes us, a lot of the tunnels, bridges, aqueducts and locks were all built over 200 years ago and still going now, fantastic engineering! Thanks Bill xx

[@jacquelineryde7339]

The contrast is so striking between old and new. I am am an oldie 😂😂 super vlog as always. Luv us 3 ❤❤❤

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Yes, we’re oldies too lol 😂 Thanks Jacqui! xx ❤️

[@nigelbranchett7718]

That was delightful and splendidly informative, Julie, nicely steered by Martin. I prefer the old buildings but fact of life we have to have both for progress. We knock too much down of our heritage and then leave it to waste and become an eyesore which we ourselves created. Much down to Governments but mainly stupidity of Council people. How great for you all that way and no other boat in sight. Coots will grab a habitat anywhere they can, bit like the Moorhens looking for peace and quiet, much like ourselves. The two often squabble with each other over territory and is actually something to behold, no holds barred. Thank you you are living a life I would have loved to but disability wouldn't let me!

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Yes you’re right about the old buildings, such a shame they’re left to ruin, much prefer them to the newer concrete structures! So pleased you are enjoying our little videos and that we can share our journeys with you. Thank you Nigel! xx

[@philipizzard2584]

I like both guy old and new but old is better isn’t it all about the old history of our canals and waterways,love the videos we have cruised a few times under the M5 etc over the years 😊.

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Hi Philip, we loved going under the motorway, so surreal, but oh so loud! 😝 We definitely prefer the old buildings and bridges, so much more character, but appreciate the huge structures too, overall we really enjoyed this cruise! Thank you so much! xx

[@GaryThomsonJoinery]

We were moored on that very same spot opposite the lego giraffe on Friday night till Saturday on the 4th and 5th of October, if we saw you we would have definitely said "Hello" 😊 Thanks for sharing your adventures.

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Hi Gary, it’s a lovely mooring there, we really enjoyed our time in Birmingham! Would be lovely to say hi, hopefully we’ll see you out on the cut some day! Thank you! xx

[@TCBfan62]

Another lovely video Julie and Martin. Can’t believe the rubbish that you came across. Hopefully there was no damage to your boat or Nicky’s. I think the old bridges were definitely built to last and with a thought to how they look too. Can’t wait to see your next video and a look at the Black Country Museum. 😊xx

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Aww thanks Phyllis, glad you enjoyed this one, it was certainly a different cruise! Fascinating going under the motorway, great experience, but sooo loud! No damage done thankfully! Thanks matey! xx

[@dorothydotson7154]

Loved that tiny little building but it is a shame about the graffiti. I don't understand why people feel the need to destroy things. I did enjoy the coot. I knew there was such a bird but didn't know what it looked like. I'm glad someone was able to give all the info about the old building. ❤

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Hi Dorothy, we don’t understand why people have to graffiti and dump rubbish, it’s frustrating! It was lovely seeing the coots and moorhens. We really enjoyed this cruise, especially travelling under the motorway, very surreal! Glad you enjoyed this one, thanks Dorothy! Xx

[@bernadettec6386]

@@JulieandMartinonRIB You can always tell when you are near a town because of the awful graffiti. May be someone could invent a coating that can be put on walls that graffiti paint does not adhere to.

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Yes so true! That would be amazing if that could be invented! 😃 xx

[@tteric67]

Waw guys, that was quite the unique cruise! Who knew you could have a canal under a motorway? At least you were protected from the 🌧️ under there. I think it must be a bit weird being all alone on it though. I always love the old buildings, not really interested in the ugly new stuff tbh. So can’t wait to see the museum! Have a wonderful weekend with Nicky and Finn! ❤🦮♥️🍺🍺♥️

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Hi Eric, glad you enjoyed this one! It certainly was different, not the usual views eh! It was quite surreal cruising along under the motorway, we loved it! Yes definitely prefer the old stuff lol. Have a lovely weekend too! Thanks Eric! xx

[@jillosler9353]

What a different and interesting travelogue! Historic views, wildlife, all intermingled with modern living and, sadly, modern slovenliness 😢. I get so annoyed when I read people blaming water companies for the state of our waterways - especially when I see the reality of what people dump on narrowboat channels! It must have felt so strange not seeing another boat for so long? Looking forward to seeing you both exploring the living museum next time! In the meantime stay safe and enjoy life. xx

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Hi Jill, yes, we get so frustrated that people feel the need to use the canals as a dumping ground! And as for graffiti, it beggars belief why people deface these lovely old bridges etc. we really enjoyed this cruise though, seeing the old remnants nestled in with the huge concrete modern motorway and tall buildings was fantastic. And cruising under the M5 was so surreal, a great experience, very loud, but so pleased we chose to go that way! It was strange that we didn’t see another boat, but oddly, we didn’t realise this until we were almost at Dudley, we were so wrapped up with our surroundings that we didn’t notice lol. Thanks Jill! xx

[@rocka-cb7kk]

up the locks with julie and martin the journey continues .birmingham seems so empty now the lovin couple have gone my friend saw julie and martin he said there just happy .i said there just film stars taking time out we love to watch them there blogs are very good indeed martin is a great driver he his a good cook to julie makes her own ice cream .oh yes it looks delight full .there boat is very very nice .it look good when your watching it .its all ways great to watch them .

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Aww thank you Derek & Julie, such lovely words xx

[@GailBrown-np7bb]

I’m originally from the Black Country and have never been to the museum ! Moved away in 1983, lived in various places in UK and overseas for a number of years. The canal ran at the bottom of our garden ( famous nine locks) when I was a child, it scared me to death, I hated it ! Must have outgrown my fear because I love watching these videos. ❤

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Aww glad you’ve got over your fear, and if you ever get a chance to go, the Black Country Living Museum is amazing! Thanks Gail! xx

[@GailBrown-np7bb]

@@JulieandMartinonRIB glad you enjoyed it x

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Thank you! xx

[@paultrussy]

You are correct in your observations about the basic engineering of the canals network, but all of it is critically dependent on CRT paid and volunteer maintenance. Without it the canals would cease to exist.

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Hi Paul, yes you’re right, and CRT do a great job. At the end of the day, it’s a 200 year old network which always needs attention, such a shame that our government is cutting their funding, they need all the help they can get! Thanks Paul! xx

[@susanwood9450]

What a fascinating journey. Found the journey under the motorway quite intimidating. Give me the old bridges any time. Really enjoy your commentaries Julie. You have a great soothing voice and i love your appreciation of the nature and your observations such as the reflections. You and Martin have a great rapport. Keep on doing what you're doing. I'm hooked. Take care. X

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Hi Susan, thank you for your lovely comments, it’s lovely to have you onboard! It was certainly different going under the motorway, quite surreal! Like you, we definitely prefer the old bridges and buildings compared to the new, so pleased you are enjoying our little videos! Thanks Susan! xx

[@howardeastman311]

Brilliant episode. I just love your vlogs. Thank you guys. Have a wonderful weekend x

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Glad you enjoyed this one Howard, it was certainly a bit different wasn’t it! Have a lovely weekend too! xx

[@KarenSFrancis]

Such huge structures... btw, love your cup holder organizer.

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

It was surreal going under the motorway, what an experience! Thank you Karen, you can get those cup holders in most camping shops, it comes in quite handy. xx

[@tessapetters3936]

what an interesting cruise. I loved the bit that goes under the motorway, as so different. Not sure about all the rubbish though. Enjoy the Museum.

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Yes, we really enjoyed this cruise, going under the motorway was a fascinating experience, it was sooo loud! Thank you Tessa, have a lovely weekend! xx

[@geoffmower8729]

Hi guys, there's always something new on your adventures and wow what a contrast from beautiful clean and pristine Birmingham and the overgrown rubbish filled canals on the way out. I prefer old things to new, how does the song go...Don't it always seem to go, you don't know what you've got till it's gone, They've paved paradise to put up a parking lot. I don't care about bugs on my apples give me the birds and the bees. It's so interesting to see all the old buildings and the loading areas where they loaded there goods onto to take them to market. Such a shame how it's been left to become overgrown and used as a tip for old rubbish. Good on you for scooping some of it out. Ok I heard a good joke the other day....My mate Simon told me the other day he was going on Australia's got talent. He has always been a wonderful singer and this time he will be going on TV with his uncle, who unfortunately a few years ago had a terrible accident. He got run over by a combined harvester. He lost his right leg, his right arm and the right side of his face. Despite this dreadful accident he still can sing like an angel. I asked my mate what song they were going to be preforming. He said, we are not quite sure yet, but we thing it will be something from Simon and half uncle. 😂😂🤣🤣😁😁 Stay safe guys see you on the next one.👍🏻👍🏻❤❤

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

🤦‍♀️😂😂🤣 Love it! 😝 Glad you enjoyed this one, very different to our usual cruises, it was so surreal go8mg under the motorway! Hope you’re having a lovely weekend! xx

[@neildaly6787]

Well, that was a very interesting cruise. What set of contrasts: the old and new bridges, the motorway and the canal, the lush reed filled banks and the rubbish in the canals...the old and the new, the slow lane and the fast lane(s). Terrific video. Thanks all your hard work. Cheers.

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Hi a Neil, yes you’ve hit the nail on the head, so much contrast in one cruise! Glad you enjoyed it, thank you! xx

[@susanwinters7610]

I absolutely love your videos, I find them very relaxing to watch and listen too. You both make me smile, it’s like having a catch up with old friends. Thank you.🥰

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Aww Susan, that’s such a lovely thing to say! So pleased you enjoy our little videos and lovely to have you onboard! xx

[@Davidspurs1882]

As soon as I saw the museum I knew i recognise it, and it's from the peaky blinders.

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Yes, they filmed a lot of the early scenes there, it’s a fantastic place to visit! Thanks David! xx

[@LnBh-s3c]

I thoroughly enjoy all your videos, was very interesting looking at the old and new cheers for now.

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Aww thank you so much, that’s lovely to hear! xx

[@trevorriley4537]

you Are so blessed to have such old buildings and structures but so sad people spray Graffiti on them with out giving a second thought to the age and history. love your channel. Trevor from Ramsgate south-africa

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Hi Trevor, yes it’s lovely seeing the historic buildings and bridges, but awful that people deface them with graffiti, it spoils everything doesn’t it. So pleased you are enjoying our little channel, and lovely to have you onboard all the way from South Africa, thank you Trevor! xx

[@cotcottage2788]

Great job Julie with this one you showed the Birmingham canals good and bad good voice over and music ❤

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Aww thanks Ruth & David, glad you enjoyed it, hope to see you again soon xx

[@connard123abc]

You'll love the museum, it's been a few years but I remember it as really well run and having a great team of staff. Hope the weather held out for you.

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Hi there, yes, the museum is an amazing place, we will definitely be going back at some stage! Thank you! xx

[@glennclarke9787]

Julie and Martin. Maybe other boaters had somewhere else to be.🤔 Do you drive a car Julie, it came to mind when you took over the steering on Rhapsody. We love ❤️ xxx 😍

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Hi Glen, lol yes, it just seemed strange that we were the only boat! I used to drive yes, we sold our car three years ago when we started continuously cruising, so haven’t driven for three years lol. Thanks Glenn! xx

[@NeverTwoLateOurJourney]

What a dirty canal, we are still looking forward to doing it though. Really enjoyed the vlog. Oh yes the filtered milk is a winner. Just had to buy more yesterday since leaving Stone 😊x

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Hiya! We really enjoyed this cruise, it was certainly different to the usual canal views and going under the motorway was brilliant! So glad you found the filtered milk, it’s a game changer isn’t it! Hope we get to meet up again soon! xx

[@beekeeperkev]

Keith and Jo on NB Hadar know a huge amount about the BCN, also Lumpey Lumsden channel Narrowboat Natterings, lumpy is from Brum, also channel Life at 2.3 miles an hour has done some fascinating series about the BCN and the lost miles

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Yes, Jo & Keith, and Lumpy are friends of ours, next time we speak we’ll ask them. We weren’t aware of Life at 2.3 mph, so we’ll look them up, thank you! xx

[@kerrysharpe40]

Another great video thankyou. U really like both the old and SOME of the new! I do loke that thede days old buildings do seem to be kept ahd done up for different uses, so some old, some new! We love the Black country museum. You MUST get some fish and chips (its the law-thats what i say anyway!). We havent been for a few years but if its still the same they cook them the traditional way in drippin!!!! Enjoy. Kerry and Colin. NB Time to Pootle xx

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Yes, you’ll see in the next video, we really loved the BCLM, great place! Hope you’re both well, hope we catch up again soon! xx

[@annwagner5779]

Another great fun video - thank you! It’s a good thing you have a fish net for fishing stuff out of locks. Not a fun chore, but you have the right tools. I’m a museum worker, so it’s cool to have you excited to visit a museum. I like the combination of old and new.

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Hi Ann, glad you enjoyed this one, the contrast between old and new is amazing! The Black Country Living Museum is an amazing place, you would love it! Thanks Ann! xx

[@deballen6147]

What a cruise. Glad you enjoyed Brum. It was funny seeing you go under the motorway, when we come to see you we was in the M5 and I looked down and said to my Martin it's a different world down there 😂 Have a fantastic weekend ❤

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Haha, it certainly is a different world, it was quite surreal going under the motorway, a great experience, but soooo loud! Hope you’re both well xx

[@deballen6147]

@@JulieandMartinonRIB all good here x

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

That’s great! xx

[@donnaheule5275]

Wonderful vlog, I really enjoyed it! The road (canal) less traveled can be the most interesting and adventurous, I liked your choice.👍 I’m looking forward to seeing the museum. Take care 🤗❤️

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Hi Donna, glad you enjoyed this one, definitely different to our usual views, but we loved it! Going under the motorway was amazing, very loud, but such an experience! Thanks Donna! xx

[@terrencehorton433]

Hi Julie and Martin on your journey from brim to the black country museum you past were we live if you had stayed on the main canal you would have seen the old Ironbridge and the six bridges that carry defense tracport glad you got safe 👍

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Oh wow, those bridges sound interesting! We really enjoyed that cruise, it was fascinating going under the motorway, very different to the usual canal views! Thank you Terrence! xx

[@chrispassmore4461]

As usual, enjoyed. I have no idea of the answers to any of the questions you posed. My wife says I haven’t got a clue generally so I suppose it’s no surprise !

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Hahaha that made us laugh! 😂 We’ve had some lovely comments and answers, like the square cutouts on the bridges, apparently used by the fire brigade to drop their hoses down and suck up the canal water to put out fires in WW1 and WW2! So glad they haven’t been bricked up, but left as a reminder of days gone by. Thanks Chris! xx

[@nancywyatt1857]

What an interesting canal! So strange to not see another moving boat at all. I really enjoyed the canal as it winded it’s way under the M5. I’ve never seen that on any other vlog. I hope Martin didn’t discover any prop damage from whatever you guys went over at that one point. I’m so disgusted with people who feel the need to chuck garbage into any and all waterways! Thanks again for your lovely videos, Julie and Martin ☺️

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Hi Nancy, so pleased you enjoyed this one, we loved going under the motorway, it was a great experience! Such a shame about the rubbish etc, but the prop was fine so no harm done! Thanks Nancy! xx

[@normanshute7162]

As narrow as some of those channels were it’s a good thing that there wasn’t a lot of traffic in retrospect.😊

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Yes definitely, it was odd though, lovely for us having the canals to ourselves, but really odd that no other boats were moving! Thank you Norman, have a lovely week! xx

[@raymondbaxter7061]

Thank you for a beautiful video. I have lived in Birmingham for about 7 years and have never seen it from that viewpoint before. There is so much that I am missing out on. So once again, thank you for opening my eyes, and keep up the good work.

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

You’re very welcome Raymond! We really enjoyed this cruise, very different from the usual lush green views lol. It was quite surreal being under the motorway, and so loud! We chose the old main line BCN as opposed to the newer one, as it is more scenic and a bit more interesting and we’re so glad we did! Really pleased you enjoyed it, thank you! xx

[@carolduell7629]

I’ll take the old!

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Yes, us too! 😃 Thanks Carol xx

[@Davidspurs1882]

There's something really interesting and nice, for want of a better word, in your trip today, loved it. Love your work.

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Aww thank you David, it certainly was a different cruise than our usual ones, but we thoroughly enjoyed it, especially going under the motorway, it was amazing! Thanks David! xx

[@MrLangDog]

Sneaky!!! You changed up the intro to see if we'd notice :) Such a different cruise and so odd that there were so few boats. I do prefer the countryside but you could really appreciate how busy it used to be there with all the abandoned warehouses.

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Haha 😂 just little subtle changes, just to keep it fresh, thank you for noticing! Yes we really enjoyed this cruise, very different than our usual views, but we loved going under the motorway, it was very surreal. We often wonder what it would have been like, with all the boats carrying cargo, factories billowing smoke and lots of hustle and bustle, compared to our slow, leisurely cruise with no other boats around! Thank you! xx

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

great vid cranking it thanks lee

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Thank you Lee! xx

[@AnthonyCarter-g2o]

Just an inspired guess on the buildup-the tall chimney usually denotes a boiler house and in the city where l grew up foundries would have those other chimneys on .Interesting cruise,looking forward to the museum 👍

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Hi Anthony, these old buildings are fascinating aren’t they. It’s so lovely to see them, just wish they could be used instead of being left derelict, such a shame. Thanks Anthony! xx

[@LizWorsley]

What happened to Nicky and Fynn? Thought they were with you negotiating Birmingham? Enjoying my Thursday “fix”relaxing with you both!

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Hi Liz, Nikki and Finn were with us, but she was meeting friends and did this journey earlier with them. So pleased you enjoyed this video, we loved going under the motorway, certainly not something we get to see every day lol. Thanks Liz! xx

[@davidcragg2550]

Brilliant vlog thank you looks so lovely till you see all the rubbish 😢 when we magnet fish we tell people it's a human dumping ground we get a lot of metal out and bags yes love the old bridges by far 😊 take care xx

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Hi David, thank you, yes it’s a shame about the rubbish, but seeing past that at all the historic remnants compared to the modern motorway bridge etc was fantastic! We definitely prefer the old stuff, thanks David! xx

[@aceofspades358]

Awesome scenery coming out of the city there. It's too bad they canals aren't more well kept closer to the Black Country Living Museum area though. Can't wait to see that next vlog! Glad you guys found a goid mooring. Another narrowboater once stated, if you don't see other boaters moored in a particular area, it's probably a good reason. Lol Tremendous effort and outstanding results Julie and Martin!

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Aww thanks Randy, we really enjoyed this cruise, lots to see along the way, from the old wharfs, factories and little old bridges, to the magnificent huge modern concrete motorway bridge! Glad you enjoyed it, thanks Randy! xx

[@barbaratoner1566]

You could have done a visit to Dudly cemetery where the most famous of all the Busby babes Duncan Edwards is buried ,that's where he came from and some of his England caps and medley are in the local community centre, donated by his mum 😢, another good vlog again this week ,thank you 👍

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Hi Barbara, oh we didn’t realise, but we’ve noted this for next time we go. We loved it there, so will definitely be going again. Glad you enjoyed this one! Thanks Barbara xx

[@rocka-cb7kk]

we love the old .it was better in the old days mind you my better half says i dont like change .may i dont but bring on the old days

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Yes, we prefer the old buildings and bridges, so much more character! Thanks! xx

[@debrarobinson57]

We often walk through Tividale Quays to get onto the canal, there are several 'loops' we walk around there - with our husky. One day me and /or my son will be filmed by a narrowboat vlogger! We go nuts about the rubbish. I talk to the local teenagers & kids about how all the plastic breaks down to microplastics, and how they are being found in our food. It falls on deaf ears. :(

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Hi Debra, it looks lovely at Tividale Quay, shame we didn’t see you! We wished we had more time to have explored the different loops, but we had booked the Black Country Museum, so didn’t have time. But when we go back next time, we’re hoping to be able to do at least some of the loops. Thanks Debra! xx

[@debrarobinson57]

There is still an actual quay there, where you can moor up. There's a Co - op a few minutes walk away, and a little further - towards the Netherton tunnel, there is a pub called ' The Wonder'! Pub is nothing special though, sadly. If we see you, we will say ' hello'!

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Aww that would be lovely! Thanks! xx

[@debrarobinson57]

P.S. Hope you enjoyed the BCLM. Although close to us, & we also love the history, we rarely visit as it's not cheap! Anyway, 'ope yow ad a greaat tyme th - ay an understood sum o' the dialect! Here is a Black Country joke for you ; two men meet in the street, and there is a dog nearby: Any road, one sez to th'other 'duz yowr dog bite?' an t'other bloke sez 'nah, he dow'. The first man stokes the dog & let's aht a cry.' Eyah yow, yow sed yowa dog day bite n he's just had me!' The man replies ' ah, but tha ay mah dog, he's a tum'!

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

😂😂😂🤣 love it! Don’t know of you knew, but once you buy a ticket for the BCLM, it lasts a whole year, so you can go back as many times as you like for free! Thanks Debra! xx

[@ashleymay5238]

you will love the black country museum it one of 🥰 uk finest are ash bristol

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Hi Ash, yes it’s a wonderful place, we hope to go back again at some point. So glad you enjoyed this one! xx

[@edwardtc8129]

Hay Julie and Martin, I have eagerly awaited your video all day. Going under the motorway looked amazing, I have driven over the canal there so many times. I was trying to guess why those bridges had holes in and I am at a loss, maybe something to do with drainage but that still doesn’t seem feasible or likely. Hope you have an amazing view of the super moon tonight! Lots of love and best wishes as always and have a lovely weekend

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Hi Edward! It was really quite surreal cruising along under the motorway, certainly a lot different to our usual lush green views! It was lovely to see all the old factories and bridges nestled in with all the big concrete modern structures. We’ve had a few people say that those square holes in the bridges were for the fire brigade to drop hoses down to the canal to get water for fighting fires, especially in WW1 and WW2, certainly makes sense. We are going to try and put another video out in a couple of days, as we have ended up a little behind, so if I can edit them in time, we’ll try and get a couple of extra ones out, but all depends on time lol. Have a lovely week Edward! xx

[@GillBrooks]

Although not very scenic, fascinating to see this canal journey. At the point where you went under those very low bridges (during Martin's comfort break), I was born and lived in one of the houses just a little way across on the right. I don't remember much about the area as we left and moved to Staffordshire when I was quite young. BUT I did learn to swim in Rolfe Street Baths which are now in the museum. There was no motorway there then, and there were just a few factories between us and the canal. Nothing like it is now, but it was 65 years ago hahahaa. I also remember us walking across Galton Bridge frequently walking from our house to my Nan's. I'm rather glad we left when we did.....

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Oh wow, I can’t imagine what it must have been like without the motorway, it must have been so different! That’s fascinating that the place you learnt to swim is in the museum! After seeing this, I’m not surprised you’re glad you moved away! Although, we really enjoyed this cruise, it was certainly different to our usual ones! Thanks Gill xx

[@GillBrooks]

@@JulieandMartinonRIB At this rate, I'll soon be in a museum too hahahaa

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

😂😂😂🤣 xx

[@helencoates3624]

Hi Julie & Martin, don't know if you have 'Open Canal Maps. It's free and has your position as you move or moor and three tabs, Ordinance, Satellite and Historic, maybe it would show what the old factory was?

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Hi Helen, yes we do use open canal map, but didn’t realise we had the historic view 🤦‍♀️ Thank you for this, we’ll be using that now! Thank you! xx

[@ade3628]

I think the gates or holes were for fire hoses to pass through

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Thank you Ade, we didn’t realise this, but yes, makes total sense now, especially in the wars too. So pleased they have been sent in situ and not bricked up. Thank you so much, hope you enjoyed the video! xx

[@kneaded9798]

Another great vlog. Only boat on that section, did you feel isolated? Sad about all the trash in the canal.

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Thank you! We didn’t feel isolated, sometimes it’s lovely to have the canal all to yourself, we just thought it odd not seeing another boat moving! Yes it is awful seeing the graffiti and rubbish, all we can do is clear things as we find them. Thank you so much for your comment, hope you’re having a lovely weekend! xx

[@adriankeithwellington5464]

Hi beautiful people. May I ask what relevance is of the RAF logo on the hatch with the Spitfire/Hurricane. 😮Great narrative

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Hi Adrian, the previous owner was in the RAF, hence the logo on the hatch, but we bought the Spitfire, as a nod to the previous owner for really looking after the boat! Thanks Adrian, glad you enjoyed this one! xx

[@bernadettec6386]

Good old Birmingham. We did the Warwickshire Ring many moons ago and I absolutely hated the Birmingham section. Never seen so much degradation , dilapidated old buildings, everything from old mattresses to gas containers floating around in a filthy canal. Locks you could not get in or out of because the rubbish in it. No sorry never do that again. Edited just to say I also remember seeing kids shivering with the cold under bridges absolutely terrible. This was early May and frosty.

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Oh crikey, we didn’t see any of that! Yes there was rubbish and graffiti, but not on the scale you had. We like seeing the old buildings, wharfs and bridges, little reminders of days gone by. It’s not the most scenic route, but going under the motorway was a surreal experience! Thanks Bernadette! xx

[@bernadettec6386]

@@JulieandMartinonRIB Julie - have we missed something, we saw you en route to Birmingham but not in Town, and today's video you were leaving Birmingham. Also our Nicky did she go the new canal route? Thought of her with such a low draft and the junk that gets chucked into the canal in Birmingham it would have played havoc with her boat.

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Hi Bernadette, yes we went into Birmingham City in the last video, took footage during the day and at night too with all the buildings lit up, here’s the link if you missed it kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y523nGywqtGta5osi=r_BqeqpExoc1c6UO Nikki had some friends with her and went on to Dudley ahead of us, she did the same route as us and apart from that plastic around her prop, she did ok! Thanks Bernadette! xx

[@bernadettec6386]

@@JulieandMartinonRIB Well done to Nikki, she is brave.

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Yes, she certainly is! xx

[@sanditrundle2493]

At the beginning you took the old canal to the right rather than the new one that went straight ahead. Do the come out at the same place eventually? If so, do you think they keep the new canal. Up more and let the old one go?

[@jenhanlon3840]

Very different cruise…was it eerie or nice being totally on your own?

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

It was odd, we didn’t really think about it until we were nearly there, that we hadn’t seen another boat, very strange! It was a fascinating experience going under the motorway, we loved it! Thanks Jen! xx

[@jb-zr4ez]

People have always thrown broken things into rivers for thousands of years. Broken swords, knives, Anglo Saxon helmets and money. Ritual offerings to the ancient gods and goddesses of the water. Throwing broken fridges and trollies into the canals is just the continuation of an age old tradition.

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Yes, but in today’s society there is no excuse for it, there are public street bins everywhere, bins in everyone’s home with collections every week, and local recycling centres in most towns for people to dispose of larger items. In the olden days gone by, they didn’t have the facilities we gave today and people used to indeed discard rubbish into the canals and rivers, but that doesn’t make it right, or allowed. The canals and rivers are havens for wildlife, they are naturally beautiful and we really hope they stay that way 🤞 Thank you so much for your comment! xx

[@jb-zr4ez]

​@@JulieandMartinonRIBI totally agree, there is no excuse. I was being ironic in comparing yobs throwing fridges into canals to age old pagan ritual deposition into rivers of valuable possesions in honour of the gods of the water.

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Lol 😝 , yes, we have been witness to such rituals, and have known people get some of that around their props 🤦‍♀️ you wouldn’t believe some of the things we’ve seen in the water! 😳🤪 Mostly though it’s not too bad, it’s only around big towns or cities. Thanks JB xx

[@rocka-cb7kk]

you who hello julie helo martin im happy you liked birmingham .its a shame you wasnt in harborne i think birmingham was better in the old days .we find we dont know it any more blimey we get lost in town .but you know what we think but at least you have been .we was happy you was ok i wish the rest of birmingham was like it was back in the old days .out of town its run down .birmingham city council has looked after the city center but not where we are our high street is ok in places but if you saw the bingo hall in harborne its a s..t hole i dont know if you can use google street view .julie martin harborne was a real nice village when i was growing up the council has done more harm than good .we have pot holes every where .julie said you looked very great in town in fact she said you was the best person in town i have to agree .i was talking to liz and paul and the dog ernie they are a great couple .we love ernie .liz does art she very good here i said she looks like a tv star .julie slade jimmy lea lives in wolves and my nan and grandad use to live there we call it the lost city but we never go there now it was good in the old days

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Hi Derek & Julie, yes you find that often, the city centre is looked after and the surrounding areas left to their own devices 🤷‍♀️ Liz, Paul and Ernie are lovely too! xx

[@rocka-cb7kk]

the trouble is julie they dont look after the place its full of god knows what its a shame as you said

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Yes it really is, why some people see it as a dumping ground is beyond me, why would you do this to a beautiful place where you live, doesn’t make any sense to me xx

[@trevorsurplice9630]

12,10 was W,T, Avery Scales You must have seen as its still there today. Then you come off Telfords main line and turn on to the cut as it was known as in my youth, the bridge led from Incandcent heat company. were i worked from a 15 yr old from school till i was abt 24. as a junior in the drawing office if you had carried straight on that would have kept you on telfords main line and back in my youth that was known as the Cut, as 435feet depth hat to be cut out by bucket and shovel witch only took TWO YRS. Eat yorr hart out HST.

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Hi Trevor, thank you for all this info! Wow, I bet it looked different when you worked there, I bet there was none of this graffiti and rubbish malarkey! Wow, cut out with just shovels and buckets, and no machinery, puts modern day building to shame doesn’t it! Thank you so much for commenting Trevor! xx

[@cotcottage2788]

😂😂😂

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Haha, thank you for the idea! 😃 xx

[@sevenisin]

Why no skylights on narrow boats ?

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Hi, some narrowboats do have skylights, our one doesn’t, wouldn’t mind a small one. Hope you enjoyed the video! xx

[@ic7505]

Not my favourite cruise - the disgusting crap in the locks, the green scum on the water the graffiti - I’ll be glad for you both to be in cleaner, calm, quiet well kept waterways. No wonder you didn’t see anyone else, it’s truly unloved and uncared for. Isn’t there some government ‘body’ that takes care of these canals? Makes one appreciate the countryside so much more 🥰

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Lol, it wasn’t our favourite cruise either, but we really enjoyed it, especially going under the motorway, what a surreal experience! We were certainly in the slow lane, with the fast lane towering above us! We too my ch prefer the countryside and rural views, there’s plenty of that coming up in future videos! Thank you so much! xx

[@nicholassimpson5646]

Great vlog as always still say all 3 off you were mad but glad you got out OK only nutters go though Birmingham or mad and as for questions the bridge's with bars were used in ww1 and in ww2 to put out fire fire men would drop down hoses to take canal water to put out fires second questions I like old buildings they looked better not like the crap they build know flats that look like ships they look crap and as for the building I think foxes many years ago said it was hat factory and said the chimney was to let steam out plates and cups only had one chimney keep safe poppy's spaced out on pills witch knock her out for pain witch I have to put in cheese as want take pills and other medicines are powder and go in food

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Thank you for your answers Nicholas, definitely makes sense about the firemen’s hoses! Such a shame the old factory is derelict, would be nice if it could be used for something! Hope Poppy is feeling better soon! Thanks Nicholas! xx

[@paultrussy]

Punctuation works 🙄

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

👍

[@rocka-cb7kk]

julie dont like that place she hates it

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Aww that’s a shame xx

[@veronicalucas-b5y]

How disgusting what are the waterways doing leaving it in that state they get payed enough😖😖

[@davidpearson243]

Who’s They ?

[@bernadettec6386]

@@davidpearson243 The local Council.

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

Hi Veronica, it is a shame, the Canal & River Trust can only do so much, but unfortunately a small percentage of society just see the canals as a dumping ground, which is the problem. It’s a very old network, over 250yrs, they do a good job of keeping all the lock mechanisms working and the canals open etc, but rubbish and graffiti is something that they can’t control. Hope you enjoyed this cruise, it was great going under the motorway, certainly different to our usual views lol. We definitely prefer the old buildings and bridges to the modern concrete structures, although can appreciate their magnificence too! Thanks Veronica! xx

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

@davidpearson243 The Canal & River Trust xx

[@JulieandMartinonRIB]

@bernadettec6386 The canals are owned and maintained by the Canal & River Trust xx