Paddling and Wild Camping the length of the Basingstoke Canal

In this video I paddle the whole of the Basingstoke Canal in my trusty rigid kayak. I began at Lock 1 at the junction with the River Wey, and ended at the collapsed Greywell Tunnel in Odiham. I wild camped along the way. The Basingstoke Canal could be Britain’s quietest canal - I saw hardly any on-the-water traffic the whole route. This gives it a very special, solitary charm, and there is more wildlife to be seen than most other canals this near to London. Highlights included the Ash Aqueduct, and King John’s castle at Odiham, associated with the Magna Carta.
I hope you enjoy it, and if you think I should make more videos like this (or not!) then please let me know in the comments.
Thanks,
Stevie
/ mrsteviewyatt
#kayaking #wildcampinguk #kayakcamping
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Equipment Used In This Video:
Kayaking Equipment:
Kayak: Islander Jive bit.ly/36fKxYF
Paddle: X500 (sold separately) tidd.ly/3HMatZF
Pump (sold separately) tidd.ly/3GNg1S8
PFD (life jacket) tidd.ly/364EOo9
Emergency bilge pump geni.us/jmdtOIp
The best kayak trolley around geni.us/wUhyCGR
Camping Equipment:
Cook set (nested pots, gas burner, cup, cutlery) geni.us/m6JKPPM
MRE’s (meals ready to eat, as eaten in this video) geni.us/UJTG8Z
Candle Lantern geni.us/swlqP
Hammock geni.us/hqF2Hx
DD 3mx3m Tarp (the best!) geni.us/AI8f
Sleep pad geni.us/GJoHQ4k
Ultralight quilt (better than a sleeping bag for hammock camping) geni.us/HEUgQ
Filming Equipment:
Main Camera: Sony a6400 geni.us/Ajfay5Z
With this ND filter geni.us/Qb5pq2
In this cage geni.us/PGQVk
With this mic geni.us/i5K01p
With this Gorilla Pod geni.us/tsFYxA
Kayak Camera: GoPro Hero 7 Black geni.us/Dq1xr4
With this ND filter geni.us/3PLpD
In this cage geni.us/OxiH
Mounted using this simple but clever device geni.us/RuZO3y
And also using this for great angles geni.us/Tj0GXD
Drone: DJI Mini SE geni.us/7ouJ
Audio field recorder with lav mic geni.us/4PbD5
Solar Power Bank: Miady Solar Charger 25000mAh geni.us/5MNc​
Music licensed by Epidemic Sound. I highly recommend this service to fellow creators. Start your free trial now bit.ly/3gX7a6d
// Some of these links are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission off sales at no extra cost to you. Thank you very much for supporting the channel //
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A write up of my experience paddling the Basingstoke is also available on my blog; steviewyatt.com/2021/07/02/pa...

[@StevieWyatt]

Hope you enjoy my short film about The Basingstoke Canal, which really is one of my favourite waterways which I've done so far. Let me know in the comments any suggestions you may have about other waterways you think I should paddle. Cheers 🚣‍♂

[@pixiedixie3187]

Hello Steve> i love your channel very much, Actiually you inspire me to start paddle , i think i will start to rent a canoe like the itiwit on decathlon store, coul you recomend places to start paddleing? Im based in North london. Thanks a Lot, Pixie.

[@chrishamilton7811]

Great video. Doing this tomorrow so really helpful you do the dummy run with you!

[@cossieconnoisseur]

I spent many happy days of hard labour working to restore the Basingstoke canal in the 70's. from bank clearances to dredging and helping out on the John Pinkerton trip boat. Also trips with the sales caravan to canal meets all over the country! Good to see narrowboats on the cut!

[@berwynbabb1063]

Dear Stevie, wonderful to see your family name on the tube. It’s a very prestigious name in my town, where after WW2 Rendal Wyatt set up the worlds first narrow boat holiday hire company. After the shop closed some days dad would wander down to the boat yard to chat with the Wyatts, and on one momentous occasion, met Tom Rolt, chap who went on to start the Inland Waterways Association. Now here are you doing Waterways videos. Brill.

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks, that is really cool to know!

[@redghost6386]

"Lovely day for it" hahaha so English! I wouldn't mine travelling down to runneymede for the history. Especially by kayak.

[@robjamesnash]

“Curry and beer, what more could you want?” indeed… great film, superb production values, keep it up!

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks Rob, I do enjoy a good Ruby!

[@speedmatters]

Brilliant! I also said 'a bit like me' before you did, how we all laughed here when you said it too. Yeah, I guess you had to be here... 😂

[@njptuningltd5992]

Lovely day for it! 🤣 its good to know im not the only tool bag who says these, quint essentially, English phrases

[@lauriebloggs8391]

Lovely little film, thank you!

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks so much Laurie 🙏

[@HH-vp2lg]

I stumbled across you as I'm looking to get into kayaking. What a thoroughly enjoyable watch, thank you so much. I'm such a 'nice day for it' person too 😂

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks so much 🙏

[@benlangshaw9361]

The "gun mounts" are called dragons teeth and were indeed from the war though their main purpose was to inhibit vehicles following the canal! I regularly paddle BC, great to see others enjoying it too!

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks Ben, that's really cool to know what they really are. I love the Basingstoke, really special. Cheers

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

Enjoyed that.. some familiar places on this one. I camped in one of the pill boxes at the Barley Mow end. Fantastic stretch of water. Fair play for covering so much in one trip. Subbed. Dan

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks Dan!

[@williamj8349]

Drone action baby!!

[@StevieWyatt]

Hell yeah!

[@garrymartin6474]

Hi, I always associate King John with Newark Castle on the banks of the River Trent, the stretch of river between Newark and Nottingham is also quite pretty and may make for an interesting Weekend or short break. The Holme Pierrepont Watersports Centre is also on the bank should on wish to cast an eye over it.

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks, that's a great tip, I'll check it out

[@adanko5071]

Thanks for your lovely video. We have just moved into the area and it's great to see what we have on our own doorstep. Keep up the good work 👍🏾

[@WildCamper]

Interesting seeing this as on my doorstep, 8 years ago I did a recce of that island (from the bank) and decided it was too small! Looking at you video I was wrong! Also 8 years ago the base was far busier and I suspect I would have been turfed off it by the army folk. Now the base is finished and closed it is a interesting proposition! Cheers Rob

[@StevieWyatt]

It is small that island so hammock is essential, tent would be tricky. The next morning though, further upstream I spotted another island that also looked pretty good

[@dracoronja]

Hej Stevie 👋 Jeg er ny her på din kanal. Og jeg er glad for at jeg faldt over den. Jeg har købt en Aqua Marina 380 og det har hjulpet mig meget at følge med på dine ture, så jeg er lidt mere forberedt på mine første ture. Jeg regner med at Boogie ( min hund) og mig snart skal afsted på den første forårstur 🤗 Tak for hjælpen Stevie. Hugs from Sydfyn, Danmark .

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks so much for watching! Hope you and Boogie have some great adventures in the Aqua Marina, they are great boats. Cheers 🙂🚣

[@daveharris1210]

Thanks for the video, Stevie. I paddled up a handful of locks in my youth. But this week I did the whole thing, Wey to the end of the BC at the entrance to the Greywell Tunnel and back. That was 70 miles, including those down and up the Wey to get to start. I loved it. I even stayed out last night on Stevie's Island. No capsize getting in afterwards. But I did come very close to one the morning before. And as soon as got back to the Wey, I noticed the big difference: plentiful amounts of water flowing! But for all it's drawbacks, I got to appreciate those good points of what the Basingstoke Canal has to offer. Thank you.

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks very much Dave, the Basingstoke is still one of my favourites, I love it

[@simonaubry2915]

Hi Stevie and greetings. Really enjoying watching your videos on the Basingstoke Canal, well, I've only just discovered you! I live in Brookwood/Knaphill, and often out on the tow path running the Basingstoke Canal or Wey Navigation , or both in the same day. Earlier this year, I ran from Odiham (The Water Witch) back home and the scenery is just spectacular! It looks more amazing from a water craft, I may consider going on the water Next year. All the best. 💦😎👍🏼🚣

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks Simon, I loved the Basingstoke, it's now one of my favourite waterways. You should definitely give it a go on the water, it's a different perspective and great getting up close to the flora and fauna of the canal

[@El-Tel63-Terry.]

Hello Stevie, just wanted to let you know that i discovered your channel today whilst researching Kayaks. I have to say I've watched a couple of videos so far and have thoroughly enjoyed them, I recently cycled the Basingstoke canal, obviously on the footpath ! So this was a must see as was the river Mole as its local to me. You have gained a new subscriber.

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks so much 🙏 If you get a chance to do the Basingstoke in a kayak, it's great experience from the perspective of the water

[@El-Tel63-Terry.]

@@StevieWyatt That is definitely the plan now 👍🏻

[@stephenlarner5370]

Great video Steve,looks so peaceful

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks Stephen, The Basingstoke is one of my favourites, I loved making this video

[@georgemarshall306]

Brilliant video. I recently sold my Dagger Blackwater (the same boat as yours which previous branding) and to this day really miss it. Small enough to be manageable in tight spots and whilst lifting, yet large enough for overnight treks. The large cockpit was a real plus and tracks very well. I now have a slightly longer Dagger Stratos. Living in the southeast know much of the water you've featured. Keep up these videos, and maybe see you on the water.

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks George, yeah I love the stability and storage capacity of the boat which makes it a go anywhere tourer. See you out on the water!

[@CRUNCHYCRUMPET]

I loved this video, It was fun!

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks very much Alex 🙏

[@Panda27289]

I really need to get a kayak and some training.

[@StevieWyatt]

Just go for it!

[@CathyMartinTBW]

Such a nice video. Thank you Steve. It's so much easier, when one sees London from the waterways, to understand Mornington Crescent tactical play. Stovold's amendment makes so much more sense now. I couldn't figure out why there's no straddling on Camden Lock, but now it makes so much more sense. Thanks.

[@CathyMartinTBW]

Your videos are so positive and engaging. Now, when are you coming to BC to kayak in the best place in the world?

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks so much Cathy! Kayaking in Canada is high on my bucket list 🇨🇦🛶

[@taniacokerdavies]

Loving the videos! I’m getting ready for paddling (paddleboarding) the Thames and it’s been really useful to see your other videos. Quite like the Basingstoke canal but had never considered staying overnight! Didn’t realise is that long! 😅

[@darrenrose1913]

First 10 seconds in…. OoooooOOO… did you get a drone?! 😬👍🏻

[@StevieWyatt]

Yep. Watch out!! 😂

[@ilikeitwhenitssunny7067]

Another great video. Loved it.

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks so much 🙏

[@studebaker4217]

Thanks Stevie, another super video. This Canal is my local canal for kayaking and running. It's as lovely, and quiet, as you say. All trace in Basingstoke has gone, but still some oddities between Greywell and Basingstoke - like humped back bridges with nothing beneath! Western end of Greywell Tunnel is still there too, but line west very hard to pick out.

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks so much. Yes I still want to see the rest of the canal, by foot. I love the Basingstoke, it's amazing that it's so underused by boaters

[@jdogmgee]

Love your videos, only stumbled across your channel last week but you've been the deciding factor on me finally buying a double kayak for adventures with my son! Keep it up ⛺🛶

[@richsummers3131]

Another great video. Love the drone shot over the aqueduct!

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks! It was really fun doing that bit. Nearly didn't happen though as the drone got wet during the capsize!

[@denisgilbert1283]

Great video Stevie, more!

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks so much Denis 🙏

[@jamiehancox]

Great video. I cycled that towpath a few times winter 2021 whilst my son did some swimming training in Aldershot - you're right... totally empty and very peaceful.

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks James, the Basingstoke is one of my favourites

[@occupiedmum]

Loved this Stevie. I have friends who post on social media about their narrow boat adventures around the canals of England every summer and I’ve always been so envious from here in Australia. Seeing it from your kayak has been even better. Enjoyed the whole lot. Keep ‘em coming!

[@StevieWyatt]

Thank you Sheridan, thanks for watching. I did hear recently that someone imported a British narrowboat to Melbourne to live on. So keep your eyes out for it (also let me know if you see it!)

[@MrDesmostylus]

Just found your channel and really enjoying your videos. I've enjoyed being forced to find places close to home to explore due to the pandemic, it's rekindled my love for England. Next Summer I've set myself 30 adventures to celebrate turning 30, the Basingstoke canal trip is one of them. Thanks for the cool videos

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks so much! I highly recommend the Basingstoke, it's definitely one of my favourite trips I've done so far

[@one-o-four8541]

Really love watching your Videos! It's like doing a holiday by myself. Keep exploring. Greetings from Germany.

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks so much, that's really nice to hear 🙏

[@izzy4132]

I stumbled across you and your channel as I am looking to Sup the Basingstoke this spring and this has been very useful. I’ve since watched your great Wey video too (another canal on my list, being my two most local canals). Thanks so much for sharing.

[@StevieWyatt]

You're welcome Liz! Thanks for watching. Both waterways will be great on a SUP, enjoy

[@ajcolfer2016]

That was awesome Stevie! I've been thinking about moving my narrow boat onto the BC and your vid has really helped. You've def inspired me to get kayaking again too! Great content 👌

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks so much! The Basingstoke is a personal favourite so far 🚣‍♂️

[@jeanniemonks6409]

Amazing video, so enjoyable. Beautiful scenery with good choice of music and stunning countryside. I particularly liked the tree frog you filmed! I’m looking forward to your next kayaking adventure!

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks! I thought you'd like the frog :)

[@xitler404]

Stevie, I really enjoy your videos, the pace of your videos are so apposite that makes me feel peaceful. This is my first commet though I have watched almost all of your videos. Hope you make more high quality videos.

[@StevieWyatt]

Thank you so much, I'm planning to make a lot more this summer. Thanks for the support 🙏

[@macoutdoors69]

Great video stevie just subscribed 👍🏻

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks so much 🙏

[@dardoux]

Hi Steve, I really appreciate your videos, you have a great screen presence and I feel I'm there too. I have cycled the Basingstoke Canal end to end I agree, it's beautiful with the sun streaming through the trees.

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks so much 🙏

[@craigbloxham8328]

Cracking vid Stevie. I bought an inflatable kayak last year and have had immense fun exploring the rivers in the North East where I live. The tranquility and nature is infectious. Your vids are inspirational. Keep up the good work 🌊

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks very much Craig 🙏

[@christophersmith7714]

Another great adventure. Loved it. Where did you get the camo cover for our kayak? That's a great idea. My Kayak is light blue and can be seen from miles away. Cheers

[@tomwatts7715]

Absolutely amazing video stevie! Only discovered your channel a couple of days ago. The BC is my local kayaking trail and have gone from Odiham in both directions for a little dabble but not the whole length. Something I'm looking to do this year! That last bridge you came to, its so low I had to lay down to go under it haha! Looking forward to seeing more videos!

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks so much Tom, I loved the Basingstoke, it's one of my favourites 🚣‍♂️

[@jasonaldridge1177]

Nice vid mate 👍🏼 I’ve wanted to do the Basingstoke for a while so you’ve given me the push I need I think lol. I’ve done a little on the Wey with a wild camp at one of the locks with the most amazing views 😍. you mentioned Runnymede and I’ve just paddled from there down to Chertsey Bridge that was nice but just a few hours as a local paddle as I live in Staines 👍🏼

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks! I love that stretch from Windsor to Chertsey, it's where I cut my teeth kayaking and there is so much history to the area it's great. You'll love the Basingstoke, it was practically deserted when I did it!

[@danielpatterson9064]

Hi Stevie, just stumbled across your channel this evening and really enjoying your content! My other half and I are planning to do the entirety of my local canal, the Chesterfield canal in sections this year in our Itiwit 100! I’d recommend this canal, it has some good variations in character, and is a really lovely paddle. The restored section from Kiveton Park to West Stockwith is the continuous section which would make a nice multi day trip like you’ve done here!

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks so much Daniel and thanks for the tip about the Chesterfield. I'm always looking for new paddle routes so I'll add it to the list. Chesterfield and the surrounding countryside is a lovely part of the country

[@teamlucas4369]

hiya, great video and we enjoyed watching it............... i think we might have been the boat on the waterpoint that you talked to at Mytchett so good to see the video and your adventure to odiham :-)

[@StevieWyatt]

I remember, and I'm so chuffed you watched and enjoyed the video, thanks very much 🙏

[@robertgreenaway5166]

I wanted to do this last year! Nice video I’ve camped that second place loads of time and yeah you here the dogs every time around 4-5am.

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks Robert 🙏

[@brynbowler9963]

Just found your stuff after investigating getting a Kayak myself, your videos are super super well made, If you keep making these to this quality I think you will do very well!

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks so much Bryn 🙏

[@MsTilda2]

That was brilliant filming, like being there my selv, more Please☺️

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks very much! Planning more as we speak 🚣

[@MsTilda2]

@@StevieWyatt 👍👍

[@ziggywillis1]

sub just brought a inflatable one look great fun love your videos

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks so much Julie 🙏

[@ziggywillis1]

I think I watched most of your videos five times watching paddle board one atm great videos look forward to see in more of your adventures I intend to get out on mine with go pro 🛶

[@tiaxanderson9725]

Videos like these inspire me to do my own trek. I'm part of a kayaking club, I've had training, I own a sea kayak, and I have camping gear. Though it's not a source to sea story. I just wanna visit my parents xD Should be a journey of about 155 km (97 miles). Only problem is that after 120 km there's a 28 km (17,5 miles) stretch with 10 portages and then another 10 km (5.5 miles) with probably 10 more portages. The water (at least now, can't say about the distant past) was never meant to be boated through, so there are essentially low walled dams that keep the water level behind it high and just continually overflow. Also, while most cycling and walking bridges have enough space for me to go under them, several roads don't. Also I might make an 18 km (11 miles) detour to see the Marker Wadden an artificial set of island designed to mimic the flood/mud plains that used to be there like the normal Wadden Sea before it was damned off and should bring back some biodiversity. In fact, apparently it's working better than expected with over 200 species of fauna making use of the islands. Only the larger island is available for humans, but since the use of the little houses is 1000 euro for a 3 day weekend, I'm guessing I'm not allowed to pitch my tent there xD Anyway that bumps my total distance to 172 - 174 km (107 - 108 miles). i.e. I'm taking a week off

[@StevieWyatt]

Sounds like an epic journey! I bet there is lots of good kayaking to do in the Netherlands

[@tiaxanderson9725]

@@StevieWyatt Oh yeah, with 3 of Europe's large rivers ending in the Netherlands it's essentially one large river delta. There are streams, canals, and lakes everywhere. Plus we've poldered a ton of land which also creates lots of kayak-able water. Then there are the Markermeer and IJsselmeer, the North Sea coast (I'd love to surf there with my sea kayak), and finally the Wadden Sea. There as also tons of annual tours across large stretches of the rivers, I know one starts in Germany. There's also the 11 city tour where you have 5 days to complete the famous ice skating tour by kayak (heck, there's even a non-stop version where the goal is to make it in 36 hours). Finally what most people don't realize is that the Wadden Sea stretches all the way past Germany and halfway through Denmark, wanna paddle that as far as I can too...

[@johnclarke2462]

Great video stevie, I’m looking at getting into kayaking and there is something I’m wondering… how do you get your canoe back to your car once you have paddled miles away? It’s not a big loop is it? I’m confused 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks John! There are two types of paddle route. Out and back is, like you say, a loop. That's easiest because you can park near a launch spot and return to your car. The second is a one way trail like this, sometimes multi day. Usually if you are doing it with another person you can leave one car at the launch spot and have another car at the finish. Doing a trail solo like I did on the Medway it's a bit more complicated. I dropped my boat at the start, then left my car at the finish, then got the train back to the start 🤪 It sounds like a lot of faff, and some have told me so! But for me it was worth it. Allington lock on the Medway will let you park there if you ask the lock-keeper too.

[@jamesfenn7725]

Love these videos - what equipment are you using to shoot your footage?

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks James! There is a full list of equipment that I used in the video description. For the Basingstoke Canal film I used a Sony A6400 and GoPro Hero 7 mainly

[@quinboyle8436]

Very interesting vid Stevie.Your yak would be easier to pull along if your trolley was positioned exactly in the middle weight wise

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks Quin, that's a good tip as aswell as being awkward it kept slipping off. Cheers 🚣‍♂️

[@quinboyle8436]

The trick is to secure the kayak using two cam buckle straps at the centre.Can't believe there haven't been more views/subscibers enjoying your excellent videos.Maybe you should orchestrate a you tube meet up with the likes of Kent Survival or Simon a bloke in the woods to get some through traffic

[@StevieWyatt]

@@quinboyle8436 Thanks so much. It's early days for my channel so I'm still learning how it all works. I love Simon and Andy's videos, a meet up with the likes of them would be a massive honour!

[@superhero1972able]

Great video. We noticed you wear Itwit gear and paddle. Did you have one before? Was thinking about getting Itwit 2.

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks! I love the Itiwit gear, and anything from Decathlon really, it's all very well thought through and has served me well. I haven't owned any of their kayaks yet but I'm on the waiting list for when they have the x500 back in stock. Inflatable means I can go further afield rather than lugging my rigid kayak on roof racks all the time! The Itiwit 2 looks good and solid to me, but I haven-'t seen it on the water though. Let me know how it is if you get one

[@superhero1972able]

@@StevieWyatt yep pros and cons to both lol. Be careful with the x500. I hear they are very good at tracking and speed. But not so good on stabilisation. But your call good Sir. Currently deciding between indoor exercise bike or Itwit 3 lol. Reckon the bike gonna win first place but boat a near second place :-)). Basingstoke canal is lovely. And not that busy if you go in week. I reckon because it’s “that side” of M3 and not anywhere near Basingstoke hahahaha people too lazy to travel there. I usually go to Odiham side. Near the kayak rental place. Anyways. Perhaps one day you could teach me basics of river kayaking as I haven’t the foggiest:-)

[@beckym8245]

Stevie, do you do your own drone footage as you go along?

[@barrysimpson4628]

I’m curious to know why you choose a kayak over a canoe Stevie? I’m in the throes of taking to the water. I’m considering a canoe and it’s accompanying obligation to inland waterways, even though I live on a peninsula, surrounded by sea. My mind is more adventurous than my physical ability and I think a canoe is the right choice for me. I am though, really interested in kayaks, and wonder what, if anything, influenced your decision. Cheers. Barry. P.S. I was just signing off as you mentioned Aldershot. I was born there!

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks Barry. I guess I bought a kayak because it was something I was familiar with from my youth. I did kayaking in the Scouts and with my Dad, but I never paddled a canoe before. So when I moved to Walton-on-Thames and wanted to take advantage of the river, I went to Whitewater Canoe Centre in Shepperton and this kayak was recommended to me. I am considering making the move to canoe soon though, I'll be trying a couple out this summer.

[@barrysimpson4628]

@@StevieWyatt Thanks for answering Stevie. I’ve canoed a couple of times, but only for an hour or so each time. I think I’m going to book a day at a canoe hire place in Sudbury, on the river Stour. That’ll give me a decent try out. The video was really good by the way.

[@StevieWyatt]

@@barrysimpson4628 Thanks Barry, good luck with it 🛶

[@Ellie-rx3jt]

One problem with canoes as a single paddler is the weight of them. Usually 30-35kg as opposed to 15-22kg for a single person kayak. Big difference if you need to portage.

[@TallPoe]

16:02 mins. Why condemn it as a cliche when it really actually is a nice day in rainy old England or wherever the place is.

[@johndashwood7671]

I liked the video but I disliked the music with bloody drumming. Keep well.