Stuck in Paradise: Unexpected Canal Lock Closure 😱 [Ep 156]

This week I set off cruising my Narrowboat The Rum Wench, Leaving Northwich hand hoping to complete the end of the River Weaver Navigation. However, my cruising comes to an unexpected halt as Vale Royal Lock is closed for maintenance and it could be a couple of weeks due to waiting for a part from overseas. I do however manage to fill my time with lots of faffing about!
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Head Torch Amazon Link: amzn.to/3JRz69P
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Thank you so much for watching. If you are new here, I'm Heidi and I live aboard my Narrowboat The Rum Wench and travel the UK's Canals in search of Adventure. After selling my house to experience an alternative lifestyle I bought a canal boat and a camper van which as a solo female who loves to travel, gives me the best of both worlds. I have recently got myself a new addition to the crew, a fabulous companion - my little rescue dog Bonny who is an absolute joy and the perfect First Mate. I also work full time off grid from my tiny home and trade at canal festivals as The Narrowboat Pirate aboard The Pirate Boat.
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If you want to know more about LIVING ON A BOAT, CANAL RULES or WHAT I DID BEFORE BOAT LIFE then please watch these two videos:
• Live on a NARROWBOAT? ...
• My Narrowboat is batte...
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You can also follow my adventures as the Narrowboat Pirate aboard The Pirate Boat here:
🟦 Facebook - / thepirateboatuk
🟥 Instagram - / thepirateboatuk
⬛️ Website - thepirateboat....
🟨 Music - heidimanning.b...
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🎵 Music 🎹
Stiff Ripples by Heidi Manning
Flow Job by Heidi Manning
Otters Pocket by Heidi Manning
The Thrusting Cutlass by Heidi Manning
Plus Music from Epidemic Sound
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🥃 If you would like to buy me a Rum you can do here :
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#boatlife #Narrowboat #solofemaletravel #offgrid #travelvlog #travelvlogger #vanlife #offgrid #offgridliving #womenwhoexplore

[@rolandvasquezguzman9083]

A nice change of the Intro, love it. I think i speak for most of your followers, please continue with the tales from the back-cabin.

[@STARGATE136]

Back cabin ditties were almost the best part of your vlogs, would love to see you start it up again.

[@shanehumberstone5262]

Yeah I love it when Heidi gets her ditties out in the back cabin 😜

[@paulinehiggins8239]

@@shanehumberstone5262 LOL

[@paulinehiggins8239]

@@shanehumberstone5262 LOL you’re as bent as Heidi. Rude. Very cleaver.

[@ingkcam]

Love all your vlogs, especially the rum bits, coffee kracken is now our favourite. The rear entry not our favourite. But if you did, it wouldn't deter us. Love everything you do Heidi. ❤️

[@lupemartinez7562]

Yes! Yes! Bring back the tales from the rear entrance. Really enjoy your flogs.

[@FrogmanAnime]

I always enjoyed the read out of the ditties. So I wouldn’t complain if you brought back the back cabin ditties. But ultimately it would be your choice. Ben from Australia 🇦🇺

[@cbeuck5024]

Always enjoy your journey's ( with deckie!). Loved the headlight - sourced info - now to find a stockist.❤ Many Thanks Jan Adelaide

[@Peter-ef6ut]

Hello Heidi, that’s the beauty of your adventures, it is second star to the right, and straight on ‘till morning, then follow the magic. Thank you as always for spreading joy, happiness, and light, wherever you go. Goddess bless. Peter, Bristol, U.K. 🙏🙏🙏

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Aww thank you 😃🏴‍☠️

[@rask2275]

Thanks for the trip. The crane on the canal and river trust wharf that you passed is 100 years old built in Kilwiining Scotland for British Waterways. Grade 2 listed along with the buildings. Trust you get moving soon!!

[@susanwood9450]

Really enjoyed this vlog. Its slower pace was great and had the added bonus of helping me to slow down and relax with it. Your vlogs are always interesting and I love the way you talk to us. Feels like a gossip with a friend!. Like you said.. "what's the rush". Cheers to you and a pat for Bonny.x

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Thanks Susan 😃🏴‍☠️

[@SwearAThon]

Can we see your rear entrance again please Heidi, we love it!

[@deborahingles9392]

❤ wow Heidi they way you managed pulling in the Rum Wench to the floating platform was amazing if it was me the boat would have been in the middle of the Weaver still - great vlog - maybe the ditties have had their time for now I personally would like more of vlogs like this one ❤❤❤ cheers Debz from Oz

[@margaretbutler9528]

Everyone loves the ditties but I can see how it can become a burden. Maybe have a “Ditty Month” or something at a time when you don’t have too much stuff going on. I do think people enjoy thinking that all the fun is a two way street or two way towing path.

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Great idea 😃

[@jimmcintosh9045]

Wandering about in your dressing gown with Bonny reminds me of an old Scots poem . Wee Wullie Winkie runs through the toon, upstairs and doonstairs in his nicht goon!"

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

😂😂

[@wayneharris7534]

Hi Heidi..I would like to say thanks for uploading your wonderful videos.the last few have bought back so many memories of my life on the canals .and above all my family members who Unfortunately are no longer around... I see that you have encountered very large and deep locks.. they were built to take the sailing barge's that used to work the rivers and canals...of the UK. Many years ago.. unfortunately they disappeared along with thousands of narrow boats when it became cheaper to move goods by railways and roads. I sometimes wonder what would happen now considering the cost of fuel ...if these boats had not been scrapped... Anyway this is just a very old man's thoughts... There is only one thing I would like to say to you never think that you are alone on the canals.. just open the side hatch and take a close look... There is wildlife all around you..nine out of ten times there are people who are around... close by. You mentioned boaters love of the water...my love for the canals was the freedom they provide . The freedom to move my home . the freedom to pick and choose where to stay ... I always took the view that every day was just another adventure for me. To experience...now I look back at my life and realise that I was truly blessed to have lived my life on the canals Anyway Heidi keep yourself safe and well I am looking forward to watching the next video of yours.

[@DutchVanHelsing]

YOU TUBE ! There is so much crap out there and some People get 3 million fools viewing one vid ?!?! ..How come this Sort has only 36.5k watching the Gold that she makes..She is informative , She is Hilarious and she is naughty in that innuendo way that Larry Grayson was.....Keep it up Boat Girl...I am spreading the word...Be Safe......and don't be rude..X

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Aww thank you 😃🏴‍☠️

[@juditharcher1481]

Hello you two......yes, I'd say bring back the ditties from the Back Cabin....!! great video by the way! xx

[@JOHNMORIN100]

cabin ditties were the best soooooooooo neat the MAGOO'S IN MILO MAINE

[@yeoldfart8762]

Just what i needed this morning to sit back with a hot drink before emptying the compost toilet. I live in the woods I can sit out side all day buck naked and never see anybody and i don't feel afraid. There are moose and bear here. the moose are more of a problem. But when i'm at a friends apartment in town I'm always on edge. All sorts of people walking around. They are much scarier.

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

That sounds wonderful 😃🏴‍☠️❤️

[@monkeynova2012]

I live in the "safest" town in Hampshire and I'm on edge 24/7. I couldn't imagine living in a city, it's insanity by design. I'm trying to get the missus to up sticks with me to the country and eventually on to a narrow boat, but these grubby little things called kids are slowing the process down! Every time I get a bit of back chat from them I think to myself "can we put them in a bag and dump them on the side of the M27?" I'm driven to the point of envy by the likes of yourselves that are living your best, idyllic lives out in the sticks and on the water.

[@colinevans39]

What would I give to live your life I'm so pleased for you you deserve it 👍❤️🙏

[@markwilson5631]

Yes..in the rear entrance is back..

[@SMILEVIDEOTRAINS]

smashing well presented upload.; Thank you

[@Peteamareet]

Please bring back the rear entrance, it's such fun and I have a ditty coming on...

[@Martin-se3ij]

Should I get out the plastic grass?

[@MrSaltyV-]

ring back the ditties....dont be rude!😊

[@selon2323]

Another good 'un Heidi !! Very relaxing. And it's a yes for the Rear Entrance!

[@xoniwebmaster1]

I like the Rear Entrance (Don't be Rude) Ditties. Please bring them back In The Rear !!! LOL

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

😂😂

[@billygaughan1670]

Heidi, ive been watching you're vlogs now for three months and am blown away with your work ethic and sense of humour .Good luck in the future and keep the vlogs coming oh and bonnie is adorable. Bill xx

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Aww thanks Bill 😃🏴‍☠️

[@guyrose2239]

Thanks for the vlog… always a pleasure… yes to the ditties … maybe every other vlog? Love to you both ❤️🤗

[@anthonycattemull5691]

Hi Heidi, would really like you to bring back the back cabin ditty’s, love your channel give Bonny a hug from me x

[@samandjennysambrook]

Fearless Heidi,you just get on with it don't you... don't you ever get nervous staying over in secluded areas.. Thanks for posting.👍

[@lorrainerichardson3280]

Love the headband, a party could be had if it had a multi - coloured flash setting lol. Yes to the ditties. Take care and have a great week. =-)

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

😃🏴‍☠️

[@lindad-rp9xc]

Hello Heidi, I'm wondering if you ever thought about being a host for Airbnb for the summer on the pirate narrowboat offering trips around England to beautiful back country towns. ❤❤❤from Chicago, IL USA 🇺🇸 P.S Ahoy bonny !

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

I only have one bedroom I’m afraid so couldn’t on my own boat

[@davidricketts3654]

Heidi, bring back the ditties please I enjoyed them with a Rum xx

[@ianclothier7413]

Please bring back your back cabin dittys we love them very much ps.whats happened to Rosie and Jim? Thanks for your entertaining films,stay safe. From Ian and Tessa xx

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

They pop up in the background every now and again 😂😂

[@augabby7]

Hi Heidi & pirate Bonny, great video. Sometimes when we make plans & they don't work out it's usually a blessing in disguise or kismet . What a lovely peaceful & relaxing time you & Bonny had & it sounds like you'll have time to catch up on some work. Lovely, lovely spot you moored at. Would LOVE if you brought back the little ditties. Liked the head lamp so much I purchased it from the UK & not the states as they did not come with all the same features as yours. Can't wait to use it camping. Cheers for now. Give Bonny girl some scratching & smooches from her aunt Ang.

[@mickclark427]

Hello Heidi mick from Hull another lovely episode hope you and bonny are very well and I will look forward to your next episode xx 😊😊😊

[@marionjohansson4235]

I will have to get one of those head torches! You are right, trying to hold the leashes, the torch, pick up a poop in a plastic bag! I’m glad I don’t need my stick anymore. I believe you have been to South Africa. I’m from there, and born Zimbabwean .

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

I know haha it’s great not having to hold a torch anymore

[@deballen6147]

Yes bring back the ditties. That head torch is brilliant really bright. Great intro too xx Have a good week x

[@nickvaughan4069]

Love the vlog Hiedi, I know you have the lights on the side of the boat but have you got cameras if someone unsavoury comes around, and then you can set Bonnie at them, sorry if I've made spelling mistakes I'm using my left hand ,as I've fractured my right elbow 🤦

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Yes I’ve camera too 😃🏴‍☠️

[@xlithoplatemaker]

Bring back the ditties! ooer!

[@carolgerrard]

Yes bring back the dittys. That was brilliant video Heidi. Pawshakes 🐾🐾Bonny 😋😋

[@Welshtraveler-e5q]

Another great insight into your night life antics 😂 with bonny weeing 😅 be nice have back cabin ditty back from time to time , xx

[@K_R_W]

I live in Canada and truly stumbled into your channel are you really that care free as you seem so happy and relaxed.

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Aww thank you 😃🏴‍☠️

[@anthonybutler3157]

Great job on the new intro. Don't know how you do it. You always have great videos yet you find ways to improve them. Greetings from warm portugal

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Thank you very much!

[@markgruenberg6277]

Enjoyed the look of a slower pace of life. Much appreciated. Be well and stay safe.

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Thank you 😃🏴‍☠️

[@monty3862able]

I love going in the rear entrance 😛😛😛

[@orchidhouse297]

The sounds of the bird song is simply magic. What a delight. Loved the ditties. so witty!

[@stuarthinton2690]

AHOY Heidi and Bonny, love your vlogs, watch them every week. Missed the "back passage" ditties when you stopped the.. so a resounding yes from me to bring them back. Safe travels 😊

[@umbertoyltp]

Well Heidi, now you are a true beacon of light! ❤

[@neilyeomans9805]

Brilliant as always. Met you in Verdin park with Bonnie been looking out for you as your on the weaver where we live. Was not expecting to walk into you there and was a bit nervous as on way to hospital appointment. Will introduce ourselves properly next time we meet.

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Oh yes I hope everything went ok 😃🏴‍☠️

[@ellencaswick3131]

Right from the beginning ❤ the new intro. Beautiful clouds in the sky while approaching the first lock. Love your laid back attitude. Really what is the rush? I’m really jealous of your life Heidi. Every day you are your own boss. Us 9 to 5 people would kill for that. Thanks so much for sharing with us. I know I say it every week but I really enjoy Thursday’s. For a half hour every week you make an older lady who can not wait to retire (7 more years 😞) dream of my relaxing life when I do. Thank you for that!!! ❤️🏴‍☠️

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Aww thank you 😃🏴‍☠️❤️

[@virginiarussell7528]

Heidi we love your vlogs and hubby said yes please bring back the back room ditties.!

[@jayoneill1533]

I really liked your new opening sequence Heidi, great music track.

[@stephenbirchall941]

It's amazing how quickly a boat can drift out in the wind. Went up to the top end of the River Weaver last year. The water level was really low. It's a pity the lock is closed but hope it will open later this year.

[@shuttlebuswives7822]

Yes would love to enter the back cabin ditties 🏴‍☠️ the head lamp will help lead the way 🐶 😜 🍻

[@jacquelineryde7339]

A great vlog and we are getting those head torches. Tails from the back room, yes please loved hearing what people had sent you. Love you and Bonny and look forward to seeing you at crick xxx

[@franktuckwell196]

Done that bit of the Weaver, there is a nature reserve further along. As long as you have an empty toilet and full water tank, you should be o.k. Yes, ditties please, i will re-send mine.

[@groutmanalan5156]

Heidi hi! Of course we would love you to bring back your back cabin ditties, but not if if gives you too much to do. Another great vlog.

[@YllaStar95970]

I can empathize with Bonny wanting grass, my lovely dog is just the same. She will hold on until, then do all her business in the first two minutes, with the rest all play time. She has trained me rather well, to ensure each walk, though different from the last, always starts with grass.....Even on a beach walk.👍

[@isobelchapman9548]

Yes a ditty or two please. God bless xx

[@homlehomer8205]

Buddy and I both would like to see the weekly rear entrance Buddy said to tell Bonny woof woof wow wow I think that means hope to see you next week .

[@homlehomer8205]

🐕🐕

[@nicholassummerfield1295]

Hi Heidi brilliant Video please bring back the ditos and stay safe on the river.

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Thank you! Will do!

[@helenwillis8684]

Yes to the ditties! That torch is amazing, thanks for the tip, I need a new one for when I go off in my camper

[@westaussiejeff1547]

Brilliant head torch! As for back cabin ditties - yes please!

[@lakeshoregraduate]

We would like to continue hearing the ditties. Love your head lamp, too.

[@melissaledonne9027]

Definitely do the back entrance poems. They are 👍

[@sianwarwick633]

Like the vlog this week - those wide open spaces on the canals are a break from the overgrown trees. Bonnie is a good little dog and sweet companion. Do the ditties as and when, i like the music - variety is the spice of life

[@wheelie2012]

we miss your ditties!

[@MichelleKelly-xg4xz]

Oh and yes please, bring back the tails from the rear enterance. :-)

[@maxiemills6982]

Bonnie's little waddle is so cute. You should get a BonnieCam! I'm not the kind of a guy who likes the rear entrance if you know what I mean...don't be rude! But I love the poetry. All that faffing about aside, the best part is just seeing you having the time of your life.

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Aww thank you 😃🏴‍☠️❤️

[@vanbertha7376]

Bring back the rear entrance thing.....please....🍷

[@ianspicer3885]

Hello Heidi it's always a breath of fresh air to watch your videos , and I do miss your rear cabin hehe 😅❤

[@stephenunison9242]

Thanks for the excellent entertainment on your channel. I think bringing back the rear cabin would be great, take care and all the best Stephen and Jesse (the Labrador) ❤

[@pamelajohnson9260]

Love this video. Sounds like an artificial turf mat might be good for Bonnie sometimes… And yes to the ditties😊

[@lynnbaden8797]

I absolutely would love for the ditties to make a comeback!

[@stevejaycock96]

Roll on next weeks vlog and yes to the back cabin ditties.

[@stuarthilton712]

Loved the vid, got some guts Heidi…. Bloody spooky out there at night lol

[@gdotone1]

Excellent music.

[@milanondrak5564]

Bring back the back cabin ditties. I love mooring 'Whole in the Water' in those really dark places myself. On clear nights I set my telescope up on the roof and chill out while doing a bit of stargazing.

[@Julie-g3u]

Lots of flaffing about, but you got there. Beautiful place. So quiet & hopefully lots of things to do. I hope❤ pat for Bonny please cheers

[@SandraLumley-s7f]

I love the diitties some are really funny, everone knows you so well. Love your show Heidi and little Bonnie. Your home where you belong. 😊

[@mrdobi49]

Yes, Heidi, please bring back the rear entrance segments.

[@dianekenyon586]

Loved the vlog loved how bonnie has settled and sits on top bring back the dittys x

[@paulinehiggins8239]

I’d have gone on too Heidi, that’s the whole idea of narrowboat life, non rush, it’s another area to explore and looks like a good place fir a pee for Bonny. 💕

[@DanOpdal]

Another relaxing video! Thank you for taking me along. I'm very impressed with you tying up the boat by yourself. Cheers!

[@heidimacarthur7205]

Lovely cruise with you today. That was a bit of a struggle getting the boat moored with the wind and the current. You did a great job on your own. You are a brave soul. I would be very nervous out there on my own in the dark. It was soooooo dark. Have a good weekend. Cheers!

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Cheers 😃🏴‍☠️ it was very dark but we loved it 😂

[@Cariboukid]

Back cabin ruuuuuules! Ditties please Heidi!

[@johnfife3062]

Yes, please bring back ditties from time to time.

[@Rmw1153]

Great vlog as usual. Yours are always so different, very unique talent you have x

[@jewelyjem1986]

Yes...yes...yes please bring back the rear entry Diddies.

[@Leigh-r4k]

Yes please bring the back cabin back. 🙏🍻🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍻

[@jamesmaxwell1922]

Another lovely vlog, and another lovely location. It is great when you find a peaceful spot to moor up (well, it WAS peaceful until I turned up!). I love it when you are miles from anywhere, and you can see so many stars in the night sky (and, if you have good eyesight, sometimes the Milky Way). Those side lights are very good (as is your head torch). I might have to get Mum a set of them. I had a bit of an incident at work recently. I was working on an industrial estate, near to a specialist ink manufacturer and supplier. There was a lorry being loaded (or unloaded, I cannot remember which), with a forklift handling the pallets. Suddenly there was a loud crash and a shout of "Look Out!", and I turned round to be drenched from head to foot in invisible ink. I was in the hospital for ages, waiting to be seen. Take care, stay safe, and happy cruising (once the lock re-opens).

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Lmao James 😂😂

[@jamesmaxwell1922]

@@TheNarrowboatPirate After I got sorted out in hospital I saw a friend arriving. His hands looked like he had been in a fight with a dozen Siamese cats; they were cut to ribbons! I asked him what had happened, and he replied "You know those chefs who can cut things really fine, really fast? Well, I can't do that!".

[@SLOWLYdoesit1]

Ha! I love it when you are forced into a change because of weather / locks etc… hilarious! (Not the inconvenience obvs!)…

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

😂😂

[@meredithdavis2247]

Oh do bring back the ditties! So sorry you lost your phone. Thanks Heidi 😊

[@davidhurstfield3622]

Good idea hedi to bring rear entrance On your vlog Also today's was excellent

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Aww thanks David 😃🏴‍☠️

[@tomas5376]

Lookin’ forward to a few more back cabin ditties!

[@petitebiogeek]

Yes! Tales from the back cabin!

[@TracyBradd]

👍 to ditties!

[@robertcornelius3514]

Bonny to Penpal, "Dear Max. I can't wait to see you. My Hooman is great, but she always talks to herself. Dunno why. I now realize when I'm nice and not backing I rack up on some delicious snacks. Can't wait to see you. One more thing. She just started playing the drum. Hoomans are soo funny. Ruff!"

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

😂😂

[@JayneGunn]

Loved the intro 😂....another fab vlog from the intrepid travellers,awesome place to be moored with no light pollution 😍...I have one of those head torches, totally agree about them being really good.👍.....thanks again Heidi for keeping us entertained, safe travels and stay well.😊.....and a definite 👍 up for your back cabin ditties.😄

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Aww thank you 😃🏴‍☠️❤️

[@ScooterCounter]

Thanks for the tip on the headlamp. I just bought one for US$9.99 plus tax. Love your videos and enjoy imagining narrowboating, but I live in Florida and do the same in a travel trailer throughout the USA.

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Sounds wonderful 😃🏴‍☠️

[@billsavage807]

Finish off in the back cabin - that's a yes from me !!

[@robinkey4499]

I LOVE BEING ON THE BOAT AT NIGHT LOOKING UP STARS I MISS THIS NOW THAN YOU FOR THE MEMORY OF LISTENING TO PIECES OF MUSIC SAILING BY BBC SHIPPING FORECAST