Surviving the River Mersey on my Canal boat

[@JB-zm2oh]

So glad you enjoyed Liverpool as a Scouser we are very proud of our city The fantastic thing and the reason Liverpool is so popular with cruise ships is so many attractions are within walking distance or a short taxi ride Fantastic interesting video we all love seeing the narrow boats in our city Very wise to use the service of a pilot to cross the River Mersey especially with the conditions you encountered Enjoy your future journeys with Bunny

[@gedscouserable]

Navigating the Mersey is no easy feat. I did my power boat training there and the 5 knot tide is ruthless.

[@ClaireScarrott258]

Stuart the pilot, with his Captain Birdseye beard, was a gentleman. What an incredible knowledge of the Mersey crossing and locks he has.

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

He was an absolute star 😃🏴‍☠️

[@GregBuitendyk]

He’s a local legend Stuart. Still brings in all the big ships daily.

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

@@GregBuitendykhe is a wonderful guy xx

[@nailz77]

15:04 I have worked around the Mersey in shipping for years, the sand dredged is sold to builders locally as "Mersey Grit". This dredging process has to be done as the Mersey has some of the highest and strongest tides in the UK, and the river bottom is constantly shifting, on most days you can see a survey vessel out taking soundings.

[@johnclark2333]

Follow a lot of narrowboat KZbinrs who have done this passage but wowsers this video surpassed anything I've seen. Thank you and your day crew for a thoroughly enjoyable video.

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Wow, thanks!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

You are incredible, Heidi and the way you filmed it all and brought it altogether like that for us to feel like we were there with you is exceptional! Bravo- you're an absolute star!🤩🦋🌻

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Thanks so much Vanessa, as are you! Enjoy the Rochdale and Huddersfield …. I did them with Jax and it almost killed us both 🤣🤣 both stunning canals, especially the Rochdale near the summit 🏴‍☠️😃❤️ and Huddersfield around Marsden and Uppermill 😃🏴‍☠️❤️

[@theresevh]

she really is!!!

[@edwardmacintosh9476]

@@themindfulnarrowboat thankyou Heidie. For all you give us. I will try to help you further along your journey . You really are a precious soul. .

[@danwiddon3854]

Your great content has been tempting me for days, but now I know your names. By now, you’ve probably passed us along the Shropshire Union and are wherever your less promoted content will show Bonny and Heidi’s navigation adventures. Captivating content, brilliantly edited, got you a new subscriber, happy to help!🎉

[@annhay4572]

Ah, 1969, the year of your engine, was a very good year! I graduated from high school in 1966, just saying. 🙂 By 1969, I was blithering around in college and smoking too much dope for the likes of anyone. But I had a good time and I'm now a happy, successful, senior citizen in my own (owned) home. And I'm RV-ing (caravaning) and wish I still had a boat, had them for 28 years. You are so good at taking care of your boat, it's most impressive. I love your prop. 🙂 Big'un it is! Gosh, there must be so much history in Liverpool, one could spend weeks there and not learn/see it all. Wow, you were the only boat in that lock. And how cool that people took video of you, friends are so cool! Stuart is a gem. I bet the River Mersey was so empty of boat traffic because everyone hear that a PIRATE boat was coming!! Ha! 🙂 Oh, so nice of you to let the young fellow have the helm. I know you got to sit up in the bow and enjoy that, but I bet he had a great time too, knowing you trusted him. Your videos are spectacular, Heidi. That last ditty made me smile, big smile. And yet, yes, in the end, it's the boat, the Rum Wench. She took you on this journey, cruised you across the Mersey, and brought you to safe harbour. Nothing could be better. Here's to the Rum Wench.

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Aww thank you 😃🏴‍☠️❤️

[@nomadknits6469]

That was EPIC! The videography, the music. Looks like you gave the old girl a good thrashing! Thanks as well to the friends, onboard and off.

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Glad you enjoyed it 😃😃

[@maxwellthompson3212]

In all my years I've never seen a canal boat on the Mersey.. that's awesome 🙌

[@RedRobin808]

Stuart is a real Gent, handsome too! Lovely crew. 94 and still cruising and Stuart's Grandson, a new generation of Seafarers in the make.

[@GregBuitendyk]

Stuart was the river pilot. He still brings in the big ships every day. Roger was the 94 year old.

[@FlashGormless]

Thankyou Stewart for keeping Heidi and the rum Wench safe across the Mersey! Cracking vlog :)

[@philthorpe4549]

One of your classic videos Heidi - just brilliant, but blimey it was a bit choppy! I'll bet that scraped the barnacles off your bottom...😳

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

It was a fun ride 🤣🤣

[@phillongfootphotographyuk]

" So Heidi cross the Mersey cause this lands the place I love and here I'll stay." Gerry and the Pacemakers remix version :) Glad you enjoyed your stay in our fine city

[@patsystone8114]

Gerry and the Pacemakers...WOW that's a blast from the past!

[@Homer291145]

The best Rum Wench adventure yet x

[@marionjohansson4235]

What a beautiful stylish solid boat the Rum Wench is. She took it right in her stride. I love her. ❤

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

She is amazing 😃🏴‍☠️❤️

[@suewilkinson910]

@@TheNarrowboatPirate She might have basic mechanical controls, but my goodness it's like driving a 1940's Ford or Ferguson tractor in comparison to today's computerised, cabbed, all mod cons tractors. I'd not give you a thank you for one of them. Give me that little blue Ford with a bouncy seat and rudimentary controls. The sound and the feel was wonderful. Just like your gorgeous boat.

[@Minikisses20000]

I have to say Heidi, this was brilliant. When you were waiting for the lock to to open, my heart was pounding as you pulled off the wall and when I saw all that water I got so excited for you. Stewart is a wonderful man. I have seen him in a few others vlogs. Just a kind gentleman. And wow Roger 94, he looks amazing. I am so happy and I know you were on cloud 9. Your video put a smile on my face. Thank again Heidi and little Bonnie. 🩷🩷

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

They were wonderful 😀

[@6360carolyn]

Heidi you are a star! This was so exciting. For an 80 year old lady I was just blown away by your bravery. Kudos to you from Canada.

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Thank you so much!

[@JennyGunston-uh5og]

What an adventure!

[@pamelajohnson9260]

Wow. That was very exciting. Felt like I was there. Thank you.

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Thank you 😃🏴‍☠️❤️

[@Bill-1370]

I envy you and Capt Bonny, every day is another adventure. Living life, one adventure at a time and enjoying every minute.

[@ron7447]

Survived the hurricane, now I get Heidi and Bonny. What a great day. Time for a rum😅❤

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Oh, I hope you are safe and sound xxx

[@tonyamorgan2831]

Glad you're safe

[@stephenjones219]

"Ferry Cross the Mersey". I now have a greater understanding of the lyrics of the song. This was a great video. Bold trip for a flatbottom narrowboat, but hey, you are a pirate, and that is the stuff pirates do. Way to go, thank you for the enjoyment.

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ejoldman]

Wow Heidi, that was epic. Your courage knows no bounds, and your seamanship is worthy of any pirate captain. Congratulations Captain Heide, In addition to your exciting adventure, your skills in putting this video together certainly raised the bar to professional documentary standard. Well done, I hope you get "You Tube" recognition fo this one.

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Aww thank you 😃🏴‍☠️❤️

[@mikewiddop2247]

For some reason, YT suggested this video, and I'm SOOOO glad it did! As a result I've gone right back to the beginning and have started working through your 177 video bingewatch playlist. At a difficult time personally, these videos are such a welcome distraction, with such a sense of joy and life. Thank you Heidi, may your adventures continue, and may your mainbrace be eternally spliced! Avast behind 😂

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Awww thanks very much 🤣🤣 me heartie 🏴‍☠️

[@adrianacounsel5903]

Your quick retorts, your many capers Always make me smile They make me stop and think And sit with you a while You always have a friendly word To everyone you meet To keep on smiling in pouring rain Is no easy feat! I saw you sail across the Mersey Soaked right through to skin Yet determined to conquer it It wasn't going to win! Your pirate antics make me laugh They brighten up my week I really have to love the quips All said with tongue in cheek And when the lights go out And the camera's put to bed The rum is poured in glass And your lovely dog is fed Reflect upon the notion of all the lives you touch And know that only a special soul Has learnt to give so much. Thank you for all that you do. You are appreciated. Keep on keeping on. 👍🙂

[@suewilkinson910]

This is a brilliant ditty. I hope Heidi sees it.

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Love it !!!

[@adrianacounsel5903]

​@@suewilkinson910thanks 😊

[@adrianacounsel5903]

​@@TheNarrowboatPirate thanks 😊

[@youknowme8578]

It's the best day of the week! It's Heidi day.....yahhhoooo.

[@redcruben]

Should have been Heiday

[@youknowme8578]

@@redcruben get a grip on yourself, not even close to being funny. I hope you have a regular job to support yourself.. because comedy is not your forte. Sorry mate!

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Thank you! 😃🏴‍☠️❤️

[@itsdeanya]

Heidi, something that anyone who's been watching you for awhile knows, you've got a massive prop. ;-)

[@PhyllisHenderson-dl9ke]

Hooray for the Rum Wench & Heidi for taking us on the boat ride of the year. She looked like a Champ on the river, Thank you for the best video of an old narrow boat that’s not ready to retire. God Bless you 🙏☠️🥃

[@gerikelly7669]

Wonderful, Heidi. Exciting, scary and such atmospheric music!! Thankyou for sharing your journey with us. Amazing, my friend ❤️

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Thank you so much!

[@markgruenberg6277]

What a remarkable and exciting day. Bravo to the Rum Wench for weathering everything in fine fashion. Thanks for sharing your adventures. Be well and stay safe. 😊

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

She is a wonderful boat 😃🏴‍☠️❤️

[@John_N_Quay_Harbour]

Loved the music today. Fascinating as always. John

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

I spent hours finding the right music - Thank you 😃🏴‍☠️❤️

[@svenswwis436]

An excellent soundtrack today. 🎼🎶

[@LadyIlluvium]

"I think that's a pair of knickers!" I subbed just for that lol

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

😂😂

[@EdSmith-wb6lx]

Well done Heidi and the crew that is an epic crossing and the Rum Wench took it in stride and carried you all safely across the highlight of the week for me and many more viewers, Ed 40 S of Vegas

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Thank you 😃🏴‍☠️❤️

[@wendycrooks875]

Hell Heidi, I’d have been shitting bricks! Your boat looked so small out there with the choppy river. Well done girl, you did good. ❤️

[@sproggit47]

Oh wow ! Heidi that was fantastic, I had goose bumps as you left the lock to go across and the music was terrific, your excitement was so tangible and wee Bonny was brill xx

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Aww thank you 😃🏴‍☠️❤️

[@nicolacox270]

Great video you got some bottle to cross that river, its scary.

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Thank you ❤️🏴‍☠️😃

[@gillywild]

Well done Heidi, one of the few :)

[@donnaprice1288]

Absolutely fantastic Heidi!....one brave girl... What a smashing crew you had on board.

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

The best!

[@peterappleton5213]

That’s quite an achievement,Heide, well done ❤

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Thank you 😃🏴‍☠️

[@KarenSFrancis]

Oh my!! BIG water! And the music was perfect

[@adrianacounsel5903]

What an achievement! Well done! 👍👏😊

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Thank you! 😃

[@sandyphillips1379]

Hats off to you and the crew. That was fabulous x

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Thank you 😃🏴‍☠️

[@gremlin235]

Amazing Heidi, just wonderful, love your videos.

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Thank you so much!

[@RedRobin808]

Thank you to the Rum Wench indeed. Lovingly looked after by you.

[@lucillecash3046]

Congratulations ❤ on your journey across the River Mersey. A wonderful video, Heidi, cheers. ❤

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Thank you so much!

[@beckiweaver8383]

Totally love this video. The expanse of the river is powerful. The locks are hugh. So glad you had your pilot Stuart. That looked to be a total adrenaline. 🧜

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

I loved it 🤣🤣

[@StuartTaylorEsquire]

The river Mersey is a formidable strech of water that can challenge the most experienced seafarer. Its currents are so fast, you can be engine full and be motionless. Well done for making it across 💪

[@colindean-xn4es]

What an absolutely brilliant video Heidi, so exhilarating and loved the camera angles how you did all of that and navigated is brilliant. Stuart was such a lovely chap too and great on camera 😁 ❤

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Thank you so much! And yes he was wonderful 🏴‍☠️😃❤️

[@DalePeyton]

Heidi oh my God, you are doing it. You're making it across the Mersey Congratulations I have tears of joy running down my face

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Thank you so much! 😃🏴‍☠️❤️

[@lorrainerichardson3280]

What can I say, the photography, some patreons helping from the shore? The people, your absolute excitement, I don't know how you had time to think of camera angles as you were cutting through the waves. What a trip, phew. And Oliver must had thought all his dreams had come true. Absolutely loved this trip, thanks and more thanks. Time to relax over Winter and plan ..... what next. Take care as always. =-)

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Aww thanks Lorraine 😃❤️🏴‍☠️

[@riawallace7560]

WOW! An absolutely fabulous watch…was quite "moved" especially the great camera angles, the music and the super info along the way. Thank you for sharing…you made my night Heidi ❤

[@Carolineab11]

You are a real inspiration Heidi. I'm planning to buy my first narrowboat and live aboard in the near future and watching your adventures helps me have faith that I will achieve my dream. Keep doing what you do so well. Thank you for sharing :)

[@Ste2023]

what a beautiful life ... and bonny is gorgeous... Welcome to Liverpool the true Capital of England

[@jed86515]

wow that was amazing. well done x

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Thank you 😃🏴‍☠️

[@chrissiehart22]

Amazing journey Heidi ! I was holding my breath at one point lol. That's amazing to have such amazing company to share that experience with. As well as Stuart and his knowledge of the area. Love the history of it all x

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Thank you so much!!

[@RedRobin808]

Thank you kindly to all involved. Really interesting.

[@KevinMacken]

Heidi, those people that say you should not travel the river in a flat bottom boat, just have not got a clue. Those huge ships that travel the worlds seas have got wait for it...................FLAT bottoms. Bugger. don't let them anywhere near the Mersey.😃

[@doreenwhelan4121]

My heart was in my mouth Heidi watching you cross THAT River Mersey!!!!! You’re a brave Pirate!!! so glad you had a crew with you❤

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Thank you so much!!

[@kerrysharpe40]

Wow what a video, what an experience, thankyou for taking us all with you. All the best. Kerry , Colin and Alfie (woof) NB Time to Pootle xx

[@Chadsstickystuffakaglue]

Well done Heidi got a good passage across that wide river ❤❤❤. Be waiting for the next trip.

[@ncg339]

Wow! I grinned all the way through this. What fun!🤩

[@milanondrak5564]

Heidi got her Mersey trip done with some of my favourite biscuits. Ginger nut biccies would make me your friend forever if they were served with a hot cup of tea. It's nice to see you enjoying life Heidi. There's a phrase my gran used to use to say 'If you want to do something do it'. Her phrase was 'Let your butterflies fly'.

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Aww that’s a lovely phrase 🏴‍☠️❤️😃

[@patrickmcnamara8575]

brilliant Stuart Wood in never knew what he looked like I've listened to him for years on radio merseyside he very knowledgeable

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

He is amazing 😃🏴‍☠️❤️

[@cynthiakeyes7197]

Hey Heidi girl what an adventure I really enjoyed listening to your guests and history❤ well just so you know we had another hurricane, Milton , it came thru last night, but we made it and we are safe I pray for everyone cheers we are having a Captain Glen drink 🍸 too thank you Heidi for your work❤your friend Cindy ❤

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

I’m glad you are safe Cindy 😃🏴‍☠️

[@MessengerRising]

That was epic Heidi. I hope Will gets to do it next year.

[@jillthornton7216]

Well done Heidi , what an adventure and what great company .❤

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

The best! 😃🏴‍☠️

[@sueh335]

I just watched your latest video surviving the river Mersey on my canal boat. What a wonderful Channel! I enjoyed it immensely. I subscribed and look forward to watching many more. 20 years ago, my brother-in-law and I took trip from the United States to England. We had planned a trip to travel on a narrow boat on the Grand Union canal. It was fantastic. My brother-in-law, Ken, who is no longer with us, was the captain and I was the lock handler. I had never encountered a lock before but I was young and jumped easily off and back on to do my job. I wish he were here with me to watch your channel as he had wanted to go back and do it again.

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Aww thank you, I have created lots of playlists so you can go back and watch many videos of all the other adventures I’ve done 😃🏴‍☠️

[@annjarvis9300]

What an exciting journey and lovely Stuart to make sure all was ok you are very brave tc now the oldies 🤗👍🤗👍

[@Andrea-q5d]

What a fabulous experience Heidi, great to watch you and all the crew 😊 have a wonderful week ❤ xx

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Thank you! You too!

[@jillchew-tetlaw3388]

Wow Heidi that looked scary. What an experience.

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

I loved it 😃🏴‍☠️

[@60degreesnorth26]

Your engine is amazing. Wouldn’t have a modern engine you go girl x😊

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

She never skips a beat 😃🏴‍☠️❤️

[@janettetaylor8760]

Whoooooooooo well done going across the Mersey...

[@JonAl1966]

Wow Heidi you are an amazing woman so brave x

[@queenie7434]

We watched Heidi cross the Mersey on the Rum wench with captain birdeye Ruff waters with grey sky's, were so grateful everyone survived xx....Love your vlog s Stewart was very informative as was you as always best vlogs going.xx

[@exiledscouser919]

Thoroughly enjoyed your transit of the Mersey. As an apprentice we used to squash pennies under the wheels of the travelling cranes at Ellesmere Port. I worked behind the bar at the Slip at Eastham for some years and my much missed aunt is buried at the wonderful cemetery above the Queen Elizabeth lock. A place dear to my heart.

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Thanks for sharing! That’s lovely ❤️

[@brassneckweddoes]

Congratulations on making it over smoothly x

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Thank you! 😊

[@bettyt3471]

All I can say is "WOW" - glad you have someone with you! Exciting!

[@jammyjay917]

What an adventure...excellent... great video 🥰🥰

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Thank you 🤗

[@Lee-st7cf]

Loved this ❤

[@lyndamiller2623]

Cracking video Heidi, got goosebumps as you went out of the lock onto the Mersey, which is a massive River!…Cheers for the mention at the end ❤️🐾👍

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Thanks for coming to see me off xxx

[@lyndamiller2623]

@@TheNarrowboatPirate wouldn’t have missed it for the world x

[@davidbarton5438]

Now you are a real sea pirate oooo areeeeee You are a real gem Heidi

[@legacystudentschannel]

Ye arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

[@AN-OUTDOORS]

Hi Heidi I think this is my 1st comment even though I've followed your adventures some time but I had to comment so proud of you and the rum bench I felt all the emotions on that crossing I was so tense when those gates opened but all I kept thinking was so on girl ... she's an incredible boat and I'm so happy you did it you sure deserved that rum. And what an amazing crew you had . Well done Heidi xxxxx

[@AN-OUTDOORS]

Sorry typo I meant rum wench 😂

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Aww thanks so much 😃🏴‍☠️❤️

[@geecee4724]

Well done The Rum Wench - you ferried across the Mersey👍🏻

[@StephenPowell-s7t]

You're braver than me, I wouldn't fancy that trip on such a small boat. Great video, thanks for sharing 😊x.

[@MartinHolmes-w8x]

bloody well done Heidi.... such an amazing achievment. zo proud of you for crossing.♥♥♥♥♥

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Thank you 😃🏴‍☠️

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

great vlog in liverpool dock and now going on the mersey good see you cranking it keep up the great vlogs thanks lee

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Thanks 👍

[@RobertBerridge-l3m]

Bloody hell H you were brave to do that. Well done girl.😳😆👍.

[@londonschoolofwigmaking5793]

21:15 Skin is looking flawless and youthful Heidi!

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Go pro does wonders 😂😂

[@pamcullen537]

Big thanks for taking us with you & the filming was epic. So glad you had company on your trip, if I was doing it would need double Tena ladies 😂😂 🦆💕

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Lmao 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@LIlYMUNSTER6226]

Hi Heidi, that was amazing...... Have you every been through Birmingham? Me and my Hubby don't live far from the Grand Union? X

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Yes, I’ve done all the Birmingham canals between 2014 and 2018

[@lancpudn]

Hello Heidi, Those were great shots of the Rum Wench powering through the choppy waves on the Mersey. Thanks for the video.

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Thank you too!

[@karenjaques3937]

Awesome! 😂❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😅

[@AllanHumphreys]

Living the life there. Hope you enjoyed our great city. How cool is Roger by the way 👍🏻 Getting a like and a follow from me 😊

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Spikestrip55]

The Rum Wench survived the River Mersey (and the ship did well too!)! How does Stuart get back home if you're the last ship?!? Another great video Heidi, wonderful music score as well!

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

His car was in Ellesmere Port as he got a train to Liverpool, which is a good job as less than 5 canal boats do this crossing each year 🤣🤣

[@Spikestrip55]

@@TheNarrowboatPirate That's why he seems so happy! What a job - meeting nice people, not having to worry about boat maintenance, enjoying life!!!

[@hurricanebee1140]

I love the song Ferry cross the Mersey, now it’s Heidi cross the Mersey. I’m with you so don’t worry about nowt

[@helenknott1596]

What a journey Heidi, well done definitely worth all the planning ❤

[@PhilLewis-xg7iv]

wow that was exciting. really really enjoyed that, thank you.

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Thank you 😃🏴‍☠️

[@adamnorris8006]

That is one hell of a river

[@ralphwood5875]

Well done Heidi Darlin a landmark video . I knew you were in good hands when you said your Pilot wasStuart Wood my long lost cousin 99th removed ,he was always a great seaman for a nipper, of course's a lot l younger than me ,but good see he hasn't lost his touch. Love been sailing in my track track of many voyages.I remember early voyage on a tanker when I was Cadet we were discharging Eastham oil dock adjacent to the lock you passed through .I wagon watch with the @nd mate when he passed me a basket and told me to go pick dandelion leaves for his pet budgie ,,,,the things you learn as a Cadet. So glad you took the plunge and did the crossing and became a " Scouse" t for a few days I'm sure you enjoyed the stay and that giant hip flask ,now dont get fat to fit it on your hip I luv ya ust the way you are.Lots of luv to you and Bonny ,well done a great memorable episode. Tra for now XXX

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

thanks so much Ralph, how are you both ? Xxxxx

[@marnik2504]

Great video Heidi, really enjoyed it, greetings from Canada. Xxx

[@mags5761]

Beautiful ☺️ Whenever I’ve been in a choppy situation I’ve always rafted the boats together, it adds a bit of stability. Kudos to you and the crew