So How Have I Lived in This Tiny Floating Home For 5 Years?

[@robertcox3861]

If you enjoyed your cup of tea as much as i enjoyed your film then your very happy . Many thanks again. Dont stop producing such Lovely films ❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is great to know as I did enjoy my cup of tea! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@elsadoucette5610]

I love your bow deck garden🪻🌸🌼

[@Margaret_J]

Another dose of gentle and beautiful therapy in today's troubled world Thank you 🦋🙏

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

What a kind thing to say, Margaret! 🤗🤗Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@jeancarpentier5920]

true......

[@vanessascola4708]

Yes it sure is a troubled world. Life needs to be about enjoying little things.

[@louisewhite9152]

Hi Vanessa it’s only me - I can’t wait to watch this evenings vlog ,unfortunately I missed the notification be flashing up - my multiple sclerosis is really been playing up this past few weeks so I’ve been pretty poorly but I’ve been looking forward to my Friday night Vlog - I hope you have a lovely weekend. Sending loads of love and hugs. ~ Xxx Xxx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Louise, I am so sorry to hear that your MS has been playing up. I can't imagine how painful that must be for you. I really hope that it settles again soon.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a pain-free weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@christislord2832]

My husband’s Grandma, who is 91, is the 2nd great Granddaughter of the head gardener and maid at Lime Park in the 1800’s. When we went to visit on an open day, there was a giant life size photo there of my husbands 3rd great Grandad, our children’s 4th Great Grandad. After working there, they married and had children (my husband’s Grandma’s Dad one of them) and moved to Chatsworth to work there.

[@christislord2832]

I thought I’d put this on the main comments…sorry about that x x x

[@annheadley5004]

Zephyr is such a delightful companion.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

She really is.🐾🐾💚Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@lorrainerichardson3280]

Vanessa thank you so much for not putting waste water from your washing machine into the canal. So glad that Zeph was tick free. The wildlife that you see and draw is so beautiful and I never get over the intricacies of their form and colours. Have a lovely week and take care =-)

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It was such a relief that I didn't find a tick on Zephyr, but if I did I was thinking of including it in my poem and journal! 😂Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Lorraine. Have a super weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

[@gailmowat3149]

You make my heart sing every Friday. Thank You!

[@juliehill2830]

Mine too.. 😉

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is such a sweet thing to say!Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@johnmact5548]

I left the UK 30 years ago and have travelled the world finally settling in Thailand where I work with several charities. You and my sister who lives near Marsden, keep me in touch with the beautiful English countryside. Thank you.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It sounds like you are doing some amazing work where you are. That is very commendable. I am glad you enjoy the vlogs.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care 🦋🌻

[@dianacann2336]

Hi Vanessa, I have bought your 2023 journal and am eagerly awaiting its arrival. I have recently discovered your beautiful mindful cruising vlogs so I am watching current videos and then going back to the beginning. I’m only on #27 so it’s going to take me a while even to get to 2023! As a former infant teacher, deputy and acting head I can certainly understand how you felt that the whole of your life was taken over by the job. Much as I enjoyed teaching I was lucky enough to take early retirement and enjoy a slower, calmer life where I can craft, garden and walk my dogs. I am also very interested in wildlife and am thoroughly enjoying my nature study lessons on the Alice Grace with you and Zephyr!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Diana, it seems that we have a lot in common with our previous working life and our enjoyment of the simple things. Thank you so much for buying my journal; I hope you like it when it gets to you. I recommend keeping a journal and as you are interested in wildlife too; I'm sure that you would really enjoy it. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@susanakfogel8217]

Dogs are such wonderful creatures. I thought it was amusing that she had to eat alfresco because she can’t eat with the engine running! You are a wonderful ambassador for England all of the cute villages that sweetness of your days it makes me want to come and visit for an extended stay.❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Susan, my dog is fast becoming very fussy in her old age and I am such a softy with her which she completely manipulates! 😂🐾🐾Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

[@Love_rainy_days]

Thanks for sharing Vanessa, My wife as a child on her farm would though corn cobbs in to the air for bats to attack as bugs. Until, one night a bat landed into her hair. Well, that ended that. I love Crows, they are very smart bird. Crows are the only bird that will attack an Eagle if it is to close to their nest. Crows have been known to take fish out of an Eagle's Talons in flight. Love your channel and your happy life on the canals with Zephyr.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Bats in long hair is a frightening thought for both the hair owner and the bat. I have a great admiration of the crow family; they are so intelligent.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@kier4931]

Such wonderful videos. Your happiness and contentment is such a pleasure to share in. Thank you very much.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@lucylocketsthinkingpocket]

I feel like I’m watching a dream of how as a child I imagined my life would look like when I grew up….it unfortunately doesn’t look like this at all! 🌼

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I hope you are happy though even if it looks different to what you imagined? Have a super week. Take care🌻🦋

[@lucylocketsthinkingpocket]

@@themindfulnarrowboat Yeah happy enough. Just so many sounds and visuals in your video remind me of my daydreams as a child….the birds, sound of the water and slow dreamy pace traveling along the canal, the forget-me-nots, the scraggly green grass, the writing and illustrations, the light and time of year….. I live in NZ now so I don’t have the immersion in all those things I loved and associated with my childhood I guess. Just matched a sort of visceral memory in me. ☀️

[@helenedansereau9255]

Mr. Mandarin duck is so gorgeous and funny. What a delight. Love your bow-deck garden, it always cheers me up to see it. And the forget-me nots along the towpath, how lovely. I so enjoy catching glimpses of canalside gardens, fences and sheds, often so original. Oh, the Launderette Revolution sites, what a concept! They look stylish too. So precious, all this looking-back stories. And I love the nonchalance of the various birds along the way. All told, what a wonderful week!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Mr Mandarin really made me laugh too. He is so much smaller than the Mallards, but every little squeak he made had them running off in a flap! 🤭 The Revolutions have an app and it tells you where they are located in the country and it tells you when your washing is ready so you don't have to sit there and wait. Also, you can get a huge load in one go and do big blankets too. They use all eco products in their washes too.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care 🦋🌻

[@bulow453]

I can't help but notice that many of the views are from above what a valley would have flowed in - where these canals were ambitiously dug in order to accord for the transport of coal, ore and other that fired the furnaces of the industrial revolution! I much enjoy your videos!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is incredible how they were built isn’t it?🤩 Thank you for watching. Take care 🌻🦋

[@xoniwebmaster1]

Many thanks for bringing us the beauty of nature.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Many thanks for watching and commenting! Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@garyp8471]

That was grand, really sets us up for the weekend. Swizzlers, showing our age now thank you. As in the words of Bruce Forsyth your our favourite a little of everything. All the best Gary n Irene

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Well "It's nice to see ya to see ya...nice," Gary and Irene. Thank you so much for such a kind comment too. Have a super weekend both of you. Take care 🌻🦋

[@jenifercarpenter3185]

Some friends of mine have just been in England from.Australia . David Is English and my friend is Australian like me . They are always travelling all over the world . I get too see their photos on Facebook . They did a cruise on a narrowboat last week .Me thinking how wonderful that would be. Was looking at u.tube tonight and saw your video soooo loved it .I love wildflowers and birds .looking forward too watching some videos . When I was 14 ..My dad and mum and I left Australia for England and too see Dad,s family .I,m half Aussie half English . We stayed in Kent with my nan for 3 weeks . She took me on a,coach too see her sisters and families . Blackpool than too a little village outside York had the best time. Got taken too see the Blackpool lights . Than Dad ,mum and I drove too Somerset where we lived for 2 years .They worked me high school . We saw soooo much of the UK in that time .Feel so blessed too have had that experience . Back too Australia 6mths later meet my Pete than 3 kids noe all grown with kids of their own . In my late 20,s we bought a,25 acres of wildflower,treed block .built a little house .The block in spring orchids , wildflowers ,banksias , grass trees , clematis , purple native wisteria ,lots bracken . Always lots of birds like blue wrens and the big black cockatoos and bandicoots . Again feel blessed too have had that for a while and watched peacefully all that and watch my children grow up .They still tell me about a bush walk with there kids ,or a bird they saw .

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

What a wonderful story! You have so many beautiful memories and I hope you continue to make them every day. Thank you so much 😊 Take care🌻🦋

[@lezlierussell2834]

I have only just found your channel and I am totally fascinated! I absolutely love the canals you are traveling. I moved 3 years ago to a very small lake cottage and don’t think I could ever go back to living in a “ normal” house in town. I look forward to seeing more of your adventures!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Your lake cottage sounds wonderful! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care 🌻🦋

[@rodneyparker9673]

Nostalgic scenes of Swizzels ...and glimpses of New Mills marina while doing so. Lovely marina. I was there when it operated as a hire base for Anglo Welsh. I recall building those jetties.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Well you did a good job of those jetties, Rodney! They are still looking good. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care 🦋🌻

[@chickenlady3155]

What a lovely interesting life for Zephyr, visiting new places every week, each with interesting new places to walk and fascinating smells to smell.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hello, Chicken Lady, thank you so much for such a kind comment. I really appreciate it. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@FreeSpeach5491]

Well it’s a beautiful evening and what better way to see the day out… all cozy sitting with the hound ( who is sleeping) watching my fav vlog … fab stuff love it 🙂

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

How lovely to be watching next to your sleeping dog. There is something very comforting about being next to a sleeping dog, isn't there? Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@MichaelSmith-lb4kv]

Only been on your channel for a couple of days, been watching one vid after another, so wonderful to see all this, one can just relax and enjoy, just love your art work. Thanks for making all this available. Look after yourself, and your wonderful companion. Greetings from Germany.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am delighted to hear that you have been enjoying the vlogs, Michael. Thank you so much for your kind comment. Take care🦋🌻

[@Peterbailey831]

Hi Vanessa I really like your vlogs the way you name all the wildlife and plants makes it all the more interesting please keep up the good work x

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@lisaduncan-purcell1450]

I have to tell you how much I enjoy your videos. You've also changed how I look at birds. My husband is an avid naturalist but I've always just tended to enjoy looking at the birds and not worrying about who they were. We were camping at Big Sur, on the California coast not too far from home, and I saw black oyster catcher in the surf. I was quite delighted that I knew what that bird was, and I thought of you and wondered if there are oyster catchers in England. Thank you so much for giving me a glimpse of a world so very different from my own.

[@alanduncan9204]

Yes there are oyster catchers here in the UK. It has only recently been discovered that depending on where they live and the food they eat their beaks adapt to their needs. Those that live in areas with grass parks or golf courses feed on worms by probing in firm soil will have stout stronger beaks. Sea shore dwellers on sandy beaches have longer thinner probing beaks. But to the casual observer they all look alike.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Lisa, it is a wonderful feeling when you recognise a bird, or any flora and fauna to be honest; it is a bit like making a new friend and you smile when you recognise them again. We do have oyster catchers and I'm always excited to see them. They are such striking birds. In one of my vlogs, when I was on the Chesterfield canal, I filmed some inland at Kiveton and they were being very territorial in pairs as it was their breeding season. The behaviour was wonderful to watch.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is such an interesting fact, Alan! Thank you so much for your comment. Take care 🦋🌻

[@swansong007]

I envy your life style. The calm and peace you get in your life is a therapy to us all. If I were 40 years younger I would be living this life style no question or regrets at all. I must watch 4 of your videos per day so I relax a lot lol.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you find the videos relaxing and I am utterly delighted that you are watching four a day!Thank you so much for your lovely comment.Have a super weekend.Take care 🦋🌻

[@michaelbailey583]

its great how you mix the wild life with the country side and your narrating is beautiful and how you put everything in your books, if you could go back five years would you change anything

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I really wouldn’t change a thing as every mistake is a lesson learned. Thank you so much for watching. Take care🦋🌻

[@jackmullett9198]

My favourite canal vlog, and what a lovely knowledgeable presenter. I’m in France and I couldn’t miss watching my weekly slow canal journey. Interesting looking for ticks in Lyme Park, you don’t want anybody catching that awful Lyme disease. 😮

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I hope you are having a wonderful time in France! Thank you so much for still watching and for your lovely comment too. Take care🦋🌻

[@cathlansdown6657]

My most favourite canal. This bought back so many happy memories for me after my husbands passing. Thank you and happy travellingxx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so sorry to hear about your husband's passing, Cath. Thank you so much for such a kind comment. I am so pleased that it brought back those happy memories for you. Take care 🦋🌻

[@mickcrisp2854]

Looking through the window and finding bats in the evening is better than any telly. We had a maternity roost of bats in our loft 20 years ago. I counted 60 one evening coming out of a hole in the roof apex. They were pipistrelles. They've never been back.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I wonder why they’ve not returned? It must have been wonderful watching so many in the evening? Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care 🦋🌻

[@davidberesford7009]

For me this was my first introduction to your narrowboat life, and very pleasant it was too. Thank You, and may you always enjoy what you do.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care 🦋🌻

[@sallylunamoth5542]

"Thank You Vanessa", Such Breathtakingly Beautiful Scenery I forget to Breathe....I could watch you Journal for hours its So Relaxing, & Your Tea making process has me running to the Kitchen straight after to make a Cuppa 😊🫖🍪💗

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

The scenery here is incredible, Sally and I find it breath taking too. I love the fact that you run to the kitchen after the vlog to make yourself a cuppa! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@michellehowell1228]

Hi there..I'm from USA and only drank ice tea up until a few years ago. I started drinking hot tea, then found several wonderful English youtube channels and watch them with a cup of tea too. This one is fantastic! Love all the nature and beautiful drawings and sweet Zephyr. We have a chocolate lab..we love her so much! Blessings ❤

[@HelenCooper-cl8jg]

Hi. You ooze gentleness and kindness. Having only found your channel earlier this year, you are fast becoming my favourite You Tube vlogger. Love your videos, they are so relaxing and inspiring. Thank you. 😊

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is such a kind comment, Helen! Thank you so much. Have a super rest of the weekend. Take care 🤗🦋🌻

[@elizavetamixailova3848]

Excellent. Thank you bringing joy into my life.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@robineasby5328]

I find your videos so interesting and relaxing. Your knowledge of all things nature is amazing. It was great to see you feature Lyme Park , a place I visit quite often. Thanks for another great video.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Lyme Park is stunning isn't it?Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super week. Take care 🦋🌻

[@pilpelet100]

Thanks as always for a beautiful video and again a thank you for taking me back to childhood days visiting Lyme Park.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I’m so pleased that this brought back childhood memories for you. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care🌻🦋

[@Meinoz]

It was so lovely to meet you on the towpath the other day! You’re an inspiration and now we are living our own narrowboat adventure! 🙏♥️🇦🇺NB Worthy Empress x

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It was so lovely meeting you all too! I think it's brilliant what you are doing. I hope you have a wonderful time. Take care 🤗🦋🌻

[@charlesleblanc2717]

Good morning from Dallas, TX. Have you considered changing to electric? Of the videos I have seen, the noise level is almost gone. This would promote better wildlife interaction. Just my 2c. I have spent a lot of time in and around London, so thank you for showing us the other side of the UK.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I would love to own an electric boat, but they are so expensive still. When they become more affordable, I will look out for one.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@canuckprogressive.3435]

I love how Britain has preserved and maintained this seemingly obsolete infrastructure so that people can enjoy it as a living heritage. I'm sure here in Canada it would have all disappeared by now had we ever had such a thing.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I can’t believe that the canal infrastructure is still working here! 🤩 Thank you for watching. Take care 🌻🦋

[@canuckprogressive.3435]

@@themindfulnarrowboat I've been looking at sites for hiring a boat. Seems no experience needed! I have driven tugboats and water taxis here in Canada in the past a bit. Maybe in 2026. Maybe I'll see you on the water!

[@giz1847]

Your videos are always so calming and enjoyable. Thank you so much for sharing ❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@bh6722]

Hi Vanessa and Zephyr, I made this comment on an earlier video but think it’s worth saying again. Whenever I have a stressful day I watch one of your videos and it totally relaxes me. Your tea ritual, artistry and poetry are mesmerizing. Thank you!!!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you find the vlogs relaxing. That is so lovely to know. Thank you for your kindness. Take care🦋🌻

[@maidbloke]

Had a pretty tense day. About to go to bed and watched your video. Now I feel beautifully calm and content. Thank you. ❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am sorry to hear that you had a tense day yesterday. I hope today was better? Have a super rest of the week. Take care🦋🌻

[@maidbloke]

​@@themindfulnarrowboatyes better today thank you so much x

[@lyndaturner6686]

Loved Lyme Park , used to go there when my children were young it’s a great place to sledge in the snow xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Oh wow! Sledging down those hills must be exhilarating and slightly petrifying! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care 🦋🌻

[@nickynisbet6247]

That was lovely. Sitting having a morning cup of tea in springtime Scotland 🎄 🌈. Best wishes 🙏 x

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I bet it’s beautiful in Scotland at the moment! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care🌻🦋

[@denisemcloughlin7172]

Wow love your book , the drawings and the writing. What a wonderful life!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@alanduncan9204]

Watching these kinds of outdoor vlogs always shows how much further on the leaves, flowers and plant growth there is between the South of the UK and up here in the N.E. of Scotland. I have also found out there are Apps to download on your phone to detect bats. Brilliant.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I bet it is looking beautiful up there now isn't it? I didn't know that you could. get bat apps for your phone. I shall have to look them up.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

[@dt3434]

Is there an App without a plug in Utrasonic detector? Appreciate advice thanks.

[@alanduncan9204]

@@dt3434 Not sure I have an iPhone and as soon as i typed in bat detectors it came up with the details of an App ? I have not downloaded it yet I will check reviews first.

[@chinoyhealingfoodstravels8888]

Greetings from Redondo Beach 🇺🇸 beautiful boat home. Nice video. 🌷🌷

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much 😊 Take care 🦋🌻

[@markd3250]

Mr. Mandarin was gorgeous! I've never seen a duck so beautiful. I also didn't know you could monitor the frequencies the bats put out like that. It was very interesting to hear the different frequency patterns they generate depending on their altitude and terrain they're navigating over. Another great and interesting video Vanessa, thank you!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Mr Mandarin was a spectacular neighbour to have at that mooring and he really kept the Mallard males in check as they were really misbehaving before he arrived! 😂Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

[@slartybartfast6868]

Awesome! The Forget-me-not is the Alaska state flower.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

What a wonderful flower to have as a state flower!Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@09Countryman]

How magical and tranquil that journey was, to watch and feel part of. I have just stumbled across your channel and am immediately wanting to see further journeys. Sub added, your journal’s writing and drawings were exquisite, thank you for sharing.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

What a kind comment- thank you so much 😊 I am so pleased that you enjoyed the vlog. Take care 🦋🌻

[@shirleygreaves9650]

Hi Vanessa, you’ve certainly got your priorities right and the continuous cruiser lifestyle seems ideal for you, especially as you have such a love of nature and wildlife. The tools were amazing that the farmer found on his land, in such great condition too. I love your bat detector. Congratulations on 5 years onboard Alice Grace, how many waterway miles have you got before you’ve covered everywhere? I’m glad Zephyr was tick free, they are horrible creatures aren’t they, Zephyr was funny when you tried to check her tail for ticks. Lovely poem and artwork as always, take care all of you. X

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Shirley, I am so pleased that you enjoyed this week's vlog. I think that I have at least another 2 and half years of cruising before I cover the whole system and then I will go back and do the parts that were closed or not possible to navigate at the time. Zephyr was cheeky about her tail wasn't she?Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@suedale1865]

Vanessa Thank You another triumphant vlog from start to finish you are certainly an end of week joy to look forward to 💕👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you enjoyed it, Sue. Thank you so much for your kind support. Have a super weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

[@birteeliasen6423]

Thankyou very much for sharing dear and a big hyug to Zephyr we enjoy it very much

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Zephyr loved her hug! Thank you so much for watching and commenting. Have a super week. Take care 🌻🦋

[@oldmanhuppiedos]

The best life you can live is the one you and Zephyr are happy in. I love your roof garden and poems.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

They are very wise and true words- thank you so much! Have a super weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

[@jody-annesullivan4547]

@ beginning - That Madarin duck is stunning! Have never seen this kind of duck outside of a drawing before.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is a beauty isn't it? Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🌻🦋

[@chrishobbs58]

Hello again! Yet another wonderful video for me to enjoy! As has already been said, Congratulations on 5 years onboard Alice Grace! Very glad to see Zephyr was free from pests, I really hate ticks. I had to remove those from the family dog(s) in the past. Loved the history, scenery and commentary. This is my favorite channel on KZbin. I look forward to watching it each and every week. Best wishes, as always!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Chris, I am honoured to be your favourite channel- thank you so much! Ticks are a concern aren't they? There seems to be a rise in the cases of Lyme disease too. Luckily, this time, Zephyr was tick free. They show up quite well on her short, light coat which is helpful too.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care 🦋🌻

[@heidimacarthur7205]

Such a beautiful illustration book. It looked amazing! Have a good weekend. Cheers!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@barryjubber175]

Great vlog, obviously fond memories.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

They are really fond memories.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care 🦋🌻

[@lizcleere]

I agree! Twenty years at sea has taught me that stopping and taking the time to get to know new communities is a rewarding and heart-warming experience. And that people of all shapes and sizes, ages and cultures are generally kind and welcoming. I hope you see a badger or two next time! 🤞🦡❤️

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

There are so many wonderful human beings in this world aren't there? It sounds like you have had some amazing trips at sea!Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

[@butchbinion1560]

Thanks, a lollipop with tea who knew. ✌🏻👊🏼

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It made a nice change but biccies and tea is still the perfect combination.Thank you so much for watching. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@katherinebrown4692]

Wow, you,re really talented, I just love your poetry and illustrations ❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you, Katherine! Thank you so much 😊 Take care 🌻🦋

[@brianclarke7169]

Fabulous, just fabulous

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@TheCaptainGreenbeard]

Zeph made me laugh so much when trying to check her tail! my daughter got one behind her ear whilst we were on holiday in a forest last year they are real nasties, they hate it when i start singing 'I wanna check you for ticks' by Brad Paisley!! Thankyou for another wonderful video - cant beat a double lolly!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I didn't even know there was such a song, so I have just looked it up- how funny! 🤣Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@nicolaj3294]

Hi Vanessa, thanks for my weekly vlog of nature and happiness. That Mandarin duck, what a beauty. I'm a huge birdlover, so love seeing all the UK birds. Have a great week xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Birds are wonderful to watch aren't they?Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super week. Take care 🦋🌻

[@Senna-xi1gr]

The last love heart was for Zyph 👍🐕😉. Weather is lovely now for boating. Enjoy.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Zephyr deserves the love heart, doesn’t she? Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care🌻🦋

[@joannebredin371]

A beautiful poem and fabulous drawing , as always.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Joanne! Take care 🦋🌻

[@maxlinesartist]

Whenenj I was a kid here in New Zealand 65 years ago we had to do a study on narrow boats in England Ihave always been fasinated by them but have never been to England so watching your videos is my way of takeing the ride .love your art work and etsy shop real cool in a world were so much is mass produced its graet to see that hand made touch Thanks

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

How wonderful that you had to do a study on narrowboats and you have remembered it too. They must have really interested you at the time.Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@barbarawrigley4242]

Fabulous scenery along the canal. So green. Zeph is such a good girl 😍.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

The green has suddenly all popped and the flowers are in full bloom again! Zeph is a good girl isn't she? I love her to bits!Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

[@Robertopontiac]

What a pleasant surprise Vanessa I was expecting a cup of tea and a biscuits, but to my surprise, it was a lollipop. A lovely portrait of your life I especially enjoy the sounds of the bats thank you very much safe journeys.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

The lollipop was a bit of an experiment! 🤭 Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super week. Take care 🦋🌻

[@orchidhouse297]

Many years ago, because of my skills with a sailing dinghy, and because the school had been given a narrow boat, I was given the position as narrow boat handling trainer. Weekends and evening were spent taking staff out on the boat. Teaching handling, mooring and tricks using spring lines was easy. It was much harder to teach, 'relax, enjoy nature around you, what's the hurry?' This episode sharing of your philosophy, including the bats, has reminded me of those idyllic days.Thank you.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

What a wonderful to job to have had out there on the water! It sounds idyllic. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super week. Take care 🌻🦋

[@andersvikingsvensson8762]

Nice virtual boating trip for me ❤Thanks

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@Circadianic]

Your very lucky Vanessa! You have inner peace! Very rare now in this modern world! Something I never managed to achieve! So good luck to you sweetheart! stay safe, and stay happy!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I hope you find the inner peace that you are looking for. Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care 🦋🌻

[@1ADP]

What a loverly home and lifestyle you lead

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much. Take care 🦋🌻

[@StevesRepairs]

Thanks Vanessa, for this lovely view of where you are at and where you've been over the five years living and moving onboard your lovely home. It's great at this time of year to see the Swifts, Housemartins and Bats turn up as the weather gets warmer. Your Journals get more marvellous every time. Have a lovely week. Take care and all the best. Stevie

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Stevie! Have a super week. Take care🦋🌻

[@Daytona2]

Lovel the fact that you were in the centre of Birmingham and it was so quiet! 😊

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It was so peaceful in Brum! I couldn't believe it.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@dino00555]

Excellent video, love the candy factory and the brief history of it, cheers!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you enjoyed it.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care 🦋🌻

[@RomoloGessi31]

Thanks Vanessa, the book I ordered from you reached my wife in Italy and she really liked it. She doesn't speak English and I try to translate your poems to her but she enjoys your drawings alone and she appreciates them very much

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I have created a playlist with all the videos from the book on my channel. Perhaps, if you have the subtitles on in Italian for each of the poems, then your wife will be able to see each drawing being made and be able to translate the poem? It's just a thought? Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super week. Take care 🦋🌻

[@RomoloGessi31]

@@themindfulnarrowboat Thanks, I'll try to suggest it to you. I wouldn't want to tell her about the books I intend to give her 😂

[@brewster3987]

Thanks so much for a fascinating trip down memory lane while taking a fascinating trip down the canal! Poor, long-suffering Zephyr - she puts up with so much of your shenanigans! P.S. 14:09 glad to see I'm not the only one who munches on the whole roll of sweets at one sitting 😊

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Brewster, I hope you are well? It is lovely to hear from you. Zephyr really does deserve a medal doesn't she? 🐾🐾🥇😂Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@stephenhayes6133]

Thank you, Vanessa, for another great video.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Stephen. Have a super week. Take care 🦋🌻

[@normanhowe-gl2tq]

You continue to amaze me with your excellant presentation of the narrow boat life---I can share your love for boating, as we used to pretty much live aboard our Sea Ray sedan bridge---just so calming and gentle to being rocked while sleeping----those were some of our best years on the water----nothing else compares----Know your life---it's differant and good!!!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is always such a peaceful sleep on a boat in the calm weather isn't it?Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Norman. Take care 🦋🌻

[@juliehandley5003]

What a lovely vlog so relaxing and interesting xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you enjoyed it. Thank you so much. Take care 🦋🌻

[@R-Blix-Live]

I have just found your wonderful channel. I hope to be here for the next five years. What a beautifully inspiring place and person I have found.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is such a kind comment. Thank you so much for taking the time to make it. Have a super rest of the week. Take care 🦋🌻

[@paulhoughton534]

Beautiful artwork and handwriting 😍👌

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you! Thank you so much 😊 Take care 🦋🌻

[@Red-ns9ny]

Beautiful ❤ just the best medicine , my weekly fix amongst the growth of Spring in wonderful company as yours Vanessa 🥰🌹 Thank you xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Red! Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@Red-ns9ny]

@@themindfulnarrowboat thank you and a happy wknd to you too 🥰🌹

[@janfuller6817]

Those sweets date back to Victorian times, I remember how Ruth showed us how they were made in one of the Christmas episodes of Victorian Farm and she explains how they were often included in the early Christmas crackers of the period. Darn it Vanessa, five years living your dream amongst your beloved fauna and foliage, finding the right words to express the beauty of nature is a feat unto itself, so carry on, I say, and when you share a special moment with your viewers, you help them understand, through your eyes and lens the real intricacy and natural balance of the meaning of life...

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Victorian Farm sounds like a wonderful series to watch. I will have to look it up.Thank you so much for your lovely and kind comment, Jan. Have a super rest of the weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

[@emeraldphoenix9229]

Your videos (poetry, filming, drawing etc) & you are such a delight, (Zeph too), so uplifting & heartwarming, I always love them & being with you on your journeys, thankyou for sharing such preciousness, so beautifully.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is an absolute pleasure to have you on our journey too!Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super week. Take care 🌻🦋

[@marcioandre1082]

Direct from Rio Brasil. Thank you!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

You are most welcome.Thank you so much for watching. Have a super week. Take care 🌻🦋

[@dnewnova]

made a change to watching your video was awake at 01.30am and decided i needed a mindful fix one of your best i know i say that oftern but a really cool video the Mandarin duck is a classic as i have mentioned i live off grid in the High arizona desert in a small cabin 12x24 but after 9 1/2 it really is home for me you have done a great job adapting your lifestyle to suit your narrowboat life well done and thanks again for your time in producing stunning videos.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is an amazing amount of time to be living off grid in the High Arizona Desert! What an incredible life you must have there.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I hope you get some good sleep though. Have a super rest of the weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

[@facelikedog]

Another wonderful movie my dear.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@denisemcloughlin7172]

Love your peaceful life. Hoping to see the inside of your boat home! Thks for sharing this.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I will do a boat tour one day soon. I just have a few little home improvements that I want to do first. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the week. Take care 🦋🌻

[@TheONETITWONDER]

I love parma violets!! I've had parma violet ice cream. It was absolutely delicious. So enjoy your journies and vlogs, Vanessa. Thank you

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Parma violet ice cream!!!!🤩🤩😋 I have got to try that!Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super week. Take care 🌻🦋

[@rob3942]

I`m really glad i found your channel. Beautiful videography, art, poetry and sentiment as you journey through the wonderful countryside and life. Your appreciation for the animals, plants, history and architecture is uplifting. Zeph (?) is a beauty too. Go so well ok

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you found my channel too. Thank you so much for such a lovely comment. Take care 🌻🦋

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

The CSIRO has some great advice regarding removal of ticks - once found of course 🤣 Before attempting to remove a tick from yourself or your pet, use “freeze spray” (available from most chemists). Freezing the tick will prevent any of its insides (gross) from contaminating the opening in the skin. Often, after freezing the tick will release and helpfully drop off. I apologise for the lengthy rambling comment, but ever since learning about people becoming allergic to meat (sometimes resulting in anaphylaxis) following a bite from an infected tick, I’ve wanted to spread the word about using freeze spray. It’s good just to keep in the family/pet first aid kit.❤ I was amazed to also discover that this allergy spread by ticks, isn’t confined to just Australia, but is present on almost every single continent. Anyway, thanks for sharing this wonderful video diary. I absolutely loved your poem in the trees. Just magical. Take care and good luck on all of your badger-bat-bird-bug-butterfly-bumblebee watches. 🙂🐿🌈❤️

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is such useful information. I had no idea about that!Thank you so much for your useful comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@leyland272]

brilliant video so relaxing after hard day

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you found it relaxing. Have a super week. Take care 🌻🦋

[@CaptainStan]

Hi Vanessa……. Pleased you got into that stunning spot I told you about……. hope you spot the badgers and foxes as they come down to the sheep feeder just before dark……deer also in the field on the towpath side…… Happy hunting… John & Stan the cocker…

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi John, it has got to be the best spot on the Peak, don't you think? Did you take the badgers with you though? 🤭Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend and happy, sunny cruising. Take care 🌻🦋

[@anniemac3075]

Hi Vanessa, thank you for the usual dose of freedom & fresh air your videos bring to my life. Just checked my hedgehog feeder & we've had our regular customers visiting, they scoff the kitten biscuits, drink the water & leave muddy footprints, 🍃 & 💩 to say thank you. I've wanted white dead nettle in my garden for a few years & a few weeks ago spotted it growing at the end of the path so I'm delighted. It's getting to a good size with plenty of flowers so will be useful to many long tongued insects. Our wildlife needs all the help it can get in these days of artificial grass & I didn't realise you can even get artificial hedging, ivy etc. I'm absolutely horrified & even more so having seen it in use at a primary school for privacy. What kind of message is that to give children.😢

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Annie, it is wonderful to know that your hedgehogs are doing well. White dead nettle is a great haven for mini beasts isn't it? I agree with you entirely about artificial grass, but I had no idea that there was artificial hedging too!- Why?🙈Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super week. Take care 🌻🦋

[@browsman2328]

Greetings from Northern California. Enjoyed the video of the Mandarin Duck, what a colorful bird, never seen one of those. It reminded me of the Wood Ducks we have here which are also very beautiful.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

The Wood Duck does look very similar doesn't it? That is a spectacular looking duck too.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care 🦋🌻

[@boatingwithbb568]

I love this channel. I've lived on mine for 24 years but all in the same marina, so not really gone anywhere except to the local pub on a Sunday. Working on my boat, ready to retire and take it out on the same carefree attitude that you have. Enjoy the experience as I know I will in a couple of years time. Take care.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I really hope you get to have your cruising adventures very soon. Be sure to wave if you pass us on the cut.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@melissalambert7615]

Bat detector - I had no idea. Few years back I'd see a bat once in a while. Not many recently. Once while canoeing on a pond we were surrounded. My friend noted we were attracting bugs and the bats were enjoying the feast. Hello from a very sunny Oregon US.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It must have been so exciting to have been in the water surrounded by insects and bats like that!Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super week. Take care 🌻🦋

[@elizabethmcpherson-lt9vh]

Everywhere is so lush and green! And now warm (for a few days at least). Heard our first cuckoo in East Sussex last week. Not as many as in years gone by. Thank you for your beautiful post. I loved the conifer woods the best.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

How wonderful to hear the cuckoo where you are! I will keep my ears open in hope.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend. Take care 🦋🌻

[@robertfay1150]

Another lovely video. Thanks

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Robert. Have a super rest of the weekend. Take care 🌻🦋