#134

[@31Alden]

I was wondering if you could hear the ice cracking against Alice Grace’s hull. Fascinating bit about Tolkien; most interesting. Zephyr with her paw on your leg. Communicating with Mom. So nice India is with you!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is such a wonderful sound to wake up in your boat and hear the ice crunch as you walk across the floor. I find it so exciting! Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care🦋🌻

[@julieedwards6937]

Hi Vanessa, thankyou for the lovely comments on our boat. The wind turbine has not been successful, it was supposed to support the power when the solar wasn’t enough but it didn’t supply enough constant power to be worth it. Our daughter lives in Moseley so we are very familiar with the walks you covered, it’s so nice to see Birmingham filmed in a positive light with all of the spaces for nature that it has. I wish I had your talent for journaling and drawing, it all looks very beautiful. Lovely to see the wild nuthatch again x

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Julie, I am so pleased that you didn’t mind your boat being filmed as you can see, I thought it was beautiful. Hopefully wind turbines can be made more efficiently for catching wind. I would love to have one. I am really enjoying the green spaces that Birmingham has to offer. Take care🦋🌻

[@maxcaravan7584]

What a wonderful location to be stuck. Another exquisite vlog. 20 minutes of my life just disappeared into the most amazing scenery and activity. Thank you as always.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment😊 It was a great place to be stuck in the end, and I loved finding out more about Tolkien. Have a super weekend 🌻🦋

[@danielbaer2319]

Zephyr with her paw on your leg and looking intently was quite amusing. It was almost as if she's saying, "mum, can't you see it.... I'm not taking my eyes off it in case it moves...". Really enjoying your adventures. My wife and I love sitting down of a night, watching the scenery, so much prettier than our summer environment here in Australia at the moment (that said, we just got an Antarctic blast that brought snow to the mountains!) And we're slow watching through your previous vlogs. We both love your artwork and poetry. Keep doing what you are doing, for as long as you enjoy doing it. Your adventures bring a lot of joy to your viewers. Blessings from Australia 🇦🇺.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Daniel, thank you so much for your lovely comment🤗 I am so pleased that you enjoy sitting down at night with your wife to watch the vlogs. I hope it cools down for you soon, but how crazy is that to have a freezing 🥶 blast like that too! Have a super weekend 🌻🦋

[@brewster3987]

Wow, I've been going through a mild period of mindfulness withdrawal... but now I have my fix!😁 If you have to be frozen in somewhere, what a great place to be stuck! You really can see middle earth in that area... I just loved it when Zephyr put her paw on you as if to say, "mom we really should talk about your choice of mooring"...

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Brewster, it was such a fascinating place to explore and I can see how Tolkien was inspired by his surroundings. Zephyr really didn’t like those houses though! 😄🐾🐾 Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend 🌻🦋

[@vanessascola8932]

Can you use your water spray on any windows? What a clever idea. What about your gloves? Poor Zephyr. She was a bit scared. Always really interesting. What a cool gate handle. Fabulous wildlife as every time.

[@vanessascola8932]

How do you stay so cheerful when it must be cold? How many different situations you have to deal with. You are amazing. Love the foxes. Lovely drawings. Please be well and cosy and take care too x

[@chewie2055]

@@themindfulnarrowboat. Do you take those plants on the upper deck in at night or very frigid days? Or cover them with plastic to shield them from the extreme cold?…real brass mushroom air vent tops on the roof of ur vessel..kept polished looks so classy…..you have brass bottoms..but did the brass cap tops get stolen at one point? It’s a common thing amongst narrow boaters…

[@tonycarter3756]

For me Zephyr stole the show .l love it when animals communicate either visually or vocally.and as for the automatic bridge-hmmmm🧐

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

She did steal the show didn’t she!😄🐾🐾 Zephyr makes me laugh so much. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend 🦋🌻

[@catyear75]

There are worse places to be stuck ... lol ... Love love love your poetry ...! God Bless , have a lovely weekend !

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It turned out to be a great place to stay, even though we didn’t choose it. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend 🌻🦋

[@nevillemignot1681]

Just love how peaceful and un-stressful narrowboating is, as i started to watch this Video i could feel the stress of everyday living starting to go away.............................Thanks, and cheers from Australia!!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you felt your stresses slipping away. Thank you so much for telling me this as it means a lot to know that the videos can have that effect. I hope you have a stress free week. Take care🦋🌻

[@caz-nbgalatea1528]

Zephyr cracks me up with that look! Hope you are well and keeping warm. Warmer weather is on the way!!! Promise!! X🙏

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Zephyr cracks me up too! 😂 She did not like those houses. Thank you so much for watching. Have a super weekend 🌻🦋

[@orchidhouse297]

What a delightful ending with a poem that captures the mood and the drawing of the fox in the night.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you enjoyed the poem. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the weekend🌻🦋

[@lydialen6881]

It's so lovely to start hearing the birds starting to sing again. Missed your vlog last week so welcome back.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hello Lydia! 🤗🤗 I hope you are well. It is so lovely to hear the birds again. This year, I have seen so many treecreepers and nuthatches, more than I’ve ever seen before 🥰 Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend 🦋🌻

[@juliedurlak]

Omg at 5:26 I saw zephyr on your video and I put my finger up to my iPad and pat her on her back on my screen and said hello Zephyr ……. And 1 second later up pops the Words Hi Julie! 😮🤣😂😁 that was VERY COINCIDENTAL 😂😂😂❤❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

🤩Wow! That’s amazing 🤩 Thank you so much for watching! Take care 🦋🌻

[@paulplant6486]

Another fantastic cruise. Thank you for letting us enjoy this with you. That lift bridge looks a bit of a pain

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Paul, thank you so much for watching and for your lovely comment. Lift bridges that stop traffic are always a bit nerve wracking to do. Have a super weekend 🌻🦋

[@LoisDavidsonArt]

Wow! What an amazing vlog, such a strange, uncanny mooring; especially when Zeph noticed something that we couldn't ;-) Stunning wildlife pics as always and thanks so much for sharing a little bit of Middle Earth magic with us!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for such a lovely comment. Zeph definitely had her eyes on something out there in Middle Earth👀🐾🐾 Have a super rest of the weekend and week ahead🦋🌻

[@annjarvis9300]

Awww what a grand log such a winter wonderland thank you for sharing such a treat when you can’t get out tc now 🤗❄️❄️

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for watching and for your lovely comment. 🤗 I really hope that you can get out soon. Look after yourself, Ann🌻🦋

[@TheJessierb]

What a great poem Vanessa- the words full of evocative sounds! Glad you are back. Keep warm and have great adventures while frozen in! Here in southern Quebec, it is - 41C with the wind chill. Nearly froze my fingers topping up the bird feeder :) xxoo

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Wendy, the birds are lucky to have you braving the freezing cold to feed them. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend 🦋🌻

[@Bpl541]

Another lovely video. This one had some adventure, lovely poem and the drawings are really great. I am getting so much enjoyment from watching your and Zephyr’s travels . 🙏❤️🦆🐕

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your kindness!😊 Zephyr and I are delighted that you are enjoying our adventures. Have a super Saturday, take care🦋🌻

[@hazelp1831]

I recently came across your channel and absolutely love it! I am now busy watching all of your video's from the beginning, thank you so much for sharing your adventures and showing us nature at it's best. Truly inspiring! Just shows the beautiful things we can spot when we're out and about. We just need to make sure we take the time to look! Also I have to mention Zephyr, she's a gorgeous dog and you're giving her the best life! I ordered your calendar, which arrived this week ( very quick delivery), awesome artwork and poetry, thank you ❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment and welcome to the channel, Sunny! I am so pleased that you are enjoying the vlogs and watching Zephyr. 🐾🐾 Have a super weekend 🦋🌻

[@rozannaherring1578]

What a wonderful trip through Tolkein's childhood countryside filled with ents but thankfully no orcs. Zephyr must have kept them at bay with her fierce demeanour. I rather fancy a pair of "lemony tights" - what a delightful turn of phrase!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much Rozanna, I’ll look out for a pair of lemony tights for you!😀 Have a super weekend 🦋🌻

[@rozannaherring1578]

@@themindfulnarrowboat That would be great! :D

[@jamesfoley6555]

That was magical, that you🙏✝️🙏

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, James. It was a magical place and I can totally see how Tolkien was inspired. Have a super weekend 🦋🌻

[@shirleyneufeld3098]

Just love the poem and all the beautiful art work....the pictures reminded me of when I do embroidery painting...thank you!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Shirley, thank you so much for your lovely comment. Do you put your embroidery painting on social media? Have a super weekend 🌻🦋

[@shirleyneufeld351]

Actually no as I have only done a few and feel I am a starter but do enjoy embroidery…

[@garyroth2764]

What a neat place to be locked in the jaws of climate change. But you always turn adversity into a positive Vanessa. This week is no different. Beautiful photography, beautiful music, and a beautiful vlog as a result. Now we know why we missed you last week.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Aw, Gary🤗 what a lovely comment, thank you so much 😊 Have a super weekend 🌻🦋

[@bex82uk]

What a beautiful adventure out and about thank you as always dear friend ❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

You are so welcome! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend 🦋🌻

[@Margaret_J]

Frozen Middle Earth how wonderful! Just love the handle on that gate to the woods Hope you are unfrozen again now ❄️ Thank you for an absolutely fabulous vlog this week Take care 🌼

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Margaret, luckily we are unfrozen now! Although it was quite an adventure being frozen into Middle Earth. 😄 Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend 🦋🌻

[@WanabeHippie]

I love your world. Thank you for letting us share it occasionally. Another lovely vlog.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for taking the time to watch and join the journeys. Have a super Sunday and wonderful week ahead 🌻🦋

[@rikkiharcourt3868]

Goodness, what a hardy soul you have. Ice for a whole week and you turned it into an adventure. Genius. I would have wrapped myself up in twenty two blankets and not moved a muscle. You are one very special person. Thank you for all the fun and nature events and updates.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Your 22 blankets made me chuckle!🤭 The thing is, it is soooo hot on a narrowboat when the fire is going that you really only need a duvet; however, let that fire go out and you'll grow icicles out of your nose! I am so pleased that you enjoyed the vlog. Thank you for such a kind and lovely comment. Take care🌻🦋

[@vanessascola8932]

How good you are back. Yes I really need the sunshine. Being with your daughter will be so nice.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

The sunshine makes all the difference doesn’t it🌞🌞🌞🌞Let’s hope that we have some more now. Have a super rest of the weekend and week ahead🌻🦋

[@sharonsmith583]

Im so glad i found your channel! I love to sit back and relax after work and dinner and vicariously cruise on a narrowboat in the UK from the comfort of my USA home.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I’m so pleased you found my channel too, Sharon. Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care 🌻🦋

[@johnmackenzie693]

Sunshine shows the dust 😄

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so true! 😀 Thank you so much for watching. Have a super weekend 🌻🦋

[@NicksAllotmentDiary]

Beautiful poem Vanessa. It was nice to see you and your daughter enjoying the trail together. Your night camera certainly caught quite a few different animals. Take care. Nick

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Nick. I was so excited to see the night camera footage as for weeks now, I’ve only been able to pick up dogs and their walkers on camera!😂 Have a wonderful week 🌻🦋

[@paulmclaine6413]

Please Never stop Vanessa.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for watching, Paul. Have a super weekend🌻🦋

[@paulmclaine6413]

@@themindfulnarrowboat Your video's take me back Home Young Lady and I miss Home so cannot miss your Vid's. Thank You.

[@mellow2990]

Another wonderful vlog. First off I so noticed how Zeph reacted to you saying haunted houses. He was so cute with is paw on your leg for comfort. Then all the bits you called back to mind from Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit made that whole walk through Tolkien's trails come alive and as usual the beautiful birds you found there especially the Egret. Thanks again for another great Friday. Steve

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Steve, thank you so much for your lovely comment🤗 Zephyr is funny and really did not like those houses opposite the boat. 🐾🐾 I am glad you enjoyed the Tolkien Trail. Have a super rest of the weekend🦋🌻

[@lionelmarytravels6003]

Lovely and beautiful, Vanessa. Lovely scenery and beautiful music! Then add your daughter into the mix, along with Zephyr to play with. What better combination can there be? Loved it ❤❤❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@stevesrepairs5778]

Thanks Vanessa for taking us along on this beautiful adventure. Take care and all the best. Stevie

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is a pleasure to share the journey with you, Stevie. Take care 🌻🦋

[@oldmanhuppiedos]

It is beautiful weather for sailing, almost spring. It is beautiful the winter images, nature is also calmer. What a relaxed vlog you made.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is so wonderful to watch out for the early signs of spring isn't it? Thank you so much for your lovely comments. Have a super week🦋🌻

[@oldmanhuppiedos]

@@themindfulnarrowboat Well sure, longer light, more sun and the animals come back to life just like us.

[@Douglassjames-n7b]

Hi Vanessa I enjoy watching your videos seems like a nice peaceful lifestyle. One thing you keep saying we I know someone is with you is that your husband are a friend. Do me a favor ask that person if they're camera shy.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

My husband can’t be on the vlogs due to his work commitments and the sensitive nature of his job. Thank you so much for watching. Have a super week, Take care 🦋🌻

[@helenedansereau9255]

Such gorgeous light and beautiful images. And your drawing of the white egret is delightful, you reallu captured that long long beak.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I am so pleased that you enjoyed the vlog. I always have trouble with beaks and feet on birds, so I am delighted that you think I captured the egret’s beak well. Have a super weekend 🌻🦋

[@lorrainerichardson3280]

Ha ha the miller's son never knew that he was the first orc (just my thought, not fact as far as I know). I'm lucky enough to have been to Hobbiton, lol I could quite easily live there if the houses were real. What a magical place the canal is in Winter time and the woods that formed Tolkien's imagination even Zephyer felt the presence, I wouldn't be moving on. Thank you Vanessa for a peaceful start to my morning. =-) Take care.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I thought that too about the orc and the Miller’s son! The hobbit houses are gorgeous aren’t they and in a strange way remind me of narrowboats. Thank you so much for watching and for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend 🌻🦋

[@kellinigh2398]

Could not stop smiling watching Zepher hold vigil over the narrowboat. It is a magical moment watching you create your poetry.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Zephyr makes me smile too🐾🐾 She is such a funny one! Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Kelli. Have a super week🦋🌻

[@NarrowboatWill]

My favourite films. Lord of the rings. That block of flats is very unusual and abit surreal passing it. It's got a waterfall down the center. Great music Mrs Mindful. Pat India, stroke Mike, woof to Zephyr. 😂😂🤭 Lovely vlog.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Will, they are amazing films aren’t they? I missed that waterfall! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I hope you are well. Happy cruising, take care 🦋🌻

[@stevecam724]

Lovely 👍

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you, Steve! Have a super weekend 🦋🌻

[@richardgoode6481]

Bravo! That poem is worthy of Tolkien himself!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Well now, Richard, coming from you that is a huge compliment and I am chuffed to bits that you liked it. 🤗😊Hope you have had a good week. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and give my love to Donna🌻🦋

[@1beakin]

I was right that is what I thought you would draw.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Well done for guessing correctly! Thank you so much for watching. Have a super weekend 🌻🦋

[@glyn829]

Very nice film there Vanessa 👌 always great to watch hope your all good 👍 regards Glyn

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Glyn. 🤗 I am so glad that you enjoyed it. Have a super weekend 🦋🌻

[@k9nick]

You were lucky to see a red squirrel. They were getting rare in the 70s and 80s before I left for New Zealand. Just about wiped out by the American grey squirrel I gather. And the Robin redbreast. Beautiful.. As for the ice, we have 30c and 80 percent humidity

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I hope it cools down soon for you. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. The squirrel looked very red didn’t it, but it was a grey squirrel. Sometimes, I notice that the greys have splashes of reddy brown and I wondered whether the two species crossed over at some point? I’ll have to look that up. Have a super weekend 🦋🌻

[@MrFQL]

We have climbed the step to Wedges Bakery three times over the years. We always look forward to treats from there.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I have heard how wonderful the bakery is; fancy it all starting with an oven in a pigsty. Then Jim Wedges took over and he had been baking since the age of 12. No wonder it’s so successful. Have a super weekend 🦋🌻

[@MrFQL]

@@themindfulnarrowboat We live in Oregon, USA and have made 11 trips for narrowboat holidays. We did the route you are on twice; once in each direction. Cadbury world wsas very interesting and the chocolate from the shop was marvelous. It was raining so hard when we finished at Cadbury that we took a taxi back to our moored boat by the rasilway station.

[@sianwarwick633]

A magical journey through the Bog and Woods 🪵 to Bourneville. I shall have to buy a chocolate bar to celebrate Hallowe'en 🎉. Thanks for the images of egret and Eurasian Jay, and the little fox.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Happy chocolate eating! 😋 Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care 🌻🦋

[@christinewalker5874]

Lovely video as always Vanessa, nice to see Sarehole Mill again, I found it quite atmospheric when I was there, but didn't see the White Egret, that was amazing,great photos of the birds and fox, hopefully they all found food in the freezing conditions.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Christine, it is great exploring Sarehole Mill and the Shire Country Park isn’t it? My favourite spot was Moseley Bog. Thank you so much for watching and for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend 🌻🦋

[@markwilliamson9140]

Hello Vanessa how are you? Hope you're doing ok? That barrier took ages to come down. Bet that was frustrating for you. Bless you for letting all them cars through. 🙂

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am very well. How are you? Thank you so much for watching and for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend 🌻🦋

[@markwilliamson9140]

@@themindfulnarrowboat been poorly with flu over new year, so I have been out of sorts but I'm better now thank you. Take care 😁

[@rebeccadanaher1065]

Lovely to see you visit the city where I was born and wonderful that they have kept the memory of JRR Tolkien alive in such a beautiful way. Fantastic vlog...thank you xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Rebecca, what an amazing place to be born, so many nature parks and so much wonderful wildlife! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend 🌻🦋

[@northwalescoast7911]

Another great vlog...thanks 👍

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so glad that you enjoyed it. Thank you so much 🤗 Have a super weekend 🦋🌻

[@otter736]

Thanks yet again…just amazing photography.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you 🤗 Thank you so much. Have a super weekend 🦋🌻

[@alangreenwood2522]

Great photography as usual.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much 😊 Have a super weekend 🌻🦋

[@user-woolfallD]

Good 👍 see I do like see good things in enjoying 😉 boats 🚢 😊

[@lynnesinclair5166]

Thank you Vanessa, I so enjoyed your journey this week 🌞 thank you for sharing it with us 💛

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

You are so welcome, thank you for watching and commenting, Lynne. Have a super weekend 🌻🦋

[@alanturner3551]

A lovely video. The Tolkien exploration was great, especially as I've loved his books for many decades. And I also love your poetry and art. You bring the experience so effectively to those of us who enjoy and appreciate what you do.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for such a lovely comment, Alan. I really appreciate the fact that you've taken the time to tell me how much you like the vlogs. I am also relieved to hear from a Tolkien fan that you enjoyed the trail too. Have a wonderful rest of the week. 🦋🌻

[@lizzieclayandfamily]

Like Zephyr I was a little dubious about your choice of mooring but what a gem! Probably did you a massive favour being on your own with no other boaters to scare the wildlife off - did you get a night vision camera for Christmas? Wow, fox and muntjac!! So lovely to see India and her beautiful smile - so happy she agreed to let you film and share your wonderful adventure. Sending love xxx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Lizzie, I hope you are all well? Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I did indeed get a wildlife camera for Christmas and until I got to this week, I was only managing to capture dog walkers and their dogs, but Middle Earth came up trumps! It took a lot of persuading for India to let me film her, but I am so pleased that she did. Have a super weekend and week ahead, take care🌻🦋

[@toma5153]

Another great video. And I learned about the muntjac imported into, and thriving, in Britain. That was totally new to me.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Thank you for watching. Take care 🦋🌻

[@anthonybelcher7261]

Oh my gosh.what a richly so very enjoyable vlog.which had such remarkable truly inspiring content.by far this was definitely high quality very stylish narrowboat entertainment throughout I’ve noticed that you look so surprisingly nonchalant while cruising along in your narrowboat.you always have a brilliant smile for us subscribers to your superb channel. You have a fantastic zest for amazing wildlife interaction.while your studying these beautiful animals in three native surroundings.while your leisurely cruising the frozen canal.you have such stunning unspoilt picturesque countryside views to marvel at.which was so very beautiful to see on your wildlife cruising adventure.just loved the fox at night in black and white photography.I’m eager to know.have you come across the first flowering daffodils.zephyr looked so very happy sitting beside you.hope you have a wonderful weekend.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Anthony, it is lovely to hear from you and to find out how much that you enjoyed this week’s vlog. I haven’t yet seen daffodils in flower where I am but my mother in law in Somerset has flowering daffodils in her garden and they have been in flower for a couple of weeks now. I bought a bunch though this week and they are flowering in my vase. I just love their sunshine trumpets; they make me feel so excited for spring. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super week 🌻🦋

[@johnlewis5663]

I've just sat binge watched about 10 of your vids, l watched them on the television because to be fair they are a lot more interesting than most of the rubbish on TV lately. Love your interest in wildlife, I do a lot of wildlife photography and I also enjoy drawing birds in coloured pencils. I am very envious of your chosen way of life and I can see why you enjoy it so much.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Wow! You must be sick of me after 10 vids- thank you so much for watching though; I really appreciate it. Wildlife photography and sketching is such a wonderful way to appreciate nature and focus on the here and now isn't it? Take care🌻🦋

[@mikehurley5052]

Nice one as usual.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much 😊 Have a super weekend 🌻🦋

[@ben8mag]

Thanks again for sharing your week with us. It was very nice. ❤️

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

You are very welcome. Thank you so much for watching. Have a wonderful rest of the week 🦋🌻

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

You are very welcome. Thank you so much for watching. Have a wonderful rest of the week 🦋🌻

[@peregrinemccauley5010]

Ya gotta luv them hanimals. God love 'em.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

They’re great aren’t they? Thank you for watching. Take care🌻🦋

[@G0RXA]

Lovely video again Vanessa and the delights of Bourneville still await your arrival. Looked like Zephyr was away with the fairies contemplating the next part of the adventure and all those chocolate bars!! Have a fun week 👍

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Ooh, Bournville, I may never leave the place!🤭 Zephyr kept staring out at those houses so when I was filming it made me laugh that she started doing it again. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend🌻🦋

[@G0RXA]

@@themindfulnarrowboat You too Vanessa 👍

[@Debba521]

That was a lovely vlog! I'm a huge Tolkien fan and really appreciated going on that trail with you and your daughter. I had to look up the muntjac, as I'd never heard of it. Shame it's an invasive species but it is cool looking, I'm amazed it was able to spread so rapidly in a more temperate climate. Thanks for all the interesting stuff today! I'm frozen in too. It was -11F this morning when I got up. And even at lunchtime, it's still -5F. 🥶

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Oh Debba, it sounds so cold where you are🥶 I do hope that you are keeping warm. The muntjac is being monitored to see what impact it is having but I think the may issue is they breed all year round rather than just during one season. They are beautiful creatures though. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend 🌻🦋

[@paulreynolds5114]

Beautiful.... Solihull my home town. Love Deborah & Paul NB Lady in red 😍 ❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much! I’m loving my trip around your hometown. Happy cruising 🌻🦋

[@MrOVERANOUT]

Like Tolkien, your video description of 'Middle Earth' is a fantasia, but also real life. Just what was it your dog was seeing out there? They say the appearance of a white feather is an indication of a dear departed, close by. Was it Tolkien revisiting his favourite places? Or simply the Egret, shedding a feather as it flew overhead? You have such a gentle way of describing what you see, and yes, I would love one of those gate handles too. Thank you for another fantasmagorical trip. xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Ooh, I love the idea of Tolkien revisiting the place that inspired him! Let’s go with that🤩 I am so pleased that you enjoyed the vlog. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend 🦋🌻

[@shirleygreaves9650]

I missed you last week, so glad you’re back. It looks like you had a lovely time with India you can’t beat having quality time with your loved ones. You’ve got to be most upbeat positive boater on KZbin, even when the going gets tough in the wintery, icy weather. Another fabulous vlog, great filming as always it was so lovely to see the glorious sunshine reflecting on the water. Zephyr was adorable as ever, she loves boat life, the way she sits looking at the scenery is almost childlike. I loved coming on the Tolkien trail with you, I didn’t realise that it was at my namesake, “Shirley” I must go there one day, another one for my bucket list! Take care and stay safe and warm all of you. X

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Shirley, your namesake place is lovely and I recommend going and doing the Tolkien trail and then watching all of the films again. Thank you so much for such a kind and lovely comment. It is great to be back and reading your comments again. Have a super weekend 🦋🌻

[@Macho_Fantastico]

I've lived by a canal my entire life and I have such a fondness for canal boats. I could see myself living on one, as long as it had internet. :)

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

The canal has obviously had a big effect on you and I am sure that you will probably end up on a narrowboat. I totally recommend it. Have a super weekend🌻🦋

[@kitwest61]

Wonderful words. You've a lovely boat too! Mine is nowhere near as tidy. I was 'inspired' (shamed haha) to start Spring cleaning after watching your vlog. Loved the drawings. Hope your warm, and those cold teeth aren't gnawing away now

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

You didn't see the boat before I spring cleaned!🤭 Anyway, the sun has disappeared again so its back to dust and cobwebs again now😂 Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend🦋🌻

[@philipizzard2584]

You draw so beautiful indeed a lovely blog thanks ❤❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Philip 🤗 That is so kind of you. I am so pleased that you enjoyed watching! Have a super rest of the weekend.🦋🌻

[@michaelpilling9659]

Hello Vanessa - greetings from Poland "Frozen Middle Earth" - what a wonderful enchanted place to moor. The night shots of the foxes and deer were fantastic. Lovely to see India again (and a very quick flash of Michael as he went under the lift bridge). Stars of the show have to be you and Zephyr. The Tolkein Walk was superb and those gates! Lovely canal cruise, superb camera work, brilliant commentary, and what beautiful birds and wild life. All in all, a fantastic video. See you again very soon. Stay safe please

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, lovely Michael for your comment. India is off on exciting travels this weekend and I won’t see her for ages again, but I am grateful to have spent this time with her. Oh that gate was beautiful wasn’t it! Have a super rest of the weekend and week ahead🌻🦋

[@paulmaryon9088]

Another wonderful video, thank you, hopefully you are moving again, have a great week.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Paul, thank you for your lovely comment. Thankfully, we are moving again. Have a super rest of the weekend and week ahead 🌻🦋

[@mattgoodchild8215]

As usual utterly fantastic was on the edge of my seat watching filled with magical mystery brilliant ....zephyr is a legend really is bless

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Matt!🤗 It is great to know that you were on the edge of your seat. Zephyr is hilarious isn’t she!😂 Have a super weekend 🦋🌻

[@mattgoodchild8215]

I adore animals especially dogs she is amazing ....hope your ice age is long gone and you've munched some cadburys chocolate ...Thanks for the video looking forward to the next one

[@GaryCSchade]

Lovely

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

😊 Thank you so much. Have a super weekend🦋🌻

[@pancrazioaquilina7029]

My favourite bird the robin they spend their winter holiday in malta i look after them very well. O how can i hug zepher for a long time such a dog thanks for such a lovley video blessings

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Robins are very special birds aren’t they? Zephyr loves your comment 🐾🐾 Have a super weekend 🌻🦋

[@heyitsme6083]

What a fantastic vlog. Always look forward to your uploads as they absolutely make my week and what a beautiful place and wildlife. Look forward to your next vlog. Take care and have a lovely weekend x

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much 😊 It is so lovely to know that you look forward to the vlogs. Have a super weekend 🦋🌻

[@dremein]

I agree with India, you're much more of a Radagast than a Gandalf, a bit less eccentric, but then they were wizards of middle earth 😄

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

To be honest, I think I am more of a Radagast too!😂 Thank you so much for watching and commenting. Have a super weekend 🦋🌻

[@gdotone1]

your dog is like," hmm i've got to sleep with my eyes open here". 🤨🤣

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

😂🐾🐾💤Thank you for watching. Have a great week, take care🌻🦋

[@sandyprosser805]

Hi Vanessa another great video wildlife as always great. Everyone seems to cope well when iced in. It can only get better. Have great week 😊

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

The more times that we are iced in, the more we learn I think, but we should keep a better track of the weather so we can make sure that we have a good mooring just in case we wake up to being frozen in. Thank you so much for watching and for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the weekend🦋🌻

[@wandabond4768]

An amazing video!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much 🤗 Have a super weekend 🌻🦋

[@chriswalker8378]

Beautifully presented and filmed again, thank you

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Chris!😊 Have a super weekend 🌻🦋

[@chriswalker8378]

Thanks for that & the same to you all 😊

[@user-woolfallD]

Wow beautiful 😍 love it 😀 great that say hello to your girl I hope she have good time too like 👍 u

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you. Have a super rest of the weekend. Take care 🌻🦋

[@elizabethramsay2564]

Another beautiful video to cheer my day. Your footage was amazing as usual. Your trips are always steaped in Nature (as mine is when I go walking. I take pictures of everything ). I really enjoyed hearing about Tolkien and how nice to have had India visit. I feel cosy too when you and Zephyr go back to the boat and settle in with hot chocolate and then you sketch. Thanks again for sharing your journey. I feel part of it every time. Best wishes. Stay safe.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Elizabeth, I am so with you on taking photos of everything that you see on a walk!📷 I can't get anyone to walk with me anymore as I take forever to cover the smallest space; that is why Zephyr comes with me all the time as she loves being outside for ages. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the week, take care🦋🌻📸

[@prwoolrich]

I love the works of Tolkien so to see his childhood locations was very interesting thank you.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you enjoyed seeing Tolkien’s childhood playground. You can see how he was inspired can’t you? Thank you so much for watching. Have a super weekend 🦋🌻

[@maryodonnell5760]

Zephyr with the paw and look, what on earth was she saying here - so funny what you said to her! Glad you guys had fun in the ice!! I had to look up Tolkien, vaguely remember a film a couple of decades ago in the cinema that was so long I left and couldn't remember a thing, but when you said 'middle earth' of where you were then it did sound apt!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Mary, thank you so much for your lovely comment. The films are about 3 hours long so I think that they are better watched at home, under a duvet on the sofa surrounded by snacks and drinks! I have started watching them again now and they are brilliant 🤩 Have a super weekend 🌻🦋

[@sheilajoseph9953]

Great vlog. My neck of the woods. Like you I was in awe seeing the ornate gate. When you arrive at Bournville everything will be a wash of purple, make sure you visit the tutor houses locally, walking distance from Cadbury. Zephyr was a picture, she looked like she was in a trance or meditating. ❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for watching and for your lovely comment. What a beautiful gate that is, so much care taken to make it. Have a super weekend 🦋🌻

[@thomasmackenzie7811]

Soooo Wonderful 😊! Many Thanks !

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much 😊 Take care🌻🦋

[@Terryb31]

Another great vlog Vanessa, my first venture in 2015 was towards Birmingham then down to Stratford, and I remember how I too was stuck in the ice for a week at Kings Norton Jcn just the other side of the Guillotine lock. Lovely drawing of the beautiful Little Egret too. X

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Terry for your lovely comment. The ice strikes in that area then and holds boats in its frozen grip! It’s always an adventure when you’re boating isn’t it? Have a super weekend 🌻🦋

[@Red-ns9ny]

Ah wow ❤ such a treat thank you so much that was stunningly fantastic as always. You are so gifted. Wonderful soul ❤😊

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

🤗 Aw thank you so much, Red! I am so pleased that you enjoyed it. Have a super weekend 🌻🦋

[@Red-ns9ny]

@@themindfulnarrowboat you too 😊🥰 thank you

[@pilpelet100]

What a wonderful vlog. It's so nice that India was able to join you and the Tolkien trail was great. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment. It was so much fun doing the Tolkien trail with India. Have a wonderful week 🦋🌻

[@meruliouslacrimens5154]

I live in Derby, we have found that geographically Derby is in a valley and if "Bad Weather", is to be had then Buxton to the north and Birmingham to the south always get it far worse. We have had it where Derby has had about six inches of snow, Birmingham had had about two foot. We can have a ground frost and Brum can have about six inches of ice.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I shall have to bring my boat to Derby then!🤩 Thank you so much for watching and commenting, take care🦋🌻

[@vanessascola4708]

Watched an old vlog this week, so nice to watch your vlogs. Hope you are staying well this week. I had no idea egrets have long dark blue beaks.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Vanessa, thank you so much for watching one of the oldies and for your lovely comment too. Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@birteeliasen6423]

So good to see you and Psephyr we were so worried if something has happend so long time since you have postet a new video thanks for sharing we loved it...hugs Birte and Emil from Denmark

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Birte and Emil, thank you for your lovely comment. It is so kind of you to be concerned but we are all fine. Have a super week 🦋🌻

[@johnparkin5312]

Beautiful" Thank you.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, John😊 Have a super rest for the weekend🦋🌻

[@aislingcarey84]

i love your poetry, it's beautiful and cleaver. Are you planning to publish it in your own book?

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you- thank you so much! I am about to restock my 2022 journal in my Etsy shop and then hopefully my 2023 journal will be out in the New Year. My Etsy shop is: themindfulnarrowboat.etsy.com Have a super week, take care🌻🦋

[@trevorsbarkingmadchannel4501]

Absolutely wonderful. Wow how peaceful is that mooring. Best wishes.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It was very peaceful there. Thank you so much for watching and for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend 🌻🦋

[@jennyc1846]

Thanks Vanessa for another lovely episode, thanks to India too. It seems to becoming a habit of yours to look for old cottages only to find a new house built in its place. Its a pity the guide brochures don't give more info on that. That WAS a gorgeous gate, well done to the artist who created it. Poor Zeph she was really in her protective mode wasn't she, such a caring young lady. Gosh I love your bird life, that cute Robin, nuthatch and that stunning white egret.. having a heatwave this week in west Oz, with temps in the mid to high 30's C - he last 2 have both been 37 deg C, want to swap, would gladly do so...and you didnt get to the Cadburys factory yet. I went to the one in Hobart Tas and its awesome...you get to fill your pockets to your hearts desire..yum..thanks Cadburys.. keep warm guys!!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Jenny, thank you so much for watching and commenting. The heat sounds so intense where you are. Do you think it will cool down soon? It’s so much easier to keep warm rather than cool down isn’t it? The birds here are very busy now and it is so exciting to watch and listen to them. Stay cool and hydrated. 🌻🦋

[@jennyc1846]

@@themindfulnarrowboat Hi Vanessa heat not going anywhere soon. Our summer started 1st Dec but by Feb its only just getting going, wont cool off until about end March/April. I think our weather patterns are so out of sync these days, what about in the UK? Seems like here in WA our summers run for 5-6 months, ironically when we lived in Tasmania we often had our fire burning 24/7 365 days a year...got my Diary of an Ed lady today. Thought your book was bigger eg A4 size mine was only A5 . But as disappointed as I was with the size the rest is great. Love her paintings and poetry. Is that where you got your idea to do yours that way? So sad she died so young. What a life she could have lived!! Take care, keep warm, yes you are right so much easier to keep warm...winter is my all time favourite season, I feel so sorry for those who get depressed during cold dark times..its time to put on your coat & beanie lovely people and get out and see what nature has to offer....

[@mastercraft5798]

Well, the wait has been more than worth it, yet another delightful & heart-warming vlog! It must be great for you to have India back on board again. I'm sure I've seen a narrow boat called 'Nuthatch' here in the last couple of years (London). Only, it was older & tired looking. Maybe it had a spell in the paint shop?... Handsome boat! After a week of misery and heartache, less than twenty minutes with you guys has lifted my spirits greatly. Thank you so much.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am worried that you have had a week of misery and heartache? You can always email me in the week, if you want to. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. It is always special to have India and Tristan onboard. They are so grown up now and busy so I make the most of any time that I have with them. I hope you have a better week next week and that your weekend brings you lots of happiness. 🦋🌻

[@mastercraft5798]

@@themindfulnarrowboat Bless you Vanessa, that's very kind of you, but I'm fine. Have a great & safe week. Atb.

[@richardterry9788]

Glad I watched this again ! Xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you for watching again! Have a wonderful week, take care🌻🦋