#165

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

Fun fact - Bottled breathable gases have a regular thread (righty tighty lefty loosey) and all non breathable gases, like the gas on your narrowboat have a reverse thread (as you pointed out). This is to prevent it from ever being connected accidentally to a breathable gas system - like oxygen in hospitals for example. Reverse thread is often indicated by a small line or other symbol. 🙂🐿🌈❤️

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

What a great fact! Every day’s a school day. I didn’t know that. Thank you so much for your great comment. Take care🌻🦋

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

@@themindfulnarrowboat You’re very welcome. Thank you for sharing your videos with me. I thought that you might enjoy it, I know that I found it really fascinating when I first heard about it, and the reasons why etcetera. Have a lovely day 🙂

[@Neil-s1q]

. Wot A.women

[@jenpersoon]

Your episodes are always so interesting, informative, educational and just straight-up enjoyable. Zephyr is so sweet.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I’m so pleased that you enjoy them, Jen. Thank you so much for watching. Happy New Year!🥳 🦋🌻

[@jenpersoon]

@ Happy New Year to you as well‼️😊

[@stevemendenhall6284]

Vanessa I want to tell you that you are an excellent storyteller. I liked how you related a lot of stuff in this vlog to the bard himself including you excellent poem at the end. It amazes me how you are able to help us follow along on an adventure with the way you use your camera it almost makes me think you have a camera man following you where ever you go. Thanks again for another fine voyage on the Alice Grace. Have a great week see you next Friday Steve

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Steve, what a kind and thoughtful comment. I love telling stories so the fact that you appreciate them is brilliant- thank you so much! Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@PeterBishop-zy9xd]

It helps if you remember that all flammable gases have left hand threads, so you cannot connect them incorrectly. Also a light tap with a hammer is also helpful to undo and give the final tightening.

[@chrisriddles9460]

Another super video with such a lot of content. You really manage to combine the canal boat living with both your love of nature and to also visit and show us interesting places within walking distance of the canal. This taking your time approach is so therapeutic for us watching. Love it.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That’s so kind of you, Chris! Thank you so much 😊 Take care 🦋🌻

[@31Alden]

I would so enjoy the nature surrounding you but not the mechanical aspects of keeping a narrow boat operational. Which means I am filled with even more admiration for you and your multi-faceted abilities!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I’m clueless when it comes to mechanical things too🤭 I leave that to the experts. Thank you for your kindness 🤗 Take care 🦋🌻

[@irenedavo3768]

We plough the fields and scatter! Miss the Traditional Harvest Festival with freshly baked bread! 🥖 plaited

[@sianwarwick633]

Vanessa, just looking at this again, and it seems like i was homed in on just the one thing. Good work 🌄 you for persevering to change the gas bottle, and Mr M for fixing the engine - that's a lot of locks in a small distance.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much 😊 Take care 🦋🌻

[@shirleygreaves9650]

I’m so pleased that the engine trouble wasn’t anything serious! I loved the garden and the scarecrow models of our King and Queen. That was a very impressive set of staircase locks, I bet they were very tiring. Beautiful scenery, so serene and I loved the music that you played as you cruised, it sounded quite medieval, very appropriate while cruising in Shakespeare’s country. Zephyr was so patient waiting for her breakfast! So much beauty in this vlog, the beautiful stained glass window in the lovely church, the beautiful cattle, the sheep also had very impressive horns, or was it a goat? The vlog was so entertaining from start to finish as always. Please don’t ever stop making your videos. Take care you 3. xxxx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Shirley, you are so kind and I really appreciate your comments- thank you so much. It was a sheep with the curly horns- wasn't it adorable? Zephyr's patience is quite remarkable sometimes and I thought she was especially patient waiting for me to change the gas over. Have a super weekend, take care too 🌻🦋

[@oldmanhuppiedos]

Hi Vanessa, What a woman of adventure and stories you are. You always give me a smile. 🙂

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that the vlogs make you smile.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@jimprescott8423]

Just a helpful tip Vanessa,check for gas leaks with soapy water,look for bubbles,

[@simon-nb-Betsyray]

I was told in my apprenticeship years to always give a blast of gas out of the bottle before you threaded the adaptor on, as to clear any dust and dirt particles to get a leak free seal but also check with soapy water os just spit on thread.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Blimey- I'd be petrified doing that! I hadn't thought about dust and dirt particles causing the leaks- that's a good point. 👍🦋🌻

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Great tip! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@raysmith6891]

@@simon-nb-Betsyrayspot on. We called it cracking the valve. We also taped over valves on stored cylinders to help prevent contamination

[@TheBoozerCruiser]

Ah, that wonderful squealing-squeaking noise of the prop shaft bolts coming loose! I recognised it instantly. I spent most of July having to cut the power and float on the cut while I climbed into the engine bay and tightened one of the little darlings yet again. The very first time it happened I didn’t know what was going on and it got so bad the shaft disconnected from the gearbox entirely - I had to crashland in the middle of nowhere, which was fun. I thought I was doomed to live with it happening every few miles until one day, pushing really hard, I found an extra quarter-turn on the nut that didn’t seem to have been there before. It’s all been fine since then, including a crossing of the Ribble Link (which was tense as I waited for the noise to tell me I was in REAL trouble this time!)… Once you’ve heard that noise, I find, you tend to hear it everywhere. Birdsong, a passing plane, the sound of a busy road or a truck bouncing along a country road - they all have me reaching nervously for the engine stop. That noise. THAT NOISE…

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

We shall try and find an extra quarter turn too now! I am so pleased that you solved your issue and got across the Ribble Link safely. I also hope that you no longer hear it in the birdsong, planes and traffic too! Thank you for watching and commenting. Have a super week, take care🌻🦋

[@maximbutin2833]

Такая милая женщина и морячка. Существенное усложнение своей жизни.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much 😊 Take care 🦋🌻

[@sheilajoseph9953]

Hi Vanessa, glad Mr M was around to sort noisy engine. Vanessa, William Shakespeare would be proud of you, 💚

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I’m glad he was around then too! Thank you so much for your lovely words about Shakespeare 👍 Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@brewster3987]

What a magical setting... the best of nature and the best of English literature rolled into one! Thank you for taking us along. I certainly hope you include today's sketch in your next calendar... and it absolutely must be titled "Gongmooooozler" or you've missed the opportunity of the century. 😉

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Well now, Brewster, I can't believe you are actually encouraging me to use more gongoozler jokes! 😂 I am gutted that I missed that one now!😂Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@christineprice5463]

Thank you, Vanessa! Such a lovely trip today. I am glad Mr. Mindful could fix your engine.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Christine. I'm so pleased Mr M knows what he is doing with the engine as we'd still be there if it wasn't for him! 😂 Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@christineprice5463]

@@themindfulnarrowboat And you also.

[@christineprice5463]

You have a lovely weekend too.

[@lorrainerichardson3280]

I love it!! Isn't it amazing how the words flow ( I assume) when the setting, mood and vocab just work themselves on to the page. I've learnt, but still the heart races in situations that arrive, that if you can take time to breathe and slowly tackle the problem it's easier to work through... like getting the hammer =-) Take care as always and thank you for starting my day with the words of the bard and yourself of course. =-)

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Lorraine, taking time to breathe is such a wise thing to do isn't it? I am so pleased that you enjoyed the start to your day.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@MrJtweed]

SHE IS WISE BEYOND HER YEARS AND MAKES EVERYTHING LOOK SO EASY (BUT IT'S NOT THAT EASY)

[@peterhenry7531]

Lovely video … night … 🔆🔆👏🔆🔆

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🦋🌻

[@annjarvis9300]

Awww so glad the engine was an easy fix another lovely vlog do so enjoy your wonderful vlogs tc the oldies🤗👍🤗👍🌹🌷🌺

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It was an easy fix for Mr M but it wouldn't have been for me!😂Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@StevesRepairs]

Thanks Vanessa, for taking us along on this beautiful cruise, with the gas cylinders you should always forget the saying "righty tighty and lefty loosey", as they are the left hand thread so it is opposite, lol. I hope that you do regularly grease your stern gland so that the prop shaft is very lubricated which can cause some movement due to slackness and then forcing the brace connection to the gearbox shaft to work loose which eventually cause damage. It was lovely to see all the berries and a "Silverspoon" (Long tailed tit) eating some. As always it was lovely to see your beautiful journal with "The Bard" quotes. I hope that you are doing well. Take care and all the best. Stevie

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Stevie, thank you so much for your lovely comment and great tips. Our prop shaft has that weakness and it needs a secure tightening every engine check now. It’s all part of Alice Grace’s little quirks! Have a super Sunday and week ahead, take care🦋🌻

[@christinewalker5874]

Super video Vanessa, you can't beat a bit of Shakespeare and the scenery is so lovely. Zephyr is so interested in everything, glad you managed to change to gas bottle,take care x

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Christine, you can definitely see how this part of the world inspired Shakespeare.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@vanessascola4708]

What a stressful thing having no gas to cook with. Mary Arden's farm is a very old place. Remember seeing birds of prey there some time ago. Take care and stay warm. It looked pretty windy out there. What a poet you are too.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That’s right, I think they have a bird of prey display there. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@barbarawrigley4242]

Fascinated how the words seem to come easy to you for you stories and poetry, lovely💜. Beautiful scenery along the way😊. Just hate those gas bottles that wont cooperate.😂

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I think the biggest problem with those gas bottles is me! 🤭Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care🦋🌻

[@NarrowboatWill]

Hello mindful family. Very professional style vlog. That gearbox was the same problem you had before. Oh dear! Good old Mr M.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Will, yes it is the same problem; I think it is all part of our boats little personality at least we know what it is and how to fix it now, well Mr M knows how to fix it! I hope you are well? Happy and safe cruising! Take care🌻🦋

[@rexharvey8420]

Hello Vanessa and Zephyr, I have dodged around the months and years of your journeys on Alice Grace, and am now back in Shakespeare country. I love your Labby Zephyr ,they are such delightful dogs, though rather greedy and should be called Hoover! I have had Border Collies, Alsatians, a Romanian Wolf when one could own one in the UK I inherited from a muso friend who sadly had a drugs overdose, a very sad loss, and having come to South Africa I was introduced to Labradors and I have had two devoted friends for sixteen years, Bentley who tragically died at my vets after having a seizure aged ten, which as the loss of all my animal friends devastated me, and my current boy Blaze who I love to bits. I love your travels, and your way of so enthusiastically describing your adventures with Zephyr, who like my Blaze is obviously your constant companion. Your journal is magic and you are a great artist and poet, with a great way with words. You and Zephyr give me a treasured look at the UK I left eighteen years ago, and narrow boating and being involved in the canal leisure industry, which for me was a vocation in the Millennium. Take care and stay safe and well. Love Blaze and me xxx.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Our dogs are our special companions that bring us loyalty, love and oodles of laughter; it sounds like all of your dogs have done the same and now Blaze is continuing on with that role too. Thank you so much for such a heart-felt comment. Have a super rest of the week, take care🌻🦋🐾🐾

[@jackmullett9198]

Glad you got your prop shaft sorted. You must introduce us to the mysterious Mr M, who lurks in the background and we never see. When you reach the Edstone aqueduct known also as the Bearley aqueduct, halt and have a look around. It is the longest precast aqueduct in England. A railway runs underneath. In 1845 a valve was fitted so engines could draw water. Unfortunately one day a large fish fell into the tube and entered train’s boiler causing an explosion. Also don’t forget to visit St Peter’s church at Wootton Wawen, a rare example of a stone built Saxon church.😎

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Wow, so many great tips here, Jack- thank you so much! 🤩 Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@jimm7165]

Clean the prop shaft and collar really well, spray with brake cleaner to remove any traces of oils, then use green loctite on the mating surfaces. Do the same with the nuts and bolts, but use blue loctite on the threads. That is if the mysterious Mr M hasn't already.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

All excellent advice! Thank you so much- sounds like you know your stuff. Have a super week, take care🦋🌻

[@sherrykelaidis6135]

I’m delighted to have come upon your Vlog on Instagram, and I’m now following you on KZbin. I love listening to You describing your journey and glancing at your Videos, while I am working in my studio. This one was particularly charming. Your notebooks with the description and drawings are wonderful. 😊

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Sherry. I’m so pleased that you are enjoying the vlogs. Take care 🦋🌻

[@suedale1865]

Oh my that long horn cow drawing is brilliant & your verse is so apt What a great vlog 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻💕

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Sue, that is so kind of you; I did have to rub out lots of errors as I drew that cow, so it's a good job that I did it on time lapse as the vlog would have gone on for hours!😂Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@Margaret_J]

Brilliant Vanessa just brilliant 😊 You've definitely caught the Shakespeare bug - just lovin' it! Remember life is full of hiccups, some hiccups are just bigger than others but hiccups don't usually last long & we find a way through and you did! 👍 Found myself shouting out when you were tempted by the bell rope - Don't Vanessa just don't 😂😂 - I just got very involved in your journey here lol And who knew that a love heart leaf could have such poisonous berries wow Made my Friday afternoon ☕ Hope you & Zephyr and Mr M have a good weekend 😂 🦋🌼

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Margaret, I am so pleased that you enjoyed the Shakespeare references. Wilmcote is such a beautiful place and I'm sure that Mr Will S was very inspired by these surroundings. I am pleased that I didn't pull the bell rope, but it was so tempting, Margaret!Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@raymondbaxter7061]

Just wondering why you always 4 biscuits on your plate when you sit down to write your diary, Beautiful drawings by the way, You are very talented.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Raymond, how many biscuits and what I have with my tea varies, but 4 is a good number, I find generally.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super week, take care 🌻🦋

[@sallylunamoth5542]

Amazing Fungi, Never seen before Wow! I loved Zephyr's calmness in the church ❤ & The cattle captured beautifully in you journal Vanessa " Thank You" 💐

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Fungi are such an exciting thing to go looking for as the varieties are unbelievable!Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@Debba521]

You're the only person I know who can make moulds and fungus fascinating and quite prosy with all the literary references. I think old Will would have been quite pleased! Shame about running out of gas, particularly in mid meal prep. I take it there's no gauge to let you know when it's low? Don't blame you for not wanting to go out at night to deal with it. Never know what might be out there on the tow path... witches, fairies or hobs up to mischief... 😁

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Debba, I feel honoured to know that I am making slime moulds and fungus fascinating!🤩 The gas doesn't have a gauge unfortunately- that would be so handy but it's like our water and fuel on our boat- we have no idea that they are running low, until we run out. With the water and fuel, we can keep topping up, but with the gas, you can't do it that way.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@vanessascola4708]

Vanessa, you are really entertaining and it is good to watch your vlog again. Always another thing with narrow boating life. Sorry for you. There are such dedicated people who care for the canals.

[@janmitchell641]

Incorporating Shakespeare with each botanical experience was most clever, and then writing your own poem in the style of the bard brought a smile to my face. Thanks Vanessa, “parting is such sweet sorrow…”

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I'm so pleased that you enjoyed this, Jan as it was so much fun to make. Take care🦋🌻

[@JellieBellie1]

Always a joy too watch your vlogs.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much! Have a super week, take care🌻🦋

[@markwilliamson9140]

I like your poem at the end Vanessa. Inspires to write a poem today. Very good 👌

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I find writing poetry is a really good way to forget what's going on in the world for a while and enjoy the power of words and imagery, so I hope you got the chance to write that poem of yours. Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care🌻🦋

[@jillosler9353]

"Methought I was enamoured of an ass!" are the words spoken by Titania in Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Nights Dream". I'm sure many women have thought the same over the years!! Hi Vanessa, long time since I left a comment but I still faithfully watch your adventures every week 👋. Stay safe and take care - and give Zephyr a hug from me. xx PS. Absolutely LOVED your poem at the end! 👏👏

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hello Jill, it is lovely to hear from you. I hope you are keeping well? It is great to know that you still watch every week too.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@rnupnorthbrrrsm6123]

I feel like I’m in a far away fairytale every time I watch your videos ❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@PeteGlyde]

Hello Mindful Narrowboater. I've just watched vlog 165. Cattle horn was also used to make English longbows; the tip of the horn was used to connect the bowstring to the bow itself: one cow per longbow I guess. Pete Glyde

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Oh my goodness; that is so sad but so interesting all at the same time. I'm glad that doesn't happen anymore though. Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care🌻🦋

[@ben8mag]

Thanks so much for sharing England with me. ♥️

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is a pleasure!Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@paulplant6486]

So glad you managed to get Alice fixed and hope you don't get any more issues for a while. Great vlog

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I hope so too!🤞Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@Red-ns9ny]

I hope you do these beautifully skilled vlogs for a very long time yet ❤ I love them so much

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I really enjoy making them and sharing my narrowboat life with you, so I hope I can do them as long as possible.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@Red-ns9ny]

@@themindfulnarrowboat 🥰😊❤️ thank you , have a wonderful week x

[@MrJtweed]

AMEN TOO THAT!

[@samjones6347]

Beautiful church so much to learn

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It was such a great place to visit. Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🌻🌻

[@paulmclaine6413]

Wish I'd been there to help with the Gas bottle. Bad design that has needed changing for years. I've never known a Girl with such a knowledge of Fungus. We English are a different breed. late watching your Vlog gain Vanessa but I never miss.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Those gas bottles are a bad design aren't they? Anyway, I could still make a giant cup of tea at the end of it so it turned out well in the end!😂☕️ Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@buffplums]

Absolutely “Mootastic” Vanessa. The soothing sound of the music is just delicious. Zephyr looks very respectful in the church and that beautiful little face heart❤. How talented you are Vanessa with your drawing skills, your Shakespear, narration and your art. I shall certainly be ordering a copy of your work, I shall enjoy reading and looking at your beautiful work. You take good care too and well done to Mr M on the slipping prop shaft and to you too with your persistence on the gas bottle change. Well done have a lovely week and thank you once again for sharing your moments. ❤️ x

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Zephyr always goes very quiet and thoughtful in a church and sometimes she stares at something which I can't see which is always quite spooky too. I am so pleased that you enjoyed the vlog. Have a great week, take care🌻🦋

[@darylenyland3702]

Your a great Capitan!🗽😉

[@simon-nb-Betsyray]

Good evening Vanessa and big thank u for a very interesting vlog😊 so full of interesting facts and beautiful shots of the church stained glass window and the long tailed tit in the multi Berry bush such a mass of colours. A well done to Mr M for repairing the prop shaft when l heard the squeak l thought it was ur fan belt slipping, I'm glad u were able to show us the shaft slipping. This might have to be one of ur checks to make sure the bolts are tight before u travel🔧🛠📋. Thank u again and have a great weekend 😊🔧🎛🐕🦢🐄🫓🍵

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

How are you? I hope you are feeling back to normal again. Good tip about checking the prop shaft as part of the engine checks pre cruise. I also thought it was the fan belt when I heard it, but Mr M remembered the problem that we often have with Alice Grace so he knew before lifting up the board. I'm sure you're getting to know your boat's little quirks too now.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@davidday6838]

Tut,tut,tut, naughty naughty. You should at least once a week check all the connecting prop shaft bolts and engine mounts bolts it's better to be safe than sorry isn't it!! Be Safe on your travels 😊

[@katychuter1705]

Great hopefully bought one of your journals that my daughter will so enjoy. Thank you

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you, Kay! Thank you so much. Take care 🦋🌻

[@jennyfulcher8035]

Hi Vanessa: I'm glad that your squeaking engine sound was resolved so that you could continue your way up the flight of locks. Once past, the scenery brought to mind Peter Rabbit and The Wind in the Willows, and I half expected the animal characters to appear along the shore as Alice Grace cruised along. Such pretty scenery with lovely cottages, boats, King Charles and Queen Camilla amongst the flowers, etc. Meanwhile it must have been a relief when you finally succeeded in changing your gas so you could cook dinner for you and Zephyr. I had to laugh when you were tempted to pull that bell rope in St. Andrews Church! Beautiful stained glass windows. I loved all of your quotes from Shakespeare as you admired the fungi and berries. Jenny

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Jenny, it is very Wind in the Willows isn't it? That is spot on. It was a huge relief to change that gas over and put the kettle on.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@jennyfulcher8035]

@@themindfulnarrowboat You too Vanessa!

[@glyn829]

Nice film Vanessa 👍 i once saw a chap with a hammer hitting his spanner changing a gas bottle on s camp site 😆 he didn't know it was a reverse thread 👀 have a great weekend Glyn 🇬🇧

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Your gas story has made me feel a bit better about my attempt now!😂Thank you so much for your comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@sianwarwick633]

My goodness, so much to see... ❤. Just imagine having all these rhymes and descriptions, and the fine nature notes as a student, and Canada bridge, too. Thankyou

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Sian 💚 I tried to find out why Canada Bridge got its name but there wasn’t any information about it. Perhaps those that worked on it or developed it were Canadian? Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@darylenyland3702]

Zepher need food!😉🌄🌄🐶🐶🐶

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Always!😂🐾🐾🌻🦋

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Always!😂🐾🐾🌻🦋

[@richardterry9788]

Went to Whale wash and Sharpness dock picnic site last Thursday. Shame I missed you. Seems we share the love of nature which you portray to beautifully through your poems. Be well and safe on your travels xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I hope you had a lovely time. Thank you for you kind comment. Take care🌻🦋

[@ISLEOVUE]

Cup of Tea, nice video. Thank you

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

A cup of tea is like an apple a day for me!😂 Thank you so much for watching. Take care🌻🦋

[@TheBriandavidcarroll]

You make my heart rejoice and set my spirit free even if but for a few moments each week. Solomon truly sung of you and angels must have rejoiced at your birth! Love what you do, thanks for sharing!!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

What a beautiful comment- thank you so much! Have a super Sunday and week ahead, take care🦋🌻

[@markwilliamson9140]

Vanessa you're fantastic with your fabulous videos and your gorgeous doggy . I always feel at peace when i watch you. And im stressed today so , a good dose of your videos does mr wonders so thamk you for your wonderful nature. 😁

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am sad to hear that you have been stressed today but I am happy to know that you found some comfort in the vlogs. I wish you a better and calmer day tomorrow and for the week ahead, take care🌻🦋

[@markwilliamson9140]

@@themindfulnarrowboat thank you 👍

[@peterjames174]

the locks would be great for putting air into the water system for a healthier water.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

What a clever idea. I also think that every lock and weir could be generating hydro power to the nearby town too. Thank you for watching. Take care🌻🦋

[@otter736]

You’ve become a “Bard”….love it !!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

How wonderful and so much better than becoming a "Bore!"🤩Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@andreaamer1183]

I nearly thought you were going to do it lol, so close yet so far...ring ring ring my bell lol so tempting I agree. Beautiful scenery! X

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I very nearly did!😂 Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@helmutflieger4098]

I thought your explanation of the prop shaft issue was perfect. I knew just what you meant.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It's a small miracle that I explained that well enough for anyone to understand so I am chuffed to bits that you understood me! 🤩 Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care 🌻🦋

[@michaelhiggins7365]

So glad for you Vanessa that it was an easy fix to get Alice Grace ship shape once again and at zero cost too. And you should be commended for not skinning your knuckles when changing over those reverse threaded gas fittings. I never cease to be amazed at your encyclopedic knowledge of all those tiny bits and bobs Mother Nature has on display. The Wolfs Milk was certainly new to me. Saint Andrews Church was as stunning as it was charming much like the Long Tailed Tit among all those ruby red berries. Vanessa, I simply cannot get over your ability to sum up your day's journey in prose and verse. This week's was unusually long and to add-in the Shakespearean tie to scenes and acts was simply a stroke of inspired genius. I want to wish you, the mysterious Mr. M and Zephyr all of God's many blessings this week, may you all be safe, warm and fully content.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Michael, what a wonderful comment- thank you so much for taking the time to make it; it really made me smile. So now you have met wolf’s milk which is an adorable slime mould isn’t it? What colour! I felt inspired by my surroundings this week which is probably why my poem went on a bit! I loved writing it though. Have a super Sunday and rest of the week ahead, take care🦋🌻

[@michaelhiggins7365]

God Bless You Vanessa.@@themindfulnarrowboat

[@TheDaf95xf]

Good morning Vanessa & Zepher 😊 another lovely relaxing video 🤩 Love your tea cup as my wife lives bees 🐝🤣 Very lucky with that prop shaft joint only coming loose 😮 Take care love Stevie x

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Bees are wonderful creatures! 🐝🐝Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care🌻🦋

[@sandyprosser805]

Hi Vanessa what a great video, I did feel for you trying to undo gas bottle, very ingenious getting hammer bless you. Have been away for a week to Weymouth fabulous week. Hope you have quieter week lol. 😅

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased to hear that you had a fabulous week away in Weymouth. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Enjoy the rest of your week, take care🌻🦋

[@glennclarke9787]

Hi Vanessa. Look forward to see you every week, your so uplifting. Some really great colourful shots. A pleasure to watch always xxx❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I'm so pleased that you are enjoying the vlogs, Glenn! Have a super week, take care🦋🌻

[@Daytona2]

😂 brilliant Shakespeare references, Vanessa! Lovely video, as ever 😊 Glad Mr M could fix it - as ever, it happened in the most inconvenient place! Magnificent cows, I've never seen the like. To prevent sparks, perhaps use a brass hammer, when changing gas bottles (steel and iron spark). Probs not a big deal given the small amount of gas escaping and it being outside. You seem to have moved quickly - I'd kind've lost track and hadn't realised you were on the River Avon

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That's a good tip!👍Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I'm so pleased that you enjoyed the vlog. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@jlouutube65]

Nice you're in the Midlands...I'm from Meridan but have lived in Canada since I was a kid. My mum dated a Will Shakespeare before she met my father. My Aunt lives in Nuneaton and my cousin just bought a long boat near there.😊

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Wow! What a great connection you have to the Midlands. Fancy dating a Will Shakespeare too! Brilliant 🤩 Thank you for watching. Take care🌻🦋

[@garyp8471]

First of all well done Mr M for your spanner work that saved a bob or two, grand little church you visited, when you was edging closer towards the bell rope we was shouting LEAVE IT, also thank goodness you got the gas bottle changed, cold tea with those biscuits at the end wouldn't of been very tasty. thank you for showing us round again. All the best Gary n Irene

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Gary and Irene, you are so right about that gas bottle- I can’t function without a cup of tea; there wouldn’t have been a vlog this week!😂Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@colinwhitehouse1310]

Another enjoyable video brilliant

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Colin! Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@debh4190]

The Mysterious Mr. M indeed! :) And wow, do you know your Shakespeare! Loved this one! (although I always say that!)

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I suddenly felt very inspired by Shakespeare this week; it's funny as I didn't feel it in Stratford itself but in the birthplace of his mother, he was everywhere- not literally- but I bet he spent a lot of time walking in the woods around here in his day as the settings reminded me of some of his plays. Thank you for your lovely comment, Debs. Have a super week, take care🌻🦋

[@kellyheywood503]

Zephyrs expression x watching you melts my heart

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

She melts my heart too💚🐾🐾

[@francesdavey1337]

Thank you vanessa for a lovely vlog xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you for watching and commenting- Frances! Have a super week, take care🌻🦋

[@pancrazioaquilina7029]

Post card pictures on that canal. Thanks for that research on shakespeare you must be very familiar with his plays. You are not the only one that get nervous changeing the gas its so simple but so difficult . Glad that every thing went well. Take care

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is so simple but difficult isn't it!👍Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@richardterry9788]

Your October Poem - wonderful xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I'm so pleased that you like it. Have a super week, take care🌻🦋

[@bokarlsson5183]

Thank you. I really liked that‼from the island of Gotland in the middle of the Baltic sea. (Sweden)

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you enjoyed it all the way from Sweden.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@dnewnova]

bt late on comment due to comp issues what a gorgeous part of the country Vanessa you are correct about the lifestyle even from a watcher point of view ,i remember getting caught out by the reverse threads on gas bottle when i first lived off grid was good when i figured it out ,thanks for another lovely video

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I hope your computer issues are all sorted? Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the week. Take care🌻🦋

[@crispyfrogs]

This was my favourite episode of all your videos, and I enjoy them all!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That's great to know. It was a lot of fun to put together despite the breakdown and gas issues!😂Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@michaelpilling531]

Hello Vanessa - greetings from Poland. What a wonderful video. Superb cruise, beautiful scenery and fabulous wildlife. Loved the donkey and a lovely church. Mary Ardentinny farm is very nice - been there a few times. To continue the Shakespeare theme, me thinks though art a teacher of English with a flair for words. I hope the repair Michael did is OK and you don't get any more problems. Great camera work with a wonderful commentary. Thanks so much.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hello Michael! Thank you so much for your Shakespearean comment. The repair work is still holding on, so 🤞 we should be ok. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@bally1213]

Only found you a few weeks ago, I’m just getting lost in your beautiful videos, wish I could manage a boat again but the old body is slowing me down now. Wonderful life you have , long may you roam. 🥰

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you are enjoying the videos. Thank you so much for your kind comment. Have a super rest of the week. Take care 🦋🌻

[@johnmackenzie7487]

I have a forged gas spanner that has a cranked handle and this avoids the battle of the bottle when the corners get in the4 way. It's also thicker so easier to grip, and if need be hit with a hammer or mallet.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I need to get myself one of those.👍 Thank you so much for your comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@johnmackenzie7487]

@@themindfulnarrowboat I have looked on line for a similar spanner to mine and can't see any,don't remember where I bought it. Anyway failing that you can buy a 30mm "Podger" spanner with a cranked end and a nice long handle which will do the same job of keeping your hands away from those nasty corners on the collar at the top of the bottle.

[@jackyteague6509]

Thank you so much for your calming relaxing videos! They are a joy to watch. I always learn something! Take care.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment!🤗 I am so pleased that you are finding the videos relaxing. Have a super week, take care🌻🦋

[@Terryb31]

Oh Vanessa, Delightful. Absolutely delightful, one of your giggles brings me a smile. I have great memories of being frozen in at the Wilmcote water point for 4 weeks. Where I visited the Arden home farm. Great trip for me going down, I wish you the same going up. BTW, it's the most dangerous place to in the locks, you are right to be aware of all that could go wrong. Safe travels dear Vanessa. X

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Terry, what a wonderful place to be be frozen in! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@alibenkahn5092]

Unless it's a left hand thread which sometimes happens with gas cylinders its clockwise to do something up and anticlockwise to undo it.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Ours is left to tighten and right to loosen, but that still confuses me!Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@alibenkahn5092]

@@themindfulnarrowboat ok yes so a left-handed thread. Always confusing!

[@kellyheywood503]

I used to ring the bells in a 70 foot drop tower then my husband learnt also pretty cool experience bear in mind I’m mind I’m only 4” 11 😊

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Wow! It always looks like is realistic heavy work. Thank you for commenting. Take care🌻🦋

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Really not realistic

[@WanabeHippie]

Well done with the gas bottle, and no swearing. I know I would have. I confess to having a little chuckle watching you - sorry. Question "why do we whisper in churches?" Such a clever poem at the end. Have you studied Shakespeare or are you just a fan? Loved your vlog, thanks.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Please don’t apologise for chuckling at me- I am utterly ridiculous sometimes and chuckle at myself too. I also thought when I watched it back, why am I whispering?😂 Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the weekend, take care 🦋🌻

[@lizziemonk]

You are so clever Vanessa referencing nature around you to Shakespeare 🤩so happy you got the gas going... never mind your food, what about your cuppa?!! Loved that your read the quote in the church to consider the lilies of the field and Zeph did exactly as you told her!!😆Sending love, all ok here xxx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Lizzie, you are right, I was desperate for that cuppa! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@PhilPage227]

Fabulous.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@PickingPaul1]

Lovely Vanessa, I’m about 5 weeks away now from my house going through it’s sale, can’t wait to buy a narrowboat and do things like you do

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I bet you are counting down every minute of that 5 weeks. It will be here soon! Good luck. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super week, take care🌻🦋

[@edgarperez9372]

Great video like always .

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@caz-nbgalatea1528]

Hey… we both love the mysteriousness of Mr M!!! Curious to know how long it takes you to write your poems? Xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Caz, I normally write my poem the night before I fill in my journal. I think about it all week though and jot down ideas on my phone. Sometimes, I am so tired and without any inspiration, so I'll listen to the poetry of others, go to sleep and often wake up with a poem in my head. This week's poem took me about an hour to write, but I tweaked it throughout the day. Thank you so much for watching and for your lovely comment. Have a super week, take care🌻🦋

[@caz-nbgalatea1528]

@@themindfulnarrowboat thanks for that. Have a lovely week yourself. 🙏

[@rnupnorthbrrrsm6123]

Mysterious Mr. M is right, sometimes I feel, “doesn’t he help her” ? I love your channel but if there was one thing I would change it would be seeing you two work together. Maybe because I’m alone and have to do everything myself and when I was married I had to do everything plus take care of him because he wouldn’t do anything, which is worse than being alone !!! Blessings

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It would be great to be able to show you how we work as a team, but until my husband retires from his job that just can't happen. I am so sorry to hear about the experience that you had in your marriage and it is so kind of you to be thinking about me, but let me reassure you that I don't have to do everything at all and it's all equally shared. Thank you for your comment. Happy New Year! 🥳🦋🌻

[@johnoconnor7536]

Well done with the gas. Knew you would do it.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much! I didn't think it would ever shift. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@chrishobbs58]

Hello again! Loved this video, just beautiful scenery, and I can relate to your misadventures with the gas bottle. I had to shut my water off to install a new garbage disposal. It did not go smoothly, certainly nothing like the how to video I watched. But like you, I muddled through and got the job done. Can I ask what those cookies....I suppose you call them biscuits there...were? Or were they properly biscotti? Thanks for the experience you shared, and best wishes, as always!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Chris, your garbage disposal sounds like a much more complicated job than my gas bottle-but I'm glad that you fixed it. The biscuits are an oat biscuit, so not proper biscotti.Thank you so much for your comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@roycarpenter6380]

The suspense !! What is a group of guinea fowl to be called :>)

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I will reveal the answer on Friday! 🤞 Have a super week, take care🌻🦋

[@kellyheywood503]

From your title the vid no but would be happy after achievement of doing it 😊

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I agree! Have a super weekend, Kelly🌻🦋

[@LizChalberg]

Fabulous video. I am much newer to narrow boating than you, but I always get nervous before entering a lock. Especially if there is a Weir ahead of it or at the exit. Not sure if I’ll ever find that stress-free, but going through locks certainly is a part of narrowboating that we enjoy I Really enjoyed your magical video of this gorgeous area of England. We are looking for an area to cruise next summer when we come back for another month on a another narrow boat. This looks like a great one.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I think that it is good to have some nerves about doing the locks as it makes you more cautious and aware of different things going on. They are really enjoyable at the same time though aren't they? I agree with you. I really recommend this area for you summer cruise. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@petemoring67]

'The Mysterious Mr M!' ... As He's so camera-shy - you'll have to start another Journal with 'that title' and keep everyone updated about 'his' capers 😂 ....

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is a very good idea!😂 Thank you so much for watching, Pete. Have a super week, take care🌻🦋

[@MarcelEling]

Good video again. You manage good yourself😅

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you for the words of encouragement. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@irenedavo3768]

I have same mug!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Snap! Take care 🦋🌻

[@AndrewBroadbent-dr8wb]

Great vlog again, thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@tomdurkin7321]

Nicely done, the music was a perfect fit.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@katienorthenmore1892]

what a wonderful magical story , thank you so much.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much. 😊 I am so pleased that you found it magical- it's a very magical place here. Have a super week, take care🌻🦋