#178

The New Year starts off with a sudden, emergency lock closure 10 miles ahead of where we are and if we don't get through, we will be stuck for a month! Will we get through? What do we encounter along the way? Sit back, relax and enjoy! Take care🌻🦋
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It's always lovely to hear from you and I will get back to you

[@iaingrieve3264]

Never look back… New life, new start, remain positive and you’ll be fine… Sell your drawings, they’re brilliant. 👍

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Great advice, Iain! Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@joanneowen4540]

A lovely thing to see your video today.So glad you are safe and not in the flood areas we see on the news..That bird on the roof was soo lovely and heartwarming.Good luck in your winter travels and thank you for bringing such beautiful scenery,art and poetry to the world.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Joanne, we are lucky to be away from the rivers as the flooding across the country has been so bad. I really feel for all those who have been affected by it. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@TheJessierb]

Glad you made it through the lock in time. You were really accompanied by bird friends! The swans and Muscovy duck are lovely. I so much appreciated your poem today. It encapsulated the journey so perfectly. Lots of vigor left indeed! Take care Vanessa. w xxx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Wendy, I was so excited to see all the birds on this cruise- the wildlife around here is amazing! Thank you so much for your lovely comment; I am so pleased that you enjoyed the poem too. Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@deborahsuber3845]

I am so glad you decided to journal your adventures. I love exploring with you and Zephyr.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so glad that you share our journey with us too! Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@barrettemonique9070]

Gorgeous green feathers on your pet duck, Doublet!

[@barryjubber175]

Enjoyed the vlog as usual, your enthusiasm for nature is refreshing. Great to see Zephyr and yourself on Will's channel.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Barry, thank you so much for your lovely comment. It was great meeting Will again, but he never sits still for long and he was off before we knew it! Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@orchidhouse297]

Canada Geese! This morning I could not think of their name. I got stuck on 'Canned Geese'. Senior moment - again. I love how you get excited about what you see in nature. Regarding being frozen in: I heard about a boater who cooked popcorn for the swans who swam around his boat and kept the ice away. Tall story? Such a peaceful ending sequence. Just what I needed.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I have so many senior moments- so don't worry about that!😂 I am so pleased that you enjoyed the vlog. Have a super week, take care🌻🦋

[@Jana-wz7dr]

Zephyr licking her lips at the thought of duck feast….i love how you talk with her and your feathered friends as you see them. Really enjoy your journeys. I too took a year off work, intending to go back and never did. Amazing how once you remove yourself from the day to day grind you can discover other ways to live and enjoy life more. Not a luxury that too many can swing but well worth the sacrifices if it can be done. Happy boating.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I am so pleased that you managed to make it work for you too so that you didn't have to return to the day to day grind. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@anniemac3075]

How lovely Doublet chose to keep warm on Alice Grace's roof for a night. Great video & good to see so many types of bird along the way. The colours of plants etc are just stunning.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Doublet on the roof made my evening; what an honour to have her there! Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Annie! Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@Chrisb8s]

When my son was young, he would ask me to keep sticks and twigs and pebbles and even a piece of hay. So one day after saving all of them ( I still have a bucket of sticks that he saved) I said, how about we take a picture of it so we don't forget.. don't forget that piece of seaweed or the clam shell, we can keep it if we have the photo. You do too

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

What a gorgeous comment- thank you so much! I love the fact that you still have a bucket of collected treasures. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@garyp8471]

what a start to the new yr a race to the lock, but time for nature, time for a pub meal, time to reminisce, and time after the race to share tour video with us Thank you. Happy New Year to you both. Gary n Irene

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It was all a bit of a shock but I'm so pleased that we got through. Thank you for your lovely comment, Gary and Irene. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@WolfmanWoody]

Happy 2024. I used to see redwings and lapwings (or peewits as we called them) when we lived in Lincolnshire. The peewits used to sit in the furrows left by the ploughs through the winter. The redwings used to visit the back garden.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It must have been wonderful to watch the peewits and redwings around you. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super week, take care🌻🦋

[@tessapetters3936]

Wow, what an emotional cruise . Love your Muscovey Duck, so pretty and the drawing was perfect.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Tessa. I found the whole cruise emotional and full of nostalgia. Have a super week, take care🌻🦋

[@johnsutherland6322]

Love your relaxed style and your filming is spot on scenery and wildlife a pleasure to see good luck getting past that lock before it closes ❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is such a kind comment- thank you so much. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@darylenyland3702]

Beautiful bird watching!☺Thanks!😁

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you 😊 Take care🦋🌻

[@lupemartinez7562]

What a beautiful vlog to start your 2024 year of cruising and recording your narrowboat adventures. Love, love your channel.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much; that is so kind of you. Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@michaelhiggins7365]

Oh Vanessa this one was so special, chock full of too many stunning scenes to recount. I'm so glad you heard about the lock closure just in time to make it past Stone. I wonder how easy it is to access this information on closures from the CRT, and are they very up to date? I definitely found it interesting as you disclosed personal information about your life, quitting your job, renting your house, and taking a chance on a year of narrowboat life. I'll be turning 65 this August, and I'm trying to nudge my wife into the idea of our doing the very same thing, a year or two spent in England spent aboard our own narrowboat. She is still reluctant. We did, however, rent a boat four years ago out of Ellesmere from ABC and sailed up the Llangollen to Wales. To say we had a wonderful time would be an understatement of epic proportions. I crossed the mighty Pontcysyllte Aqueduct the very day I turned 60 ! We also pounded our pins in at the Chirk tunnel and hiked up and toured the castle there, another amazing experience. Hopefully I can convince Mrs. Higgins to fulfill this dream I have. The other sticky point though is, I believe England currently issues travel visas for no longer than 6 months, so you may have to adopt us both :) I wish you, Zephyr, and the mysterious Mr. M a wonderful week ahead, may God shower you all with his many blessings and protection. Cheers from Avondale, Arizona.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Michael, please consider yourself adopted; now all you have to do is convince Mrs Higgins to go for the narrowboat life! How about another holiday? It took me at least two holidays to enjoy it more. How amazing that you crossed the Ponty on your birthday! It sounds like you both had an amazing time when you hired your boat. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@sianwarwick633]

What a peaceful and affirmative message Vanessa. Of course, thd stories of our own lives bear telling too. Beautiful and poignant nature notes too.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Sian- that is such a kind comment. I'm so pleased that you enjoyed the video. Have a super week, take care🦋🌻

[@janmitchell641]

I love the opening shots with the narrowboat parking lot behind you. Such a beautiful image! Muscovy Duck and Flute Meadow Bridge, such evocative names and magnificent scenes🙌

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

There are some beautiful places and wildlife along the canal, Jan and I find the whole thing fascinating to discover. Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care🦋🌻

[@vanessascola4708]

A really pretty duck. Poor duck. Hope you are staying warm.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It was such a beautiful duck wasn't it? Take care🌻🦋🦆

[@beverleybutler7685]

Well done getting to your destination! Good weather as well and of course the friendly muscovy! Happy cruising in 2024!!😊

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It was such a relief getting through the stoppage; now we have to get through this arctic blast! I hope you are safe and warm? Have a super week, take care🦋🌻

[@RobinKenyon-g9r]

Doublet the duck's wing feathers looked like they were crafted by Tiffany.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is a perfect comparison! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Take care🦋🌻

[@hectordelvalle4428]

Congratulations, you made it. Do give yourself a pat on your back. 😊😊😊 Whatever happens down the canal, don't forget to smell the roses you will encounter. Be safe and enjoy your life, Maranatha.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Smelling the roses is so good for the soul isn't it? Thank you for another lovely comment, take care🌻🦋

[@seancobb8853]

Vanessa I’m glad you did it otherwise we wouldn’t be watching you now your amazing well done you and your lovely dog

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you, Sean. Take care😊🌻🦋

[@butchieblock9118]

Oh my goodness! Since I moved to the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, I am overwhelmed with Muscovy ducks!! I've actually given several of them names!! They look at my kitchen window awaiting my daily bird feeding ritual. Although lately they've been competing with the brown hares in the wee hours of the morning, and the highly competitive mourning doves. They don't quack, but kind of hiss, however they are VERY friendly!!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It sounds like you have got quite a group of loyal friends there! 🤗Thank you so much for your comment. Have a super rest of the week. Take care 🦋🌻

[@Graygramma]

Happy New Year! Just love your nature and historical dialogue along your travels.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you enjoy the vlogs- thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@jeffslater4581]

So glad to see Alice Grace back. Your videos transcends me from the reality and problems of the "real" world to a sort of fairy tale fantasy world where I could happily exist forever. I know------------ that sounds nuts.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It doesn't sound nuts at all; it sounds just wonderful to me and makes me feel really happy to know that the vlogs make you feel like that. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@vanessascola4708]

Poor sheep they are so hungry. What else would you do if no other food. Your reminiscing is so interesting and how it all can about. It's clear you love this life style. It's a new adventure ahead for you.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I have read that even though the sheep have plenty of food; they can't help but chew the sweet bark, so some farmer's protect the trees with different things to stop the sheep chewing them. Thank you for your lovely comment, take care🌻🦋

[@christineprice5463]

Happy New Year. And happy journeys to you. ❤ Love your channel. 😊 The birds are amazing. The swans know a bird lover when they see one. The duck knew too. Living on a boat as you are makes you a brave soul.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

The bird life was amazing on this cruise! And as for Doublet, we’ll I was thrilled to have it join us for the evening. Have a super weekend, Christine. Take care🦋🌻

[@christineprice5463]

​@@themindfulnarrowboatAnd you also.

[@gailmowat3149]

Thank you for telling me your book is still available, it's winging its way to me here in Ontario, Canada. Your videos heal the soul, they should be available in long term care facilities where they would uplift the spirits of the residents.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

What a kind comment; I am so pleased that you find my vlogs relaxing.Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@Daz_Maggie]

Some beautiful scenery & wildlife and the music complimented your trip perfectly 👌

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you, thank you so much. Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@annjarvis9300]

Awwww the bird life was really amazing I would have brought the duck inside she was lovely hope the year goes well for youth now all our best wishes for your travels 🤗🤗🤗👍👍👍

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I was so tempted to bring the duck inside, but I don't think she would have been impressed with me!😂🦆 Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Ann- have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@robertbrierley7083]

Lovely colours on the tree,bridge and duck just a very nice vlog and you really messed up the biscuit challenge (you little tinker),lol stay safe Rob.😊

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Rob- I am so pleased that you enjoyed the vlog- sorry about the biscuit challenge; I just really fancied using up the salted caramel that I had over Christmas and it is so delicious on toast with bananas! Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@MelG-ut3hs]

Your videos are just so calming and beautiful. Even during the winter there is so much beauty in nature.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Mel- that is so kind of you. Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@suedale1865]

Well that reflected image of the duck is so beautiful Glad you got through the lock to be closed & now on your 2024 journey I’m happy to see new vistas & views with you both Keep warm keep safe & virtual hug 🫂🫂

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Virtual hug back, Sue! I hope you are keeping nice and warm? Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@davidoshaughnessy493]

So happy you made it through the lock, I was on the edge of my seat.😉

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It was a relief to be through it. Thank you for watching. Take care 🦋🌻

[@Margaret_J]

Happy New Year and many happy travels! That muscovy duck was just beautiful, and the light all around - such gorgeous colours. Looking forward to another year of fabulous episodes. Take care 🌸🦋🐾

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Margaret, I hope you are keeping well? Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Happy New year to you too. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@AndrewBroadbent-dr8wb]

Lovely, gentle start to the new year, thank you.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@juliehill2830]

Just beautiful Vanessa, thankyou so much!... Xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@semperbufo152]

A lovely 😍 vlog to start the New Year Vanessa. We will travel with you through the seasons of the year.Looking forward to it already.❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased you're joining the journey for all of those seasons! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

Lovely to see you begin your 2024 adventures. Well done on getting through that unexpected closure. Phew, you must have been so relieved. 👏👏👍😀

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@stevecam724]

A video about an urgent situation but, as always, full of serenity 💖

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I’m so pleased that you found I serene. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@blackbob3358]

Loved the Redwing. Seen tons of 'em over t'years, but never that close up. Fab.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

There are a lot around at the moment which is so lovely to see. Thank you so much for your kind comment- have a super rest of the week, take care🦋🌻

[@johnmackenzie693]

All the best for your adventures of 2024, look forward to seeing them on screen.🦆

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@paulburgess324]

Good job, V&Z keep on cruising.x

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@barrettemonique9070]

The heart knows where we need to be. Follow your heart, always.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Great advice! Take care 🌻🦋

[@paulmclaine6413]

I think the Birds you love so much are looking for you Vanessa . When a Duck settles on the roof of Alice Grey that should tell you all you need to know. You are like me using a knife with butter on it then dipping it into another jar. My Mum would tell me off when I did that as a kid. You filled my Homesick craving again Vanessa, thank you.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am a crazy, old bird lady and would love nothing more than a roof full of feathery friends!🤩 My mum would tell me off too if she knew that I’d used the same knife😂 Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super week, take care 🌻🦋

[@paulmclaine6413]

When do you remember your interest in Birds and wildlife plus the occasional fungus starting Vanessa. You are not old but you are a Bird lady for sure. @@themindfulnarrowboat

[@andrewpearce4334]

Belated Happy New Year to you and Mr M, Vanessa. My wife Anne and I really enjoy your channel. We always watch on Friday evening via our TV and find it relaxing viewing. With your love of nature, your wonderful poetry and drawings takes us both into another world. I have posted a channel link for my friends on FB so that others may find you and enjoy the calming effect of your channel. Best wishes for 2024 from us both.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Happy New Year to you, Andrew and to Anne too! Thank you so much for promoting my channel on FB- that is so kind of you. Have a super rest of the week, take care🦋🌻

[@tomdurkin7321]

Lovely video so peaceful and picturesque. Keep up the great work.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@jamesfoley6555]

A very happy New Year to you ALL, your vlog get better and better, that was brilliant, thank you so much🙏✝️🙏🇨🇦

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

You are so kind, James and I really appreciate your comments. Thank you so much. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@lionelmarytravels6003]

So another year begins and I hope I can follow you and Zephyr for a long time to come. That ornate bridge you went through, I thought you were going to knock your chimney off again, but the camera angle was deceiving. So Zephyr doesn't like swans. Don't blame her. They can be very aggressive at times. Must have felt strange, passing the very spot you first met Alice Grey and thinking you'd give canal life a go for 12 months! I went to Devizes a couple of days ago and was fascinated by a number of Grey Wagtails busy catching insects around the locks. They must have some nests around there. It's so pretty at the moment, with the fresh green leaves sparkling in the sunlight. This was at Amesbury on the river Avon. The river is very fast flowing at present and we laughed at a swan being carried backwards by the current, whilst feeding off the bottom of the river. Take great care x Ps. How do I buy you a coffee? You will be the first person I've done that for.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Devices is a wonderful place to visit. I did the Caen Hill Flight several years ago and made a vlog about that which is full of editing and filming mistakes but it was such a good day. I have a coffee link in the description of each video, but you really don't need to buy me a coffee, just watching the videos is perfect enough.Have a super rest of the week. Take care 🌻🦋

[@sandyprosser805]

Hi Vanessa loved the video! I knew you would make it lol. It was lovely scenery and the colours of the trees were fab. Have great week. Xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Sandy, I hope you are well? Thank you so much for your lovely comment. It was a relief to get through the stoppage. Have a super week, take care🌻🦋

[@willduckworth5535]

Love 'swantourage'! Thanks for the video.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much- 🦢😂 Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@CindyWalker-f2q]

Absolutely loved this! Your drawings are incredible

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@philnasmith9755]

Magnificent shots in this video - Happy 2024 to you and yours

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I was so lucky with the wildlife and the light! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@barbarawrigley4242]

Really enjoying your videos. I find myself guessing which bird you will feature in your diary. Your sketches are beautiful 🤗🤗

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It makes me feel so happy to hear that you try and guess what I am going to draw. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super week, take care🦋🌻

[@jedgepilbrow8833]

Really nice to see you today. Stay safe and warm.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Nice to see you too! Have a super weekend and stay safe and warm. Take care🦋🌻

[@vanessascola4708]

So good you are here on Alice Grace again. It must have been so weird at first on land. Hope your time was enjoyable.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It was lovely to get back onboard. Thank you so much for your kind comment. Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@Hogarthnp20]

When i was young long timeí ago my freinds and I used to walk through feilds of Lapwings and their nests hidden on marshy feilds, now there are houses and a small bit left fir dog walkers .sad but at least i was there in the 60s and 70s to see them.love your ❤channel

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I think we have now realised that we should have been more careful in protecting these fields before we built on them. Fortunately, more is being done now as the State of Nature Report highlights every year how many species we have lost. I am so pleased that you have wonderful memories of the lapwing in the 60s and 70s though. Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@vanessascola4708]

What a huge relief you got to where you had to in time. Excellent vlog. Stay well and cosy. Eat lots and take good care. x

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It really was a huge relief! You're so kind, Vanessa- thank you so much, take care🦋🌻

[@cooperswayadventures]

You've taught me 2 new birds Redwing and Muscovy duck, I knew about them but visually logged now thank you. Loved the posh toast lol nice 😊

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased you have logged down the Muscovy and Redwing- spectacular birds! I'm currently trying to find Waxwing- but no luck yet I'm afraid. Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care🦋🌻

[@arjanvogel6444]

Thanks for your vid 😇💟💟💟 Love and bless you guys, beautiful bird's we have seen thanks for what you do.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so kind of you! Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super week, take care🦋🌻

[@gerardosullivan1642]

You are a great ambassador for the creation of God. You have a great eye to see nature. Happy new year.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

What an kind thing to say! Thank you so much. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@gerardosullivan1642]

Thanks

[@Wedgedoow]

It was nice to hear you may be heading our way,(Peak forest) Jar of honey for you when you get to buggy basin. Love your video's and knowledge of wildlife. Pete and Lorraine

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

How wonderful! It will be lovely to see you. Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@jackyteague6509]

Love seeing your videos Vanessa! So calming ... A joy to watch. 😃

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Jacky, I am so pleased that you find the videos calming. Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@andreaamer1183]

Excellent content , just takes me travel to another dimension, sooooooo relaxing. Thankyou x

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

That is so lovely to know- Andrea- thank you so much! Take care🌻🦋

[@dnewnova]

nice start to the new year glad to see you wrapped up nice and warm

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I am really pleased that you enjoyed the first vlog of the year. Have a super rest of the week, take care🦋🌻

[@chrishobbs58]

Hello again. Finally getting the time to comment...I was interrupted earlier in the day by visitors. Oh well. Enjoyed this very much, and before I forget...Happy New Year! To you and yours! As you might remember, I put myself to going back through all of your vlogs from where I first started. Now I plan to go back and revisit some of my favorites. Best wishes, as always!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Chris, thank you so much for your lovely comment. I hope you enjoy going back over some of the vlogs- that is so kind of you. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@sarasate89]

KZbin just recommended me your videos, and I'm so glad it did! Your videos are so interesting but also relaxing to watch. I love your knowledge on the local areas and wildlife you travel through as well.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so grateful to KZbin for recommending me to you- thank you so much for watching the vlog and for your lovely comment too. Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@garyjones5947]

Thank you for your content. It’s a comfort, and keeping me sane.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@sheilawright4185]

Good that you made it through the lock. 🥰 happy new year to you all. 🎉🎉

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much, Sheila for your lovely comment. It was such a relief to get through that lock. Have a super weekend and a happy new year to you too! Take care🦋🌻

[@anthonypope8429]

Hi great video I just love your blogs and the history on the places you visit I love your dog giving you a helping hand

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

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

[@Daytona2]

Soo may birds! Glad you made it! Do Lapwing have a strange way of flying ? So there's salt that far south as well ? I knew there was a lot around the 'wich's. It was such a massive and ancient industry and even down in southern England there are old salt ways (tracks) from the area, distributing it about. I think Zephr needs some kind of crowsnest bed on the side rail of Alice Grace, or maybe just a bed so she can lay down in comfort whilst looking out the side. I wonder if male Pheasants ever lose there immaculate colouring ? I don't recall seeing a drab one.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for such a lovely comment. I’ll try a basket for Zephyr and see if she likes it. The engine bay gets nice and warm where she lays down. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@markd3250]

Happy New Year Vanessa! Good to see you back. I love your choice of music; it's so elegant and perfectly matches the elegance of the beautiful countryside. Your love and capture of wildlife, especially birds is such a lovely feature of your channel. I'm glad you stayed with your lifestyle and videos. You and your channel make the world a better place!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I really appreciate your kind words, Mark and hearing how much you enjoy the videos. Thank you so much for watching them and commenting. Have a super week, take care🌻🦋

[@michaelhemp8679]

"And then there is that one wonderful person who not only touches your heart, but also your soul." M.H. Thanks

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

What a lovely comment- thank you so much for your kindness! Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@tracyirwin8681]

Came across your feed recently and they are really helping me through a very difficult time in my life. Your videos are beautifully put together and relaxing to watch with lovely background music. Your artwork and poetry are wonderful too, Thank you very much !

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so sad to hear that you are having a difficult time at the moment, Tracy. I hope things get better for you very soon. Thank you for taking the time to send me a lovely comment- that is so kind of you. Take care🦋🌻

[@tracyirwin8681]

@@themindfulnarrowboat thank you so much for taking the time out to reply. I'm enjoying watching your older videos :)

[@SallyCurrell]

Happy new year. Glad you got to Stone safely after all this awful weather...Muscoveys are lovely to see. By coincidence, I was walking along the canal at Bradford On Avon and one was sat on a narrowboat there too....xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

What an amazing coincidence with the Muscovy in Bradford On Avon- It is beautiful down there by the water. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@pilpelet100]

Happy new year. So happy that you made it through the lock just before it closed. I loved your video. You and feathered life have a great affinity! Especially with Doublet. So beautiful.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Happy New Year to you too, Ruth! I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video. Have a super week, take care 🌻🦋

[@simon-nb-Betsyray]

Good evening Vanessa a very sunny start to 2024 cruising with the colourful canal and lovely birds to kick start u off, nice to see the duck take refuge on ur roof. Nice to see u managed to get through the planned closure of the lock before it closed. How does Zephyr cope with the muddy towpaths and the mud on her paws? My dog is rebelling and won't venture far and sucks his feet constantly and the sucking is driving me mad its like a vampire sucking his victim slurp slurp 😂😂so I'm thinking of boots for him 😂. Have a great weekend 🐕🐑🦆🦢🦢🦤🕸

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Simon, the towpaths aren't too bad along this stretch of the Trent and Mersey, thankfully, but Zephyr normally edges her way around the mud. If she gets too dirty, she swims, even on cold days, but not icy ones. Little boots would be adorable for your dog though!😂🐾🐾 I hope you're staying nice and warm. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@clivelogsdon1492]

Happy new year to you. What a lovely first cruise of 2024. I just found a photo of a Muscovy duck who used to come and sit on my lap whenever I fished 'his' lake, I used to always look forward to seeing him, just thought I'd mention it 😇

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Oh Clive, how wonderful to have a Muscovy duck come and sit on your lap like that! They are special birds aren’t they? Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super week, take care🦋🌻

[@clivelogsdon1492]

@@themindfulnarrowboat they certainly are, on more than one occasion I got caught by my friends chatting to him lol. All the best

[@sheilajoseph9953]

Lovely vlog, glad you made it through the lock, now you can rest a while 😊

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It is a great relief to be through that lock, Sheila! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@FelixWilmot-ht3wz]

Hi Vanessa, if you’re still in Stone when you read this, I recommend you try out a Titanic Brewery pub. There’s the Royal Exchange, or Bod on the main street, where you can have cake with your beer. Tony swears by the Plum Porter. Happy New Year, and hopefully see you on the cut soon. Felix (nb EmBarrussed))

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Cake and beer- what a beautiful combination! I hope you are both well and keeping warm? Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@FelixWilmot-ht3wz]

Yes, both well. Got stuck in Loughborough during the floods, luckily on the canal section. There are two fibreglass boats now sunk at Kegworth flood lock, near where we ran into you guys before. Now safely back on the Erewash, after an arrival in the dark yesterday, as Ratcliffe lock was inoperable due to flood debris until a nice CRT man came out with his grappling hook. Guess what Tony wants now?!!!

[@harper5892]

swantourage, loved it!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

We must have the same sense of humour! 😂Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care🌻🦋

[@hidusb]

Your heading into my part of the world. Looking forward to seeing what you make of the area

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so excited to explore the northern part of the system! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super week, take care🌻🦋

[@robwynne1684]

A very Happy and Adventurous New Year to you and Mr M. It was lovely to see that stretch of canal, it is a favourite of ours. All the best Lucy and Rob😊🎉

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hello Lucy and Rob - a happy and adventurous New Year to you both as well. I hope you enjoyed your Christmas? Thank you so much for your lovely comment; it is a wonderful stretch of canal isn't it? Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@DerekWarner-m3q]

A peaceful and thoughtful start to 2024, thank you.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you found it peaceful and thoughtful. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@Kev_the-Brinklow-Kayaker]

Happy New year to you. Water fowl on the roof, without a fiddle 🎻 😅 I used to see one when kayaking Brinklow canal G.Union he sometimes was seen perching on a hugectree branch over the canal never see ducks perched up on trees lol. Used yo see a terrapin too a big one but he seems to have sadly disappeared .... Lov the picture and poem 💕 Lock done to infinity and beyond... 😅 Kev the brinklow kayaker... Ps canal boat Will must have been very star struck he keeps putting you up on his videos lol. You star 🎉❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Kev, thank you so much for your lovely comment. How wonderful that you had a local Muscovy duck and terrapin on your G.U kayaks. I hope the terrapin returns; it's probably doubled in size! I think that I was the star- struck one to meet NB Will! Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@PhilipFreeman-eu4wp]

What a lovely videos to watch I only started watching your videos today Im going to tell my sisters to watch your videos and subscribe to your channel love everything about your videos i like nature and exploring. Looking forward to seeing more of your lovely videos. Well done. 😊🦆🦢🦤🦉🐿️

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I am so pleased that you started watching my videos today, Philip and that you like them too. It is very kind of you to share them with your sisters.Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super rest of the week, take care🌻🦋

[@sunnysyl7]

I keep thinking your a couple … are you alone with just your dog ? Love how knowledgeable you are ❤

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I travel with my husband but his work has a strict code of conduct as he works in education so he can’t be on social media. Have a super week, take care🌻🦋

[@neildaly6787]

We can see Mr M's shadow at 10.02

[@paulturner7837]

A very Happy new year to you all Vanessa. That was a beautiful cruise with lovely wildlife and the golden light brought out the colour all around. Shame you had to zip through it quicker than normal but glad you made it before the lock closed. That was strange having the duck on the roof for so long 😂. I didn’t realise you were heading back to where it all began, quite emotional by the looks of it, but happy thoughts I’m sure xx

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It did feel really emotional which took me by surprise a bit! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@4950joan]

Another great video, thanks for introducing me to the salted caramel spread,I can’t eat hazelnut chocolate or peanut butter, the caramel is delicious

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Salted caramel is tasty isn't it? I'm not sure my dentist would approve though!🤫 Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Have a super week, take care🌻🦋

[@bimbledwadle]

That was super. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your kindness! Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@petemoring67]

Do you think your 'overnight duck' was an Escapee from 'Plumb Island' - New York?? 😂😊 ..... In the 50's/60's Lapwings were Soooo common ... We had several fields around #Wargrave where lapwings used to breed .... Had to be so careful we didn't crush their eggs as we scarpered over the fields ..... They appear to be really Scarce! now 🤔.... Good that you beat the lock closure EH?? .......

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

I hope it wasn't an escapee!😱🦆😂 There aren't as many lapwings anymore are there? They were hunted at one time for their beautiful head feather, but fortunately that doesn't happen anymore. Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@paulplant6486]

Really happy to be with you again on your adventures. Hope you had a fantastic Christmas and New year

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

It was a wonderful Christmas and New Year, Paul- I hope you enjoyed yours too? Have a super week, take care🌻🦋

[@desireeross9651]

KZbin recommended your channel a couple of days age, and I’m hooked. Been binge watching older episodes. How easy would it be to work remotely on your boat? Good luck. Your channel is very special

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment; I am so pleased that KZbin recommended my channel to you. Working remotely is ideal if you want to continuously cruise on a narrowboat; all you have to do is make sure that you have a good internet set up and as long as you can store all of your necessary equipment onboard then you are good to go. Have a super rest of the week, take care🌻🦋

[@otter736]

Have a Great New Year….and so looking forward to seeing your new adventures !!

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Wishing you a great New Year too! Have a super rest of the weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@helenedansereau9255]

Gorgeous light and gorgeous colours throughout... especially on the wings of that lovely visiting Barbary duck. Thank you for taking us landlocked along your travels.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Helen, thank you so much for your lovely comment. The light was beautiful that day; and amazing to cruise in. Have a super weekend, take care🌻🦋

[@soobee6060]

Your drawings are amazing. Loving those quiet times at the end of your videos. Just wish we could mute some of the music as feel it rather a bit loud and distracting. All the best for 2024, from a fan in NZ.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I’ll lower the music next week, sorry about that. Have a super weekend, take care 🦋🌻

[@Peterraymond67]

Vanessa, Happy New Year. How many windlass’s have you lost into the cut when you leave them on the beam? You must have a good strong magnet to fish for them. Stone gives me many memories, I was a BT engineer for 35 years and spent dozens of weeks on BT’s technical school in Yarnfield. Stone was a break from everything BT. Our bedding, soap, toilet paper towels etc was all BT marked. Even though we had a cinema, bar and the food was provided for us it was nice to get away from it, a non BT beer and a bag of chips or a night snack, bacon butty, from the greasy spoon in Barlaston on your way home from Stoke. Had many a beer in the Star Inn, the pub where all the floors are at a different level.

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hi Peter, I have lost several windlasses- you are right! I am so pleased that the vlog brought back those memories for you; I didn't know BT marked everything like that! Have a super weekend, take care🦋🌻

[@anitaokearney1970]

Hi there from Dublin I've just come across your channel today and love it 😃

[@themindfulnarrowboat]

Hello there in Dublin, I hope you are keeping warm with this sudden cold snap? Thank you so much for your lovely comment and for finding my videos too. Have a super week, take care🦋🌻