This canal is almost impossible | Narrowboat Safari

After crossing the River Mersey, and cruising the Manchester Ship Canal to Ellesmere Port, it was time to start my cruise up the Shropshire Union Canal. However, as this part of the canal doesn't get too many narrowboats, it has grown a huge amount of pennywort weed, making it almost unnavigable. But with a lot of hard work, moaning and determination The Rum Wench eventually plowed through and moored safely at Chester Zoo. After an explore of the area, a nature trail and adventure in the weed hatch we were rewarded with some very confident, wild visitors.
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Thank you so much for watching. If you are new here, I'm Heidi and I live aboard my Narrowboat The Rum Wench and travel the UK's Canals in search of Adventure. After selling my house to experience an alternative lifestyle I bought a canal boat and a camper van which as a solo female who loves to travel, gives me the best of both worlds. I have recently got myself a new addition to the crew, a fabulous companion - my little rescue dog Bonny who is an absolute joy and the perfect First Mate. I also work full time off grid from my tiny home and trade at canal festivals as The Narrowboat Pirate aboard The Pirate Boat.
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If you want to know more about LIVING ON A BOAT, CANAL RULES or WHAT I DID BEFORE BOAT LIFE then please watch these two videos:
• Live on a NARROWBOAT? ...
• My Narrowboat is batte...
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Watch my 2 month Europe Adventure in my little Campervan here • The Adventure begins |...
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For more info such as Filming Equipment, FAQ and more: 🏴‍☠️ thepirateboat.... 🏴‍☠️
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You can also follow my adventures as the Narrowboat Pirate aboard The Rum Wench, Pirate Boat here:
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🟨 Music - heidimanning.b...
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🎵 Music 🎹
The Rum Wench by Heidi Manning
The Thrusting Cutlass by Heidi Manning
Plus Music from Epidemic Sound
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🥃 If you would like to buy me a Rum you can do here :
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#Narrowboat #canalboat #tinyhome #boatlife #singlehandedsailing

[@lakeshoregraduate]

That ditty from Adriana brought tears to my eyes... it is so "you"... we love you so much!!!

[@keithbraham6438]

Heidi has such positive soul, she finds something bright in whatever dire circumstance she encounters..I just love that about her I wish more people had her outlook on life🥰

[@youknowme8578]

I remember days of yesteryear, drinking rum, with such good cheer. My time has passed, while now I'm old. my days at sea were strong and bold. So now it's time, to sit and see, it's Heidi now the one at sea. I wait to watch it every week, a boat so long, and just so sleek. I raise my cup, and wish her well. Enjoy each day, cause getting old is hell.

[@gobstoppa1633]

LOVE THE MINI DRAMA WITH THE BIRDS, MINT"

[@esthers5876]

Thankful for you continuous cruisers and for your smiles and positive attitude! 😄😄

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

😃🏴‍☠️

[@lyn-marieohara184]

You certainly work incredibly hard , 🎉❤

[@Evasapprentice]

The highlight of my Thursday, with the Rum Wench 🌈🌹🌈 Fabulous incidental music!🎶🎵🎶😊 Superb cormorant footage…

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Thank you 😃🏴‍☠️

[@captlucky16]

Totally agree about taking your time and exploring. As for that damn Pennywort it's a nightmare. We were at Beeston several months ago and had the same issue. It might be soft but it weighs a ton when you try to lift it out. As you say continuous cruisers should get a discount for keeping the canals navigable. Cheers until next time..🥃

[@jammyjay917]

Yikes, all that weed looked very much like hard work....great video 🥰🥰

[@StephenBradshaw-b8p]

Another evening watching you soldier on and on this occasion through all that weed looks hard going and work , enjoying an insight into what canal life is like thanks Heidi

[@stephenbradshaw9126]

Blimey, there's two of us! Cheers Stephen.

[@StephenBradshaw-b8p]

Omg lol

[@karensmith2204]

Heidi, you are so amazing. I smile the entire time listening and watching you and little Bonny , as you adventure.

[@EdRobertson-d2n]

Yayyyyy! it's our Heidi and Bonny time again, My goodness that there is a lot of weed, I can only imagine what it's like cutting through all that, You and Bonny lift our lives every week and the way you described that Rum, I could almost taste it myself,....Cheers, looking forward to next weeks journey, Take care both of you.

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Cheers and thank you 😃🏴‍☠️

[@simonc858]

Goodness me! The Rum Wench was more like the African Queen on that journey! Hard to believe we are in fire lighting season again, that rum sounds lovely. Big Cheers from Mid Wales 😎

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Cheers 😃❤️🏴‍☠️

[@Warnz60]

Oh my, that awful weed was hard work. I take it that canal maintenance doesn’t take place much there. Shame there isn’t a volunteer set up to help. Thanks for the smiles, you make fun videos 😅

[@leaulife569]

Yay it`s Thursday! Pirate time!!😂

[@Chadsstickystuffakaglue]

Happy Thursday. May the weed ever be in your favor an less hatch time. Have a great weekend Heidi an Bonnie

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Thank you, you too 😃🏴‍☠️

[@Andrea-q5d]

Wow! Heidi that looked hard work 😳 it’s good you show us the reality of narrowboat life. Wishing you a weed free week 😁 take care ❤ xx

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Thanks Andrea 😃🏴‍☠️❤️

[@sixthspirit]

Them two Cormorant seem to be hanging around. Saw them today a little bit further towards Chester as I was cycling. They both took off at the same time, wonderful to watch.

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

I know, they are amazing and it’s rare to see them this close 🏴‍☠️😃❤️

[@Welshtraveler-e5q]

Lovely green bush in canal Heidi 😂 enjoy your rest day, ❤

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

😂😂

[@normanshute7162]

Good heavens you run into any more weeds and you might be recreating a scene from the African Queen. Where is Humphrey Bogart when you need him?😂

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

😂😂

[@fergusontea]

Bonny had better shape up on her duties because her annual review is coming up. Haha! :o)

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

🤣🤣🤣

[@caroleketelsen5445]

I enjoyed the lively music when you were cruising through the weeds

[@marianjacobs5597]

What a lovely ditty and so true ... thank you Heidi for another great post, time for you to take it easy and recover from taking care of all that floating greenery. 😇😃

[@markwilson5631]

Rum and weed..wild few days there mate.

[@bevis71]

As to most things: some hate weed, some loves it, some nevermind it as they don't have any in the surroundings :)

[@youknowme8578]

Hello Heidi, I've been looking forward to this week's video.

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Thanks Jay xxx

[@christopherbutler7588]

Great video Heidi love the Two Birds on the toe bath really made us laugh .have a great weekend and keep safe Apparently we may have some strong winds coming in next week. 😊

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Thanks so much, I love a good storm 😃🏴‍☠️🤣

[@lfcl468]

Hi really enjoying your videos new here I have family on magull channel was nice of them boys to help you with the locks ❤ a tipple of rum 😅 spiced is my favourite enjoy your travels take care🥂

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@stephenlines9431]

Finally, KZbin has given me some of your content that's CURRENT. '3 Hours ago' is pretty fresh; deserves a shot of rum and good old ARGHH! to celebrate.

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

There is a playlist of all the videos in order … if you subscribe which is free you won’t miss another 😃🏴‍☠️

[@richardwebb1739]

Yes, Heidi, floating pennywort is a nightmare for anglers too!

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

I bet, it’s just so thick 😩

[@kazmorley5175]

Heidi and Bonny day 😊 been a long time, since I’ve heard you say, ‘don’t be rude’ 😊😅😊not sure why it makes me laugh, but it does, every time 😂😂❤❤😂😂

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

😂😂

[@lorrainerichardson3280]

Doh, I don't drink but I think I would have a rum after that cruise and probably the next day after. A machete on your bow comes to mind..... though if the price of a licence has gone up so should the maintenance. I really look forward to Friday mornings Heidi, it's 6.00am and the coffee is poured as we board the Rum Wench. You could have done with a few of us really on board this week. Take care as always =-) See you next week.

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Aww thanks Lorraine, have a lovely day xx

[@JohnOllerhead-dz9rc]

Only found your Chanel the other day and you’re just outside my Home town Chester 😊 Hope when you move on you get to stop off closer to Chester city centre and get to explore, may walk the Roman walls or see the oldest Race Course in the Uk… there’s loads of history and things to do. 🙂 Safe travels ⛴️🐾🥃

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

I love Chester ❤️

[@richardjohn7991]

Well done for battling that weed Heidi. Looked like a living nightmare.👍

[@bluesheepyarn]

Love the cormorant dialogue! C&RT are using a beetle that eats only pennywort, to hopefully clear the canals of the dreaded weed. Long term solution I guess. Loved the video! xx

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

That’s genius 😂😃🏴‍☠️

[@АлександрНедовенчанный-ц1б]

Adriana said it very beautifully, everything is exactly about you, I support her words. And the one-eyed, and maybe even one-legged pirate would certainly help you today. You had a hard day. Sweet dreams to you. And you still have a place by the back door for a pirate...😊❤

[@AndrewBroadbent-dr8wb]

That was hard work just watching, well done for coping with it without loads of ****** words. Thank you.

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

I edited all them out 😂😂

[@rosannaallsop3046]

Brilliant vlog poor you that weed looked terrible keep going you will smash it x

[@caroledrury1411]

Great trumpet music through the weeds! You can make anything look like fun! Now I know the truth metaphorical meaning of being in the weeds!

[@davesturgess]

absolutely loved it Heidi ive seen weed on canals in my time but that was unbelievable looking forward to your next adventure take care and stay safe ❤

[@susansharples8555]

Another great video ❤ love it xxx

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

great see you got vlog out on channel thanks lee

[@mickclark427]

Hello heidi mick from Hull really enjoyed this Episode keep them coming and I hope you are both well and I will look forward to your next episode xx 😊😊😊😊

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Thank you! You too!

[@dianekenyon586]

Wow that looked hard work hiedi great vlog and the ditti was well said x

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Thanks so much 😊

[@MichaelJemson-nv5zo]

Cheers Heidi .hope you don’t have nightmares of the dreaded weed .really funny the captions on the birds .hope you and Bonny have a lovely weekend god bless ya both and stay safe 😊❤

[@susannemilroy4695]

Really enjoyed the last three vlogs. Awesome.

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

I just show my week …. Sometimes it’s exciting, sometimes if just canal life

[@kennybrew7850]

Hi Heidi and Bonny, I’m new to the channel and I am totally addicted, would loved to have seen you at the Albert Dock a couple of weeks back. You both have a lovely life on the water ❤

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Aww thank you

[@davidcragg2550]

Well done you very hard work i bet take care both of you x😊

[@nancyboston201]

Wow, too bad you can’t call a friend to help you through that weedy cannel. It looks very peaceful as long as you don’t get stuck. You can see why they used horses to pull cannel boats years ago. The ditty was very nice today. Take care.

[@selon2323]

Heidi....Girl!! Those are some FOWL mouth birds! Keep pressing on.

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

😂😂

[@helicopter12345678]

Nightmare but you survived as always...just such a tough cookie Heidi 😊 Arthur

[@sharoncastro1849]

I was stressed out of my mind watching you navigate through that mess! I had my fingers crossed until you moored up. Whew😅 Until next Thursday, take care out there Heidi!🤗❤️🍹

[@123gazs]

Hello H&B Glad to see your back with a Fresh and wonderful Experience Video - Omg look at the weed thats madness at how much there was

[@colinevans39]

You are hilarious and make me smile the bird thing funny ❤

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

😂😂

[@ianclothier7413]

Loving all of your videos Heidi, Thank you for our badge order ,we will enjoy wearing them at our family pirate party aarrhh! All good wishes Ian and Tessa Clothier .

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Aww I’m glad it arrived safely 😃🏴‍☠️❤️

[@annjarvis9300]

Aww what a tough time with all the weed it sure is strong and and could see you were worn out with it hope you recovered the aches n pains do tc now love to you and Bonny from the oldies 🤗👍🤗👍🌺🌹🌷

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Aww thank you … I cut 4 hrs down to about 9 mins of weed cruising 😂😂

[@MaxfromKs]

A big AHOY to You Captain Heidi and the little first mate Bonnie!!! That was a lot of work to make that 4 miles . Those weeds were horrible!!! I really enjoy watching the video as all ways!!! I hope that the next cruise will be better 😮😊!! Take care be careful keep safe and well!! I will see you and little Bonnie on the next video by for now.

[@chaswarren7239]

That floating Pennywort is a nightmare!

[@SGTVProjects]

I love taking a ride down that canal from Ellesmere Port to Chester, They are always cleaning the weeds out the canal it just grows back so fast. suppose a bit more maintenance on the water way and walkways would be ideal.

[@stevemendenhall6284]

Sorry about your battle with the weeds hope you have a great rest of the week

[@yeoldfart8762]

Maybe you need to find some one to organize a Narrowboat Weed party. Gang up lots of boats and folks along with ropes, grapling hook type tools plus good food, (Beer and Rum for AFTER, AFTER I say a days work) Also lots of musical instruments and singing. Just a thought. Better to do than complain. Thanks for taking us along as always.

[@icooper5236]

A lot of canals are overgrown,still as long as the licence fee keeps rising they're happy.At least they've cleared that

[@heidimacarthur7205]

The way things are looking that weed is going to grow over your boat during the night. It’s like tentacles reaching across the canal. Cormorant humour. Love it! Have a great weekend.

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

😂😂

[@SpudSqueak1]

Aarrrrrgggghhhh. Thursday and I have no booze on board! Still cheers to you and Bonnie!

[@Lulu5771]

Hi Heidi so good to see you and your lovely Bonney. Wow. That weed looked right at home there on the canal. I hope your next stretch is clear and easy sailing ❤

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Thank you

[@colecoguy]

Cheers Heidi! Good to see you both together again! I watched last week's vlog and the river, it was interesting to see where you stayed etc. This week the weeds were too much for me watching you struggle and try and get it all out of your way..... Hope the cruising gets better, and always enjoy when you are enjoying the journey. Thanks again for making my Thursday more enjoyable!!!!

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

I show the positives and negatives of boat life such as the wonderful second half of the video …. If I only showed the good bits it isn’t real life and a true vision of boating 😃🏴‍☠️

[@colecoguy]

@@TheNarrowboatPirate And that is one of the main reasons I watch your vlog, you let us see it all good or bad!!! Oh yea I forgot to mention your big bush needs to be removed !!! (don't be rude!!) 🙂

[@rogerjubb9092]

Thanks for another video. Good to see you are keeping dry in Paramo which we have found to be the best jacket.

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Oh wow, it’s wonderful …. I got in on sale and it’s been brilliant for boat life 😃

[@bishopkinlyside8477]

Hi Heidi, and beautiful little Bonny, wow, what a hard journey you had so far with all that weed, that is so incredible you think that Canal trust will clean it up really is ridiculous. Anyway I’m glad you’re both safe , love and appreciation Cliff from Logan City, Queensland, Australia 🇦🇺 I’m on the big island 🏝️

[@Johnnyg53]

Well done Adrianna, lovely ditty.

[@charlyfarly5173]

Hiya Heidi, looking at all the weed problems which I am sure yours is not the only one, are we saying the CRT are NOT doing what they should by maintaining the waterway?? What do boaters pay their license fee for?? OOH!! of course the CRT boards bonus of course and their OUTRAGEOUS salaries. OK groan over, have a nice one..

[@janicerobson3490]

Another enjoyable n fun episode. 😃

[@wallbrick4327]

fantastic content pawsome pooch and a lovely lady made my night

[@lakeshoregraduate]

Gorgeous bird-ducks...

[@adrianacounsel5903]

Your welcome 🙂👍. Wow at that weed, yikes!!! Thankyou for sharing how difficult life can be sometimes when you permanently live on board. Well done for clearing it all! 👍😊. Try Red Tiger Balm on your shoulder if its muscular. It will help. 🙂

[@ellencaswick3131]

Wow Heidi. The canal you were on looks terrible. That did not look like fun. But must admit, when I cheers you at the end of each show, it’s with weed not alcohol. So I do like me some weed😂😂. It’s legal where I live. You did a great job as always getting through. Glad you are going to light a fire and relax. You and Bonny deserve it. Till next week ❤🏴‍☠️

[@Linda-k2i]

Wow Heidi that looked like really hard work! It’s a shame they don’t look after the canals especially after they hike the license!!! You show all sides of boating, the good, the bad and the ugly. Loved the cormorants! Let’s hope there is not too much weed to go🤞Linda

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Thanks Linda 😃🏴‍☠️

[@pamelajohnson9260]

Splendid! Thank you

[@cynthiakeyes7197]

Hey Heidi, wow, do you have to stop and clear the weeds off the rudder often in that condition? That was a great idea to follow behind, let him clear the way right? So nice people to help, well girl I know what you mean by needing a day to decompress from you crossing the big river, girl I need a day to decompress from Hurricane Milton gosh what a scary night but we made now we pick up debris similar to you but ours is on land lol. So good to see you and your travels thank you Heidi your friend Cindy from Orlando ❤

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

I’m glad you are safe Cindy 😃🏴‍☠️❤️

[@richardbrown7153]

Wow! That:s a lot of weed! I thought it was some sort of decorative flower bed to start with! I think you're right about the weed - the canal near me is clear, but it gets a lot of boat traffic. Maybe fit a weed cutter to the bow of the Rum Wench, like Submarines used to have 😂Loved the shot of Bonny and the Deer - both thinking "What the heck are you?" and the captions for the corporate - very Animal Magic 😄

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Thank you 😃🏴‍☠️❤️

[@lesleyhutchason6277]

CRT should be clearing that mess up!!

[@JohnSteeds]

Heidi, If its any consolation the weed was just as bad when I cruised up to Ellesmere Port at the end of July took well over 4 hours from Chester, The worst should now be over and it gets a lot clearer after the next winding hole. All the best and keep the vlogs coming.

[@markgruenberg6277]

Thanks for sharing.

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Thanks so much again Mark 🏴‍☠️😃❤️

[@markgruenberg6277]

@@TheNarrowboatPirate You're very welcome.

[@kuukeli]

great video

[@Bill-1370]

Capt Bonny has it all under control, she knows that her First mate will get that prop all clear while she has a nice nap in the midday sun. She is a true sailing master.

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

😂😂

[@DaveAppleton]

I've done a fair bit of weed in my youth but not as much as you on that journey 😁. I see you didn't go into the zoo, was that in case they didn't let you out again 😂. Hopefully the next bit of the canal was not as bad for you. As they say " use it or lose it". Thanks Heidi

[@sandrakent8049]

Hi Heidi what a place as you would say, definitely hard work. If you end up with sore shoulders or neck a wheat bag you can warm up in a microwave if you have one I can recommend it. Always enjoy your videos and music. Goodnight from Crewe!

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

I can’t power a microwave unfortunately 😃🏴‍☠️

[@peterappleton5213]

In my experience there’s nothing worse than having to push through a large bushy mound to get to where you are going 😂😂😂

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

😂😂

[@ron7447]

Hello to the gorgeous Rum Wench crew. Does the CRT have a program to keep the weeds under control? What a pain in the bleep.😊 Take care Heidi and Bonny.

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

They are supposed to but not much at the moment

[@scruff520]

A rum well deserved Heidi 😁 x

[@sianwarwick633]

Oh Heidi, you are right, there are tufts of weed there ! Sargasso Sea. There are birds on it. Neat cormorant. True, cc-ing is a good thing, you need to put on a Clear The Weeds fundraiser. Good little Bons is there, too

[@brianroberts6044]

Thanks Heidi another great video, just a thought I have seen some propellers that cut the weed and other things off the propeller....obviously wouldn't help with your rudder or the bow build up but just a though,thanks again :)

[@gobstoppa1633]

beauty isnt in the eyes of the beholder, its behind them."

[@matthewcampbell7153]

Hi Rum Pirate. I used to enjoy Mc Kibbins Rum which was bottled in Belfast. but they've stopped making it now. It was a dark, demerara rum. Nowadays, I drink either Kraken or an over-proof rum called Lemon Hart 151. It is quite potent and will certainly keep one warm during those winter nights. Here's you you....

[@markrant1460]

Dear Heidi Next time you get onto your computer type in "prop weed cutter". It should bring up a device that can be attached onto the Rum Wench's prop shaft. There are different variations of them and they do seem to work. You should find them being sold at the larger chandlers. Hope this helps. Mark Alberta, Canada

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

They can’t be fitted to narrowboats I’m afraid due to the position of the skeg, rudder and prop otherwise we would all have them 😃🏴‍☠️

[@wandaallan2095]

" I've seen bigger beaks on a sparrow" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@stephenworthington8508]

Take care 🎉🎉

[@markgruenberg6277]

It's a shame that the Canal and River Trust doesn't see fit to actually maintain the canals. However, I'm sure that the executives are getting very well paid. Hope you find further cruising to be less stressful. Be well and stay safe. 😊

[@grahamdenness6537]

Can't believe the amount of weed on the canals and not a Hippy in sight😅 Get yourself down that weed hatch woo hoo. Canals were dug for boats use and if it wasn't for you and all the cruisers they would become un navigable in no time so cruise on me harty. Well done on your perseverance in difficult conditions. Never seen a weed beard before poor Wench such hard work for her. Just right that stove for cooking chestnuts on. Love Rumbullion think it's made in Tunbridge Wells. BFN

[@pilpelet100]

What a nightmare having to get through all that weed. Can the CRT not do anything about it? Anyway, thanks for sharing. Love your positive attitude.

[@debbietregloan9007]

Thanks Heidi and Bonnie xxxxx

[@martykitson3442]

the wench was much smoother once you trimmed that bush😁...🤠🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

😂😂