Travels by Narrowboat - "Back To The Present" - S10E16

Aslan & I leave the remoteness, beauty and tranquility of Thrupp and it's surrounding areas, now embarking on the final big push towards the end of the Oxford Canal.
On the way we pass through Kidlington and descend several locks, as well as journey under the noise and grime of the A34 dual-carriageway - a sure sign we're now heading back to the present, and modernity . . .
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The first 6 seasons of Travels By Narrowboat are available to stream on Amazon Prime www.amazon.com/dp/B07NXQG5HB/ with Seasons 7, 8, 9 and the new Season 10, here on KZbin.
#travelsbynarrowboat #season10 #narrowboat #liveaboard #canalboat #aslan #alternativeliving #continuouscruising #oxfordcanal #historic #countryhousegent #southoxfordcanal #twistycanal #hotweather #locks #thrupp #kidlington #a34 #motorway #modernity #nomoorings

[@Debba521]

Oh ho, a cliff hanger! Now we're all left on tenterhooks, wondering, worrying, will Kevin find a proper winter mooring? Or is he destined to roam moorless along the English canals, with no armco to call his own. Nothing but meat pies and a guitar to provide solace during his perpetual meanderings. I'm not sure I can wait to find out! This is right up there with "Who Shot J.R.?" Cripes... 😬

[@Dave4291]

Aslan has to be the coolest best sounding narrow boat I’ve ever seen/ heard you must be very proud

[@CountryHouseGent]

Many thanks Dave, she does have a distinctive thump thump and I do enjoy owning and cruising her very much.

[@gungrabber970]

Sees agenda21: "shouldn't that be agenda 2030?" Absolutely priceless comment Kevin. So proud to hear more people are conscious of such matters. Here in the States most are either ignorant of such an agenda or in complete denial of the plans some may have for us!!!

[@CountryHouseGent]

You're welcome. Some of us have known for the longest time 'the way of things' but I think the past 4 years or so, were the kick in the teeth many needed to snap out of their delusion.

[@nigelseaman4612]

Don't worry about CO2, it's plant food. Excellent videos and adventures, thank you 🤝

[@ewittkofs]

Of all of the canals that you have taken us, the Oxford Canal has been one of the most beautiful. Thanks for the journey!

[@happysporran]

I agree, even as a devout northener, the Oxford is my favourite.

[@christinemaker5656]

Lovely cruise, beautiful scenery. Good shot of the heron. Very enjoyable. All the best for 2024. Look forward to the last one of season 10, and your next season. 🙂

[@cycledelic44]

Love that exhaust, it must leave the zealots squirming. Cheers and subscribed from Queensland, Australia.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Indeed, it's my proverbial middle finger. 🤗

[@KellyColley-ec9tv]

We spent a relaxing holiday break rewatching all 10 seasons. I notice something different every time! Thank you for sharing the journey. Fan from Arizona USA

[@MERKAMGCLK]

All is right with the world. My Friday is happy. Kevin and Aslan posted a new video. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you from the States.

[@Lynette21122431]

Hello, Kevin. Thanks for this portion of your cruise on the Oxford Canal. So the fact that Season 10 will end with the next episode makes me sad, but I know you’ll be back! I’m certain that somehow it’s gonna work out for you to winter in a suitable place for you to take care of whatever it is you need to take care of each and every day until we get back to cruising and explaining, visiting and commenting, cooking and shopping, all the things that I thoroughly enjoy for you to do and post for us. Happy New Year, honey!

[@amyleasure536]

I’ve only learned about narrow boat living channels this year, with yours being recommended first by You Tube as a channel I might like. I have grown attached to your channel and have thoroughly enjoyed seeing England through your travel lenses. I didn’t know the cruising season ended in the winter, it makes sense that it would - the canals freeze up, duh. I live in the landlocked high desert of New Mexico and will probably never get to England but through your channel. My great- great grandparents independently came from England and met here in the US, so England and Ireland are the lands of my forefathers. I enjoy your content very much and I look forward to seeing more as you see fit to upload. Have a safe and Happy New Year. 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@CountryHouseGent]

Fabulous to hear that Amy. Very happy to bring a bit of the old country to your living room. 🙂

[@maryrounds174]

Thank you Kevin for another year of great video. I am so pleased that you share your life with us. Please continue in the new year! I look forward to your adventures with Aslan.

[@1258-Eckhart]

You're probably sorted now, but Narrowboat Will found a good mooring on the Thames near Wolvercote (for the shopping). Accessible via the Duke's Cut and the Wolvercote Mill Stream, which flows into the Thames at Kingsweir. It had the feeling of being very remote, although the A 34 was within earshot.

[@user-ou8yg7yu8e]

Very cool so good for them to do it for you .That is the locks .Yes mooring is bad for you There .

[@CountryHouseGent]

Yes that last stretch of the Oxford has no provisions for boaters at all.

[@Dannyshort1003]

Friday once again. Time for Kev and Aslan, of course. Hope you’ve had a pleasant and calm Christmas Kevin! One of my Christmas gifts was a CHG T shirt!❤️

[@CountryHouseGent]

Well I can't think of a better Christmas gift, Danny. 🙂 Cheers and season's best wishes to you.

[@RGW851]

Hi Kevin , I have been watching all your videos again and enjoyed them again helps me relax. All the good one’s over Christmas too . Thumbs up and a late happy new year . Good work on all your filming and editing.👍👍

[@jeangurnee]

Some of those residential boats look pretty rough :( Cheesed off is a fun way to put it. Happy New Year and hope wherever you decide to spend the winter is interesting and pleasant.

[@Roamingthecotswolds]

Loved the video Kevin.

[@martinjames9250]

I was quite looking forward to you arriving at 'Bundle of Sticks' lock! 😆 Happy New Year old chap.

[@Setinmywaysalways]

I wish you a Plethera of Visitor moorings for 2024, all the very best Kevin.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Ooh that would be nice. 🙂

[@lyndonjohn93]

Thanks

[@CountryHouseGent]

Cheers for that John. Have a great 2024.

[@deskullz7409]

Another fine vlog, Kevin! Happy New Year and safe cruising!

[@davecooper9721]

brilliant as always kevin .look forward to your downloads

[@viktoriaelisabethrotenbour8285]

Season's Greetings to you, Kevin. All the best for 2024. Many more happy cruises.

[@darrenniles2448]

Thrupp Is the only area of the canals I have ever explored outside of London, thank you so very much for sharing it

[@michaelboeh2277]

​ After watching this episode, the wife and I took a ride on the Augusta Ferry across the Ohio River in your honor. "Ferry services have been operation in Augusta since April 2, 1798, when John Boude began shuttling passengers between Kentucky and Ohio in his hand-propelled ferry. To this day, the Jenny Ann, continues to transport her passengers between Augusta and Boude's landing, located one mile west of Higginsport, Ohio."

[@CountryHouseGent]

Sounds fantastic. Something definitely happens to us when we travel on a boat. 🙂

[@rikkiharcourt3868]

Not much to do all day….bliss! Then straight from a bit of Frank Sinatra and co to some canal travel. Even more bliss in an otherwise dearth of suitable entertainment. Such a treat. You do all the work and I enjoy. I hope the oncoming promised storm treats you kindly and that you have a Happy, Happy New Year. Keep filming…………….please!

[@maryusa8526]

Happy New Year!

[@angelasmith8721]

All the best for New Year. Hope 2024 is good for you and Aslan.

[@alwaysinsideout]

Happy new Year Kevin. 👍🤞

[@philipizzard2584]

Hi Kevin hope your Xmas was quite and peaceful happy new year and thanks for showing us the Oxfordshire canal

[@sonyaweaver9207]

Hi Kevin. Just wanted to wish you a happy, safe, and healthy new year. I enjoy every episode....and always look forward to the next. Hope you find the perfect winter mooring spot!

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you Sonya and best wishes to you for 2024.

[@peterbrown1208]

I enjoy your work. It would be wonderful to see you rebuild Aslan. I enjoy your knowledge and especially your musings and asides. Safe sailing!

[@CountryHouseGent]

Cheers Peter. Yes I'll be filming whatever it is I end up doing to the engine.

[@mark_vandy1969]

It appears CRT’s strategy to generate additional revenue in Oxford is to simply limit visitor moorings. I guess they think residential moorings will somehow protect the natural habitats better than visitor moorings. Not to fear though, I’m confident CHG has used his superpowers to overcome this challenge! I hope you are having a comfortable and relaxing time wherever you are moored, Kevin. All the best…cheers. 😊

[@clpotis]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Thanks for the cliff hanger episode- just right for a Saturday morning wake up!

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you so much and for watching throughout the year. Best wishes to you for 2024.

[@susanleadbetter8639]

Another relaxing video, thank you. Hope you had a nice Christmas, best wishes for the New year

[@martinrothwell8966]

Kevin, Wishing you a happy and enjoyable new year. Hope Aslan has a well deserved TLC, keep us all informed if you stop here from smoking.

[@LarrySams71]

reassuring to hear Aslan's old Petter Mclaren B2 thumping reliably along -- also a bit sad, knowing that new episodes will soon be interrupted for a few months...this episode was peaceful, especially compared with last week's, looking forward to the season finale next Friday -- once more, my sincere wishes for a a happy holiday season, Kevin!!!

[@mitchkahle314]

Happy New Year, Kevin. Have a great 2024 (and beyond) and thanks for sharing your travels with us Yanks across the pond.

[@Balthazar1963]

Thanks for sharing your always-interesting-travels Kevin! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Hope you make an episode from your upcoming engine rebuild! Would love to see that! Cheers

[@CountryHouseGent]

Yes I'll be filming it, assuming the injector reconditioning doesn't do the trick.

[@61chrish]

Thanks for Season 10 Kevin, I have waited to binge watch all together. Wishing you all the best for 2024 😀

[@rwisti11301962]

Conservation area? For rotting boats, perhaps?? Hope you had a Merry Christmas, Kevin, and have a fantastic New Year!!! Hugs from Tennessee 😊

[@CountryHouseGent]

Cheers. Yes it seems a bit odd to have a busy main road, train tracks and new build housing, in a conservation area. 🤗 Best wishes to you for 2024.

[@EJL2004]

That pup jogging on at 6:28 reminds me of the saddest thing I experienced on the cut. Drowned dog floated into the lock right as the lock closed and it was way above us when the water drained out... Tried to tell them to stop but well... :( poor thing, not really anyway to get out of the cut for them unless you're on a farm with the bank slanting gently into it like Coventry...

[@CountryHouseGent]

That must've been a terrible thing to witness. I would definitely have felt for the poor little might. What a way to go.

[@michiganmikeupnorth]

That guy must have brought back some bad memories....stay safe!

[@CountryHouseGent]

Definitely, especially as I didn't see him coming. 😳

[@michiganmikeupnorth]

@@CountryHouseGent I've got PTSD from my military days. When I recognize the thing that startles me and really give it some thoughts it doesn't ruin my mood for the day. It really bothers me sometimes.

[@charlesebyjr2925]

Kevin, enjoying the scenery and your sarcasm 😂, when you start rebuilding the heart of Aslan I’d love seeing her inner workings if possible, cheers Charlie from Pennsylvania 😊

[@CountryHouseGent]

Will do Charlie. Best wishes to you for 2024.

[@theturquoisedream9244]

CHG and Aslan!!! Yayyy!!!

[@candyboyer]

I'm a bit late watching but enjoying it all the same. I have to say, the Oxford has been the most beautiful canal I've seen you do. If there's a prettier one, I've not seen you film it. Wishing you a comfortable & perfect mooring for the winter Kevin!

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you so much Candy and best wishes for 2024 to you. 🙂

[@glennclarke9787]

Great vlog Kevin 👍 Stay safe my friend 😉 👍

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you Glenn.

[@susanmarker2164]

Hope you an Aslan the very best Kevin..Hope you find a nice place to moor up for Aslan, whatever is needed to keep you aboard.and comtent as can be...Interesting vlog, I really hope it all works .out for you!😊🙏❤

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you so much Susan and a fab 2024 to you.

[@marionjohansson4235]

Happiest of new years to you Kevin. I guess you are moored up in a marina somewhere doing your major overhaul on Aslan. Hope it goes well and you don’t have any nasty surprises. We are being buffered by yet another storm. My pitch is a muddy patch. My car is stuck in the mud. Oh roll on spring.

[@loripotter6296]

Oh no, last episode next week. I enjoy watching you and Aslan. Have a great new year Jevin.😊

[@grahamlewis6062]

Happy New Year Kevin. So nice to see the green trees in January 😀. But a CLIFFHANGER when there’s been all that dreadful rain!!! Hope you’re ok Joan

[@davidday6838]

Hi Kevin, another beautiful and interesting video. Good content and camera work, be safe on your travels. 🙂

[@middleagedcrazy5297]

Looking forward to next year’s adventures Kevin. Have a Happy New Year!!!

[@mickclark427]

Hello Kevin mick from Hull really enjoyed this episode hope you are well and hope you had a great Christmas to and I will look forward to your next episode 😊😊😊

[@GarethProtheroe]

Happy New Year Kev! Hope you are having a good evening! Thanks for all of your endeavours and I look forward to everything you and Alsan have in store for 2024!

[@bipti4073]

“Cheesed off”…I’m using that for sure. Happy New Year Kevin!!🎉🎉

[@annh8885]

Once again thank you for a lovely ride. I hope the New Year brings you and Aslan more wonderful journeys with no more boat crashing. 😄-Cheers from Seattle!

[@dorissouto7751]

GMG, Kevin, I’ve just heard on the radio about the floods and storms at the U.K. please send us a quick update that your safe and well. Your in our thoughts 😀

[@CountryHouseGent]

Hi Doris and thank you. All is well with Aslan and I. The UK press do like to over exaggerate most events. 🤗

[@dorissouto]

@@CountryHouseGentthank goodness!

[@campbellmj9405]

Sarcasm levels are off-the-chart. Well done sir.

[@CountryHouseGent]

It's a lost art. 😉🤗

[@wayneharris7534]

Hi mate I'm glad to see you are safe and well. And that aslan is still chugging along anyway fella have a happy new year I am looking forward to the next video of yours..

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you Wayne and a fab new year to you.

[@HelenWills-cl8jg]

Happy New Year CHG! ‘Cheesed off’…. always the gent! I’m surprised you didn’t say ‘Whoops a Daisy’ when you had your incident in the lock!! Only teasing of course, another great video and wow, that heron was tame! 😁

[@CountryHouseGent]

Best wishes to you for 2024 Helen. Yes I was quite surprised as they normally fly off before I get near.

[@Daves_lens]

FANTASTIC as always thank you. Happy new year and I am looking forward to seeing your videos in 2024 🎉 hi from Portugal

[@StevesRepairs]

Thanks Kevin for taking us along on all of the great adventures throughout 2023, this one has also been brilliant. Happy New Year. Take care and all the best. Stevie

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you so much Steve and for watching throughout the year. Best wishes to you for 2024.

[@msoddsoxsox974]

Happy New year and travels long may they continue. Richard Vobes gave a good insight to the plight of continuous travellers, pushed, no doubt by the who's the wefs and the greta's , 15 min city's , state of the roads, open air prison springs to mind. x

[@TheCryptidExplorer]

Got an app of canals now on my phone and follow you along through the locks and bridges.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Sounds interesting. What's the app called?

[@debraperry166]

Many thanks Kevin for yet another wonderful video. May your New Year bring you health and happiness. Looking forward to future fabulous content. Cheers Deb

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you so much for watching Deb and wishing you a fabulous 2024.

[@roomtomovewellbeing]

Happy Christmas Kevin! Aah this is exactly what I need after a manic week full of stress, half an hour of Asian and canals 🤗

[@CountryHouseGent]

You're very welcome, thank you.

[@concealedcarrycurmudgeon2818]

Great relaxing video, thanks. Hope you had a Merry Christmas and wish you a Happy New Year. May you and Aslan safe and enjoyable travels.

[@christophersamuelson451]

Was great seeing you walking by Carfax tower Kevin. Been a very long time indeed since I have been anywhere near there. Waiting anxiously for the final installment. Have a lovely New Year. Hope I see some of the old pubs I used to frequent as a lad. Cheers!

[@CountryHouseGent]

Many thanks Christopher and a happy 2024 to you. 🙂

[@stephenworthington8508]

Hi Kevin, just watched the Show. It's 4.29a.m. /1/1/2024. And to wish you A very Happy New year. Stephen and Jane. SETTLE NORTH YORKSHIRE. Stay safe keep well.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you to you both and best wishes for 2024.

[@terivancampen4570]

Looking forward to another year of you and Aslan. Happy New Year!

[@annjarvis9300]

Awww it is bad about the moorings seems so unfair least you met some helpful folk moving on hope you had a good Xmas and wishing you a Happy New Year tc now look forward to next time 👍👍🤗🤗

[@oneshoan]

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! I hope you’re spending it somewhere special! Thank you for sharing your experience

[@lorenfreyer261]

Thanks for the trip down the canal happy new year

[@garethvaughan426]

Lovely vlog Kevin, looking forward to the last episode. Happy New Year to you, all the very best 🍻

[@Daytona2]

Hopefully you're Marina'd up somewhere now or if you're feeling brave, Pangbourne Meadows on the Thames ? Need some long poles for mooring when it floods ...and the Environment Agency fee. or go back up the beautiful oasis that is the Oxford ? Thanks so much for sharing your journeys, Kevin, best wishes for the future

[@blakehahn-atlantaga8510]

Happy new year Kevin! Great vlog! Beautiful canal!

[@nancywyatt1857]

Thanks for another great video! I was feeling a bit distressed for you in your moorings search. I hope you find somewhere perfect to lay up for the winter… plenty of food and necessities nearby!

[@googleUser-xz1lr]

Hi Kevin Have a fantastic new year Looking forward to your adventures in 2024 Jane & Martin.

[@kfrerix9777]

Our guy has less than 55k subscribers. 😮 Can we all agree to do what we can? (minimum wager right here) I really want this channel to be able to continue until Kevin gets tired of it or runs off with a girl.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you so much for your support and for watching throughout the year. 🙂🤗

[@user-fj6rv8ld5c]

when i worked in construction I made a square out of plywood that folded flat and opened up to slide over my generator as a sound wall it worked well

[@jeremy5363]

I’ve loved this canal and season, wish it wasn’t winding down.

[@bettywales3631]

Know you're busy on your off time, we were just wondering if you've had any push back from Oxford? When you do your refurb on Aslan, please don't change her sound. Thanks for all you do in sharing your world with us.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Hi Betty. No just the usual smattering of disenchanted comments. 🙂 Aslan should sound the same as before - better actually.

[@neilknight7626]

Hi normally blue smoke is oil burning and black smoke is diesel and white would be head gasket! Keep up your very fine videos😊

[@The101stEagle]

Kevin, hope you had a quiet and relaxing Christmas and the New Year be Safe and Healthy !

[@CountryHouseGent]

The very best of wishes for 2024 to you. 🙂

[@Moffit366]

Looking forward to the engine rebuild video !

[@geir.mathello]

Nice You must have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Cheers from Norway

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thanks, you too Geir. 🙂

[@_Tiamat_.]

❤🎄💚🎄❤

[@tobes1989]

Was hoping for a Christmas special and another excellent curry recipe. Happy New Year to you. 🎉

[@CountryHouseGent]

Best wishes for 2024 to you

[@martyb3783]

Kevin I hope that you film the work that you do on Aslan's engine, especially if you do a full rebuild. Great video as always.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Hi Marty. Yes, whatever it is I end up doing to the engine I will film it.

[@peko1967]

Interesting how seemingly few well kept, clean boats you see. So many look barely sea worthy and appear to be owned by hoarders.

[@52memor]

Mooring on the K&A I suppose that's part of the adventure. "Suck it and see"

[@CountryHouseGent]

Cheers for watching throughout the year and best wishes for 2024. 🙂

[@mikebrock8829]

Happy New Year Kevin. Your experience of going into Oxford much the same as ours. We were just short enough to wind before the Thames lock but nowhere to moor and not enough time to tackle the Thames. We tried to visit Oxford by camper van previously but park and rides don't accept a high top van. So back north to enjoy countryside instead. Great videos, best regards Mike and Sue on NB Waggy Tail.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Same here Mike. Oxford doesn't have the most welcoming feel.

[@aliinjax]

Happy New Year!!!

[@johnland5042]

Another fine video winter. of the familiar S Oxford canal. Its Jan 01 2024 as I write this so I'm wondering where you are for the winter. I hope all is well. We shared your frustration about poor visitor moorings. Not very many, and some were in poor shape too. Happy New Year, safe travels!!

[@CountryHouseGent]

Hi John and a happy new year to you. I'm well thank you, though I'm wondering where you are as 2 hours ago it was the '2nd' of January. 🫣🙂

[@johnland5042]

iIm in Victoria BC Canada, having left behind the English canals in 2017 unfortunately. We had a boat there for 17 years and travelled the system extensively. So very enjoyable.

[@AXELWOLFCHOPS]

All the best for your travels in the new year. I walk the hound up n down Lancaster Canal and really enjoyed your travels on the Lanky. Still wondering who the pie man was at Tewitfield. Used to be seaman on the Great Lakes in north America but still love boats and canals back here.. Some of my deepest sleeps was on the ships, the sound the engines are hypnotic. You should sell music files of Alan's engine - purrs me into relaxing... Thanks.

[@AXELWOLFCHOPS]

Aslan - the lionheart

[@nancyodonnell5298]

Happy New Year🎉!

[@mikehandy6625]

Cracking video Kevin 👍

[@makeCNCWorkshops]

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year ! Kevin thanks for another relaxing episode

[@CountryHouseGent]

My pleasure thank you and best wishes for 2024.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Ah thank you also for the 'gift'. Very much appreciated. PP won't let me reply to you through their messaging system for some reason. Happens now and again, no idea why.