Travels by Narrowboat - "Guilt Trip" - S08E11

[@davidrobertthomas1515]

It’s Friday night and it’s Countryhouse Gent night. Kevin you are brilliant.

[@ClassXIRoads]

Just what i needed to see , a video from you and Aslan. All is right with the world for at least the time I have to watch it. Some people just cannot understand the finer things in life .Like the beauty of a 1952 Petter Mclaren simply chugging away without a care in the world. Thick cloud of black smoke hanging in the air so thick you can't see where you going. Rolling coal narrowboat style. Thanks for the video.

[@ianmedium]

Ahh the smoking, brings back memories of my old Matchless and my late Uncles 1930’s Lagonda, it’s part of the joy of vintage. The days where bores where hand honed on mass it’s part of the experience. Nothing better in the world than a Vintage Bentley LeMans on full chat burning the Castrol R. To me it’s a sign Aslan is working properly 😀

[@philmotta9971]

Kevin, Aslan's engine has a charming character. I wouldn't change a thing with it either. Vintage engines each have their own unique personalities that should be appreciated for what they are. I'm also pleased that you've decided to forgo the turkey upon your head. My wife Sharon and I are always pleased to watch your adventures. Thanks for inviting us along.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you Phil. Great to hear you enjoyed watching.

[@sonyaweaver9207]

Happy Friday evening from Ohio. I think it's sad that you have to be so careful about where you choose to moor, but safety is a must. As long as Aslan is aware of the dangers of smoking, its nobody's business but hers...lol...sorry. couldn't resist. 😁 Enjoy your weekend. See you next time.

[@jimmisura6533]

I started watching CHG years ago when you were one of the first Narrowboat vloggers. You were actually the first one I ever saw and got me hooked. I admit I kind of lost touch over time, you know how life gets in the way sometimes. But now that so many other long time vloggers have left, like Kath and Annamarie, getting close to wrapping things up like Jo and Michael, or changed format like Colin and Shaun and David Johns, I relooked you up and was very happy to see that your still chugging along. I still watch “Cruising the cut”, great documentaries, started watching “Minimal List” and “Foxes afloat”, as well as “Floating our boat” again with Fran and Rich but I have missed your simple, sincere, solitary cruising lifestyle. I look forward to going back and catching up with all the episodes I missed. Be well, and take care of yourself. Cheers from Florida 🌴🌴🌴🌴

[@shirleymassey9755]

Hi Kevin enjoyed your video again always interesting.miss your cooking as at the age of 71 i still learnt alot.looking forward to your next video.happy cruising.

[@sharoncampbell206]

I love the videos. They really make me relax, and I need that! Love the recipes, scenery, the wildlife, farm animals, and the people.

[@CountryHouseGent]

You're very welcome Sharon. Pleased to hear that, thank you.

[@jillbooth2829]

My family recovered from covid by laying on the couch all week and watching back all your videos. We are feeling better today and we’re so excited that you posted another for this Friday evening. Just what the doctor ordered. Thanks Kevin!

[@jeremy5363]

Aslan’s chugging and smoke puffing is part of its charm! It’s not hurting anyone or anybody. The stills that you captured by the Bone and Flint Factory/museum were really cool! Thx as always, till next time. 😊

[@grahamwestgate1192]

Don't you listen to those nasty people Kevin! An engine with Aslan's pedigree should never be criticised! With the performance of a McLaren, and the industrial pedigree of a Petter you can't go wrong. I use to have a 4 ton dumper with a twin cylinder, hand cranked Petter, and on a cold morning it was a grand way to warm you up. ( So long as it didn't kick back!!) The old two stroke diesels were even more fun, cos if they kicked back they could start up backwards, which made the gears a little confusing!!!!🥴😂

[@CountryHouseGent]

Ha so true Graham. I'll stop sobbing into my hankie now. 🤭

[@altacat9702]

: )

[@denisscott3073]

Hi Kevin 👋 just us 2 saying hi and thanks again for sharing this video update 👋 great video as always 👋 den and sue 👍👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🚌🚌🚌

[@LarrySams71]

nice to see you in a determined and cheerful mood, Kevin -- how could anyone not love diesel aroma? -- have to mention my enjoyment of this week's cruise through the Tunstall/Middleport/Stoke-on-Trent area with its considerable number of antique factories and commericial buildings, always a special interest of mine...as we progress with you I must state my growing opinion that 50 to 100 years from now your volumes of video will form a valuable historic record not only of the canal system but of the British infrastructure of our own era -- eager to see the next video!!!

[@murrayfarms]

I have already "liked" and saved to my "watch later" list for this evening after I get off work! I absolutely cannot wait until I am at home and able to relax with a nice dark ale and your beautiful journey! Head over heels in love with this channel!! Dearest Kevin and Aslan, wishing you the safest and best in your continuing journey!

[@CountryHouseGent]

Awesome thank you and best wishes to you,

[@boequet]

I always refer to them as dearest Kevin and Aslan, too! I love them both so much.

[@TerryC69]

Hi Kevin! Speaking of a previous life, when I was MUCH younger, I used to haul freight all over the North American continent. When you point out some of the challenges of finding a suitable mooring for the boat, it reminded me of the pain in the arse I used to have trying to find parking with my tractor, (lorry) especially when I wanted to go in a shop to grab some groceries. By the way, the snaps, featured in the video, are just lovely. Cheers, Kev!

[@1Polglen]

My uncle built roads, landscaping etc. Always visited on his big road grader. Don't leave your bike behind him we but that's another story. In the mornings would drive it down to the local shops to get his bread, paper and milk. Interviewed for the news. Have any trouble parking that beast? No trouble I just stop outside and nip in! The grader came to his funranal

[@markhoskins4614]

What a beautiful and therapeutic sound.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you Mark. Yes it's often remarked how soothing and restful it is. Fortunately it doesn't send me to sleep while I'm cruising. 😁🤭

[@ndsailor]

Thanks again, Kevin, for logging your travels for all of us. They keep my dreams of travel-by-boat alive.

[@trevormassey922]

Your videos are a Friday night treat. Stopped watched TV channels just watch you!

[@kplante7881]

Another good one…. Thanks for sharing!

[@k8eekatt]

"Please please stop going on about it Pleease?" Well you hit that high note 🤣

[@caseyschesky3708]

Kevin, just tell them it's a 50's diesel...it's supposed to smoke! (BTW, that's not even really smoking as they go!) Loved the Mr. Bean reference with the spotlight and the turkey! Best regards Casey from Michigan

[@NathanElcoate]

Lovely cruise again. Nice photos too!

[@ghostpepperrides4805]

Very good Kevin. Tell it like it is. Very much enjoyed by me and the wife.

[@brodie2711]

I love all our canal industrial heritage and it really angers me how we neglect the heritage buildings of the north and Midlands. Even in my part of the world near little Venice, I can remember the council knocking down all the canal-side warehouses that stocked everything from all parts of the network even huge barrels of Beer. This was in the early 60s they've all gone now. Thanks, Kevin for that very enjoyable Vlog.

[@CountryHouseGent]

It is indeed quite upsetting to see what are very well made and characterful building, simply left to crumble away, or even worse, removed and replaced with cladded steel-framed boxes. I think they call it progress, but erasing history is going backwards for me.

[@jamesfoley6555]

Thank you🙏✝️😇🙏

[@clpotis]

Thanks for another virtual canal ride! Love those old brick industrial buildings. What a busy place that must’ve been in the 1800s. Quite a different world back then.

[@richardwhipple3522]

What a great video. It simply amazes me how much construction is being done, yet the older buildings are being maintained and restored. It is truly the best of all worlds. Aslan's smoke?? Love to compare your carbon footprint to any of those who complain.

[@lspringerjones]

Very nice outing. Lovely weather. Downhill locks. Life is good!

[@Cynbrat1]

Finally got my Tshirt, so will be gently chugging along as I watch. Since Aslan is only a couple of years older than me I can totally understand the fact that she is what she is.

[@charlesebyjr2925]

Thanks Kevin, now that I’m all relaxed from my ride in Aslan I’ll be taking a nap, cheers Charlie from Pennsylvania

[@rikkiharcourt3868]

Well, this was one I missed earlier…….must have been in hospital. What a treat! I might have missed some others, will have to go on the trail ………there is something for me!!! Very pleased and thank you.

[@Barbiloulou]

I may have just figured out why you're still at the top of my (ever-dwindling) list of narrowboat vlogs I follow. You show us what's ON the canals. The ducks, homes, derelict boats, trees, stonework, views, walkers, all of it. What you're seeing. I'd be wanting to moor up every 100 yards to marvel at something.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Brilliant and thank you Barb. Yes, I think that about covers it. :)

[@Barbiloulou]

@@CountryHouseGent OK, now my fangirl crush on you is probably over. You're just too nice. We'd be incompatible. There were other omens: The tea thing, you don't drink enough alcohol. The no salt/pepper thing. My husband of 40 years might be hurt. AND you never planted the Chiltepin seeds I accidentally sent you. It was actually a tossup between you and Ricky Gervais, but he's in the lead now. Will still wait avidly for your vlogs, except the (meh!) motorcycle ones.

[@CountryHouseGent]

😳😢

[@benspears5073]

Good god, I’ve been on the go since I was 16 too, and like yourself I feel guilty when I lounge around doing nothing. Surly we deserve a break at some point? It’s hard when a good work ethic is ingrained into you from a young age! Keep up the good work, I love your channel 👍

[@gungrabber970]

More cooking segments please. Great job. Always enjoy your content!

[@jeanthomasson5869]

Loved the still shots. I enjoyed the industrial sites as well, especially the kilns. Thanks for sharing.

[@netrhyda8761]

Great little video! The industrial section of the canal has a very different vibe. And don't let anyone give you any crap about smoke coming out of the whatsit! I got a chuckle out of your mentioning Mr. Bean. Happy travels!

[@enspropheticministry6786]

Yeah, great video. And for what it's worth, I love the way Aslan "smokes". I think it gives him great character. 👍Keep you on a puffin'....😊

[@AndyPriceVideos]

Nice one Kevin, I particularly liked your photos especially the last one of thee boat moored up.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Pleased you enjoyed it Andy, thank you.

[@GaryCSchade]

Nasty looking water......lovey vlog Kevin. Keep it up, Excellent as always 👍

[@SageBlackthorn]

That was interesting to watch. I have a Brown Betty teapot from Cauldon Ceramics, located at Stoke on Trent... and it's made with Etruria Marl clay. So that was kind of neat to see the area my teapot was manufactured.

[@andyrbush]

Another pleasant trip along the waterway.

[@Whitty-zs5yl]

Another wonderful video! Thank you 😊

[@susanmarker2164]

Wonderful vlog ! I'd love to make a nice thoughtful statement here...and I promise I did try....but.. Darn I'm sick with this crud.I believed I outsmarted...😫. But apparently not!!!so... Thanks Aslan and Kevin for making my evening brighter indeed!!😊

[@jules9303]

Top video thank you 😊

[@georgesmith8113]

Hi Kevin! I’ve been retired for a couple of years now and I know what you mean about feeling that I “need” to be doing something. But don’t worry….. it goes away! Always fun to ride along with you! Thanks for the trip. 👍👍👍👊😎

[@vumba1331]

At 15:00 is Tobys where we had a good dinner after taking 6 days completing the Counties Ring, too tired to cook. The Black Prince mooring is on the right through the pedestrian lift bridge where we moored for the night before handing the boat back. Great time, thanks for showing it, locks were fun too, first we went down after picking up the boat in Etruria, and then on to Stone, pizza for dinner the first night. What a great holiday cruise that, would recommend it, great people on the canal, lovely countryside to float through, interesting towns to explore and incredible engineering prowess to be seen, like canals over roads and canals over canals! Not to mention Scarecastle tunnel.

[@paulgriffiths6404]

Thank you for all your content Sir. My wife and I have followed you on Amazon and now on you Tube. Love all the episodes. As a fellow you Tuber (Admittedly mines about bikes) I know how much hard work goes into making these videos. So thank you so much for your effort. PS I am a massive quo fan so when I heard your reference to Francis Rossi on your series one and the tee shirt of the Quo you had me hook. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@CountryHouseGent]

Awesome and thank you Paul. You're right, it's a lot more work than it appears from watching, but we wouldn't have it any other way? :D

[@steveallen5087]

Ahh 😌 the smell of diesel exhaust! Gotta love it! Having driven large semi-trucks over the road for 25 years, it just smells like travel and that’s what it’s all about! Good on you 🤟😍.

[@steveweave2797]

Kevin, you're right to keep moving 'til you find the spot that you're comfortable with, and of course that means not bothering people in their houses with generator noises. Made for more lovely video for us at home to watch, so no complaining about that! BTW, no complaining about the "You know what" (Aslan exhaust)... ROFLMBO... cheers from Tennessee.

[@janeabbotts]

I really enjoyed that journey, very relaxing... thank you. Cheers.

[@victorfebo2968]

I cannot tell you how much I enjoy these short videos. Is like I were there. Thank for taking us along Kevin! :)

[@nesleinf]

Smoke gets in my eyes... Great vid. Love from Denmark

[@anthonyclary1198]

OXO!! 100% Beef!!! Excellent job as usual Kevin! And I would think that Aslans exhaust is a pleasant smell!

[@CountryHouseGent]

Yes, she carries a scent of Eau du Soot. 🙂

[@anthonyclary1198]

@@CountryHouseGent 😂

[@sandywatson6520]

I know what you mean! Safe travels.

[@maxboonkittypoison]

Aaaahhh she sounds nice. Chucking along. the weather is fine everything going smooth. But do not climp over the boat while moving. That is a big no no. Hahahahaha. Love your videos Kevin. But i like those videos best where you show a full day worth of boating including cooking. Those are gems on your channel.

[@michaelshuman3319]

Great vlog !! The still shots are fantastic and add soooo much to your videos . STAY and CRUISE SAFE

[@kipphelan]

Thanks Kevin. Amazed at the amount of graffiti. Time comes in different increments on a narrow boat….very appealing ...all the best...Chris 🇨🇦

[@bigslav5043]

thanks kevin so glad you take us on these trips.

[@suzannebigbee7596]

Just what I needed! Thank! Very lovely stuff today!

[@betterthanlife4521]

Hi Kevin, to stop boat going back and forth when mooring rings arent far enough apart, criss cross them ☺️. Front tied at back, back tied at front. Matt.

[@ronmcbride986]

Another excellent video, Kevin, I hope you keep them coming. So relaxing.

[@martyb3783]

Another great video Kevin. Thanks Mate. I hope you have a great weekend.

[@SBWILDlife666]

I’d fully recommend the Caldon canal if you do get the chance. I cycle large parts of the midlands canals and the Caldon is by a mile the nicest and most picturesque canal I’ve ridden so far. Consall forge is an absolute must on the Froghall branch there’s a lovely pub there, as is the leek branch and leek itself 👍

[@casper1240]

Those Geese are following you everywhere Kev 😁

[@christinemaker5656]

Another fine trip! Good to see you happy, singing and joking despite the smoke scenario! I saw you were holding your breath, that man did make me chuckle though after all you’d said. Very enjoyable. 😊

[@edsageseamaster3440]

Great Vlog and a great series Kevin. Thank you.

[@oneshoan]

You are so funny! I’m still laughing about the ending. It’s not you or the boat I love, but that beautiful engine!!!!!!

[@markgrice8603]

never apologise its a sign of weakness, who ever moans about Aslan smoking does not deserve to listen to the relaxing sound of her engine, great video as ever Kevin stay safe

[@martyb3783]

Apologizing is a sign of weakness? What a load of BS.

[@markgrice8603]

@@martyb3783 don't take it seriously its a Gibbs rule, of course apologising is not a sign of weakness its a sign of good manners if in the wrong. was just trying to cheer Kevin up.

[@martyb3783]

@@markgrice8603 Ok Dude, no hard feelings. I would apologize but well...you know. :)

[@joannewendt1792]

Nice. Love the old buildings

[@Dave-bu6bc]

It's like watching the journey I'm about to take, but in the opposite direction. Every chance we're going to cross over somewhere en route, I'll give you a toot and a wave if it happens.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Excellent Dave. I'll keeo an ear out. Have fun. 😊

[@Tony02062]

Perfect Fri weather nice coffee hot and a new CHG who could ask for more

[@Dannyshort1003]

It’s Friday….AND It’s time for Kevin. Wonderful.❤️

[@grumpycyclist3319]

What a wonderful way to end a week. Thanks so much Kevin!

[@CountryHouseGent]

My pleasure Shaun.

[@Michael_Scott_Howard]

Given Aslan is an otto cycle, aka Diesel, she smokes due to her normal low rpms... if she had an issue, e.g.burned lots of engine oil, her pappy would surely addess it, but a low rpm and less complete combusion of a diesel is normal. Smoke on Aslan, keep calm and chung-a-long... tell pappy hello..

[@russellsprout2223]

Lovely, genteel, beautifully 'filmed' video and entertaining narrative as we've come to expect. Long may it continue. Atb, Kevin. 👍

[@ellistolchard4400]

I lived in Hanley, Stoke on trent for a short while whilst studying in the area many years ago. We used to go to a nightclub called the Place at the top of the hill. It was a big club with a large pub next door, which was connected to the club. It was a pound or 2 to get in, and 1 pound a drink. Happy days...

[@paulp1008]

late 80`s ?

[@ellistolchard4400]

@@paulp1008 I think it was 1993. I have many good memories of the time I spent in Stoke on trent, however some of the things I saw there were a big grim to say the least...

[@paulp1008]

@@ellistolchard4400 i can imagine..stokes been lost now to the east europeans...shame..was a good place back in the day...

[@willhackley1682]

Yes sir. Friday with CHG!! Perfect.

[@nadirsadiq6345]

Yeah I noticed the smoke from the Aslan too, so what goes with it (hehehehehehe) just bustin' your chops, just because........ Have fun, it is always nice to see your vlogs. Oh by the way, why don't the tunnels on the waterways have lights? I had sent this question to "Water ways trust" never heard back.

[@paullapper8702]

Great photography as usual Kevin

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you Paul.

[@rusnsc7622]

Thanks Kevin!

[@tracyriley4735]

Hi Kevin 👋 hope your well and enjoying life x

[@richardhyatt-beekeeping]

It's world bee day today and I've been working my bees. Did you know honey bees are not native to America. Enjoyed hearing Aslan's engine again. I've missed a few episodes as of late. And, am catching up. I really like the still photos in the last two episodes. Adds a bit of pleasure each time I see them.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Hi Richard and thank you. Keep an eye out in a couple of video's time for a short bit of 'bee keeping action'. :)

[@IQDronin]

Hi Kevin, saw you today on our travels. Thanks for the KZbin tip off! 😀

[@CountryHouseGent]

Aha, hello. Were you the gentleman who asked if I was doing more programs?

[@IQDronin]

@@CountryHouseGent yes that's right. I recognised the boat before you, sorry. Watched the 3 series on amazon I think and thoroughly enjoyed them.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Cool 😎. Yes it's a fact most recognise Aslan first, then the lanky guy stood on the back. 😁

[@sherrycoady2491]

Glad you brought up the subject of fumes. Was curious myself and often wonder if it would be better to extend the exhaust to through to the stern. But if it bothered you, you wouldn't be doing it. There is a tug at our Marina that has a 1946 deisel that smokes like... Well let's just say when it fires up sometimes the fire station gets called cause someone thinks something in town is on fire. Enjoy your channel.

[@CountryHouseGent]

It's a good way of knowing that there's oil in the engine, Sherry. :)

[@TarsemSingh-yi8qm]

Very beautiful😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you Tarsem :)

[@mikeoswald8053]

Smoke? Well the engine's old enough, legally right? Anyway, as pointed out below its a low pressure diesel and they puff a bit, even the sainted Gardner. One thing, however, there are additives to the fuel that will increase the Cetane rating (somewhat like octane) and that might eliminate some of the smoke. In a way we have a parallel with our wood boat. It was built in 1939-40; it is in good shape and cruises the Puget Sound and the Inside Passage of British Columbia. If we attend the shows that are held in the summer, we can expect a number of complainers describing how we killed the forest just to have a boat. Of course I was not born yet, but I have destroyed the forest, they earnestly claim. To you mate, keep Aslan going and many years of good luck!

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thanks for the Cetane tip. I'll look into that. Don't get me started on the enviro-mentalists. I've encountered a couple who seem to think I single-handedly caused this climate change thing. :D

[@stephengardiner9867]

Wow! ... so you can lay bricks with a cell phone??? (11:53) As for your varied employments over the years, well, from what I have seen on several narrow boating vlogs, you could have become a millionaire selling aerosol paints to the local adolescents! A fair number of the "works" were actually quite well done! I, on the other hand, held my one and only full time employment position for 40 years! Mind you, the requirements and duties evolved and changed a lot over that time! I think that it has to be a record of some sort. From what I have heard, those bone and flint mills played merry hell on the lungs of the workers (especially the flint grinding)... "potter's rot" they called it, I believe (nowadays...silicosis). Auld Aslan smoking??? That is a diesel engine people, and it was built to work for decades at a time when emissions controls were undreamt of and fuel efficiency was almost a subject of science fiction. It is a classic engine running the way it was intended to run. Doesn't breathing the fumes bother you??? What a daft idjit thing to ask!

[@stephaniealexandra5142]

Awesome! - as always!

[@Santafefrank]

Thanks for the ride Kevin.

[@marionjohansson4235]

Talking about smoking chimneys and Aslan, you should see my old Fiat when I started her up after 2 months of being still. I knew she would smoke, but was not prepared for how much! Lucky I have a thick hedge around us.

[@billlezak1977]

Classic Diesel there is something about the sound . There was one (I believe a Kayaker) guy from a couple of seasons ago, said it was like John Bonham on the drums. That sums up Aslan's for me. Enjoy your video best wishes from Tennessee USA

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thanks Bill. The engine note is very musical. Would make a good backing track, for something? :)

[@midnightdreemz1509]

Hi Kev and Aslan! It's funny you mentioned graffiti as I was going to ask you if you had any favs you have seen on your travels? Once again enjoyed your narrative and video. Safe travels and Godspeed, Tx🇺🇲

[@SteveMikre44]

Next Friday night and episode 12 can't arrive fast enough...🇬🇧

[@eleanorchapple8772]

Did I just see the Gladstone pottery kilns? Abandoned? Maybe some other kilns?

[@duskhunter3803]

Excellent Sir. More smoke I say.

[@jeffmorris739]

As for the last part, archery, debauchery, apples, bicycles, virtual dating assistance, goat rentals, professional potty training. Well you know. albatross! Shards of broken glass!

[@davidgray5583]

Kevin. There is a new class of generator out called an Inverter Generator. Lots of people with RVs use them as they are much, much quieter than the traditional sort. Perhaps get a manufacturer to sponsor you ? Just a thought.

[@jameshallen007]

Nice one Kevin! 👍

[@marjrose3640]

I love your still shots here, Kevin. Any way to get a print of one? Another fun episode in TBN! Thanks!

[@CountryHouseGent]

Possibly, one day, Marj

[@teasip]

Always interesting when you reflect on previous occupations. Perhaps you can start a new series on your former life "Travels by Scissor Lift". 😀 Of course you're somewhat a Jack of All Trades including a once mentioned stint of serving ice-cream cones to rude and ingracious customers. Also you once mentioned that you trained in bricklaying so I imagine you find many of the ancient and amazing brick structures along the canal rather inspiring?