Travels by Narrowboat - "Hard Water" - S09E09

[@CTPhil]

The woman quacking at the ducks is priceless. 😀

[@CountryHouseGent]

Definitely quackers. :D

[@geoffupton]

aww you beat me to it kevin! 😂😂😂

[@CountryHouseGent]

I apologise Geoff, though I did have all week to come up with it. 🤗🤭

[@brockshields9336]

The woman was definitely energetic...... and loud!

[@carbonnieferrous2689]

I always wanted a bargepole. A 10 foot one preferably.

[@keithharrison1453]

By far the most relaxing videos on here, my apoplectic stroke inducing rage at what's going on everywhere else, gets to climb off the ceiling for a bit.

[@oldbloke204]

Yeah the videos are great but if you spend the rest of the time angry and frustrated at things you can't control then you will likely cause yourself even more problems imo. I spent many many years worried or angry about all sorts of things which never happened but I did manage to cause myself other health issues. Take care

[@lesliepropheter5040]

Yes, that feeling of entitlement we grow up with is hard to shake. Worse is to get humbled out of it though. Rage at the machine? Enjoy microcosm, it’ll still be there when your done ….

[@CoolHandLuke01]

@@lesliepropheter5040 you’re.

[@thoughtsonnarrowboatingwit3882]

Damn right …. I gave up on ‘humanity’ in 2015, lived on my Heron ever since, you can keep ‘bricks, mortar and just about everyone who dwells in them well away from life on the water.

[@oldbloke204]

@@thoughtsonnarrowboatingwit3882 Wow great attitude dude.

[@ILGolfMan]

That Bird Lady must be Quackers. 🤣

[@peterhelm6003]

The Ernest Shackleton of Hinckly - but with a pie shop down the road.

[@laurahaughton4523]

You know what Kevin, I’ve decided I’m slow, I’ve traveled with you and Aslam since the first day, so many places. And for some reason it’s just like a light bulb in my head went on and I thought ‘ what a lovely way to see so many different places, I think I’ll lay down now 😂😂😂😳

[@CountryHouseGent]

Lol, not sure what to say, Laura. Yes, a good way to see the sights. Enjoy your rest. :)

[@kevincollis2632]

Blacking ? What blacking 😮

[@cfladyread3494]

What I appreciate most about your travels is your attitude....no matter the situation.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Most appreciated and a required attitude to make it in this life, especially alone. If I don't sort it, no one else will.

[@apolloj23]

Aslan: The Icebreaker.

[@clpotis]

Loved the “Sausage rolls contain neither sausage nor rolls” conversation, along with the lovely duck lady visit. Oh, and I had to go back and listen to the horse philosophy a second time. Great wisdom there!

[@georgeolenskyj787]

The Iceman Cometh and hopefully buy now “goneth”…….I’m sure by now you’re traveling in miles instead of yards……Love your persistence…Enjoy the spring.

[@abyssiniahenry128]

Already automatically gave it a thumbs up. Never had a need for a thumbs down button with CHG/TBN in all the years. Always top shelf. (will definitely watch it too though)

[@CountryHouseGent]

Awesome to hear that, thank you for your support and appreciation over the years.

[@theturquoisedream9244]

So true, so absolutely true.

[@tayevanmerlin5881]

You would think with a steel hull that Aslan would act like an icebreaker. Problem is the flat bottom causes it to ride up on the ice or butt it. Thank you for sharing this aspect of cruising that most of us had not considered.

[@KansasHobbit]

I hope it warms up for you. It is April 14th here in Kansas. The Redbuds have bloomed and I can sit on the enclosed front porch and enjoy the spring time. Thank you again for letting me come along for the ride. I love getting to see all the back yards and all the nature the England has to offer.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thanks Karen. April 14th here as well and the weather is chalk and cheese compared to back in January.

[@Cignets]

That makes 2 Kansans here!

[@brockshields9336]

And a neighbor to the south in Okieland...... Hi Y'all!

[@KansasHobbit]

@@brockshields9336 Hi Brock! I have lived most of my life just a few miles from Oklahoma in Coffeyville, Kansas..

[@brockshields9336]

Hello Karen Mauk, I've been to Coffeyville a few times. The most memorable was a Freewheel bicycle ride from Wichita Falls, TX to Coffeyville, KS. Great fun about 20 years ago.

[@mikebrown6805]

Bird lady was an absolute star lol

[@deskullz7409]

CHG videos are always so well-crafted. (Aslan is the star, though!) You've set a high bar, mate!

[@DeanArnold1066]

I’ve just spent a week in Scotland travelling in a camper van. Loved everything about being on the road and the freedom of being able to stop and go wherever I wanted. Couple of things reminded me of your videos and experiences on the canal. 1: if I had the money I would sell up and do it 2: the pleasure of using road services for the coffee and toilet facilities. 3: the worry of the uk government getting rid of all petrol and diesel vehicles 4: work life balance comes at a cost 5: the pleasure of doing something you love. 6: time goes to fast and life can fly by. 7: the importance of stopping once in a while and spending time alone 8: how cold it gets when the sun goes down 9: being happy is more important than anything 10: life is very simple and the world is out there to make it difficult. Kevin, keep doing what your doing. Even on the cold nights your never alone lad. Good job and I love the videos. Thank you for keeping them simple with no rubbish music or BS attached. Keep it real !

[@richardjensen6753]

RAMMING SPEEEEEEEED!!!!!!!!! Stay safe, warm and well fed!!! Thanks from Kansas!

[@mkredenbaugh6322]

Kevin! Oh my goodness. I am weary from trying to "help" you get through the ice!! Your philosophy about the horses was great. Too frequent was the suspense. 😂 But thank you for your humor and eye rolling. I'm looking forward to next week to see the inside of that church. The duck lady reminds me of when we took our toddler to the park to see the ducks. Duck ladies are worldwide. 🙏😃

[@CountryHouseGent]

Cheers for enjoying, it was a mixed and varied adventure.

[@craig5477]

Recent days have put me on the thin edge of a mixture of depression, anger and anxiety. But just in time here comes another adventure with corresponding points of view from Kevin and his magic carpet named Aslan to put things back in proper perspective. Aaahhhhh. >Don’t worry, Kevin I’m working on an ice breaker bow for Aslan. I’ll let you know how this project is going. 😊

[@CountryHouseGent]

Deep breath Craig and I look forward to receiving the icebreaker . 🙂

[@craigpierce7996]

Can you imagine being married to the Bird Lady?! Good bye peace and serenity!! This canal has lovely views along it

[@CountryHouseGent]

Not arf, I imagine I'd soon be roped into duck feeding duties, whether I liked it or not.

[@farmgirl2cr]

You are an absolute hoot, Mister! Love your videos. Take care and watch that in crazy ice!

[@bennysh]

I like your relaxed style of showing random cities and villages along the way, normal daily life of other people, other cultures. hopefully you'll do more of these "walking around places" videos..

[@CountryHouseGent]

Many thanks Benny and yes, every episode in Season 9 has a walkabout, except for two.

[@TinWhistleTV]

The ice must have been so annoying I was almost tempted to say "Iceberg ahead!!!" Hehe

[@thomasmarencik8050]

This blog was done on my 76th birthday; thanks for the present.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Belated happy birthday Thomas.

[@geoffreygoodyear3746]

Aaagh hinckley....an old stomping ground of mine back in the 90s...funny i was in the town centre this very week regarding my fathers will....dont think il be going back any time soon tho😅.....looking forward to the next vid already...amazing how fast 30 mins goes👍🙏

[@christinaclark8502]

Yay, my favorite part of Friday!!

[@davidsedlickas8222]

The bird woman of Hinkley. Just imagine being married to her. You and ice don't get on Kevin. Poor Aslan obeying his master's instructions. Hope you're doing well Keep safe warm dry and virus free. Safe travels Kevin.

[@anncourtney7307]

Oh! So scary going through that ice, scary and frustrating!

[@CountryHouseGent]

Ha yes Ann. Progress was measured in feet per day back then, and at times the ice was so thick I was worried about damage to the hull.

[@wyyeti4004]

This channel is my go to after a rough day…even watching the older videos. I’ve been to the U.K. In the past, but had never “done” the canals. It’s an interesting reality perspective. You have quite the philosopher’s way about you. 🙂

[@SteveMikre44]

I learned from this episode that caution and operating a narrowboat must always go together...🧊🤔

[@Nook747]

i love the celery and the Apple, as a consolation prize for getting through the Arctic ! 😆

[@CountryHouseGent]

Oh yes, a proper indulgence. 😁

[@steveweave2797]

Patience is a virtue Kevin, and you got that in spades. You and Aslan have joined the list of famous explorers like Earnest Shackleton!! Ever forward! Even if only by the yard!! Cheers from Tennessee, USA

[@Humboldter_]

Egg Creme, Lake Trout and Sausage Rolls....all delicious little lies! Watchin Aslan drift sideways in that ice flow headed towards the bank at a rancid pace of around 2 miles per hour, got me excited! Seriously, that was almost as exciting as when you crossed the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct!

[@NicksAllotmentDiary]

Hi Kevin. Ice certainly makes for difficult traveling. The need for water makes life on a narrowboat interesting. Glad you managed to get going eventually. Have a great week. Take care. Nick

[@bipti4073]

Lovely trip no matter how short. We appreciate you breaking the ice to show us around. 😬 groan. ❤I’ve also decided I love the bird lady…

[@stevehowe8218]

Kevin, I think you would have enjoyed one of the Triumph factory tours. An enjoyable couple of hours watching "The Working Man" create magic.

[@mikeoswald8053]

Right outside my window it is 73 degrees F. Yet, I was chilled to the bone watching you push Aslan, or maybe pole her, through the ice. Better check the blacking on the bow and look at the shaft strut when you haul. All the best Kevin.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Indeed Mike, I shall be taking a close look next time she's out for blacking.

[@user-br2bf1hl6n]

I sure hope Aslan didn't get hurt crunching along. Always fun Kevin and interesting watching your video's. Thanks so much for taking us along. Best wishes, Deb

[@CountryHouseGent]

Ice can chip the blacking off but I made sure to give up as soon as the going got tougher.

[@smeghead7698]

Aye up. When I walk a route...I find the return journey quicker than going. Thank you. 👍

[@Nidhoggrr]

Just a great start to my day off to wake up to a new vid. Got my coffee, egg-sausage pile on my plate and the sun is streaming in the window...... Now to ignore it as I listen to Aslain's relaxing chugging.

[@CountryHouseGent]

A plate of sausage and egg sounds perfect about now. Only things I'm missing are sausages . . . and eggs. 🤔

[@annjarvis9300]

Awww Kevin what a tough cruise you and Aslan had I was so worried you would sustain damage do hope all is safe and you are ok tc now 👋👍🤗

[@CountryHouseGent]

Cheers Ann, I think we scraped by relatively unscathed.

[@annettewoodbury9949]

Yet another great video ~ thank you! Quickly losing our snow here in North Dakota; between 18” and 2’ to go. Looked at next week’s forecast and we are due 2 days of moderate snow! Hope this cheers you up a bit.

[@jeannerolig6042]

I know this was filmed in January, but I am still praying for you the most beautiful springtime ever! Cheers, my Friend!

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you Jeanne. Spring looks like it may finally arrive from tomorrow. That would be nice. 🤗

[@ben8mag]

Frozen water can be a pain in the ice. Hehe! That looked tough Kevin. I think someone earn some hot chocolate. Hang in there, summer is just around the corner. Cheers and thanks for sharing.

[@helenel4126]

To my mind, Season 9 has started and has moved along, whether or not you and Aslan go a mile. I'm vacariously enjoying your longer than anticipated stop - and the Greggs.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thanks Helene. At the time it felt like I'd never move again, or get S9 started. Can laugh about it now. 🤗

[@robaylmer2450]

nothing quite like arm-chair narrow-boating with lovely mug of Yorkshire while Kevin does battle with the ice - cracking stuff 😁😁 the struggles we have to bear - well done buddy!

[@jamesfoley6555]

Thank you🙏✝️🙏🇨🇦

[@martinwolfright3183]

Haven’t seen your new video yet but i will watch it later..great videos showing the true side canal life as it actually is.. Many thanks 🙏

[@ghostpepperrides4805]

What a adventure.

[@stevesrepairs5778]

Thanks Kevin for taking us along on this great adventure onboard Aslan. Take care and all the best. Stevie

[@adeleu46]

Ah Kev... I know this one may have been a struggle for you, but by golly you've kept such a positive attitude and given me a giggle for the day with your upbeat humor. It's April now (when I'm watching this) so weather should be a bit better. Safe travels.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Fabulous to hear that Adele. I believe if you don't laugh, you cry. 🤗

[@johnmcgaw2753]

I did it. Upon landing in Belfast and finding my hotel I went for bit of a walk around the neighbourhood and I found a Greggs and sampled a sausage roll. Not what I expected. I was expecting a strong possibly quirky flavour but it was just bland. I'll give 'em another try before I leave the UK to see if it has grown on (or possibly in?) me. Cheers.

[@Whitty-zs5yl]

Oh dear the Ashby is normally so lovely and you’re having a nightmare! Hope it hasn’t ruined your memories of the place. X

[@wyyeti4004]

Greetings from Wyoming USA. Snowed today. 70F yesterday. Odd bits. Really enjoy all that you put into your videos. ALL of them. Your natural wit & presentation is wonderful. I also enjoy the humor and subtleties. 🙂👍

[@patbrandow5852]

Ah, Kevin! You and Aslan are my heroes! The urge to travel triumphs at its own pace. (Pun intended 😂) I will admit that the Brewers Fayre had me longing to stop for a pint (or two), but traveling with you was a better choice. Always is.

[@nosmoking4933]

Excellent video. Just enjoyed watching with a nice cuppa. Can't say I was sorry to see that cash generator shop closed. They rip everyone off who go there desperate for cash.

[@colinunderdown1758]

A little bit of brown sauce is needed on the sausage rolls Kevin. 😉

[@CountryHouseGent]

I always forget the brown sauce on everything, Colin. Bacon sarnies, pork pies, sausage rolls.

[@tompinnef6331]

3 weeks ago had 1 foot of snow - this week temps hit low 80s. Sunday night snow possible and low 30 and looks cooler for a week. Was hoping mother nature was going to be good to us. Nope - she must like making the temps go up and down for us. Take care thank you for the video.

[@johnsampey344]

GREGG'S Owes you big time ! 😂

[@colleenbalch328]

Thanks, Kevin!

[@mommahil4323]

I wasn't concerned says Kevin - when we're all sitting chewing our finger nails thinking - he's going to lose that chimney top..... strange how even going nowhere very far can keep us engrossed in your vid - well done

[@RobinRobertsesq]

Always enjoy a new video

[@jacquelineryde7339]

Love the Vlog and the horse analogy so true ❤️❤️

[@ricklg745]

Hi Kevin. I was on the edge of my seat wondering if you’d get stuck in the ice!! Loved the duck lady - real character - bet she knows every duck by name !! Learnt something interesting about horses too. Off to get a sausage roll tomorrow 😀. Looking forward to sharing the next part of your journey. Thanks. regards RickLG

[@CountryHouseGent]

A pleasure Rick, cheers. Hint: Get 2 sausage rolls. One just doesn't quite fill the spot. 😊

[@jimmunro4649]

Duck lady crack me trying to make duck Sounds haha

[@gazmalks8918]

Really admire you making the break from land to water what a great way of life 😊

[@CountryHouseGent]

Cheers Gaz. It took some commitment and upheaval, but got there in the end. 😁

[@Santafefrank]

Thanks Kevin 😊

[@thoughtsonnarrowboatingwit3882]

Rough month for all of us…. Not far from me, my regular walk on my way home to mancetter. If we knew you were in the area we would have got you some supplies…

[@Lynette21122431]

Goodness! Here’s the hard water. Whew. I had no idea Aslan could play the role of whatever they call icebreaking vessels on canals! With your determination and that fabulous engine, you made some progress. You face reality well. Plus, I enjoyed your walks around Hinckley, too. Thanks for every bit you filmed, edited, and posted! See you next time!

[@CountryHouseGent]

Pleased you enjoyed the video Lynette. I like the way this one turned out. 🙂

[@Samiqmojo]

Need some winter tyres

[@davidkelly8299]

Outstanding song, country house gent. Keep up the good work and please do more songs.

[@HelenDurflinger]

About two weeks stuck in Hinckley and not one meal shown cooked on Aslan much to our disappointment. We miss your cooking demonstrations. Please bring them back.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Hi Helen, please check out my Cottage Pie video, which was filmed whilst stuck at Hinckley. In the video, as well as cooking, I talk about being stuck at Hinckley. During the 2 weeks that I couldn't move, I also wrote and recorded the catchy new theme tune for this season, as well as film the various walkabouts featured in Episode 9. Cheers, 🙂

[@HelenDurflinger]

We ❤ your channel! Thanks for all your work filming and editing!

[@lorencolt]

I worked with a Sainsbury in the oil field and dated his daughter. They owned the Corner Bar in Campcrook South Dakota.

[@jules9303]

Thank you 😊

[@gendigg]

Wow... that was some work getting through that ice! Thanks for keeping it real, Kevin.

[@davidjames9775]

Yes superb video's as always. Thank you.

[@brockshields9336]

23:43 Loved the play and replay. "Skating away on the thin ice of a new day." - Ian Anderson

[@CountryHouseGent]

Yes that was quite a skilled bit of precision landing in adverse weather conditions. The FAA would've been impressed. 🤗

[@anthonyclary1198]

Excellent job as usual Kev! Thank you!

[@donnarydberg5252]

Great episode. Your skill at handling adversity and problem solving has progressed to master level.

[@lalachucka]

The first motorcycle I leaned to ride was my fathers triumph. So far my favorite bike. Everyone here in the states love Harley’s, me I love a small fast bike lol. Also I all could think of was the doors song break on through to the other side.

[@williambell8282]

It seems that Hinckley has been cleaned out by the major supermarkets...like many small towns in England

[@CountryHouseGent]

Indeed William, the traditional high street in the UK is steadily vanishing. Out of town shopping saw to that, though with these upcoming 15 minutes cities, maybe the high street will bounce back?

[@Acapulc941]

A stressful half mile, Kevin. Hope you are through with ice for quite a while. Leigh

[@johnnydollar666]

Aslan certainly breaks the ice at parties.

[@georgesmith8113]

You’re a breath of fresh air in my week and yet another reason to enjoy Fridays. We didn’t get very far but that doesn’t matter and you handled it like a gentleman. Enjoyed it all. Thanks Kevin! 👍👍👍👊😎

[@CountryHouseGent]

Reward enough to hear the video was appreciated, George. Cheers, 🙂

[@theturquoisedream9244]

Yayy!!! Time for some Aslan and CHG!!! 🤩🤩🤩

[@surendalord8508]

Hello Kevin, Surenda from Texas

[@LarrySams71]

fine video, Kevin!! of course the Ashby has impressive landscapes, excellent flatland farm county (I think the crazy duck lady lives near me) -- keep up the good work!!!

[@daredreamerafloat9078]

As a former resident of "Inkleh" in my pre-boat life, this was thoroughly enjoyable, as ever. Really enjoy your videos Kev. Also, note that nearby Lutterworth is another town sadly lacking a Greggs. Modern-day heresy! The old sausage, bean and cheese melts are also a thing of wonder, as I'm sure you know! Cheers for now.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Ooh yes, sausage, bean and cheese melts, but only on special occasions. 😜

[@Barbiloulou]

This is the best "Navigating Ice" vlog I've seen. I watch narrowboat vlogs to see what it's like living on one, and you always do that. Thanks!

[@CountryHouseGent]

Many thanks Barb. 'Keep it real' is my filmmaking moto. 🤗

[@dereksmith6126]

I live in the South Hams in Devon, an area of 550sq miles. It has 4 main towns and at least 4 small towns. And not one Greggs at all. I'm older than you and have never been in a Greggs! Thanks for the video though Kevin. 😊

[@CountryHouseGent]

I could make a joke, Derek about things taking a few decades to reach Devon, but I won't.

[@1258-Eckhart]

Probably not very helpful, but I was thinking whilst the ice was forcing the bows of the boat where it wanted maybe just drop anchor and wait for warmer times. It means you're stuck on the boat of course.

[@maobfh]

Now THAT was a lovely vlog! I might sink my narrowboat one day as I don’t seem to take the ice on the Canals seriously enough. It rarely gets as cold in the UK as it does where I am from and I presume that the ice is just a thin ~2-3mm crust of ice on the top of the water. Puttering around in a boat with a steel hull, I would probably plow right into just to hear it crunch. It might be a light gauge steel and at least one big chunk of the ice was a good 2-3cm thick. Yes, I know that it was a smallish ice chunk that sunk the titanic and I am fairly confident that the hull of that ship was thicker steel than what constitutes the hull of your Aslan. All of this is conjecture but you have a pretty solid grasp of physics and the abilities of Aslan and if there had been an easier way to get across the canal with the silt and the ice, you would have taken it. I have an ice breaker that is about 15-20cm across, shaped like a half moon and mounted on a pole. I keep it pretty sharp and use it to break the ice on the sidewalk and driveway at my house. After breaking the ice, I can scoop it up fairly easily with a snow shovel rather than just shoveling the snow and leaving a layer of ice on the ground. I would rather trudge through snow than walk on ice. Besides, I have fun slamming the cutter down on the pavement and creating a crack that will travel 20 feet before it stops. As long as it is sharp. It is not unlike an Ulu or a bigger single blade mezzaluna. The Ulu is the traditional native knife of the Alaskan Native Americans and the Mezzaluna (sic) is the crescent shaped chopping knife of Italy. Great fun and it would not hurt my feelings if you help me understand how the ice can overpower your steel 5 ton narrowboat. I am not questioning the struggle as we just saw a good example of that in this video. I always think of ducks as a more playful bird than the other migratory water birds. But I have seen swans fly up, build up speed and slide across the lake and then take off again to repeat the experience. They can spend an entire half day doing that over and over. The duck, however, appeared surprised and not amused when he landed on the water and not in the water and he did not stop as he had anticipated. Maybe ducks are more like grumpy old men. Thanks Kevin! Looking forward to your next video and any wisdom you might impart about UK ice and it’s relationship with narrowboats and ducks.

[@aristorias]

Thanks!

[@CountryHouseGent]

You're very welcome and many thanks for your contribution. Fabulous, thank you. 🙂

[@netrhyda8761]

Hilarious episode! Little did you know you'd be at the helm of a full fledged icebreaker! But living life as it comes is what you do very well!

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you Net. Yep, variety is the spice, and all that.

[@chrishobbs58]

That was a very instructional episode CHG! Got to see what cruising through ice looks and sounds like. Seemed like a lot of work, but at least you got a few sausage rolls and coffees for your trouble. And you got to stretch your legs a bit, to boot. Living the life you live, you have the enviable freedom to set your own schedule, and adapt to events. Many would wish that, instead of commuting 9-5 through all weather conditions, whether they felt like it or not. Just to pay the bills. Congratulate yourself on escaping that. Looking forward to next week's episode already, seeing a bit of history. Enjoy your weekend!

[@CountryHouseGent]

You're quite right Chris and at times like that I remind myself why I abandoned the 9 to 5 and everything associated with it, then things don't seem anywhere near as bad.

[@rogerbrown5558]

Good job you filled with water otherwise those low bridges would have been LOW. Nice presentation, as always.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Definitely Roger, the bow can rise a good 8 inches from full to half empty (half full).

[@Dave-kw7jq]

Another great vlog... As as Wiganer I really try to avoid Greggs.. otherwise its a sausage roll steak slice chicken slice and a couple of pies to boot 😂😂

[@CountryHouseGent]

Sounds like a fine meal and includes your 5 a day, Dave - sausage, chicken, steak, gravy and pastry.

[@polluxsimracing3712]

Friday! Lets boat

[@fooman37]

Great episode!!!

[@davidbrankley1645]

Frozen in, or is it frozen up. I can certainly relate. In 2007 I attempted A paddle down the East Coast of North America beginning in New Jersey. Started off on January 1st but winter didn't really set in till half way through the Chesapeake in early February. The ice formed to 8 inches during that unusual cold snap and I took refuge on a small island to wait it out. Had to wait all that month. At last a thaw and I was free again to paddle. Nothing like Shackleton, or Franklin, it was just a mild inconvenience. Ice.

[@CountryHouseGent]

My word that sounds like proper seat of your pants survival, David. Marooned on an island till the weather thawed. Incredible. Did you survive on nuts and berries, and introduce the indigenous locals to basket ball and tupperware? (Airplane reference). 😁