We're DOWNSIZING! | We swap BOAT LIFE for (tiny) VAN LIFE | Spain + Portugal mini road trip | EP36

EPISODE 36
So we're in Spain after a rocky start on the ferry. We head south through snowy mountains, what wondrous places will we find!?
SUBSCRIBE HERE (it's free!) ‪@BenandEmily‬
If you would like to support us on Patreon click here 🥰 - www.patreon.co...
☕ If you would like to buy us a coffee to help support our channel, you can do that here - www.buymeacoff... Thank you!
🎼 All music by Benny Jones ‪@bennyjonesmusic‬
Follow this link to discover his music, youtube, instagram, gigs and other happenings! linktr.ee/Benn...
🪕GET BENNY'S NEW CD HERE- bennyjones.ban...
You can also find us on instagram - / ben.and.emily
🥑🥦🧀🍅 Our Etsy shop for the Mini Pet Veg - www.etsy.com/u...
👋 If you are new here, hello! We're Ben and Emily! We live on our 56 foot narrow boat as full time continuous cruisers with our cat Alan 🌟
Follow us along to see our adventures, ups, downs, mishaps and lots of boating about!
#boatlife #narrowboat #offgrid #tinyhouse #tinyhome #travelvlog #travelcouple #travelvlogger #traveling #travelblogger #canal #canalboat #vanlife #vanlifediaries #travelblogger #vanlifers #offgrid #offgridliving #offgridlife

[@waynekaczmarek946]

You two make me happy, my best days are when I can take the time to watch you. Thank you for the entertainment

[@ernestpimlott]

I bought your album Ben- I can honestly say it has been the best purchase I have made in a long long time- I absolutely love your music man- You are a true artist-Kind Regards. Ernest

[@dingnextstop]

Nice to see you’re both safe and ok, I’m a live aboard and wondered how you were coping in a van… I bet you both miss Allen the cat… hope your checking the van fluids? Oil\water and tyre pressures…! Sorry just being an old bloke who’s got nothing better to do than check his engine levels…! 😂 good luck to you both.Andrew

[@lisakenn2081]

Thank you both so much for sharing your adventures. My favourite KZbin channel. Down to earth and shows life like it really is. Thank you both

[@BenandEmily]

Thanks so much for watching! 😊🌟

[@johnsharman7614]

Mine too.

[@Ken-dr9gu]

You both live life in such a simple way, it must be great because you are always smiling. Take care,🤩👍

[@oldschool5037]

I was thinking the exactly the same thing 👍

[@overleaf9069]

Where I live, they turn off the water fountains in winter so they don’t freeze and get burst pipes....anyone who has ever experienced a Brittany ferries reclining seat automatically books a cabin next time round...their showers are excellent ! Loving the trip xx

[@marccallaghan7997]

Quote of the day goes to Emily for "its just like Nantwich"🤣🏅

[@TheNomadicCrobot]

what a fun little adventure, makes a nice change from the floaty things, don't forget about us all on the canals and rivers..woaw can you bring us home an Alan please take care guys

[@fredsimmons2793]

This was so real and fulfilling Emily and Ben.Your boldness is commendable.

[@louiselage7740]

You two are so amazing! Even when it's cold, your van is leaking, and you have to search for water and you are both sleep deprived, you are still smiling and making the best of it! I can't believe that there was not a soul around! That was a bit creepy....but, let's hope the sun shines for you and you get some great meals and fab naps in the Portuguese sun! xx

[@andreaamer1183]

Gorgeous sunset as you settled down for your first night. Great hanging out and you two do make me giggle, just so ' it's OK we will sort it' love it xx

[@patriciaallen6478]

Yet another fantastic video, just love my Saturday evenings with a take away and watching your videos. Love to you both xxx

[@vynleshmynle7372]

Another gem. Keep up the good work, nice to see your subscribers growing. It’s not a fluke, keep being the voice of reason Emily along with Bennys hi- jinx’s and see where it takes you.

[@JulianMountMusic]

The best bit for me was seeing your joy at meeting the Spanish Alan! x

[@chrisward2954]

OMG the food, sleeping in the van, the leaks, toilet??? wow I could handle that but my wife OMG not in a million years! Emily your a star!

[@shirleygreaves9650]

I’ve been waiting to see more of your adventures. The man on the ferry was right there are canals all the way to the Med but not through Spain or Portugal but there are canals all the way down France to the Med. If you ever get chance to see the Canal de Midi, go see it, it’s beautiful! You’re both still smiling so van life seems to be suiting you both. I hope your dad is enjoying the boat and cat sitting, take care and stay safe you two. xxxx

[@simonbiggs9102]

If only you would bring your narrowboat journey towards Ely as I would love to meet you both.

[@davidpearson243]

When I was 10 in 1976 my parents took us to Spain it’s was very exciting as General Franco had just died the year before so very different country to todays Spain !!!! We traveled on the the Southampton to Bilbao car ferry my mother and myself was sea sick for 24 hours it must have been bad as nearly 50 years later I can remember every second of that journey You wonderful video has just brought back all those memories

[@beauthestdane]

I expect they shut off the water to many of the fountains and such for the winter.

[@patriciabracken7546]

Hi you guys I❤️ how you both are so natural down to earth.. Plus I also ❤️ cats I've had. Enjoy your holidays ..best wishes

[@paultomlinson528]

Love how you both just keep smiling! Makes me think how I must do the same, and slow down...

[@dizzylizzysunflower]

Whenever I see a tortoise shell cat now I say “Hello Alan!” He followed you to Spain! Haha 😃I loved this vlog..thank you for sharing your adventures 😊

[@ksinghldn]

Always a pleasure getting an update of a new episode from some of my fav KZbinrs 🤟🏼

[@peterfarmer1592]

Lovely video as usual Ben and Emily. You mentioned getting your boat to the Med. I remember reading a very funny book (Narrow dog to Carcassonne). They took their narrow boat across the channel and through the canals of France down to the south of France. Carcassonne is almost to the med. Can’t remember if the canal actually gets to the coast but it’s not far away. The author travels with his wife and whippet and has written 3 books about canal travels and are the funniest books I have ever read. Stay safe. ❤

[@michaelamilesmiles2097]

Great adventure for you both a bit cold in the van. at 73 takes me back to my youth just set off some where and see where it takes you. enjoy what you both are doing those villages look a little empty stay safe and take care I will tune in next week ✌️👍🌹

[@mmpointy]

You're obviously having a brilliant time. It's great to witness. thanks as always for sharing. Very best wishes, Bill.

[@chrismis2062]

I've looked forward all week to seeing this installment of your awesome trip, and it was most definitely worth the wait! The landscapes are breathtaking, and the towns are so picturesque. Hopefully, the little snags with finding water when you need it and keeping it out when you don't, are all done now. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us!

[@ashleyburton8605]

I love how you literally threw everything in the van & dealt with the problems along the way 😂

[@BenandEmily]

😅🌟

[@davidtildsley8409]

Hi Emily (and Benny). Rachel my partner bought one of your beans for me. He is really handsome and I will sent you a picture of him on our Narrowboat (Holly). I'm calling him Simon le bean.....thanks. Dave and Rach x

[@glenn309]

'Really nice and sexy sweet' wins comedy gold in the episode

[@paultomlinson528]

Classic

[@markbeks2019]

I’ve watched ‘most of your blogs’ & haven’t commented before 😊. Just got to say - you guys are great. Much respect & love x

[@Pinion512]

I've never seen pre-packaged Rooibos tea like that. I have to buy it and make it myself, which is fine as it makes a great night time treat when hot. Y'all always seem like no matter what's happening, your both having the best time doing it.

[@davidnichols147]

Fantastic Van trip! You both really enjoy life. Thanks for sharing.

[@rickyboy..andcaptinjack2532]

Omg please say you haven't sold the boat....loving the next adventure you lovly humans are amazing..I love Ben's music and crazy and funny way's ✌️💜

[@phillipsharpe6459]

Looks like you both are enjoying your adventures, wish i had the bottle to do something like that when i was younger, I'm 67 now and over the hill , enjoy , 😁👍

[@chrisflint7317spiderandson]

All you need to do is eat from the frying pan

[@bindatek8801]

A Mega Care Free or do I mean Care Less?? Really funny in parts, and most enjoyable.. Thanks for sharing the adventure, and the mishaps - Been there, done it and survived, with my little Camper Van!! Enjoy your trip and thanks!

[@leedavies3629]

Nice one kids brilliant stuff The Alan fans must have been well sick all turning up for her Convention and it was a know-show from Alan Have a Top week 🙂😺🥕🎸✌️

[@StephenLPhotos]

16:38 what beautiful colors!

[@mjallenuk]

Some amazing things to do and see... I especially like the 'big kid' swings 😁

[@elspethwilkes3106]

😊 love your KZbin channel ❤the music is magical dreamy , goes so well with watching you both & Alan 🐈‍⬛

[@jeanniehyde8090]

I love 💕 Spanish Alan 🤭🥰loving your Spain/ Portugal video of your journey so far, you guys never disappoint 🤗glad you’re well xx

[@theco-conspiriters]

So good you two…. Peace and safety to you on your adventures

[@orchidhouse297]

Canals through Europe - look at Magic Carpet KZbin, and Wildling Sailing. Plus, friends of mine have a barge on the EU canal system .

[@Roo-s_Life]

Oh goodness this was absolutely lovely, thank you so much for sharing with us 💚 💜 💚 xx

[@sallysmith155]

Wow the lovely views and some lovely little places you went to. I have been listening to Benny's music from the start and it's fantastic. Have a week.😊

[@sharoncampbell206]

Love this. I get to "go" to so many places, and see so much, "meet" so many people, and I would never get to experience this, if it weren't for you.

[@mishkawp8200]

What a wonderful adventure. It looks amazing.

[@anniejones1839]

The stray cats always touch my heart strings, I used to take dry food. So much culture to take in, beautiful scenery. Love the dynamics between you both ❤️‍🩹 Looking forward to sharing your trip

[@davidsheriff8989]

Better van and more interesting life than a canal....Europe has a lot to offer...stay safe

[@cathielewis1768]

Love that you'll took us with you on your trip have never seen Spain or Portugal thank you

[@glennclarke9787]

Hi Josh & Ula, We just watched your video where you sold your sofa & had friends around. It's always a joy to watch your videos & we always look forward to your next episode. We wondered how your diesel heater works near the kitchen area, if you could explain that'd be great 👍 Also, we always wondered on narrowboats how people get rid of their ashes from their logburners? Happy boating 🚢 Glenn and Marion X

[@ritualchaos7182]

Rick Stein did a series following canals through France etc to the Med.

[@debrandw246]

Beautiful area. Absolutely love it.

[@gerardferry3958]

like the overnight bus from glasgow to london, you only do it once

[@anniemac3075]

Bless you both, hope you found some warmth & no more leaks at 5am..... Xx

[@ronaldhornsey7453]

Love to see you both you always give us cracking video's and interesting stay safe

[@Mark-ww9sb]

Beautiful northern Spain. Great trip. Thanks for sharing.

[@denisescally7090]

You remind me of how van life used to be before Greg Virgoe and the £25k fit outs! Really fun and quirky ❤

[@darrylcoates639]

Loving your adventures.

[@paulgcourt]

My two favourite things, narrow boats and camper vans ! Top work and have a safe trip..

[@NicksAllotmentDiary]

Hi Ben and Emily. Great to see your drive through Spain and Portugal. Those towns are beautiful but looking so cold at this time of year. You are very resourceful and just deal with whatever life throws at you. Looking forward to your next instalment. Take care. Nick

[@BenandEmily]

Thanks Nick!

[@flyingsquad63]

Please don't change your format in what you do it's so refreshing take care and miss Alan

[@tonycarter3756]

Loving the trip as much as you are.The cutlery seen was funny as my cat stole all my spoons when l first got him . I still haven’t found them .Well done Benny for taking the plunge, must have been a bit nippy .and looking forward to seeing the next bit👍

[@thomasmarencik8050]

Watching you two is like having wonderful dessert after a fine meal.

[@joantivo8011]

Hi Ben and Emily I love watching your videos with my husband he loves to watch and me also ..,

[@pinkeeist]

Be very careful parking under a stork…….you know what they bring🤣🤣

[@chrissilverhand1]

Three knives! Made me cry with laughter. Great video, thanks guys.

[@janebeaumont5492]

Thanks for sharing - absolutely makes me want to have adventures 😊

[@northstarcreative]

Make do and smile - love it ❤

[@annjarvis9300]

Grand vlog glad you caught up on sleep some lovely views enjoy and tc the oldies 👋👍👋👍

[@PnwChillin]

Alan 2.0 lol Spanish Alan was so cute.

[@johnsharman7614]

Hi Ben and Emily thanks for your lovely Vlogs. We really appreciate the effort you put into the adventures which you share with us Utubers. We want More.

[@shirleydaras6355]

Grand video as usual, off on an adventure, you are 👍😊🦋 glad the leak wasn’t toooo bad, glad it was an easy fix.👍 great park ups, can’t wait to see next weeks adventures with some warmer temps-possibly.?.😊❣️ glad you finally caught up on some well needed sleep as well, I do suggest that you get a sleeping quarters on the ferry for the ride back home.👍😊❣️💞😊❤️👍😻😻 awesome meeting up with all the Allen kitties as well 👍😻❣️ alrighty, safe travels, Enjoy your vacation.🦋🌷😃💞

[@mommahil4323]

hey - still at the beginning of the vlog but have to say - have you never read Narrowdog to Carcassonne?? about a retired couple doing up their narrowboat, crossing the English Channel in it (!!) and continuing south through Belgium, France (through Paris all the way down to the maquis. its a read aloud to each other type book I think you would enjoy. (the narrowdog is Jim their whippet - weepet en francais)

[@gazanon8162]

The author of that book is Terry Darlington he lives in Stone in Staffordshire the place where i first saw Ben and Emily in their boat

[@snoopydogg1]

Rooibos tea is from South Africa 🇿🇦 no caffeine or tanniene in it.... rooibos means redbush

[@frankquevedo3453]

Got away grocery cold UK. For lovely snowy Espania (Dpai :-)

[@snoopydogg1]

Great video as always 👍 👌 👏

[@christeague7596]

Lovely to meet you both this morning...Chris..

[@johnworboys6435]

You need to watch Wildings Sailing they travel from Northan France to the Mediterranean by canals 😎😎😎

[@john3Lee]

Thanks for taking us along with you..... ( I especially liked the tour guide ) 🤣😂😅

[@davidcharleston1314]

Emily just stick your mouth at the broken but of plate and pour the pasta into your mouth lol save doing dishes loving the vlogs hope you enjoy your holidays

[@craigmushens4789]

The quaint towns with not a soul or car in site… looked like a lead up to a horror movie!

[@oneshoan]

I could have done the camper van when I was younger but not now, lol. Thank you for sharing.

[@sailingvesselmaddream]

Quick....put your water jugs outside...you don't need those taps!

[@TristanBailey]

Enjoying the simple pleasures- and I hope less dipping rain next week.

[@YolaWells]

Absolutely love watching your adventures i always settle down get cosy few munchies and enjoy thankyou so much i hope your channel this year just grows and grows x

[@viramati5831]

Indeed you can travel all the way through France on the canal system coming out near Agde. My Mother did some of it back in the 50's!!

[@jenniferstrachan7084]

Be careful as wild camping is now considered to be illegal ❤❤

[@srenandersen4114]

I like the scruffy look better 😂❤

[@stevecalvert4369]

That's a great trip on the ferry. Should have got a cabin..done that meany times. The canal you passed is irrigation cut. I've walked along that doing the cameno years ago..you can travel the French canals down to med. Have a great trip...we live near Antequera.

[@markbeks2019]

Emily 😂😂 “I’m still fully dressed in my coat”. I’m with your there sweetheart. Looks divine there ♥️

[@tonyireland8895]

Great video

[@jcharbonneau7048]

lovely vlog again, and cd on the way 🙂

[@sclarke1221]

Love cantabria

[@simonbiggs9102]

Next time you both do this again. Can I join you please

[@bettyourcampervan]

Another brilliant video guys ❤️❤️🚐🚐 xx loving your travels xx

[@chrisyarnold6205]

Back in pre Brexit days, you could have taken your boat across the channel, 2 tied side by side (on a very calm day) and into a port in Northern France, and motored through rivers and canals right down to the Mediterranean. There are at least a couple of routes, down there, but you would want to stay off the rivers as much as possible, as they are tidal, and quite fast flowing, meaning that you would have to catch the tides. But in theory it would have been possible. These days 90 day rule would probably make that impossible.

[@user-jckentucky]

The spoon made me laugh out loud... hope u guys find A fork

[@Boatlife1964]

That was a great episode guys….Spanish Alan too❤️😀