We Wedged our narrowboat in a lock (HEED OUR SAFETY WARNING)

We manage to wedge our narrowboat- Lazy Days- in a lock. It could have been much worse and we know that. We get a little frazzled by it but have decided to share the mishap with you as a safety reminder. We used to always travel with fenders up- then over time- as some of you have commented- we started to travel with fenders down. This time it was scary and a real wake up call not to take warnings lightly.
It's not all harrowing in this episode as we also cruise majestically under the Falling Sands bridge at exactly the same time as a steam train passes overhead. Inspired by this Annamarie has painted the scene and we will release the image in a limited print run.
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[@tj4034]

You could of ended video with you stuck in lock like the old tv show cliffhangers. Narrator: "Will the boat sink? Will 999 be called? Will Alice join the circus? Will Munchie leave for the Foreign Legion? Tune in again next week for the exciting conclusion of The Narrowboat Experience!" The shot of the steam train going over bridge behind you was great.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

I think that would have been mean, but funny

[@irishcamper2106]

Love the shot with your boat and the steam train on the viaduct behind.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Thank you, it's our favourite

[@dilwyn1]

@@TheNarrowboatExperience You are so lucky ... I would have spent days waiting for a shot like that , only to find it didn't happen !!! Love your vids too, they are great, and you are both such a lovely couple xx

[@CanuckOnTheCut]

@@TheNarrowboatExperience You know my story, just missed a great picture like that. Then yesterday my friend took one at the same bridge! I just can't win that one... :-)

[@millomweb]

Yep, video gets a thumbs up just for that :)))

[@southjerseysound7340]

@@TheNarrowboatExperience Can you get a picture out of the footage? I think it'd make a great Patreon reward or gift for friends etc.

[@nixtax3526]

Great vlog, I think that lock was just trying to apprehend a boat full of stolen water!

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

I think you are right and wish I had thought of it at the time

[@southjerseysound7340]

@@TheNarrowboatExperience Was the lock so narrow that the fenders wedged the boat inside? Sorry for the noob question but I've only been in big locks here in the States. Also don't be so hard on yourself, you handled it well and that is what matters. We all need a good screwup once in awhile to keep us on our toes otherwise complacency sets in ;-)

[@martinrushton3341]

@@southjerseysound7340 Narrow locks are 7'0" minimum width, often tapering slightly. Traditional narrowboats are 6'11" beam, though modern holiday craft are more commonly 6'10". Traditional boats are fitted with rubbing strakes along the whole of the hull, so there's no need for fenders along the side (though they do make for more comfortable nights alongside a wall). The boats, locks and bridgeholes developed in concert to maximise the cargo carrying capability whilst minimising the civil engineering during the C18.

[@MoosePantz]

Friends, I have been in boats a very long time, and I do, occasionally, "miss" something. Also, the measure of sailors is really not what we get ourselves into - but rather how we tackle the problem and get ourselves out. You wonderful ladies scored 100% perfect! Love you both, and love your videos. Keep on boating!

[@southjerseysound7340]

Exactly, plus a minor goof is usually what saves us from doing something major by keeping us from becoming complacent. ;-)

[@merrilredinger1339]

Thanks, I enjoyed the vlog 💕. Annemarie, your watercolour painting at the end of the video is absolutely beautiful🙌👏.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

very kind of you to say

[@TheTeufelhunden68]

It's a bit sad to see those beautiful old locks and bridges, and then see Pizza Hut and MacDonalds.

[@Innerspace100]

You did absolutely right in including the vedged side fender. And your warning afterwards. Safety is important, and it's crucial that people who watch these videos, who may find themselves on- say- a hired narrowboat some day during their holiday, know a thing or three about what to do and what not to do, and the reasons why. They will now have seen a demonstration of why they should allways pull those fenders in before setting off on a cruice. And that is a good thing, so thumbs up duly given!

[@CoachLexie]

It's Murphy's Law - brought on by Anna laughing at how Kath had probably forgotten how to do a lock LOL - the Universe provides the lessons we need! :)

[@hw476]

We all mistakes that we learn by. The main thing is that you’re all safe and sound. Take care. 🤗

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

That is the main thing. x

[@KarrierBag]

Lesson learned, a mistake you wont make again, we have much larger locks where i am so dont have problems like this but my first trip in my new boat, i nearly lost it in a lock due to twisting and being at such an angle the boat was catching stern amd aft. Thanks for sharing, a shared mistake can help others avoid it.

[@PeterT1981]

At 8:36, be still my heart! Brilliant! The Severn Valley railway viaduct! How fortuitous to capture that video.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Great capture. we were very proud of that

[@georgebrown3359]

There's a saying in aviation..."Every landing you walk away from was a good one." Translating that into narrowboating terms, "Every lock you sail out of was a good one!" You escaped, no need for stress! LOL!

[@trixiebeldon3177]

Thanks for being so honest. It is a lesson for anyone who cruises.

[@stephencb9234]

My rule for leaving a mooring in the morning is: ~Engine checks ~Weed hatch inspection (if required) ~Engine on and warming up (now the two important ones!) ~Tiller and tiller pin on ~ALL fenders up onto gunwhale (in our case, for others it maybe onto roof or totally removed) ~Check all on board ~NOW untie ropes picking up ALL mooring pins and/or chains Should then be happy cruising to the next mooring😊

[@willowtree6657]

A really useful check list, I shall use it thank you

[@brickleyyard4966]

countryside canals and steam locomotives all in one frame who could ask for anything more

[@katerh3198]

A stunning stunning painting -- I can almost hear it

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

thank you

[@sherrionboardsunflower97]

I’m so glad I’m not the only one who’s done that with the fenders! Never again!!!! Beautiful scenery after your lock debacle 🌻

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Never again is right!

[@millomweb]

They shouldn't build tapered locks ! Is this such a real issue ?

[@maggiekavanagh2801]

Don't beat yourself up too much Annamarie, mistakes happen, always good to be reminded to pay more attention. Lovely vlog, and well done to Kath for her perfect timing of getting under the bridge just as the train passed overhead! A beautiful painting, I think I know what some of next pay day's money is going to go on! Take care

[@davidsedlickas8222]

Under " health and well-being" Legislation you take water where you need to. Lovey volg great background music Keep safe

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Thanks

[@eggy68]

I think it was your ill-gotten water that got you wedged into that lock ;-)

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

OMG you are probably right. It was the heavy front.

[@millomweb]

@@TheNarrowboatExperience I don't think CRT would have an issue with anyone stopping for water there. They just don't want long-term moorers !

[@longyarn4288]

I think y'all handled getting stuck very well. I think I would have freaked out. Also, I think the water fill up was perfectly legit, I think it ment no long time mooring, like hours. Stopping for no more than the few minutes it took to fill your tank, especially since no work boats were there, was reasonable. I imagine even if there had been working boats there, if you had just asked nicely they would have said "No problem!" 😁

[@geoffupton]

bloody hell! 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬 would be my first reaction to the fender problem! (next time use a guitar! 😂😂😂) well done getting out tho! maybe you could have part refilled the lock? great vid tho, problems like that will always teach you new stuff! 😊 lovely views too oh btw, i think that water point was intended as a "fill and shift if your not a crt maintenence boat" eg, no mooring!

[@robertevans9587]

Your ok people make mistakes nobody is perfect we have a boat we’re on a 5th boat now we made a few mistakes to glad u to or ok and nothing went wong

[@ceriedwards3]

Oops! This is the sort of thing that happens to us all at times.es.......or was it karma because you pinched water 😂

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

I'm sorry this has happened to you. Have you started cruising with the fenders up?

[@ceriedwards3]

@@TheNarrowboatExperience oh well, not this exactly, I've never been on a narroboat. I caravan and we have our equivalents: not closing the roof lights before driving off, forgetting to take the emergency brake cable off when uncoupling. I meant generally: the 'danger' things that one gets complacent about, until you shock yourself!

[@paulstanding7267]

Morning thank you for sharing this vlog I for one am glad you showed the getting stuck in the canal lock as it is a good message to other boaters to check that they remove them.Loved the shot of the boat with the train going over the viaduct and nice painting 🖼 take care be safe 😀😀👍

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

thanks, we loved that shot too

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

As a volunteer lockie, I’ve been surprised at the number of boats using Locks with the fenders down. If a boat has a slight list, that effectively reduces the width of the lock. If a boat does get caught going down, refill the lock slowly under a watchful eye, as it should re-float and the fenders can be lifted. I’m glad you’re both safe. Please take ‘moor’ care x

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Do you ever say anything to them? I wonder how people react.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

The Narrowboat Experience We have to be careful in what advice we give. A lot of boaters that pass through are far more experienced than I am. I would say something, if the fenders were any thicker than the slim rubber ones. I would say advice is gratefully received. Some boaters routinely remove fenders in locks. Advice is best received by less experienced boaters. I have seen the Watford pound empty and saw how many fenders were sat on the bottom - all types. I’m not even sure of the wisdom of cruising with fenders down but that’s another discussion.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Yes, I can imagine you have to be careful with advice. But good to hear you still give it. x

[@wendyfilice7101]

So cool to see the steam train, bridge and your narrow boat. 😊

[@sonicindustries227]

No sweat girls - you sorted it

[@paulfosbery6026]

Another wonderful trip, as always! Shame about the "Fender Jam"...I tried pushing my keyboard sideways, but it didn't help..😉...😉...LOL...and what a stroke of luck to have the camera running as the Steam train passed over the bridge..both modes of transport in one shot!...Rail AND Canal! ...😊...😊...! You are both very close to my part of England now. The River Severn and the River Wye, so I'm keeping an eye on you both! Take care!...😀...😀...! P.S...Love the painting, Anna!....😀...😀...!

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Thanks for trying to help anyway lol

[@davidselby1754]

I hope you’ll be coming down to the Gloucester and Sharpness canal. I’m currently on it, I went past you when we both left London just before you went down the Aylesbury arm. Hopefully I will get to see you and Lazy days around soon.

[@paulroberts5677]

Isn't the G&S wonderful?

[@dennyatnotts]

As always, a great video. I'm looking forward to a bit of winter cruising as it will be less busy but I'll most likely be single handed so we'll see how that goes. Shame, I've not had Andante out since I've settled in the marina. Going through some pretty big locks single handed getting her where she is scared the hell out of me and I'm building up the courage to have another go. It was probably too much for my first cruise.

[@justtinkering6054]

Make a mistake. Own it. Learn from it. Move forward as a better person. Well done!

[@hughcarson6837]

Well done girls, you showed you can handle any problem on the canal

[@ianofsjkartwork]

That was a lovely trip...you dealt with problem as you girls do...steam train over the viaduct and your boat looked fantastic... Your painting of steam train was awesome... Thanks for sharing

[@fentonwillis7540]

You should put your fenders up in wide locks as well. They can drop into the lock safety ladder and hook you up. I live on a lock flight and have seen it happen a number of times. Keep cruising.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

WOw, I hadn't thought of that. Thank you. That's why it's so important that we talk about these issues.

[@OurDaysOut]

Great Vlog and very nicely filmed. thank you.

[@jugglerjim01]

Now, I'm not casting aspersions here, but I notice it was only after you swapped drivers that you got stuck.......... 😉🤣

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

and yet aspersions have indeed been cast. lol

[@jugglerjim01]

@@TheNarrowboatExperience 🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@Dave-bu6bc]

I wedged in exactly the same way, had to fill the lock back up to free the offending fender.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Yes, good idea

[@royster3345]

As long as you're not part way out when it jams.....

[@johnallen148]

It happens ladies you learn by you mistakes ,I bet it doesn’t happen again 🙏🐕

[@greenspiritarts]

What stunning scenery! Lazy days on the canal in front of the Cathedral at the beginning was spectacular. And so many other beautiful points along the way. And then the stunning shot of the train going overhead, the very train that you took us on previously, amazing timing. And thank you for showing us how quickly a simple mistake can become a real problem. Good on you for sharing that honestly… You could have just saved someone else from a much bigger disaster by sharing what happened. THAT shows integrity and class!!!

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

I am doing a painting of the cathedral at the beginning, but I just need to finish a few others first

[@chrisskelhorn5727]

Never be embarrassed by making a mistake! Those that claim they've never made one a total liars, and while it is embarrassing to admit to, it's not the end of the world! The number of times I've driven my lorry with insecure back doors, or loads not strapped down, or the legs still down, or something else amiss, must run into a weekly thing! And to see your artwork is wonderful! I could do you a technical drawing of a gearbox, an oil pump or a rotary engine, but these are drawn with straightedges, or compasses! I can do nothing like your work! Best of all though, seeing your beautiful smiles, and sharing your happiness! Great video girls, see you soon! :-)

[@richardmiller5159]

Well said that man! We are only as good as our next mistake !

[@SparkeyDogfish]

There is something really cool about watching the narrow boats moving so slowly and steadily through the countryside.

[@jsp21c]

5 days moored next to Sainsbury's and no supermarket sweep vid?

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

lols too funny.

[@peterbuckley265]

WHAT CATHEDRAL WAS THAT PLEASE AT THE START, YOU DID NOT STATE !!!!.

[@Darklightbeam]

It was not a cathedral, it was St Mary's Church. The parish church of Kidderminster. Sang a few hymns there when I was at it's Primary School. But that school has long gone and replaced. Really enjoying this trip. Gpx

[@sylviapage8572]

Thank goodness you were both fine in the lock. It’s a great reminder to everyone that the canals are not as idyllic as they often seem, they must be treated with respect and it could so easily have happened to any of us. A couple of the other KZbin channels have also had lucky escapes. I thought you two had deliberately timed your journey to coincide with the train crossing the bridge because it would make such a wonderful picture but you seemed genuinely excited when it happened. Thanks as always for sharing your adventure.

[@MsJamieburns]

I was wondering if it was possible to close the gates again and refill the lock? Wouldn't your boat float up and be free again? While of course being in close contact to the one operating the lock? I'm probably incorrect, but maybe some of your more knowledgeable and experienced would know the answer to this. 🤔🙃

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

You are correct- nerve racking but correct. We didn't need to do that though

[@MsJamieburns]

Thank goodness! I'm just so happy it turned out well. I would have freaked out, I'm sure. Thanks for the reply.

[@gilbertfranklin1537]

That's the first time I have seen a "fender jam" on a KZbin channel. Are some of the locks so narrow that the fenders would fill the clearance space completely? No wonder some of the boats get nicked up a bit going in and out. But, no need to feel ashamed because you got yourselves out of the problem quite easily. The real embarrassment would have been if you had needed to call in a couple of (gasp!) men to help... (you just know they would blab about it forever - having to save a couple of lasses who were in over their heads in a canal lock.) 😕

[@juha_kinanen]

Nice views and especially painting in the end! Looking those curves on the cut and wonder if a reverse camera (for cars) on bow could help navigate. Those are not expensive in Amazon and you can see better round corners.

[@hannahmich7342]

Who would think that traveling around in a ditch would be so wonderful

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

And yet it is

[@bobbyhood101]

Don't you remember the joy of floating your boats in the bath in your own childhood they never moved more than a meter yet they provided all the fun of a adventure!

[@davidsmith1620]

The shot of the steam train and Lazy Days was perfect! Videographer Kismet.

[@annedwards9002]

Thankfully the fender issue was noticed and dealt with pronto,well done girls,couldve been much much worse.xx

[@revonda5204]

NOOOOO! A Pizza Hut along the canals.....makes me sad...the invasion of American chains.....😠😠😠. Part of the reason I enjoy the canal videos are the quaint towns and the beautiful country side that is England to me....I was born and raised in the US but hate the demise of small towns and local shop owners...😭 Seeing Starbucks the other month was bad enough but.....

[@rblibit]

Yes, me thinks a wee bit of incarceration will cure you of the carelessness! I hereby find you GUILTY of being lackadaisical in your maritime responsibilities, and by the power vested in me (and my Cat named "Weasel Baby") I sentence you to find a canal near any active prison facility, head that way and snap a "cell" phone picture of it. Then, once each day for 30 days, toot your horn, look at the picture and say, "That could be our home someday, IF we don't WORK to get SQUARED AWAY!" If you don't carry out this punishment within 90 days, your case will be forwarded DIRECTLY to The Minister of Silly Walks! Just imagine doing a "Silly Walk Off The PLANK" while transiting the Scare Castle Tunnel! YIKES!! Double YIKES! and some shivers, too...

[@howardbills1450]

We all make mistakes - the main thing is you didn't panic and dealt with the problem - bravo! Happy sailing.......

[@janhellier9466]

Thank you very much for sharing your experience. Good job getting out.

[@marjoriejohnson6535]

Miss you both...would love an update of what you are doing now...XOX

[@phillipbateman2284]

Excellent camera work, mind you, you should have turned it off when filming the great water heist. Wasn't 2019 so stressful with a rope fender jamming the hull in the lock, oh the nightmares. Compared to easy breezy 2020. Lets sort 2021 out now. Take care girls.

[@mranthonye]

Love you two ladies. Thank you for sharing. Safe trips

[@obvioustomost]

So when using a private water point... Just jibber at them, mumble like you don't understand... Just stall.. and apologize, all the while jeep the water running. :) Also, lose the quick connect, it cuts the water flow severely, keep hose as short as possible. Good luck.

[@57629589]

Blue Rope Action Shots. The BRG is Happy!!😎 I know naught about locks but could you have flooded the lock and floated up freeing the bumper ?

[@marvindebot3264]

I'm sure if the cats annoy anyone watercolours would make great (and relatively cheap) bribes :D

[@AuntieSullivan]

Hello Kath and Annamarie, First, let me congratulate you on a superb v-log. The picture of Lazy Days with the church at Kidderminster in the background, and the picture of Lazy Days with the Steam Train going over the viaduct, were two WOWs in the v-log. As to the lock debacle, that's real life on the canals. It represents a reminder to all boaters on all types of water ways that the littlest seeming safety checks often make a big difference. I really appreciated your sharing it, and I know it will help others. Best Regards from Marje & Sullivan Menagerie.

[@klayofthemystics]

Pizza Hut and McDonald's. What more can I say is Sorry. Not the best things to export. Could be worse I guess, Please tell me you didn't get Taco Bell also. (meat granules)

[@widdershins2687]

Ouch! Like getting your finger jammed in a door, but on a much larger scale! ... could you refill the lock and float a bit if you hadn't been able to get unstuck? ... beautiful 'train-art', and how cool was the 'live' steam train? :) ... another great adventure, done well. :)

[@tonystanney3804]

Grand Theft Aqua 5 could have been a fitting title for this episode LOL Glad to see you 2 lasses weren't injured or your boat damaged with your lock mishap. Thanks for sharing it.

[@stephenlittle7534]

Please Girls the sign said it's for You to maintain your boat. But not to moor. Like to stay there over night. So You have done nothing Wrong OK. JUST LIKE THE MAP. Prefect shot you trainspotter nerds you. He He. Went to order painting and it was sold dam. But it ordered the print Yes. By the way it only said you had one print. Do you know how many train nerds will want one of your prints. I would have loved it if I could have gotten a real live one. P. S. Thanks for showing us what could happen we all could do that as even I old fart didn't know it could be that close I the lock to check that would happen. Thanks again Girls.

[@brianmessenger]

Oh dear, such hardened criminals, I may have to stop watching 😄 I loved the water colour

[@francishughes5205]

Well done Ladies. You dealt with the tricky lock situation admirably, no panic shown even if you felt scared. Thank you for another belter.

[@DavidConnor]

A local news anchor, John Kucko, often tweets videos of trains, Erie Canal views and other nice things. I forwarded this episode to him. He liked it. One year old RR bridge turned out nicely. twitter.com/john_kucko/status/1248019177752821761

[@williamshearon4309]

Typical but no harm, no foul. Daddy said if you live you learn but living is the real trick. Just be glad you two are not skydivers. One mistake there and it will kill you, DEAD.

[@irishcamper2106]

Thanks for sharing your lock incident. I previously owned and lived on a narrow boat and had a lock scary moment too. As a novice on a filling lock I had tied of without enough slack onto a line from a roof ring. Fortunately, the line snapped as she rose in the lock as I had quickly popped down stairs to put a kettle on and co-skipper hadn’t noticed we were tilting before line snapped. It never happened again and I am sure you will never have a similar fender incident either.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

WOW- that's shocking

[@984francis]

Years ago (44) I was taking my dad's sailboat along the Thames (mast unstepped of course). Sailboats have a "push-pit" guard rail at the bow. The inwash of water pushed the boat forward and the push-pit lodged under a beam in the lock gate. It all happened surprisingly quickly. The stern rose rather a lot and then the guard slipped free with an almighty crash and splash from the stern. I looked around and don't think anyone saw me but yes, stupid, stupid, stupid. I got away with it, maybe a little wiser.

[@firefly24601]

Not familiar with narrowboats... by "it could have been worse" do you mean it could have wedged while the water was draining and you'd have a boat wedged in mid-air? Or someone's leg wedged in there? Not arguing that it couldn't have been worse, because yes I can think of LOTS of ways it could have been, but you seemed particularly worried about a specific (unstated) scenario. Never been on a narrowboat nor seen a lock so it's a bit difficult for me to picture. :)

[@maverickcruise99]

Hi love your videos. I have owned a 55ft LB cruiser stern narrowboat for over 10 years and boated a fair amount my partner is disabled and though she would dearly love to is unable to help lock our boat so single handling a boat is something I have had to acquire. This comment aimed at everyone experienced or not, including very much so the know all's and know nothing fraternity. On first owning and being inexperienced I adopted the bad habit of boating with my round rubber fenders down and lost more than a few on locks or narrow sections i.e. bridge holes, aquaducts etc thinking they protected my boat from damage whilst underway. Fenders should only come out of the locker when mooring stationary or breasting up to navigate wide locks i.e. Hatton Flight (off the point have only one rudder and prop operating or it gets interesting). Now to my main point. A so called experienced liveaboard boater who lives near Gas St Basin Birmingham he managed to close for a week Farmers flight a very busy flight of locks. He was descending the top lock advertedly or inadvertently leaving down his fenders caused his 35ft boat to become tilted over sharply and jammed solid in the lock ! Some people work on the assumption as did I intially when boating that travelling with fender down would protect your boat and its paintwork and blacking. My experience now shows this to be very incorrect in fact they when space limited are likely to catch bank obstructions and throw you off course therefore hinder not assist. As far as blacking and paintwork are concerned rubbing strakes are fitted for this purpose and serve their purpose well, a wear point if you like and are easy to repaint. My attitude is that quote " mines a go boat not a show boat" or is it with some folk " I've spent thousands having by boat sprayed ". You will guaranteed get better (or should I say possibly not in a few cases such as Mr T West full tilt view obscured by leaves and branches, wasnt just the willows weeping on that occasion passing boater not pleased a bit) get better at boat handling but if that sidewind blows too hard then it be OUT OF YOUR HANDS LOL and you are going to scrape the bank; bow thrusters only take you so far not that mine has one fitted. This experienced liveaboarder had to remain on his boat (hung up) the boat not his neck, in the lock and not allowed in fact ordered to stop moving on and off his boat for his own safety by CRT, whilst the very considerable effort was made to extricate his boat. People passing and friends passing him sandwiches and hot drinks, which guite a spectacle I should imagine. I know all of this because I meet and spoke to the chap around 6 years ago he admitted on recounting that he had been complacent and had taken his eye off the ball, so always keep checking boat level when ascending or descending a lock and be ready to close paddles quickly in an emergency inform your crew prior and establish a clear message or signal should an emergency situation occur. To free his 35ft boat CRT had to crane off the massive solid cap stones around the lock and remove /dismantle many courses of historic brick work to free his craft, very much to his embarrassment and considerable nuisance and inconvience caused to other boaters who had to travel much further to bypass the bottleneck caused, and wasted finance burdened on to CRT. If say a boat is 6ft 2 inch wide and tilted 20 degrees port to starboard then it becomes 6ft 7inch wide at its pinched points, the now widest points meaning gunnel/fender bottom edge baseplate opposite when in tilt, thus obviously the already narrow lock and will jam a boat fast against the walls due to the weight of the boat applying pressure on its descent (its gonna be well in there.) On this particular occasion repeated filling and emptying of the lock had no effect at all. For everyone's information many, many locks can be narrower towards their bottom or lowest point or highest or middle and are not necessarily plumb and truly vertical caused by years of ground heave pressure or subsidence which is something you can research indeed some even have caution warnings. So next time a passing boater shouts " YOUR FENDERS ARE DOWN" don't reply " I KNOW THANKS " dismissably; please for goodness sake realise they shouldn't be and reply with gratitude and get them out of the canal. Again please and respectfully mooring and breasting only. I would be more than annoyed I will not swear on the web, but i have a pocketfull of obscenities when warranted in so far as that if some idiot caused me to reverse no one knows how far in to wind around and have to change route caused by someone avoidably jamming their boat fast in a lock with fenders down because they just knew better before they entered the lock. Tongue in cheek > as for general boating leave them down if you obviously know better, as it keeps the manufacturers busy you having to replace them on a regular basis and you won't offend the chandliers one bit. Even tie a big metal washer or nut on them so magnet fishermen can fish em and flog em on the net. Also the habit of leaving fenders up on the roof or gunnels is in my opinion dangerous especially if forgotten about as a trip hazard, yes I've done that, more so with guests on your boat wet weather etc etc. You managed to free yourselves well, sometimes carefully reversing your last action may free your fender/s. Everyone undoubtedly will have hits and near misses they are to be learnt from and avoided. Lastly an example : scenario = moving towards bank to tie onto mooring rings on bank, tired, windy day, boat moving away from bank, jumped off back with center rope, quickly through the ring pulling boat in when wind gusted suddenly began pulling my fingers/ hand toward mooring ring 19 ton tug of war ensued me trying to gain rope through mooring ring oblivious to the potential danger had to shout to myself let go off the rope stupid, very nearly cost me a couple of fingers that day! No jumping onto bank whilst your boat still moving nice crush potential there for sure should you fall in, I knew a lovely old lady who lost two dogs that way very sad. Keep inside profile of boat look out for low bridges, done that as well it really hurts a lot lol. Research every safety aspect. On a happy note safe and enjoyable boating everyone. Keep up your excellent vids please, love the cats. Kind regards.

[@goofe.washington953]

From the U.S., as one who knows nothing about these canals - except for the wonderful beauty of these videos - Kath and Annamarie (who are a pleasure to watch) keep mentioning that it could have been “much worse” regarding their incident of getting stuck in the lock. How so?

[@Renovator26]

Ah Ha! Water thieves yet. We all forgive you of course. What a lucky coincidence when that steam train came into view - cue the train! Lovely painting too. It's good you share the odd disaster with us as narrowboating seems inherently dangerous at the best of times. Stay safe and well you two - we need you. John, Ontario, Canada

[@alangarner4095]

If you had to do that again you could refill the lock and the boat would free it’s self and you could remove the fender . Good luck ladies. 👍🏻😎👍🏻

[@deanmills5106]

Couple of comments if that's OK. First of all to error is human. How you handle the error is a display of your character and you handled it remarkable well. If I were your dad i'd be proud of you. Second comment, I can't believe that train went by when it did, you guy's must have an angel watching over you. Third comment, getting stuck in the lock reminds me of forgetting to put the toilet seat down and getting stuck in the hopper, only it wasn't on film.

[@BTFOOMNY]

In the US we have fire hydrants, which the fire department hooks hoses to when there is a fire. They are just large valves for an underground water system. It is illegal to park in front of one. However, if you are in the car, and stop for ten or fifteen minutes, it's okay. You are there and can move immediately, if necessary. I suspect, "mooring" long enough to fill a water tank, is not what is meant when the sign says no mooring. Call them, and ask. I bet I'm right. Okay, checked the Trust manual: What are service moorings? These are moorings next to water, sewage and refuse disposal points. Please only use these while you are using the facilities. In London you may find that the bollards for service moorings are painted blue and those for lock landings are painted yellow. You may also see temporary or permanent signs restricting use of a location for a specific purpose, such as a trip boat stop. So, the sign means, if you are not getting water, move on. If you are getting water, you may tie up long enough to get the water. Love your videos, and the cat's half deck perch.

[@Krieghandt]

6:16 shaking the reins will not make the boat go faster ya know :) So if you roam the canals stealing water, does that make you water rustlers? 8:35 has "PAINT ME" written all over it. lol, nvm. Say, we need more Bob Ross like videos.

[@teddvidler6830]

I just had to pause to make a comment. Did I hear that Kath was out of practice doing the locks? Does driver take the blame for incidents? I hope you took time that evening, had a cup of coffee and laughed about the incident. I agree, be safe always including boarding that way. Thanks for including for others to learn ladies.

[@Falney]

I am surprised that the downward motion didn't prevent you from getting stuck. On the plus side, at least you didn't get stuck on the way up.

[@rogerwhittle2078]

You can't claim to be Canal Vloggers without owning up to mistakes - big and small. So, well done for being honest. I can be a bit self righteous about this as a hire boater, because so far none of the boats we've hired have had fenders of any kind! But an easy mistake to make and one which, as you say, could have been worse - probably not going down, but going up might have got ugly. Your picture of the bridge and train is exactly like the video and my question is; did you review the video and then paint the picture from it, or did you paint straight from the mental picture you had of it from when you saw it? It's lovely either way.

[@mickbroadbent6750]

brill ladies but for us none boaters can you explain how the fenders wedge you in etc etc thx

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Hi, they act like a door stop and stop the boat from moving. As the boat descended the boat stuck between a slightly tapered lock wall and the boat gunwale. This would have been a worse scenario if your fenders wedge you when the water is emptying and suspend you above the water and then the force can tip you in any way. Once you take on water you could sink. Wedged to a point where you take on water is the scary bit. We were lucky and just wedged. If the boat is wedged and you are filling a lock- then you can sink the boat.

[@mickbroadbent6750]

thank you ladies very well explained ,,, now I see why it was scary thx again n take care

[@markwilliams6472]

Doh! 😳 On the plus side you won't do that again. Your painting is wonderful.

[@davidharris6581]

One of the British programs I watch here in Texas had a narrow boat as a plot device last night. Happy Valley.

[@karenliles7061]

Just saw your narrowboat on CNN. It seems the police are asking for help identifying the boat and owners as a report has been filed about stealing water. I promise I didn't report the incident! Good job getting on CNN! You should be proud.

[@erikandreassen6531]

Nasty, at least you were lowering when you go stuck it would have been really bad if you were raising then you'd have to do some really quick thinking. You had the best result. Some of those places not only look narrow but are. I'm art blind can not draw at all you and your water colours are awesome. Thank you for the show. I'd buy some but the shipping costs would be well and truly out of my reach, keep dabbing and sailing.

[@thecanucklehead7351]

Karma - Annamarie gives Kath a bad time about operating the lock - aaaaand - promptly tries to 'widen' the entrance to the lock by using the boat as a battering ram :-o lolol (I know, I'm mean)

[@johnsharman7614]

You guys worry too much hanging has been abolished so calm down it could be a lot worse. Your both doing a great job. I must admit joining the river Severn is a bit of a jump from the Calm waters of the canals but Good luck.

[@MrJacksmp]

show some of your Train paintings. jack USA

[@trevornelmes9331]

Wow. Glad you are OK. As you say, that could have been a LOT worse. I am not sure what we will do with our cats when we get our boat. My daughter (who considers the cats hers anyway) will probably stay with them in our house. But, if she moves somewhere not suitable for them? We have four; two male and two female. I cannot see how we would wrangle them all up when it is time to cast off. A dog, yes. We have a friend who came back to her boat one day to find her cat dead, floating in the water. Granted it was old and had recently been ill, but it was such a loss for her. I could not cope with that.

[@rickvangunten4800]

It's only a mistake if you did not learn from it. We all make them, it's part of living.....

[@silashouse1054]

We all have accidents drop or loose things, because we are human, its never the end of the world. On this trip I have enjoyed your blog, very good' also I have bought a all my water gear paints etc, I have done lots of acrylics and a few oils in the past, If I can find your messenger I send a couple of paintings to sow you. Kaiora mi from john in New Zealand.

[@georgelewis8904]

Ooowarr I know better ssush, surprised by steam train great video thanks.

[@richardr1627]

A very nice trip ... the should taste better since you did not pay for it ... painting very nice

[@goetzliedtke]

You could have got stuck before your boat was ahead of the cill and started draining the lock. Don't feel bad - everybody makes a mistake sometime.

[@delukxy]

The sign said no mooring. You weren't mooring. There was no sign on the water point saying not to be used. Can't see why you should have been worried. The waterpoint not being shown on some maps is reasonable. There may often be a CRT boat moored there so you couldn't rely on it. You were lucky. Stay cool.

[@tonyp011]

your not the first square shaped boat to get stuck in that lock due to fenders, and the CRT should put a sign up telling/warning owners of square shape boats to remove fenders before entering the lock, at least you'll know for next time to remove the fenders

[@hmarc417]

Sorry about the falling sands lol but you did get a steam train that was koolzzz...