Young Couple Lives on a BOAT on a River. STORMS & Sunshine

A young couple lives off-grid on a narrowboat and travels on the river Thames. This is the longest episode we’ve ever made, hope you enjoy the storms and the challenges, river cruising and spending a few weeks on board with us.
🎬 Episode 28.
▶ Support our production on Patreon:
/ cruisingalba
▶ Grab Cruising Alba T-shirt from our organic shop:
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paypal.me/CruisingAlbaCrew
We’ve always wanted to find an alternative way of living and the idea of moving onto a canal boat came to us in September 2018. In January 2019 we bought Alba! Watch the full story here: bit.ly/AlbaEpisode5
▶ Watch the tour of our boat Alba bit.ly/AlbaEpisode1
▶ Watch all our vlogs in order: bit.ly/CruisingAlbaPlaylist
▶ We RESCUED a bat | Part 1 bit.ly/AlbaEpisode8
▶ Bat RESCUE Part 2 bit.ly/AlbaEpisode11
▶ The first time on the river • We Swapped CANAL Life ...
▶ Rainbow at the source of the Thames • Made it to the SOURCE ...
▶ We almost had a fire! • We Almost Had a FIRE o...
▶ Boating in a storm • What It’s Like to Be o...
▶ Getting on the Oxford canal • Young Couple Travels t...
▶ Scary story & narrowboat life Q&A bit.ly/AlbaQnA
▶ The story of getting our boat bit.ly/AlbaEpisode5
If you have any questions, leave us a comment and we will get back to you.
▶ Filming gear:
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50 mm lens amzn.to/3jjBqaZ
GoPro amzn.to/2EN5RqO
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Microphone 2 amzn.to/33gLCLJ
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▶ Music:
Epidemic Sound
Get 30 days free: bit.ly/AlbaMusic
▶ Soundtracks:
In The Arms Of A Stranger - Go For Howell
There He Goes - Loving Caliber
The Local Police - Arc De Soleil
Running from My Doom - Mama Zula
A Singalong - OTE
Mirrored Seduction - Walt Adams
A Traveling Spirit - Daniel Kadawatha
Russian Folk Song - Traditional
Southside Gal - White Bones
Still Love It - The Flix
Wrote You A Letter - Candelion
#narrowboat #canalboat #boatlife #canalbarge
#widebeam #barge #vanlifeuk #exploringalternatives
#tinyhome #tinyfloatinghome #tinyhouseuk #tinyhouseliving
#tinyhomecommunity

[@CruisingAlba]

If you would like to support the episodes join our crew on Patreon www.patreon.com/cruisingalba to get early access to the videos, bonus content and the chance to meet in person and come on board! 💜xx

[@keithwilkinson8754]

I can feel my blood pressure lowering as I am watching. What a lovely couple. What a splendid life you have. Dont be jealous of those big houses and boats. They come with a lot of responsibility and stress. Do you want to adopt me? I can fix your shower and do all your DIY and repairs 🤣🤣

[@CruisingAlba]

Ahahaha 😂 💜

[@mytmouse57]

I just stumbled across this channel because I'm an American and I'd been watching video tours of big, commercial American houseboats. What you guys are doing is fantastic! England is beautiful. Thanks for sharing this.

[@stevewrissy9748]

Pissing down is that a technical term for raining rather heavily

[@jonny7491]

I think it was Russian.

[@EDOOB]

"Life is full of magic, and it's up to us to see it" wise words indeed

[@ShoreTars]

The Dutch Barge with the Projector and screen is a 49' Piper, Angela Dawn, owned by Dean and Jo. We very nearly placed an order to have the same model as this built for us, Piper build beautiful barges. Ultimately though we wanted to go on the canals for a change and clearly there are limits to where you can take something this wide and this tall! So after 2 years 'thinking abut it' we changed our minds and have booked a build slot for a narrowboat instead.

[@d.o8616]

Heaven on Earth, come rain or shine. Beautiful. 🙏💎🌈David O' 🌈🖖

[@janecox4173]

You get better and better that was beautiful and feel good x

[@CruisingAlba]

Thank you so much Jane, so glad you enjoyed it! 💜 xx

[@DivingandDogs]

At 3:18-3:20, I used to be a chef in that restaurant, The Beetle and Wedge (about 30 years ago!). I enjoy your vlogs. Thank you.

[@summitdetailing6697]

What better way to kick off a rather damp Saturday than a cup of Rooibos and the latest Cruising Alba vlog. Cheers guys. Chris

[@CruisingAlba]

Hi Chris! Imagine our excited when we woke to your incredibly kind message. THANK YOU for showing your appreciation... 💜xx

[@timothyhopkins6960]

I enjoy your Zen garden , the sunflowers etc. your little antique motor for you little boat I enjoy everything very much . Thank you for sharing it all .

[@CruisingAlba]

Thank you so much for watching Timothy, big hugs 💜 xx

[@WeAreZilla]

Wow, this was so enjoyable. Seeing both of you relish this time in your lives and being so present and in the moment really touches our hearts. Great update, Thanks!

[@CruisingAlba]

Thank you so much guys, sending love to both of you! 💜 xx

[@paultaylor9652]

We are working our way through all your videos, oddly in a random order, but still enjoying them.

[@CruisingAlba]

Awww thanks Paul! There is a playlist on our YT page - all vlogs in order, in case you might want to watch it that way xx

[@OnlyLoveCan38]

What a wonderful cruise! The best I've seen because it was so scenic and entertaining.

[@CruisingAlba]

Thank you so much Gayle, so glad you enjoyed it! 💜 xx

[@johnsharman7614]

Hi guys I haven't seen you before but I think that I will be watching you both if you don't mind cos I love your vlogs I've only watched about three but they are so entertaining and your so funny especially the fun you both have In a very wet environment and dance with a Drill.🤣😄👍♥️

[@0ConkersBadFurDay0]

I've just found your channel in the last few days and I am completely hooked. Love watching your boat life. What you have together and what you do is really something very special and thank you for sharing it.

[@CruisingAlba]

Welcome aboard lovely, so glad you found us and you are enjoying our films! Thank you for taking the time to say hi 💜 xx

[@brianborges3813]

I love you guys; I watch you almost every day. Keep up the good work!

[@paulbeech7276]

Really enjoyed watching your life on the river...I too now think river life is better than canal cruising.

[@archmcdonald6170]

Like your choice of outboard motor for your tender, "SEAGULL"

[@grahamlaurie]

I can't pick up a drill now without impersonating RoboCop.

[@CruisingAlba]

😂

[@scottyoder3717]

You are both awesome!! Thank you both for sharing your life with us. Your vlogs are a bright spot in my life and help me escape the insane world we are all living in right now. Thank you for that and please keep the video coming! Best wishes to you both!

[@CruisingAlba]

Hi Scott! What can we say apart from a huge THANK YOU for leaving us such a wonderful message. It means a lot when others recognise the time and effort we put into our films. SO GOOD to hear that you are getting some joy out of watching our videos, it certainly motivates us to keep going! Big hugs 💜 xx

[@quest2outdoors]

Truly enjoy watching you guys Hope you have a blessed Adventure ❤️

[@emit9462]

grate video footage happiness is a journey,Not a destination.keep well all the best to you

[@julesswales1535]

Such a brilliant video. And your music choice is perfect. Great job guys 👍🏻🙏💜

[@CruisingAlba]

Glad you think so Jules, sending you our love! 💜 xx

[@garym518]

I agree one of your best video’s so far.

[@CruisingAlba]

Hi Gary, thank you for your message! It means a lot when others recognise all the hard work we put into our films. Sending you our love 💜 xx

[@JB-F10-M5]

Great content guys 🍻 we nicknamed your channel “ It’s Miles to the Marina “ 😉🙏🏽

[@philpines2681]

Nice to se the seagull outboard. quality !

[@ianjones1719]

great Vlog Guys .. Cheers from Down Under, That's Australia ifin ya didn't know.... I watch a lot of different vlogs on You Tube ( there is a bloody lot of 'em) about Cruisin' the Canals Of the UK. looks fabulous to be doing that, slow but fabulous ... And to realise that basically ALL of these canals (well, a fair amount of them) were dug out BY HAND 200 plus years ago & in use way before Australia was even 'discovered' in 1770 by James Cook.... thats amazing....... take care & have a Safe, Happy up coming Festive Silly Season........ Cheers Ian

[@lanerovito4324]

Wish yu Al the best.

[@denistiplady829]

Made me smile :-) - Good luck you guys! x

[@ralphwood9865]

A very enjoyable vlog, lovely scenery lovely houses and boats Some bigger some smaller than Alba but none with a figurehead as beautiful as Marina. Cheers stay safe

[@mikemiles3068]

Love the plants on the top of Alba, we have a lot of plants on our front deck and I even have my first lemon 🍋 on my little lemon tree. I rooted two pineapple plants last year many I will get a pineapple next year. Miles I started working Sudoku when this nasty pandemic hit and have worked over 500 puzzles so far, I find it relaxing. “GOOD VIDEO GUYS”❗️👍✅

[@CruisingAlba]

500 sudoku puzzles, impressive! Sounds like you have a lovely garden going on there, we want to plant more stuff next spring too 😀 xx

[@terrihulm873]

Awesome boat... I have a usb charging camping shower that uses water out of a bucket that or something like it may make pumping out water easier...I lived really tiny for 12 years and found anything that made things easier made living like that more sustainable over the long hall... Plus you could use the shower to get a warm shower in a storage tote if need be...

[@CruisingAlba]

That's a great idea Terri, thank you so much for sharing 💜

[@laurahardy9295]

I wish I lived on a boat.

[@DH-pq2ud]

Wow guys, your best episode to date. Beautiful scenery, amazing houses and some stunning boats! Well apart from that one at 2:58 it looked like a garden shed. Myles, some of your outfits took me right back to Leicester Square on a Saturday night in the late eighties you were just lacking an illuminous green smiley faced badge. Keep safe you two ❤️

[@stephenmcdonagh7587]

Thanks guys loved the video ....! 🚣🏊🏻🏋🏻🤓

[@CruisingAlba]

Thank you so much for watching Stephen! Big hugs 💜 xx

[@biburybill]

Dear Miles and Marina I have watched all your videos ,I have thoroughly enjoyed them I love banter and sense of humour ,more please 👌👌👏👏

[@CruisingAlba]

Thank you so much for your kind words Roy, big hugs to you! 💜 xx

[@rmsflorida]

Life is short...Enjoy every moment of it!

[@charliewilson4670]

Cracking video loved it really enjoyed watching it ☺👍

[@clynch9711]

Really lovely! !!!!

[@darren__]

Oh guys. You make me miss the summer! You’ve had such an amazing time on the Thames. I’m so please and envious of you both. As usual, fantastic footage, editing and music.

[@CruisingAlba]

Our pleasure Darren, thank you so much for watching! big hugs 💜 xx

[@zameed1]

Lovely new vlog indeed. Hope you guys enjoy cruising along the river Thames and get the water pump repaired soon.

[@CruisingAlba]

Thank you so much, you are so kind! 💜 xx

[@playerj8574]

Loving the Star Trek references lol

[@mikerobertson3237]

We would be such a better world if everyone found such joy in looking for rope swings - brilliant!

[@stephenrobinson163]

Great vid!!!

[@bethiakittify]

I'm so enjoying your channel - thank you!

[@CruisingAlba]

Hi Katy, Thanks so much! So sweet that you made the time to watch 🥰 Sending you big, big hugs from both of us 💜 xx

[@rogermcd9918]

Love this video, great robotics Miles, l enjoyed that. I love the Thames, so much room. Be safe x

[@CruisingAlba]

Glad you enjoyed it Roger, thank you so much for sharing posting this message to us, it means a lot!

[@davidmills636]

Lovely happy vlog - so warming

[@CruisingAlba]

Awww thank you David, you are so kind 😊

[@richardfoote4518]

Enjoyed watching video and screwdriver man.

[@lionelmarytravels6003]

Lovely video. Thanks for sharing. See you again soon.

[@CruisingAlba]

Thank you so much Lionel, we really hope you will stick around for the rest of our adventure! Have a lovely day! 💜 xx

[@areguapiri]

I remember watching the real Eddie "The Eagle" on tv during the 1988 olympics.

[@BOTG_Adventures]

1. 20 where did you get those awesome colourful trousers.. Would love them for mountain biking ;)

[@TheDR411]

Love this. Miles I love your pants.

[@simonbackhurst4431]

😍

[@paullowden1643]

Excellent!

[@CruisingAlba]

Thank you so much Paul, we really hope you stick around to follow the rest of our adventure! Big hugs 💜 xx

[@simon-nb-Betsyray]

Great vlog Myles & Marina full of great stuff 😀 l think since you've been crusing on the rivers theres been a sail boat in every vlog ☺. I can imagine the pitter patter on abas roof when that rain came down and when u said its pissing down it put a smile on my face, next thing ur in your bikini running around dancing like a young child jumping in puddles oh the fun of narrow boating. This is why I'm hooked and love u two every week is completely different and full of fun💜💜. Thanks again Simon xx

[@CruisingAlba]

So glad you enjoyed it Simon, we absolutely love that you watch our films every week, it means so much to us! Have a lovely week 💜 xx

[@veronicamoss2597]

Blessings! Lovely video like your music and scenary

[@CruisingAlba]

Thank you very much Veronica! 💜 xx

[@jacquirooney269]

Wonderful once again. You both make me smile and give me a warm heart. Stay as you are 🥰 this getting old malarkey is not what any of us want to sign up for 🤪 big cwtch to you both and already looking forward to the next one ❤️❤️

[@CruisingAlba]

Aww thank you so much Jacqui! Is means a lot to hear that our videos are appreciated, Big hugs 💜 xx

[@MikeWilliams-yp9kl]

Think you should have a cover for your smaller boat, If it rains really heavy ,or even snows you might have to go fishing . I lost mine to very heavy rain when I was in sardinia

[@jimsretiring2024]

I really enjoyed your long video! Hope we can see more. Looking out my window to snow blowing sideways, so it helps watching you enjoy the river. Hope you have found someplace snug for winter.

[@CruisingAlba]

Hi Jim, thank you so much! Yeah we might be stationary for a while with the lockdown but we still hope to be cruising when we are allowed over winter. 💜

[@kevinconrad6156]

That motor you bought is looking nice. You should get a cover for the dingy.

[@smbawden2198]

❤❤❤

[@millicentyfortyfive]

Awesome yoga and robotic moves!!! 😍

[@CruisingAlba]

Thank you so much for watching 🥰💜 xx

[@dboots133]

just love you guys.x

[@CruisingAlba]

Awww thats so nice of you to say, sending you our love back!! 💜 xx

[@johnallen148]

Hi Marina Myles got to say love you slacks beautiful colours,you two always look relaxed and very happy ,yes Marina it’s raining hard her as well lol hehe pissing down is what I say as well ,enjoyed you vids as usual take care keep,John 🌹✅❤️❤️🌈🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻

[@CruisingAlba]

Thank you John, we love it that you get our films. Big big hugs 💜 xx

[@britrajuk3238]

Hi guys Love your videos, a great insight into life on river. How much does the small dingy boat and motor cost and what is a good size and cost for starters.

[@andyboatsandbikes]

Stay on the Thames guys. You'll love Windsor if you do go past Reading.

[@tessapetters3936]

wHAT WAS THE CRUISING SHED !!!! i have seen everything now.

[@ufarm3606]

Nice video

[@CruisingAlba]

Thanks for watching lovely 💜

[@nighttime64]

Hi, lovely video, nice houses nice boats but i would still rather be on Alba. I am going into isolation from Wednesday, heading for more jaw surgery. I will be so ready to watch your next videos. Next time you go away i will boat sit, i would be in heaven. Your dinner looked lovely what was in it, i think you should do some cooking shows. Speak soon take care x

[@CruisingAlba]

Hey lovely, best of luck with your surgery, hope you will recover quickly! So glad you loved the video, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts, we love talking to all of you guys! We suggest renting a narrowboat on Airbnb and spend a weekend on it (thats what we did 2 years a go before we bought Alba) to get the feel for it. Thank you for your suggestion, I might do, could be fun! Sending you our love 💜 xx

[@jinnytruman7299]

Fab x

[@CruisingAlba]

Thanks for every week you two! 💜 xx

[@BenandEmily]

Loving the videos guys! We are thinking of buying a boat soon and have so many questions. One is how where and how often do you fill the diesel tank? Thank you! :) x

[@CruisingAlba]

Hi Emily, oh wow how exciting for you! In winter we fill it up to the top as ever time a fuel boat comes by (about every two weeks) because of a thing called 'diesel bug'. But in terms of how much we spend we are working on a video as we are ready to tally up our expenses soon, so keep an eye out!

[@BenandEmily]

@@CruisingAlba Thanks so much for the reply guys! Thats great :) x

[@51kjon]

Love that wooden 'guitar spoon' you were using, where can I get one? Cheers - Happy boatlife!

[@CruisingAlba]

It was a present, sorry we don't know where it's from!

[@51kjon]

@@CruisingAlba Aha thanks for the reply, nice present and useful ;-) I think I'll have a go at making one.

[@ringosonofengland1776]

Lol- miles my mum's got a skirt like that

[@paisleyjane9606]

Quoting one of my daughters when I was about to open a bottle of kombucha in her van, "Mom, please open that outside." Wise words to live by. Also, will there be any vlogs about your recent non-narrowboat travels?

[@CruisingAlba]

Hi Jane, wise words indeed! I guess it pretty much never gets to 30 degrees int he UK so I totally disregarded any guidance on that when I was learning about kombucha making. Well I learned it the hard way! No not for a while, but we do have a special one that we are going to release next month or so 🥰

[@thebigchip]

I thought I saw on a sailing blog you were also going sailing in a September. When you heft Zoe in charge of Alba I assumed you had gone on the trip. Are you still going? I’m envious of your lifestyle.

[@CruisingAlba]

Hey lovely, no we went to Slovenia to visit my mom then. Updates on the sailing is to come 💜 So glad you are enjoying our films! xx

[@richardearth2848]

Fab although this is causing an argument in my house . I love Miles's colourful leggings but my Wife and 19yr old Daughter dont (well not on me anyway) Unfortunately im probably twice the size and twice the age of Miles . Love the hippy vibe of them. I will not be put off!!!😉😉😉👍. Stay safe. ❤

[@CruisingAlba]

Electrothreads.com Get them!

[@borderreiver3288]

a shed with an engine went flying by....did you get the shower pump fixed???

[@CruisingAlba]

We did, then it broke again, then we fixed it again, then it broke again, I'll stop boring you now 😂

[@glennhaley7404]

Hi Folks, sorry if you've answered it a million times before, but can I ask the Make of Alba? Is she a Springer? thanks

[@CruisingAlba]

Hi Glenn, thank you so much for watching! Alba is made by John White 💜 xx

[@glennhaley7404]

@@CruisingAlba Aha ok, thanks so much. Love your Vlogs, beautifully filmed, great soundtrack and the most welcome serenity in such a mad world

[@georgegeorge7831]

Was that water he was putting in the oil cap.///?????

[@CruisingAlba]

Hi George, thank you so much for watching our videos! Yes but that's not an oil cup it's engine coolant. Have a lovely day! 💜xx

[@AndreasDuessca]

Haha. Rivers and lakes get in your blood, don't they? They're living things, that's the difference. Few things are better than meandering along a coastline, or exploring up a river. Canals are nice, but rivers are alive.

[@CruisingAlba]

Wow Andreas that's a great way of putting it, YES you are right. Thank you for sharing!!! 💜 xx

[@john.mbeckett7818]

How do you fund this life style..?

[@CruisingAlba]

Hi John, watch our Q & A video 👌

[@kathybarns8351]

I see Myles had a

[@busterhyman103]

*Boats do not have " Propellers, [ unless it is an airboat ] " , rather that twirly underwater propulsion thing is called the " Wheel ."*

[@EarthWatcher736]

What happened to Zoe, she disappeared in the video, did she walk the plank ?

[@CruisingAlba]

Hi Mick, thank you so much for watching till the end! Zoe boat sat for us so she left when we returned to Alba. We did take her on a cruise though. There is an update about her boat life experience is coming out soon! 💜

[@amberandcoco5497]

When you swim in the river don’t you end up smelling like a trout all week?

[@CruisingAlba]

Hi lovely John, thank you so much for watching our video! Not sure how much experience you have with river swimming but the water doesn't smell unless it's probably somewhere you shouldn't be going into. It's clear and very enjoyable. We hope you have a wonderful week. Take care! 💜xx

[@johnccargill4665]

Really man, those pants?

[@6101garryb]

I ad to look twice, I thought he ad a dress on..... but I loved the video tbh

[@TombstoneHeart]

See what happens when you wear weird clothes on a narrow boat? Your dinghy gets embarrassed and tries to run away from home!

[@CruisingAlba]

Hi Tom, thank you for watching the video! Living on a boat is a wonderful experience and we love sharing it with the world. We also put a ton of effort into creating our films. We want to create art and beauty in the world and let people take a break from the every day and escape into the slow world of canals and rivers. We also want to promote self-expression, kindness and love which sometimes are missing in the world. Everyone should have the right to enjoy the opportunity to creatively express themselves in any ways, as long as its safe for them and anyone around them. When we see comments that contain judgment it always makes us think why people feel that way and what really is going on underneath. We want to let you know that, we hope you can open your heart and see the best in people because ultimately this love comes back around and others will be showing love and acceptance to you. We hope you enjoy our films nevertheless! Sending you our love and virtual hugs 💜 Take care xxx

[@TombstoneHeart]

@@CruisingAlba Jeez, lighten up, Mr and Mrs We're-So-Wonderful. My comment was a joke - do you remember jokes? Probably not, but nevertheless, that was the intent. Too bad that you missed that, but virtue signalling to the whole world about how perfect you both are must be a full time job, so most of us mere mortals can forgive you for that. We could probably also forgive you for being smug, conceited, judgmental and sanctimonious, but most of us are too busy living a Real Life to be bothered with trivial stuff like that. However, we do hope you get one soon - a real life, that is.

[@soraya4890]

You have a cute husband

[@newyorknewart]

BRITAIN JUST ANNOUNCED 'LOCKDOWN' - ARE YOU PREPARED?

[@CruisingAlba]

We are, we mostly only leave the boat to go to shops and we work from home, so not much is going to change for us, we might be asked to stay in one place though, will see!