We used to moor at Mercia marina and our dog at the time loved it when we stopped at Shobnall fields. So much so we scattered his ashes there when he sadly died of cancer. My husband and I cannot go past without shedding a tear. But your video brought back lots of happy memories. Thank you. x
I know it can be hard to continuous cruise at the height of winter, but it's that life that would encourage me the most. Thanks for that interesting Vlog. all the best. Stephen
We spent a couple of months in a marina for our first winter, hubby commuting. The local liffers, thought we mad, they couldn't it when we left. 95% never left and only moved them boat to get the engine serviced in the corner.
Not entirely certain that's quite what happened with the Trent & Mersey ... it seems to have remained in use pretty much continuously, transitioning from commercial to leisure traffic in the 60s and 70s, at which point it started to look sensible for marinas to start popping up. But it would feel pretty odd on a canal that had been filled in and restored with a lot of backbreaking effort! M
So its life on the cut for you and not in a marina!! I thinks it is colder now than it was back in January!! Thanks for the vlog and take care. This cold spell is known as a Blackthorn Winter, as it gets chilly when the Blackthorn is in flower.
I see people were asking why you got so behind but thanks for building up this literal reservoir of videos to be able to post out over these winter months.
Just too much moving and too little editing while the getting was good ... no doubt we'll build up another backlog once they let us move again this time! M
Hello Jo, Michael, and George! I am behind on Vlogs, so I am just getting the "round tuit" with this one. When I saw the Title of the Episode I thought, "Michael is back in school full time..." Then, I laughed at myself when I heard it was only "one day" in the delightful Mercia Marina. Happy 10th Birthday to George. It's been a long, Covid-19 Winter, and your collected Vlogs from the summer and fall have been delightful. Stay safe and well! Marjorie
That was a BIG goose! My Dad raised Toulouse geese and they were larger than Canada geese by at least 30% but the brown & white one you filmed was the King Kong of geese! Thank you for all that you do to make these warm and wonderful videos even though you were sooooo cold! That shows real dedication. 🏆🥇🎬😎
Our rivers freeze over in October and thaw by late March early April, Our Winters do go down to -40C It is then I wish we were back in my home Province of Nova Scotia where the nominal temperature is +10 to -10C my sister just laughs at us out here on the landlocked prairies. I enjoy your journeys, and adventures, especially the adventures of George, we have two dogs.Roxy and Grommet. Please stay safe, the Delta and perhaps the Lamda Variant are nothing to mess about with.
Brrrr I was cold watching you ! Glad your both okay from the historical dimension. I have to say this marina would not be one I would like. A few of my vlogers move into marinas for winter its what suits the individual. Without an inbuilt generator on board and a washing machine then there are always logistics involved. Keep safe dry warm and virus free. Thanks for posting always a pleasure.
Oh, that was funny!! You are kinda like us boondocking snow birds. I have a home in NW Montana but am sick of the cold in winter so I go south. On my way down in November and back again in April, I do not pay for a camper spot. BUT once I get to the LTVA (long term visitor area) on BLM (Bureau of Land Mangement) land in the California desert, I do pay $170 for 7 months. But it's primitive camping, no water or electric, but we do have a place to dump black water. Love your videos, keep up the good work. Wish I wasn't so old, would love to go to England and try Narrow Boating.
Don't talk yourself out of trying it, narrowboating is pretty easy for the older folk, though you might want to plan a visit somewhere with fewer locks! M
Hey Jo, just finished reading your delightful book. Thanks for doing that. Great to know more of your backstories and to have a thoughtful travel memoir. I then watched a video of one of the boat vloggers get together. Envied the opportunity to chat with such interesting people.
Great video !!! I have wondered several times why you both would be cold on the well deck, when you have a cozy place just feet away, equipped with kitchen and hot drinks... I think you two need to agree there is no guilt associated with helping each other get warm and be served warmth giving substance !!!
Hi Jo Michael,what a shock saying you was giving up CC what a fright it’s a huge Marina don’t think £13 pound a night is dear do you ,still you can get your laundry done ,got to say some nice views things people like me not on a boat would never see thank you .enjoyed this blog very much even those you scared the crap out of me with the headline of this blog ,well guys take care keep safe keep warm,John 👀🌹🌈🥂❤️🦢🧚🏽♀️👍
HA! I read the title and knew that there was no way. BTW, you spent more time on blocks getting the blacking done, don't know if that counts. Yes, Michael, a trimmed beard will always grow back grayer. There's probably science behind it or something. Finally, I'm now waiting for my new Leatherman with camera. Surprised it hasn't been announced yet.
Probably nothing new to you, but geese have been used as guard animals since Roman times. There is no way of sneaking up to them without a lot of noise produced before you get even close.
@@MinimalList I've been attacked by a goose in St James's Park. It wanted feeding, and decided that the best way to get food out of me was to try its best to pull my shorts down. I was about 12 at the time.
Have you had any thoughts of getting a cover to keep the rain and wind off you when cruising? I can see where the marina is nice but I to would like to tow path the best. Sure it’s easier with the dog also. Enjoy your videos just found them. Where is your husband from in the states? I’m in Georgia.
A pram hood cover wouldn’t work for our boat. michael is from all over the place, born in Oklahoma, grew up in California, Saudi Arabia and Vancouver. He’s also lived all over the place in his adult life!
My thoughts are like being on vacation in the marina. Being able to stand in a warm shower without rushing is the thing I'm most thankful for and I live in a house. I don't take long showers 5-10 minutes. Worries about water on a boat would take getting use to. Sorry for the ramble it's just my first thought was I would take a few showers in the time spent there.
I love how you describe your dilemma about using a marina.You add to the enjoyment for people like my Land Locked self in the Frozen North of Alberta Canada, (actually +28C currently) While our politicians have opened up our province (idiots) Please stay safe and well through the COVID-19 issues, My Daughter and her husband in S London are staying put and working from home still.
We're doing pretty well for Covid over here right at the moment, knock wood ... I do not think that situation will remain indefinitely, but politicians everywhere seem to misunderstand the basics of epidemiology. Sigh. M
Oh dear. That's how it starts. First, a night in a marina. Then two. Pretty soon you're out on the street... or at a real estate agent.. trying score a lock keeper's cottage!
Welcome to the ‘dark side’. They do have useful facilities and the odd night can serve a strategic purpose. Also safe place if you have to leave the boat for a week or so.
Yep, the road bridge was about a foot lower than the highest part of the old arch bridge. It wasn't marked, you just have to pay attention! Luckily it wasn't much of a duck! M
I thought you were throwing your hand in with the title. Glad you’re not. You still look freezing. Only a few more weeks and you won’t need a laundry. You will be in T shirts and shorts. Good luck.👍
Thats a shame i missed you guys coming in the marina im right next to the diesel pump aswell. sadly i was proberbly at work lol. Who knows maybe one day lol 🤞 look forward to see where you go next 😉
Ohhh, you'd never been in a marina before this? I totally get that feeling of not wanting to. I can't describe it right now, (too tired to think,) but I get it. "That's cheating" is a big part of it. :D And this is without considering the hassle at all!
I didn’t realise you were in my local area during the latest lockdown - almost neighbours! Pity the tearoom at the nursery near you isn’t open, they do the most delicious peanut butter and chocolate stack cakes. Actually perhaps not, imagine the willpower you would need!
I hate to tell you this, Michael, but that's not all mayo. The Grey Hair Faeries sneak up on us quietly and suddenly. ... At least, that's my story and I'm sticking to it. :)
Hi guys Mercia Marina is lovely I have stayed there overnight a couple of times and it was well worth it just for the showers which were spotless ans we had a pint just sitting watching the Swamp Duck from the Board Walk. Take care you three cheers Alan x
Do you guys survive comfortably using laundromat and are there enough of them within easy reach. My wife and I lived on a yacht in the Coral Sea but laundry was never a problem in the tropics, we had 2 sarongs that we rinsed once a week. We are keen to try narrowboating but heating and laundry are our biggest concerns.
Yeah, we’ve always managed to find one when we need one. Lots of people have washing machines on their boats but that of course means more trips to the tap.
Soon, you'll have Marina slip gardens and BBQ's on the fantail... I can see it now, a month and you'll be Marina people. Lounge chairs on deck ... but laundry is a necessity... poor George.. oh and you guys too.
Did the £13 mooring fee include the use of the laundry, or was that extra? If included and you did three loads of washing, you’re probably in profit going by the prices at the laundrette in our town.
There was a pre-paid card we topped up and used to pay for it ... if it had been included in the mooring fee we might well not have left the next day! M
So, what model Leatherman do you have? Of the ones that I’ve had over the years, I like my current one the best. It’s the Charge, and along with the bit set, I can do quite a bit with it (not film though!). Cheers!
That was fun, and cold. One night in a boatel is hardly selling out. How about a real time update for us UA-cam only folks? How are you, where are you?
We're just a couple videos from caught up to where we are now and have been for a few months! We might do a live update before we start to move again! M
Like many (if not almost most) cyclists, I also have a multi-tool. Now I have to congratulate the developer of these because there is nothing more useless than a multi-tool for a bike. The body that holds the Allan keys just always gets in the way and it is hard to envisage anything more useless (| suppose a chocolate fireguard would about challenge but at least you can enjoy eating the chocolate whilst wondering why on earth you bought it in the first place).
The only thing worse than a tool that's not fit for purpose is an entire toolkit not fit for purpose ... I once rented an Indian-make Royal Enfield to drive down the coast of Karnataka. Had a wee bit of a mechanical issue with a loose brake stand. Stopped to fix it and pulled out the Royal Enfield branded, still factory sealed, toolkit. Opened to discover that not a single wrench, screwdriver bit, or socket in that kit fit even a single nut, screw, or bolt on that damned bike. Not a one. It made a better pillow than it did a toolkit. Sigh. M
Yes, we're CC'ing. Rules get relaxed in the winter, but we've tended to keep moving quite a bit, just to ward off cabin fever. Of course Covid didn't help with that last winter, so we got stuck for quite a bit longer. Not good for mental health, but it does let me get quite a bit of reading done! M
It's as cold now as it was back in January, had to get the thermal boots back out. So you weren't tempted by marina life? You two have itchy feet, doubt you could stay anywhere in one place for very long. Oh and a very nice piece of reversing! Take care and stay safe.
As to the Solar Panels I had understood you had them on tingling Racks. Some I have seen also have the ability to swivel on the base essential pivot on one end to the opposite can move the width of the boat in the opposite direction. Except for the cost I have wondered about every square inch of the roof and ever square inch of both sides, From what I am now reading they have developed array which can be painted (obvious a special paint) Solar arrays are the new big thing here and many new technologies are in development. At My age I am not moving to the UK to be near my Daughter. They plan on moving to Scotland, wishful thinking.
They are on a tilting frames, the idea of rotating was appealing but simply too complicated. In hindsight I should have gone with somewhat smaller panels but figured out rotation and tilt, or, yes, gone with a much larger area of adhesive flex panels and not worried so much about the tilting! M
When my dad used to walk the dog my mum used to make him sit on a mat in the kitchen near his food and water while she cleaned him off, he got so used to doing this that he didn't like coming in unless his mat was there even in summer, he'd stand at the back door looking at you as if he was trying to say, she's gonna tell me off..
Selfacrits. Ha ha. New word. Marina's are handy having 240v power on tap for charging batteries etc. Water, fuel it's like heaven. Enjoy relaxing for once.
Your friend wouldn't be THE GREEN MAN would it? As for beards, i reckon some of that is wishful thinking, i have a completely white one. Stenson lock is a favourite place for cars to enter the canal and feature in our local paper frequently 👍👍
I’ve noticed that Jo is not particularly insulation gifted. I suggest more external insulation. Perhaps multiple wooly jumpers. Remember the famous Beatles song, give fleece a chance. Perhaps some fine Scottish wool. If the Scottish sheep become excess population, perhaps some of us Americans with Scottish ancestry will return to the Highlands of our ancestors and grow oats, peas, beans and barley, oh. Or set up golf courses.
Same amount of solar panels, but yes in winter with the sun much lower in the sky we get a lot less actual conversion to power... it’s really only efficient in winter when you can tilt at the southern sky. M
@@MinimalList Thanks, about to put two new 170w victron panels on ours tilting as one panel. We are now just a few weeks away from becoming full time CCing.
"It was my Leatherman multi-tool." "Can't film on that." Nope. doesn't have a camera." .... Yet. BTW, I commented on your shoes a couple or three videos back, and if you wear (although I doubt you do) a 10.5 regular width shoe, and have an addy I can send you a pair to, I have a couple of brand new pairs that I bought to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail, however failed to size up when I ordered them to accommodate swollen feet. If you can wear them and want them, they're yours, free of charge. :-)
Thanks for that, but if I were a 10.5 regular width I'd be spoiled for selection ... I'm a 13.5 EEE, otherwise known as a scuba fin. Bloody fast swimmer though. Thanks for the offer! M
George would not want to run into any Canada geese, I had one Fly in front of my truck and shattered the wind. shield, he kept flying, I needed a new windshield.
You're not selling marina mooring surprisingly. We moored there for a week and did not like it..... felt like we were the main event for the gongoozlers and we were paying for the privilege.....but if we were all the same how boring would that be.
Not officially... neither is the Canada Goose (although it’s a much more recognizably Canadian bird than the Gray Jay)... Canada hasn’t got an official National bird. M
The loon is on the one dollar coin (aka the loonie), but it’s not the national bird. In fact Canada has no official national bird... the Royal Canadian Geographical Society wanted it to be the Gray Jay, but the government decided against adding one. Probably because the Geese would riot! M
Too bad you feel like it is a situation that has to be justified going into a marina for a night or two. Does CRT frown on cruisers spending a night or two in a marina?
We used to moor at Mercia marina and our dog at the time loved it when we stopped at Shobnall fields. So much so we scattered his ashes there when he sadly died of cancer. My husband and I cannot go past without shedding a tear. But your video brought back lots of happy memories. Thank you. x
Oh, poor pooch, but glad to know he's at a favorite field! Glad we could bring back some good memories! M
I lost my dog to cancer a couple years ago I understand how painful that is. Nice having happy memories and a place to visit too.
I know it can be hard to continuous cruise at the height of winter, but it's that life that would encourage me the most.
Thanks for that interesting Vlog. all the best. Stephen
The size of that marina is mind boggling!
It's enormous ... largest one in Europe, apparently! M
Still loving the music, that guitar strum gets me everytime, looking forward to the next one. 💗💙🙋♀️🙋♀️,
Good to hear, thank you. The new video will be out on Friday.
Never knew that the marina's could be so large. Always learn something new on this site.
It’s the biggest one, currently! M
We spent a couple of months in a marina for our first winter, hubby commuting. The local liffers, thought we mad, they couldn't it when we left. 95% never left and only moved them boat to get the engine serviced in the corner.
We saw a few boats that looked like they hadn't moved in years ... just can't fathom it. It's a boat ... it wants to move! M
Amazes me that the volounteers get a canal back to life and then the big money makers move straight in to make a fortune with their fancy marinas
Not entirely certain that's quite what happened with the Trent & Mersey ... it seems to have remained in use pretty much continuously, transitioning from commercial to leisure traffic in the 60s and 70s, at which point it started to look sensible for marinas to start popping up. But it would feel pretty odd on a canal that had been filled in and restored with a lot of backbreaking effort! M
So its life on the cut for you and not in a marina!! I thinks it is colder now than it was back in January!! Thanks for the vlog and take care. This cold spell is known as a Blackthorn Winter, as it gets chilly when the Blackthorn is in flower.
Someone tell those flowers to knock it off! M
Foxes Afloat were complaining about the geese, mating season, made lots of racket. That marina is definitely very large, amazing! Stay warm & safe
The geese around here have been getting a wee bit frisky as well! M
I see people were asking why you got so behind but thanks for building up this literal reservoir of videos to be able to post out over these winter months.
Just too much moving and too little editing while the getting was good ... no doubt we'll build up another backlog once they let us move again this time! M
Well that was different but I am glad you have a nice looking 3 days of sun. But as you said just a bit cold. 😨.
No need to say keep warm guys.
Interesting seeing the huge Marina where you stopped to do your laundry. You’re catching up fast now, won’t be long before you reach April.
Nearly there! M
Hello Jo, Michael, and George! I am behind on Vlogs, so I am just getting the "round tuit" with this one. When I saw the Title of the Episode I thought, "Michael is back in school full time..." Then, I laughed at myself when I heard it was only "one day" in the delightful Mercia Marina. Happy 10th Birthday to George. It's been a long, Covid-19 Winter, and your collected Vlogs from the summer and fall have been delightful. Stay safe and well! Marjorie
Haha, year sorry we tricked you with the title. Yeah, winter has been really hard hasn’t it.
That was a BIG goose! My Dad raised Toulouse geese and they were larger than Canada geese by at least 30% but the brown & white one you filmed was the King Kong of geese! Thank you for all that you do to make these warm and wonderful videos even though you were sooooo cold! That shows real dedication. 🏆🥇🎬😎
Now I want to see a movie with a goose climbing the Empire State! M
Listening to Jo's comments about the cold, it's no better in April! Thanks for the vlog today.
At least there's been a few days here and there of warmer! M
It's worse in may!
Our rivers freeze over in October and thaw by late March early April, Our Winters do go down to -40C It is then I wish we were back in my home Province of Nova Scotia where the nominal temperature is +10 to -10C my sister just laughs at us out here on the landlocked prairies. I enjoy your journeys, and adventures, especially the adventures of George, we have two dogs.Roxy and Grommet. Please stay safe, the Delta and perhaps the Lamda Variant are nothing to mess about with.
Oh man, the Prairies ... basically the last place the glaciers receded from, and the first they'll return to! M
Brrrr I was cold watching you !
Glad your both okay from the historical dimension.
I have to say this marina would not be one I would like.
A few of my vlogers move into marinas for winter its what suits the individual.
Without an inbuilt generator on board and a washing machine then there are always logistics involved.
Keep safe dry warm and virus free.
Thanks for posting always a pleasure.
I can see the appeal of a marina in winter but it is not for us. We’ve had four winters cc’ing now and it suites us. Thanks for watching.
Oh, that was funny!! You are kinda like us boondocking snow birds. I have a home in NW Montana but am sick of the cold in winter so I go south. On my way down in November and back again in April, I do not pay for a camper spot. BUT once I get to the LTVA (long term visitor area) on BLM (Bureau of Land Mangement) land in the California desert, I do pay $170 for 7 months. But it's primitive camping, no water or electric, but we do have a place to dump black water.
Love your videos, keep up the good work. Wish I wasn't so old, would love to go to England and try Narrow Boating.
Don't talk yourself out of trying it, narrowboating is pretty easy for the older folk, though you might want to plan a visit somewhere with fewer locks! M
Watching visitors arrive in a marina is a spectator sport. I'm surprised there weren't folks waving score cards as you came in ;-)
Thankfully there weren’t, I’d have hated to see what the Russian judge would have given me! M
@@MinimalList Its always the East German judge that screws you.
@@MinimalList 12 Votes;)
I thought the Leatherman was the only tool a boater needed, apparently I was mistaken, Great vlog guys.
Yes, our tool box demonstrates otherwise!
Hey Jo, just finished reading your delightful book. Thanks for doing that. Great to know more of your backstories and to have a thoughtful travel memoir. I then watched a video of one of the boat vloggers get together. Envied the opportunity to chat with such interesting people.
They’re an interesting group! Glad you liked Jo’s book, I’ll pass that along! M
Great video !!! I have wondered several times why you both would be cold on the well deck, when you have a cozy place just feet away, equipped with kitchen and hot drinks... I think you two need to agree there is no guilt associated with helping each other get warm and be served warmth giving substance !!!
The outside is too interesting.
If it were brighter inside the boat we’d shoot in there just to stay warm! M
Hi Jo Michael,what a shock saying you was giving up CC what a fright it’s a huge Marina don’t think £13 pound a night is dear do you ,still you can get your laundry done ,got to say some nice views things people like me not on a boat would never see thank you .enjoyed this blog very much even those you scared the crap out of me with the headline of this blog ,well guys take care keep safe keep warm,John 👀🌹🌈🥂❤️🦢🧚🏽♀️👍
Heh, sorry for the fright! We're glad we swung in there and tried it for a night, but wouldn't want to do it for long! M
So young and so off the rails 😁. Hope you enjoyed your marina time.
It was fun while it lasted! M
Your vlogs are great. Always enjoy them.
Glad you do! M
Very good vid thank you xx
You’re welcome 😊
HA! I read the title and knew that there was no way. BTW, you spent more time on blocks getting the blacking done, don't know if that counts.
Yes, Michael, a trimmed beard will always grow back grayer. There's probably science behind it or something. Finally, I'm now waiting for my new Leatherman with camera. Surprised it hasn't been announced yet.
I'm sure it's only a matter of time before Leatherman gets in the camera business! M
Probably nothing new to you, but geese have been used as guard animals since Roman times. There is no way of sneaking up to them without a lot of noise produced before you get even close.
For a moment there I was visualizing attack geese rather than alarm geese... the latter makes a lot more sense! M
@@MinimalList actually attack geese are pretty effective.
@@MinimalList I've been attacked by a goose in St James's Park. It wanted feeding, and decided that the best way to get food out of me was to try its best to pull my shorts down. I was about 12 at the time.
Have you had any thoughts of getting a cover to keep the rain and wind off you when cruising? I can see where the marina is nice but I to would like to tow path the best. Sure it’s easier with the dog also. Enjoy your videos just found them. Where is your husband from in the states? I’m in Georgia.
A pram hood cover wouldn’t work for our boat. michael is from all over the place, born in Oklahoma, grew up in California, Saudi Arabia and Vancouver. He’s also lived all over the place in his adult life!
Dude your reversing and boat handling rocks. I would have hit all 600 boats getting into that space. Great video thanks
Thanks! It’s all in the wrist! Though mainly I just got really lucky on a boat with a good swim! M
My thoughts are like being on vacation in the marina. Being able to stand in a warm shower without rushing is the thing I'm most thankful for and I live in a house. I don't take long showers 5-10 minutes. Worries about water on a boat would take getting use to. Sorry for the ramble it's just my first thought was I would take a few showers in the time spent there.
We don't really worry about water, we have plenty. Its just if we both want a shower that is actually hot we need to rush a little.
A MARINA! How SHOCKING! Actually I couldn't believe how HUGE the place was.
Biggest one in Europe! M
I love how you describe your dilemma about using a marina.You add to the enjoyment for people like my Land Locked self in the Frozen North of Alberta Canada, (actually +28C currently) While our politicians have opened up our province (idiots) Please stay safe and well through the COVID-19 issues, My Daughter and her husband in S London are staying put and working from home still.
We're doing pretty well for Covid over here right at the moment, knock wood ... I do not think that situation will remain indefinitely, but politicians everywhere seem to misunderstand the basics of epidemiology. Sigh. M
Enjoyed the video very much,
also loved the music youve chosen too.
I’m on a marina. It’s a small one and I love it
Oh dear. That's how it starts. First, a night in a marina. Then two. Pretty soon you're out on the street... or at a real estate agent.. trying score a lock keeper's cottage!
Hmm ... we do dream of lock keeper's cottages! M
5:22 micheal goes to open the slucies and the swan's like: Oh yeah what you doing, looking for trouble I have it right here! lol
Haha. My money is on the swan!
You're filming some good footage with the new DJI Pocket 2 gimbal camera. That was worth getting.
Thanks, yeah it was a good investment.
Welcome to the ‘dark side’. They do have useful facilities and the odd night can serve a strategic purpose. Also safe place if you have to leave the boat for a week or so.
We did like having the facilities so close at hand, but still not meant for marina life! M
_MOORING THE MARINA_
I think Gin & Tonic David owns the rights to a channelname like that
Heh! I say nothing! ;-) M
I heard tell of a really good Indian restaurant at Mercia Marina, I wonder if it was open when you were there?
Well not that we could see or smell, or we'd have been right in there! M
600 boats, damn that place is big.
Sure is!
Sad !
@21:42
Is there a second lower bridge behind that first bridge? Was it marked well? At all?
Yep, the road bridge was about a foot lower than the highest part of the old arch bridge. It wasn't marked, you just have to pay attention! Luckily it wasn't much of a duck! M
Mercia marina reminds me of a new housing estate.
Yeah, Its very well designed.
I thought you were throwing your hand in with the title. Glad you’re not. You still look freezing. Only a few more weeks and you won’t need a laundry. You will be in T shirts and shorts. Good luck.👍
Still gotta wash the shirts and shorts occasionally! M
I am surprised you did not try the "Lotus Indian Kitchen" I see was right there in the marina.
We tend not to eat out that often so missed it. 😕
Wondering if you saw "Holly the Cafe boat" in your travels? Never saw you as Marina folk, but the title did give me a fright!
We met a couple who mentioned they were starting a cafe on their boat, but if it were them I we didn't put two and two together! M
Thats a shame i missed you guys coming in the marina im right next to the diesel pump aswell. sadly i was proberbly at work lol. Who knows maybe one day lol 🤞 look forward to see where you go next 😉
Sorry we missed you! M
Ohhh, you'd never been in a marina before this? I totally get that feeling of not wanting to. I can't describe it right now, (too tired to think,) but I get it. "That's cheating" is a big part of it. :D And this is without considering the hassle at all!
It's definitely that "cheating" feeling that held us back! And why we haven't gone back into one since, though we were tempted! M
@@MinimalList It's a strong feeling!
Hope you are warmer but we have had snow for two days ❄️☃️
Hopefully it melts soon! M
Automatic washing machines on boats are a great idea, but they do increase the frequency of visits to the tap.
We haven’t really missed on until lockdown... now I’d be happy for the more frequent trips to the water point! M
@@MinimalList Oh dear, is the water tank empty AGAIN?
thanks
I didn’t realise you were in my local area during the latest lockdown - almost neighbours! Pity the tearoom at the nursery near you isn’t open, they do the most delicious peanut butter and chocolate stack cakes. Actually perhaps not, imagine the willpower you would need!
SO much willpower! Too much! M
I hate to tell you this, Michael, but that's not all mayo. The Grey Hair Faeries sneak up on us quietly and suddenly.
...
At least, that's my story and I'm sticking to it. :)
Oh the grey hair fairies started showing up for me when I was 16, so I know! M
As always, highly entertaining!
Glad you enjoyed it! M
Did you ring ahead to book a mooring or just roll up at the marina?
Just rolled up... we hadn’t really planned on staying the night but when it turned out they had laundry facilities we couldn’t pass it up! M
Hi guys Mercia Marina is lovely I have stayed there overnight a couple of times and it was well worth it just for the showers which were spotless ans we had a pint just sitting watching the Swamp Duck from the Board Walk. Take care you three cheers Alan x
Jo, you snd George must have walked half way all over England!
At least half way! M
Do you guys survive comfortably using laundromat and are there enough of them within easy reach. My wife and I lived on a yacht in the Coral Sea but laundry was never a problem in the tropics, we had 2 sarongs that we rinsed once a week.
We are keen to try narrowboating but heating and laundry are our biggest concerns.
Yeah, we’ve always managed to find one when we need one. Lots of people have washing machines on their boats but that of course means more trips to the tap.
O.M.G. I had NOT realised Just how Big some of these Marinas Are.....
To be fair this is the largest one in all of Europe! M
Soon, you'll have Marina slip gardens and BBQ's on the fantail... I can see it now, a month and you'll be Marina people. Lounge chairs on deck ... but laundry is a necessity... poor George.. oh and you guys too.
Dunno if I’ll ever be a lounge chair on the deck sort of fellow! M
Mayonnaise tinted beard ! You crack me up Michael. 😂
Needs to restore his youth with a little spicy brown mustard then
Did the £13 mooring fee include the use of the laundry, or was that extra? If included and you did three loads of washing, you’re probably in profit going by the prices at the laundrette in our town.
There was a pre-paid card we topped up and used to pay for it ... if it had been included in the mooring fee we might well not have left the next day! M
So, what model Leatherman do you have? Of the ones that I’ve had over the years, I like my current one the best. It’s the Charge, and along with the bit set, I can do quite a bit with it (not film though!). Cheers!
Mine's the Sidekick, not sure they actually make it any more ... nothing fancy. I like the Charge, but I'm sure I'd lose those bits! M
That was fun, and cold. One night in a boatel is hardly selling out. How about a real time update for us UA-cam only folks? How are you, where are you?
We're just a couple videos from caught up to where we are now and have been for a few months! We might do a live update before we start to move again! M
Like many (if not almost most) cyclists, I also have a multi-tool. Now I have to congratulate the developer of these because there is nothing more useless than a multi-tool for a bike. The body that holds the Allan keys just always gets in the way and it is hard to envisage anything more useless (| suppose a chocolate fireguard would about challenge but at least you can enjoy eating the chocolate whilst wondering why on earth you bought it in the first place).
The only thing worse than a tool that's not fit for purpose is an entire toolkit not fit for purpose ... I once rented an Indian-make Royal Enfield to drive down the coast of Karnataka. Had a wee bit of a mechanical issue with a loose brake stand. Stopped to fix it and pulled out the Royal Enfield branded, still factory sealed, toolkit. Opened to discover that not a single wrench, screwdriver bit, or socket in that kit fit even a single nut, screw, or bolt on that damned bike. Not a one. It made a better pillow than it did a toolkit. Sigh. M
I've got a bike multitool which is a little bit useful. I've used less than 1/3 of it though.
it has been cold take care
Thanks, we've been able to stay warm! M
So I take it that you are what is called "Continuous Cursers" That is a lot of daily work. So how do you cope in the Winter.
Yes, we're CC'ing. Rules get relaxed in the winter, but we've tended to keep moving quite a bit, just to ward off cabin fever. Of course Covid didn't help with that last winter, so we got stuck for quite a bit longer. Not good for mental health, but it does let me get quite a bit of reading done! M
Oh - those teasing - click-bait titles! So naughty!
It’s hard to resist when they just write themselves like this one! And sadly it works! M
It's as cold now as it was back in January, had to get the thermal boots back out. So you weren't tempted by marina life? You two have itchy feet, doubt you could stay anywhere in one place for very long. Oh and a very nice piece of reversing! Take care and stay safe.
Never gonna be tempted by marina life... except for a day! M
As to the Solar Panels I had understood you had them on tingling Racks. Some I have seen also have the ability to swivel on the base essential pivot on one end to the opposite can move the width of the boat in the opposite direction. Except for the cost I have wondered about every square inch of the roof and ever square inch of both sides, From what I am now reading they have developed array which can be painted (obvious a special paint) Solar arrays are the new big thing here and many new technologies are in development. At My age I am not moving to the UK to be near my Daughter. They plan on moving to Scotland, wishful thinking.
They are on a tilting frames, the idea of rotating was appealing but simply too complicated. In hindsight I should have gone with somewhat smaller panels but figured out rotation and tilt, or, yes, gone with a much larger area of adhesive flex panels and not worried so much about the tilting! M
When my dad used to walk the dog my mum used to make him sit on a mat in the kitchen near his food and water while she cleaned him off, he got so used to doing this that he didn't like coming in unless his mat was there even in summer, he'd stand at the back door looking at you as if he was trying to say, she's gonna tell me off..
First time through reading that I thought your mum was making your dad sit on the mat ... was so confused! Sounds like a smart doggo though! M
@@MinimalList 😂😂😂 haha same here
I though the marina near Wychnor was big but the one you stayed at a body could get lost in there. Nice vlog, sunshine and photography... Thanks. B.
You can easily get lost in Mercia! It’s huge! M
Selfacrits. Ha ha. New word. Marina's are handy having 240v power on tap for charging batteries etc. Water, fuel it's like heaven. Enjoy relaxing for once.
it's scary having 240 volts associated with running water.
I’m not sure the water has to be running for 240V to be scary! M
Sawley marina is ok unless the river is in flood.
Motorised telescopic solar panels?
You can blame the Romans for the A38 being so close to the canal.
Your friend wouldn't be THE GREEN MAN would it? As for beards, i reckon some of that is wishful thinking, i have a completely white one. Stenson lock is a favourite place for cars to enter the canal and feature in our local paper frequently 👍👍
Principles v Pragmatism, at those temps with a load of washing and drying, I would have made the same pragmatic decision!!!!
Especially if you'd smelled the laundry! M
@@MinimalList too much information!!!
I’ve noticed that Jo is not particularly insulation gifted. I suggest more external insulation. Perhaps multiple wooly jumpers. Remember the famous Beatles song, give fleece a chance. Perhaps some fine Scottish wool. If the Scottish sheep become excess population, perhaps some of us Americans with Scottish ancestry will return to the Highlands of our ancestors and grow oats, peas, beans and barley, oh. Or set up golf courses.
Most likely the golf courses! M
Hi Has the boat got less solar on it at the moment?
Same amount of solar panels, but yes in winter with the sun much lower in the sky we get a lot less actual conversion to power... it’s really only efficient in winter when you can tilt at the southern sky. M
@@MinimalList Thanks, about to put two new 170w victron panels on ours tilting as one panel. We are now just a few weeks away from becoming full time CCing.
Brrrrrrrrrrr ! Guy
That is some persistent mayo!
It's really sticky! M
Gets worse each year 😂
There’s a time for everything!
#thumbsup
"It was my Leatherman multi-tool." "Can't film on that." Nope. doesn't have a camera." .... Yet. BTW, I commented on your shoes a couple or three videos back, and if you wear (although I doubt you do) a 10.5 regular width shoe, and have an addy I can send you a pair to, I have a couple of brand new pairs that I bought to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail, however failed to size up when I ordered them to accommodate swollen feet. If you can wear them and want them, they're yours, free of charge. :-)
Thanks for that, but if I were a 10.5 regular width I'd be spoiled for selection ... I'm a 13.5 EEE, otherwise known as a scuba fin. Bloody fast swimmer though. Thanks for the offer! M
Another excellent video. Getting concerned in the title about you changing to permanent moaners sorry moorers.
There is reason to worry
You haven't sold Mercia to me.
Well good, it's not ours to sell! :-) M
Even the ducks know what you're upto.😉
Heh ... well I know what they're up to too! M
Oat and abote in a boat.
George would not want to run into any Canada geese, I had one Fly in front of my truck and shattered the wind. shield, he kept flying, I needed a new windshield.
They're pretty tough birds! M
Oh boy that looked sooooo cold. C x
It was sooooo coooold! M
Mayonnaise, , , yes that what it is , , , I have the same issue..
Yeah good move, and usually there are waiting lists and no slips available ... so for 13 quid what can you say....
Not bad when it’s available on a rock up! M
Jo's face says it all ....( - :
good vid on the cut
Hello I'm new here I watch silver fox channel came cross to yours im in Essex
Welcome to the channel! M
💓✔💯👍
You're not selling marina mooring surprisingly. We moored there for a week and did not like it..... felt like we were the main event for the gongoozlers and we were paying for the privilege.....but if we were all the same how boring would that be.
We call tge geese with the black head canada geese. I hope i did not offend you😁.
National bird of Canada, eh! M
@@MinimalList The national bird is the Canada Jay.
@@MinimalList Ah, I thought that the national bird of Canada was the Loon. Isn't that bird on your coinage? You live and learn...🧐
Not officially... neither is the Canada Goose (although it’s a much more recognizably Canadian bird than the Gray Jay)... Canada hasn’t got an official National bird. M
The loon is on the one dollar coin (aka the loonie), but it’s not the national bird. In fact Canada has no official national bird... the Royal Canadian Geographical Society wanted it to be the Gray Jay, but the government decided against adding one. Probably because the Geese would riot! M
Too bad you feel like it is a situation that has to be justified going into a marina for a night or two. Does CRT frown on cruisers spending a night or two in a marina?
The CRT doesn't care, or factor into it ... it's just the weird feeling of joining the marina-bound, if even for a day! M