Stumbled on your channel. Brought back amazing memories of summer 1983 in Wales. 4 days on the narrowboat. Amazing scenery. Tied up one evening next to a corn field. My Brit hosts thought I was daft as I returned with several ears of corn. “What are you doing with animal fodder?” I boiled it, buttered it, and enjoyed it. Thought the cows in blighty are super spoiled. Sweetest corn I ever ate. My hosts tried some, and a bit begrudgingly, in the understated English way, decided it was quite okay. Chalk one up for the colonists. I am now 62 and still remember that summer and how wonderful it was. Thank you for this video.
Naigating through the tunnels and small channels give the full perspective of how narrow this is. You possess a mastery of the boat and an aptitude of the mechanics and engineering. Cheers.
Beautiful little gems like this video are the reason I love youtube. A little act of personal bravery, beautiful countryside and a gentle flow to the whole thing, nicely and well done!
Such an enjoyable channel..Regarding a preventable collision when mooring up ... If you are in doubt about the available space then try stopping the bow of your boat part way past the stern of the boat you accidentally hit and reverse into the space.. you'll be able to jump off the stern instead of walking down the gunnel to get off too and avoid potential costly damage to someone else's stern gear.
It's good to see that people are doing what we all should do. Helping others. Great job on trying this by yourself. We have nothing to fear but fear itself. ❤❤
You are a bright happy soul May the enthusiasm you show for your boat and the chores it bestowed on you are fun to watch Your have a go attitude is refreshing and see you handle the successes and failures is wonderful I admire your grit and determination ❤
Hello, I don't know anything about operating a BIG BOAT 😎 But your passion and love for the boat + adventurous spirit + your SWEET SMILE, really compels me to subscribe to your channel 🥰 I'm 💯 truly love to watch your adventure and learn new things from you 🥰 So, here, I wish you all the very best for your life + your boat adventure 🙏 God bless you richly in every area of your life. May He always keep you HEALTHY, STRONG, SAFE + BEAUTIFUL 🙏 KEEP ON SMILLING 😊🤗
Just found your channel and it reminded me of a holiday aged fifteen with my brother and his wife on the Grand union canal! In later years I got into sailing and owned a few (sea)boats ranging from 16 feet up to a 27 foot Bermuda rig yacht. Like you when I first went to sea alone,very little experience but a steep learning curve! It's amazing how much knowledge you gain! Later on I met my late wife and we had a fair few adventures,our furthest trip was Chichester harbour to Weymouth ,lots of fond memories and adventures ! Great to see your confidence to tackle your fears,nothing like completing a passage with "demons"!! I am now hooked and look forward to your future voyages,now at 67 years old I 've joined the armchair sailors,but can't resist the boat life... I 'll enjoy your future travels ,stay safe and boring as it is when your afloat alone a self inflating life jacket may be your best friend? When there s no one else around those high canal sides (locks)can be very unfriendly... Crazy years ago I scoffed at such remarks myself! Have fun and live your life,its yours and you are "living" it,all the best!x
Fantastic vlog. Single handling a narrow boat is daunting even for the most experienced boat owner, you come across as a natural talent. Good luck on your travels xx
I've been sailing and around boats for 40 years, I amazed a friend (who didn't know) when I helped him move his narrow boat last year. A few tips that will definitely help you, firstly, slow the boat down when mooring, you get more time to think, it's less effort and when you drop a rope onto a post, make two loops and fold the top loop under the bottom loop and drop it on the mooring post. the boat will stop! As fo lock gates, just hold pressure on them for a few seconds and they will start to move, it's all about time, don't rush it. You'll get there, just take it slow. You'll get to know the boat length to a mooring spot, then go a little past, reverse the stern in and tether, then deal with the bow at a more leisurely pace. 🙂 The more you do the better you get. 🙂
@@wellbeingonwater He is 100% correct, there are only two times (well three really) you need to rush on a boat, if it's on fire or if it is sinking. The third is hurry taking showers as they eat through the fresh water, but you know what I mean by two.
Thank for taking the time for pointing out the old railway where you had so much fun .These memories are so important.l’m sure your boat will be fine in your capable hands and a little help👍
Lovely video May. There seems to be an abundance of those narrow locks on the Oxford Canal. For a lovely lady like you no-one should mind moving their boat a few feet. It's your home so it's only right that you treat her that way. I love the confident way you continue on your way while eating breakfast.
I have fallen in love with your "gorgeous beings" You could have said everything but you have chosen this particular wording to address those beings. Thank you
Lovely vlog May, a gentle summer cruise. You can see how much you love your boat and how much respect you have for her age. Well done for facing your fear ❤
Hi may love the videos the way you explain what life is like the ups and downs of canal life I can’t work out which one out weighs the other.I think I’ve lost my chance now thinking and talking about how I wished I had done it but at 63 yrs of age and losing my wife of nearly 40 yrs of marriage to sepsis while struggling with cancer it’s to late.I hope you enjoy your life on the canal boats wish you well hope you find the right man in your life and have a family what a great mother you would make take care keep safe and loving the videos 💪💪👋
Hey Nicholas. Bless you heart and thank you for sharing your story. I don't like to agree that it's "too late". But I empathise with the feeling of it. The only thing in life that stops you, is you. Not your age! Take care
You had some wonderful luck with doing all those locks, in the end its all about muscle memory. Counting the number of times you do a thing. Two times round the mooring pin for the rope. Then one slow turn with the winless on the lock, then check on your boat and back to the lock... but you get the idea. And your right it very hard to judge distances when you need moor up. many times I've moved on from a place thinking it was to small and my boat is only 35foot
Well done, you are more competent that you think you are. So refreshing to see a female just going for it. You will soon learn. Couple of tips - for me, I position my boat hard up against the bottom gate when going down hill, then as I open the paddles the draw of the water holds her there. Just check your bow fender can flip up, if it catches on an obstruction (unlikely most locks these days have a smooth continuous plate down the middle). Second tip - it's often easier to reverse in to a mooring slot, that way you can see if it's long enough, are going slowly, the stern comes in first so it's easier to step off and you can quickly stop with a burst of forward. Then when you are fastening your lines you should slip your ropes under any others if needed to stop them rubbing. Keep cruising & thanks for taking us along ! I'll subscribe now !
Just found your channel, lovely to watch. I lived on a narrow boat for a few years, a piece of advice when opening and closing lock gates, put your back against it and push with your legs, much easier than trying to pull it ❤
Good Nz morning. Usual story. I just found your channel, liked it and subscribed. Background story. A family member and I rented a Narrow boat for a week back in 2008 for a week. It was a bucket list thing. It had to be done. But I thought it was pretty awesome. We were on the Shropshire Union then onto Llangollen Canal and return to Middlewich. Looking forward to further adventures with you. Take care and atb from down here.
This activity is new to me, though I've seen photos of these boats and seen videos of them used as recording studios. Thanks for taking us floating along in this beautiful English canal. You've got a fun personality ("That's my breakfast saying, 'Hello' ").
Hi May great vlog as usual and well done for facing the challenge of locks so admire your positivity 👏. love the peace and tranquility of the canal It's great to calm my mind chatter for a little bit....four weeks and I'll be on the Caledonian canal enjoying the calmness and the canal 🛥️
Having recently spent a week on the Mon&Brec canal I have a whole new appreciation of how you live and travel on your narrowboat and your moving day and going through the locks means so much more to me! I can't imagine doing that on my own though, you're such a brave and capable person, well done you 👍. If I lived closer I would have loved to help you move moorings, after all, I am now an expert having done six locks twice haha.
Wooo! That's so lush of you to say thank you! It's hard work right!!! Glad you had fun and you've officially earned your badge of lock honor, congratulations!
Great video. I like your positive energy and excellent command of your houseboat. I am looking forward to watching more of your videos. Chao from Los Angeles, California. 🙏Namaste
Just came a cross your channel and loved it so I have now subscribed. You are an inspiration! I've only done 1 week on a narrowboat and really loved it. Did the Blisworth tunnel but chickened out on locks... lol it was a fabulous holiday though.
@@wellbeingonwater Thank you! from my short experience I have to agree! Apart from Ireland (which is absolutely beautiful) it's the best holiday I've ever been on. Narrowboating is the pace of life we, as humans, should be working at. The current pace we live in is too fast and too hard. Keep up with the great vids
I sold My boat about 8 years ago now for a new life since gaining a wife and 2 wonderful sons. I’ve now had that ripped away from me and life seems lost. As you say “making friends “. Good luck
Stirling work May. You are a great example of the best in mankind and your generation. Where are all the suitors to help you.??? If you every need another pair of hands to move just shout. We will come and be your Captains mate. !!! Coffee in the way
Thank you so much for your videos. Just going through all the stuff you do helps me see how to do things on a boat.....I've been thinking of getting one and wondering if im going mad or something 😂. Just love the do it yourself approach. Maybe i should try a canal holiday first to see what it's like. Keep your stuff coming enjoyable funny entertaining and practical knowledge of it all. A brave woman.
Another great one. Funny to see Maldon sea salt as I'm from there! Moved to Manchester and live by the canal in an old cotton mill so I see many narrows coming past. Keep going, May.
I think I have mentioned before that I like the videos where the boat moves best. So many nice people to help. I would to if I were there but I am thousands of miles away.
myself and my girlfriend were strolling along the coventry canal just yesterday near atherstone and we were wondering how women cope sailing a narrowboat and coping with locks..and boom you popped up on my feed ..very enjoyable content thankyou i wish you well and safe journeys ahead
@@wellbeingonwater but I’ll bet you a £ to a pinch of s*** jet chiseling isn’t! As an expert in the care of very large objects that float in salt water (many times more corrosive than canal water) and also made from mild steel - for caring for your beloved home, may I suggest you get a cheap multi tool with a ‘flap disc’, that’s a kind of sanding tool, much much more muscle than sandpaper, excellent for removing old paint and ***light*** rust, when it’s just beginning to show through the paint. That way you cure the problem by removing the old coating, and not damage the steel surface too much in the process. THEN apply rust inhibitor. THEN apply a coat of primer and lastly the topcoat. The jet chisel comes into its own where the steel is really ‘pitted’ (little parts that have rusted) and the paint is flaking - with the rust. The JC removes most of the crusty rust. Clean thoroughly and also then use the inhibitor/primer/topcoat. If you catch it early with the flap disc it’s an easy task to keep on top of. A 5-10 sec buzz with the multi tool-flap disc combo with the paint and you’re in the clear for a long time. Leave it until the JC is needed and now the plate is damaged by the pitting. The more pitting the more JC, wire brush, painting will be needed and at significantly shorter intervals. And as you’re finding out, steelwork is expensive. Save money buy multi tool and flap disc!!!
You are amazing I use to own a cabin cruiser that I spent years doing up then my ex partner sold it and I was devastated. You have a wonderful life and the life I so much wanted. Keep going girl you are an inspiration to me. Take care and good luck from Rich in Derbyshire
Such a beautiful canal, thanks for sharing. Love it when the vegetation just flows into the canal from shallow banks. That river crossing is mad - I've never heard of that arrangement before. I guess it becomes impassable in floods - cutting the Oxford in two. Those stiff lock gates are a joke, you almost need a winch. Would reversing in to spaces be easier and how about a wifi camera like a Ring doorbell on the front ?
Hi May I once lived on the Cut in the area you are at on this VLOG and Loved every minute of it sadly I sold the boat in 2004 but was moored at Twyford Wharf when it was being built in 2002 The boat Midnight Blue and I were moored together back then I am new to your VLOG so will watch with fond memories I am sure
That seems so lovely. I think I'd like to visit Britain. I'd be tempted to skip London and spend my vacation in a narrowboat. I'd read Wind in the Willows and Swallows and Amazons the whole time. I think you have as much solar as we do on our 2K square foot house. Should be able to run an electric engine at least some of the time.
You , May , are awsome person. I wish all good in life to you. It is good to see that there is REAL PEOPLE in the internet. No bullshit hollywood plastics. 👍👍👍
I never owned a narrowboat, but I have sailed my own sailboats, and I use a remote release for my departures and quick mooring methods. For this I use chains, rings and double rope tightening. The bit that goes on the bollard or through the fixed ring uses a pull-release shackle and a trip line. Because the shackle is only releasing one half of the looped chain, it does not have to be as strong as if it took all of the strain. Which end of the vessel you moor first depends on the direction of any current or the strength of the wind. My first rope attaches to the bow or stern of the vessel and is taken forward or aft depending on the direction of the tide or current current direction, nut the first rope thrown ashore ties to the centre of the vessel. Once the bow and stern ropes are secured, I set two springers which rn from bow to opposite the stern on the bank, and from the stern to the bank opposite the bow, These springers cross at the vessel's centre and prevent any fore and aft movement of the vessel, and the short doubled bow and stern ropes hold the vessel against the bank. When I am ready to leave, I make sure the fore and aft chains are not going to catch on anything when I pull the shackle release ropes. I then remove both springers, put them aboard, then I remove the down-current rope while the engine is running in neutral, and then back up to take any strain from the remaining rope, trip the release and pull that aboard--and I am good to go. If your budget does not run to trip shackles, a pin on a lanyard through a chain link will sometimes serve as well, especially if your mooring lines terminate in long-link chain..
👍👌👏 Well done! 2) You are a very positive person. Congratulations 🎉. Thanks a lot for making explaining recording editing uploading and sharing. Best regards luck and health in particular.
Great vids very enjoyable and your positivity is uplifting, I don't know if you've been told about holes and leaks but bathroom silicone might help in future but your doing great as you are .
Greetings from Canada 🇨🇦 thanks for the presentation I understand that living on a river boat or a barge is more common in European countries with rivers 😊
If you're not sure whether you're going to fit into a space, reverse into it, get off your boat and then use the centre rope to pull the boat in. As the front of the boat drifts gently in towards the bank you will soon see whether it's going to fit in or not.
Hi May, another excellent video. Question if I may; stern looks a traditional (small) back. If you were looking for a new boat would you decide it has to be a semi-trad or even cruiser just to give yourself the extra space on the stern? Thanks
I personally like my little woman-cave engine room with all my tools for storage and easy access to the engine with a trad stern. Pros to cruiser is more space on the back. All about individual preference and need ☺️
I so ardor you. I 've spent many weeks on a CAL25 Sailboat single handed. The prep, planning and weather considerations are unknown to all others. Plus you are super cute! Want to go on a cruise? like say Portugal to Miami on NCL?
A suggestion for your bike....if you get a used folding bike, like boaters use, you will not need the carrier welded onto the boat, you can also avoid having to buy a bike rack for your car as it will fit into the boot. Yes, you will have to buy a bike but save on all the other fitments for the boat and car. You can keep the bike below on the boat or perhaps on the bow.
QUESTION: First, I really enjoy watching the canal boats, what a delight. Now the question, do you have a bow thruster to help moving the bow around or do you have to manage all that length with the stern tiller only? I am a new sub, looking forward past vids and current vids.
Good luck with boating May, we've just sold our 51' Sea Otter after deciding aii in all, we despise boating, things can and do go wrong, it 'aint all that. plus the canal & river trust are increasingly ripping residential boaters off, licence, moorings and I kid you not a garden fee if it's moored against your land like ours was ......sod it, we've got a perfectly good canal side home to stay in.
Really enjoyed the cruise...I am poised to buy my first boat..taking time to find the right boat..I am looking for a cruiser so my dog can cruise along side me...I find the idea of a larger boat daunting Im looking for around 45ft...Is there a big difference in ease between the two?
Hi. A 45 foot boat is easier to manage than say, a 55 or 60 footer, as they're easier to manoeuvre. Going through locks is also easier, but the best part of having a shorter boat is that more of the canal network is available to you. I don't have a boat myself yet, so this advice is just from observing others.
It's nice to see a sweet, happy soul going through life. Good luck
Aww bless ya
Stumbled on your channel. Brought back amazing memories of summer 1983 in Wales. 4 days on the narrowboat. Amazing scenery. Tied up one evening next to a corn field. My Brit hosts thought I was daft as I returned with several ears of corn. “What are you doing with animal fodder?” I boiled it, buttered it, and enjoyed it. Thought the cows in blighty are super spoiled. Sweetest corn I ever ate. My hosts tried some, and a bit begrudgingly, in the understated English way, decided it was quite okay. Chalk one up for the colonists.
I am now 62 and still remember that summer and how wonderful it was. Thank you for this video.
Aww thanks soo much for sharing! I love that my videos bought memories back for you! Big hugs
Naigating through the tunnels and small channels give the full perspective of how narrow this is. You possess a mastery of the boat and an aptitude of the mechanics and engineering. Cheers.
Great to see a free spirit, we need more of this.
Beautiful little gems like this video are the reason I love youtube. A little act of personal bravery, beautiful countryside and a gentle flow to the whole thing, nicely and well done!
Aww what a lovely comment, thank you
Thanks for taking us along May. Freeeeedom. Peace. Gary from Ontario.😊
love this!
Such an enjoyable channel..Regarding a preventable collision when mooring up ... If you are in doubt about the available space then try stopping the bow of your boat part way past the stern of the boat you accidentally hit and reverse into the space.. you'll be able to jump off the stern instead of walking down the gunnel to get off too and avoid potential costly damage to someone else's stern gear.
Yes for sure!
It's good to see that people are doing what we all should do. Helping others. Great job on trying this by yourself. We have nothing to fear but fear itself. ❤❤
Thank you Marge, lovely words
Absolutely admire you living on a narrow boat alone and your attitude to life is uplifting.
You are a bright happy soul May the enthusiasm you show for your boat and the chores it bestowed on you are fun to watch
Your have a go attitude is refreshing and see you handle the successes and failures is wonderful
I admire your grit and determination ❤
Aww cheers Dave, you're a gem. What lovely words thank you 😁🙏
Aww thankyou x
Hello, I don't know anything about operating a BIG BOAT 😎 But your passion and love for the boat + adventurous spirit + your SWEET SMILE, really compels me
to subscribe to your channel 🥰 I'm 💯 truly love to watch your adventure and learn new things from you 🥰
So, here, I wish you all the very best for your life + your boat adventure 🙏
God bless you richly in every area of your life. May He always keep you HEALTHY, STRONG, SAFE + BEAUTIFUL 🙏
KEEP ON SMILLING 😊🤗
Just found your channel and it reminded me of a holiday aged fifteen with my brother and his wife on the Grand union canal!
In later years I got into sailing and owned a few (sea)boats ranging from 16 feet up to a 27 foot Bermuda rig yacht.
Like you when I first went to sea alone,very little experience but a steep learning curve!
It's amazing how much knowledge you gain!
Later on I met my late wife and we had a fair few adventures,our furthest trip was Chichester harbour to Weymouth ,lots of fond memories and adventures !
Great to see your confidence to tackle your fears,nothing like completing a passage with "demons"!!
I am now hooked and look forward to your future voyages,now at 67 years old I 've joined the armchair sailors,but can't resist the boat life...
I 'll enjoy your future travels ,stay safe and boring as it is when your afloat alone a self inflating life jacket may be your best friend?
When there s no one else around those high canal sides (locks)can be very unfriendly...
Crazy years ago I scoffed at such remarks myself!
Have fun and live your life,its yours and you are "living" it,all the best!x
Thats awesome! Thanks for sharing
Fantastic vlog. Single handling a narrow boat is daunting even for the most experienced boat owner, you come across as a natural talent. Good luck on your travels xx
Yes! I remember you crashing into my boat, NB Angel…🙈🙈🙈 no worries 😊
Congratulations on reaching 10,000 subscribers ! - What a milestone !
Thank you so much! A milestone indeed! Chuffed
I've been sailing and around boats for 40 years, I amazed a friend (who didn't know) when I helped him move his narrow boat last year. A few tips that will definitely help you, firstly, slow the boat down when mooring, you get more time to think, it's less effort and when you drop a rope onto a post, make two loops and fold the top loop under the bottom loop and drop it on the mooring post. the boat will stop! As fo lock gates, just hold pressure on them for a few seconds and they will start to move, it's all about time, don't rush it. You'll get there, just take it slow. You'll get to know the boat length to a mooring spot, then go a little past, reverse the stern in and tether, then deal with the bow at a more leisurely pace. 🙂 The more you do the better you get. 🙂
Thanks for the tips!
@@wellbeingonwater He is 100% correct, there are only two times (well three really) you need to rush on a boat, if it's on fire or if it is sinking. The third is hurry taking showers as they eat through the fresh water, but you know what I mean by two.
Thank for taking the time for pointing out the old railway where you had so much fun .These memories are so important.l’m sure your boat will be fine in your capable hands and a little help👍
Aww memories 🤩
Only just found your channel,love the idea of narrow boating and your boat is adorable and you yourself are amazing
Thanks so much! 😊
1st time watcher ... love it. You are really nice and watching your travel.. thank you 🙂
Thank you! 😃
Lovely video May. There seems to be an abundance of those narrow locks on the Oxford Canal. For a lovely lady like you no-one should mind moving their boat a few feet. It's your home so it's only right that you treat her that way. I love the confident way you continue on your way while eating breakfast.
Aww bless ya
Cheers May,you are positively peaceful to watch, woman and machine in perfect harmony, nice earing too✌️
Thank you kindly
Thank you for taking us along on this lovely little cruise! 🙂
You're welcome! It's lovely to have you with me
Greetings from Japan, Thank you for this video.
I have fallen in love with your "gorgeous beings" You could have said everything but you have chosen this particular wording to address those beings. Thank you
Wow, thank you! I will keep saying it!
Lovely vlog May, a gentle summer cruise. You can see how much you love your boat and how much respect you have for her age.
Well done for facing your fear ❤
Thanks so much! 😊 I do love her SO much!!!
Congratulations on 10, 000 subscribers ! 🎉🎉
Hi may love the videos the way you explain what life is like the ups and downs of canal life I can’t work out which one out weighs the other.I think I’ve lost my chance now thinking and talking about how I wished I had done it but at 63 yrs of age and losing my wife of nearly 40 yrs of marriage to sepsis while struggling with cancer it’s to late.I hope you enjoy your life on the canal boats wish you well hope you find the right man in your life and have a family what a great mother you would make take care keep safe and loving the videos 💪💪👋
Hey Nicholas. Bless you heart and thank you for sharing your story. I don't like to agree that it's "too late". But I empathise with the feeling of it. The only thing in life that stops you, is you. Not your age! Take care
Greetings from Russia ! Very beautiful places and the captain of this bot ! I wish you all the best and further travels !
Thank you very much!
You had some wonderful luck with doing all those locks, in the end its all about muscle memory. Counting the number of times you do a thing. Two times round the mooring pin for the rope. Then one slow turn with the winless on the lock, then check on your boat and back to the lock... but you get the idea. And your right it very hard to judge distances when you need moor up. many times I've moved on from a place thinking it was to small and my boat is only 35foot
Brilliant, thanks Martyn
Well done, you are more competent that you think you are. So refreshing to see a female just going for it. You will soon learn.
Couple of tips - for me, I position my boat hard up against the bottom gate when going down hill, then as I open the paddles the draw of the water holds her there. Just check your bow fender can flip up, if it catches on an obstruction (unlikely most locks these days have a smooth continuous plate down the middle).
Second tip - it's often easier to reverse in to a mooring slot, that way you can see if it's long enough, are going slowly, the stern comes in first so it's easier to step off and you can quickly stop with a burst of forward. Then when you are fastening your lines you should slip your ropes under any others if needed to stop them rubbing.
Keep cruising & thanks for taking us along ! I'll subscribe now !
Thanks so much for saying 😃
Love watching your channel. You're an amazing young lady. You achieve such a lot. You are an inspiration 😊
Aww thanks Janice. The little chhild in me is swaying side to side with a cheeky grin and a red face
Just found your channel, lovely to watch.
I lived on a narrow boat for a few years, a piece of advice when opening and closing lock gates, put your back against it and push with your legs, much easier than trying to pull it ❤
Well that's true, except when the gate is fully open and there's nowhere to stand on the other side to push.
Good Nz morning. Usual story. I just found your channel, liked it and subscribed. Background story. A family member and I rented a Narrow boat for a week back in 2008 for a week. It was a bucket list thing. It had to be done. But I thought it was pretty awesome. We were on the Shropshire Union then onto Llangollen Canal and return to Middlewich. Looking forward to further adventures with you. Take care and atb from down here.
Welcome aboard! Lovely to have you over here! I just met an Australian on a similar journey actually!
This activity is new to me, though I've seen photos of these boats and seen videos of them used as recording studios. Thanks for taking us floating along in this beautiful English canal. You've got a fun personality ("That's my breakfast saying, 'Hello' ").
Haha brill, thank you for saying so! And welcome!
Hi May great vlog as usual and well done for facing the challenge of locks so admire your positivity 👏. love the peace and tranquility of the canal It's great to calm my mind chatter for a little bit....four weeks and I'll be on the Caledonian canal enjoying the calmness and the canal 🛥️
Woohoo! That's exciting great time of year for a cruise on the Caledonian, what a treat!
So looking forward to it 😁
Having recently spent a week on the Mon&Brec canal I have a whole new appreciation of how you live and travel on your narrowboat and your moving day and going through the locks means so much more to me! I can't imagine doing that on my own though, you're such a brave and capable person, well done you 👍. If I lived closer I would have loved to help you move moorings, after all, I am now an expert having done six locks twice haha.
Wooo! That's so lush of you to say thank you! It's hard work right!!! Glad you had fun and you've officially earned your badge of lock honor, congratulations!
Very enjoyable. Well Done May. Was with you during your cruise, we all were😊
Thank you! 😃 felt that xx
Amazing May - you really deserved that cuppa 😍
Thanks lovely! I feel that haha
Great video. I like your positive energy and excellent command of your houseboat. I am looking forward to watching more of your videos. Chao from Los Angeles, California. 🙏Namaste
Thank you so much! Awesome to have you here all the way from California!!
May...you are such a nice Person ! And dealing with old stuff is a little bid of creating a Timebubble. Kind regards from Germany, Rudi
Thanks for your kind words Rudi!
Just came a cross your channel and loved it so I have now subscribed. You are an inspiration! I've only done 1 week on a narrowboat and really loved it. Did the Blisworth tunnel but chickened out on locks... lol it was a fabulous holiday though.
Hey Chris! Welcome it's lovely to have you here! Narrowboat life is wonderful 😁
@@wellbeingonwater Thank you! from my short experience I have to agree!
Apart from Ireland (which is absolutely beautiful) it's the best holiday I've ever been on.
Narrowboating is the pace of life we, as humans, should be working at. The current pace we live in is too fast and too hard.
Keep up with the great vids
I sold
My boat about 8 years ago now for a new life since gaining a wife and 2 wonderful sons. I’ve now had that ripped away from me and life seems lost. As you say “making friends “. Good luck
Thanks for sharing with us!
hi may nice to see you cruiseing on your home great video again thank you
You're soo welcome, thanks for commenting!
Thanks
Wow, thank you SO much for your kindness 🥰
Stirling work May. You are a great example of the best in mankind and your generation. Where are all the suitors to help you.??? If you every need another pair of hands to move just shout. We will come and be your Captains mate. !!! Coffee in the way
Oh there are plenty they are all lined up waiting for their invitation! 😆😉
Thank you so much for your videos. Just going through all the stuff you do helps me see how to do things on a boat.....I've been thinking of getting one and wondering if im going mad or something 😂. Just love the do it yourself approach. Maybe i should try a canal holiday first to see what it's like.
Keep your stuff coming enjoyable funny entertaining and practical knowledge of it all. A brave woman.
Hey! Thanks for your comment. I reckon a holiday beforehand is a smart idea! And go speak to people on canals!
You can do anything! Simply amazing.
Wow, thank you!
That's an awesome design and incredibly informative. ❤ Thanks
Glad you like it!
Another great one. Funny to see Maldon sea salt as I'm from there! Moved to Manchester and live by the canal in an old cotton mill so I see many narrows coming past. Keep going, May.
AWW cool! Thanks for the comment 😊
I think I have mentioned before that I like the videos where the boat moves best. So many nice people to help. I would to if I were there but I am thousands of miles away.
Yes I do remember you saying! I actually remember the comment so much I thought that you'd enjoy this one! Funny how some things stick
myself and my girlfriend were strolling along the coventry canal just yesterday near atherstone and we were wondering how women cope sailing a narrowboat and coping with locks..and boom you popped up on my feed ..very enjoyable content thankyou i wish you well and safe journeys ahead
Ooo how weird. Maybe the Internet robots were listening in! haha glad you found me.
You did well May. No point in worrying. Take care.
You look happy, I'm happy for you! Excellent footage of your departure by the way, you've really planned it well!
Thank you very much! It's good fun this filming stuff!
@@wellbeingonwater but I’ll bet you a £ to a pinch of s*** jet chiseling isn’t! As an expert in the care of very large objects that float in salt water (many times more corrosive than canal water) and also made from mild steel - for caring for your beloved home, may I suggest you get a cheap multi tool with a ‘flap disc’, that’s a kind of sanding tool, much much more muscle than sandpaper, excellent for removing old paint and ***light*** rust, when it’s just beginning to show through the paint. That way you cure the problem by removing the old coating, and not damage the steel surface too much in the process. THEN apply rust inhibitor. THEN apply a coat of primer and lastly the topcoat. The jet chisel comes into its own where the steel is really ‘pitted’ (little parts that have rusted) and the paint is flaking - with the rust. The JC removes most of the crusty rust. Clean thoroughly and also then use the inhibitor/primer/topcoat. If you catch it early with the flap disc it’s an easy task to keep on top of. A 5-10 sec buzz with the multi tool-flap disc combo with the paint and you’re in the clear for a long time. Leave it until the JC is needed and now the plate is damaged by the pitting. The more pitting the more JC, wire brush, painting will be needed and at significantly shorter intervals. And as you’re finding out, steelwork is expensive. Save money buy multi tool and flap disc!!!
Stay solid and beautiful dear May. You'll always have people that love you. Not all of us can be your partner but we love you with all our hearts.
Bless ya
You are amazing I use to own a cabin cruiser that I spent years doing up then my ex partner sold it and I was devastated. You have a wonderful life and the life I so much wanted.
Keep going girl you are an inspiration to me. Take care and good luck from Rich in Derbyshire
Thanks so much for saying 😁🙏
Great stuff May 👍 did well there 👌 the boats not going to sink and you will be able to do the locks just fine 👍 keep up the good work
Haha brilliant, thanks Glyn
Such a beautiful canal, thanks for sharing. Love it when the vegetation just flows into the canal from shallow banks.
That river crossing is mad - I've never heard of that arrangement before. I guess it becomes impassable in floods - cutting the Oxford in two.
Those stiff lock gates are a joke, you almost need a winch.
Would reversing in to spaces be easier and how about a wifi camera like a Ring doorbell on the front ?
Lots of lovely thoughts there, thanks for sharing. Reversing into a mooring is the better option for sure
Just fund your channel tonight, it was on my to recommended watch list glad it was. I have now subscribed and looking forward to more videos 😁
Welcome aboard! So awesome to have you here
Well done May on your solo cruise slow and sure love your videos x
Yay thanks John, really happy you're enjoying the channel! Thanks for being here
Hi May I once lived on the Cut in the area you are at on this VLOG and Loved every minute of it sadly I sold the boat in 2004 but was moored at Twyford Wharf when it was being built in 2002 The boat Midnight Blue and I were moored together back then I am new to your VLOG so will watch with fond memories I am sure
Aww thanks for sharing a piece of your story! Glad youre enjoying the vlogs and they send you down memory lane 😁
From the States. Never knew there was such an infrastructure. Fascinating!
Yessssss, it's a big part of our history in the UK!
You know what I think of this vlog so just a quicky message.....very proud Aunty T!! 😆🥰
Awww aunty T, love ya! Soooooo much
That seems so lovely. I think I'd like to visit Britain. I'd be tempted to skip London and spend my vacation in a narrowboat. I'd read Wind in the Willows and Swallows and Amazons the whole time. I think you have as much solar as we do on our 2K square foot house. Should be able to run an electric engine at least some of the time.
Do it! Skip London! Haha
Lovely journey - I'm missing the Oxford, but hoping to be there next year.
Not one to miss!
You , May , are awsome person. I wish all good in life to you. It is good to see that there is REAL PEOPLE in the internet. No bullshit hollywood plastics. 👍👍👍
Thanks fwiend 😄
I never owned a narrowboat, but I have sailed my own sailboats, and I use a remote release for my departures and quick mooring methods. For this I use chains, rings and double rope tightening. The bit that goes on the bollard or through the fixed ring uses a pull-release shackle and a trip line. Because the shackle is only releasing one half of the looped chain, it does not have to be as strong as if it took all of the strain.
Which end of the vessel you moor first depends on the direction of any current or the strength of the wind. My first rope attaches to the bow or stern of the vessel and is taken forward or aft depending on the direction of the tide or current current direction, nut the first rope thrown ashore ties to the centre of the vessel. Once the bow and stern ropes are secured, I set two springers which rn from bow to opposite the stern on the bank, and from the stern to the bank opposite the bow, These springers cross at the vessel's centre and prevent any fore and aft movement of the vessel, and the short doubled bow and stern ropes hold the vessel against the bank.
When I am ready to leave, I make sure the fore and aft chains are not going to catch on anything when I pull the shackle release ropes. I then remove both springers, put them aboard, then I remove the down-current rope while the engine is running in neutral, and then back up to take any strain from the remaining rope, trip the release and pull that aboard--and I am good to go.
If your budget does not run to trip shackles, a pin on a lanyard through a chain link will sometimes serve as well, especially if your mooring lines terminate in long-link chain..
Great vlog, I enjoyed this. Probably your best one.
Thats kind thank you 🙏
Thank you for a fabulous series, just subscribed but we’ll need to go back and start from the beginning! Best of luck - David and Beverley, NB Frøya
Welcome aboard! You're very welcome! Thanks for being here!
👍👌👏 Well done! 2) You are a very positive person. Congratulations 🎉.
Thanks a lot for making explaining recording editing uploading and sharing.
Best regards luck and health in particular.
Thanks so much
Sweet gril I'm happy to see you be happy always 😊
Very, easy on the eye. Yes great content.
Glad you're enjoying the content
Thanks for sharing, being an American from Midwest I had no idea a canal system existed in England?
It sure does! It's a big deal haha!
Well done May your a very brave lady.
Love your channel take care.
Thank you! So happy to have you here
Well done on doing your solo trip. Practice will make things easier in future.
For sure! Thanks pal
Love your videos. Your lovely and so is your boat...
Thanks so much! 😄
Lovely, I have always wanted to do this!
Go for it!
@@wellbeingonwater I will someday! Following my dream right now in building a traditional wood boat in Norway.
Just seen your video for the first time think you’re so brave doing what you do all alone well done you
Thank you so much! 😁
@@wellbeingonwaterdon’t get too upset and worried about the work that needs doing on the boat you are capable of doing it you just need showing how
Great vids very enjoyable and your positivity is uplifting, I don't know if you've been told about holes and leaks but bathroom silicone might help in future but your doing great as you are .
Hey Phil! Thanks for the tips 😁
You are very brave May, well done for facing your fears and doing licks alone. Loved this vlog. xxxx
Thank you so much!! It was a nice one to make
God bless you, stay safe, Look forward to your next presentation.
Thanks Brian!
Greetings from Canada 🇨🇦 thanks for the presentation I understand that living on a river boat or a barge is more common in European countries with rivers 😊
Just found you, where have you been all my life😂. Love the blog so just subscribed. Great vlog, thank you🙏
Yay thanks so much for subbing! Glad you've finally found the channel!
If you're not sure whether you're going to fit into a space, reverse into it, get off your boat and then use the centre rope to pull the boat in. As the front of the boat drifts gently in towards the bank you will soon see whether it's going to fit in or not.
Well done! Woop woop 😁 🎉 I'm definitely going to try the Theenk tea 🍵 💚💜💚💜
It's so good! Yummmmm. Thanks rooroo
@@wellbeingonwater ♥
Hi May, another excellent video. Question if I may; stern looks a traditional (small) back. If you were looking for a new boat would you decide it has to be a semi-trad or even cruiser just to give yourself the extra space on the stern? Thanks
I personally like my little woman-cave engine room with all my tools for storage and easy access to the engine with a trad stern. Pros to cruiser is more space on the back. All about individual preference and need ☺️
Lucky lady , happy and safe crushing.💙
Thanks 😄
Well done with your sailing, enjoy your trip..
Thanks, will do!
Perhaps I missed it but would be nice to know which canal you are cruising. Thanks
Excellent trip. Found channel by accident enjoying the narrow baot fun.
Yay welcome aboard!
Hi skipper. Nice boat! 👍
Hey, thanks! 😁😁
4:45 what camera is used to film this, its crystal clear!
My phone...
@@wellbeingonwater crazy good quality! iPhone?
I so ardor you. I 've spent many weeks on a CAL25 Sailboat single handed. The prep, planning and weather considerations are unknown to all others. Plus you are super cute! Want to go on a cruise? like say Portugal to Miami on NCL?
A suggestion for your bike....if you get a used folding bike, like boaters use, you will not need the carrier welded onto the boat, you can also avoid having to buy a bike rack for your car as it will fit into the boot. Yes, you will have to buy a bike but save on all the other fitments for the boat and car. You can keep the bike below on the boat or perhaps on the bow.
Yes great suggestions thanks
Very nice video, and you got it done! I don't think I'd have tried it. Maybe if I'd had your previous experience...
You should try!
That looks absolute bliss ! Yealous, i be.
Jealousy is fear! Maybe you mean evny! Time to transform that feeling me thinkies
QUESTION: First, I really enjoy watching the canal boats, what a delight. Now the question, do you have a bow thruster to help moving the bow around or do you have to manage all that length with the stern tiller only? I am a new sub, looking forward past vids and current vids.
now this is a fantastic lifestyle
It's pretty awesome!
Good luck with boating May, we've just sold our 51' Sea Otter after deciding aii in all, we despise boating, things can and do go wrong, it 'aint all that. plus the canal & river trust are increasingly ripping residential boaters off, licence, moorings and I kid you not a garden fee if it's moored against your land like ours was ......sod it, we've got a perfectly good canal side home to stay in.
You got this ! ❤
Yeah I do! 💪
Really enjoyed this episode , felt like I was travelling along with you 🙂
Glad you enjoyed it! You were!
@@wellbeingonwater Thanks for the nice reply 😁
Really enjoyed the cruise...I am poised to buy my first boat..taking time to find the right boat..I am looking for a cruiser so my dog can cruise along side me...I find the idea of a larger boat daunting Im looking for around 45ft...Is there a big difference in ease between the two?
Hi. A 45 foot boat is easier to manage than say, a 55 or 60 footer, as they're easier to manoeuvre. Going through locks is also easier, but the best part of having a shorter boat is that more of the canal network is available to you. I don't have a boat myself yet, so this advice is just from observing others.
Il do a video on wether to get a big or smaller boat 👍