I've been an open water sailor for most of my life, but I have to tell you that watching you navigate through that long, dark tunnel, with multiple oncoming boats was one of the spookiest things I think I've ever witnessed among boaters. Nice job. Also, I was very impressed with the team work that exists there among the canal community when it comes to working the locks. A bow and a tip of the hat to everyone involved!

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

Hello Curt! If I was a bit braver, I would have loved to have bought a sail boat. And sailed to the Mediterranean. But tunnels like that one is as scary as it gets out here! Yes it's a friendly place, most of the time. Hope to see you on here again!

Brilliant vlog, " A-little-on-the-naughty-side-Vince!" 😂 I was terrified as you took us through Braunston Tunnel with all that bashing, thumping and walloping! You did so well to keep so calm and you deserved being spoilt at locks. I really enjoyed watching. Happy cruising!🌻🦋

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Vanessa! It was a busy day in the tunnel, (I didn't like that one) It was nice to get spoilt, but them ladies didn't give me much choice haha! I've tried to comment on some of your vlogs, but something seems to be blocking them! All the best Vince!

Pleased to hear you are doing The Oxford,a really picturesque canal with no tunnels !👍

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

I don't fancy doing any more like that one for a while Tony! And what I've seen of it so far you're right, it's lovely!

Greetings Vince, another enjoyable time spent sitting at the blunt end watching you all playing bumper cars in the tunnel. What's a bit of paint between friends. You were lucky with the ladies, must have been your animal magnetism that made them want to run around after you. Looking forward to the next section up the Oxford arm. Keep up the cheerful banter. Kevin.

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

Hello Kevin, no I think the ladies couldn't wait to see the back of me haha! That is a bit of a crap tunnel, hope I don't see the inside of it for a while. The Oxford looks a pretty stretch of canal already!

Thank you againVin for your content and interest for us.

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers Peter, as always it's my pleasure!

Heart wrenching story selling up. we just pulled out of doing the same for the third time ! and decided to go for a time share instead. we did narrow boat life for 7 years and loved it.

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

Sorry to hear that David. I'm probably older than you, so one day! Good luck with the timeshare!

Ah Vince….your first birthday! Another terrific journey, in my opinion you are up there with Silver Foxes and Country House Gent for entertainment value and technical excellence. Lovely journey, makes me wish I could have explored canals myself.

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

That's a really nice thing to say! Now all I need is another 50,000 people like you! Thank you Rikki.

BAM! BAM! BAM! BAM! BAM! All that crashing jars your teeth. Awe the darlin' ladies spent a day spoiling you through the locks. 😳✌️🙂

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

Жыл бұрын

I needed spoiling after that tunnel!

I think that touch was us!! With its twists and bumps the Braunston Tunnel is about the most difficult to transit. With a 70 footer its very challenging to keep the front end in round those bendy bits.

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

You're right Alan, it's even difficult with a 50 footer!

That tunnel Vince - a bit kinky? Bent you mean, not straight? Never mind, you did come out, of the tunnel I mean, lol. Another great video Vince, and a very entertaining commentary as well.

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

It was everything except straight Fenrich haha! Thanks, and glad you liked it!

I'm sure being on the naughty side runs in the Parker family! Glad that tunnel experience is in the past, quite the bumpy ride.

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

Yes I think it's a family trait Linda! I won't look forward to ever going back there!

Great stuff once again Matey......Tunnel looked scary to me...And that boat not giving way overtaking the moored one was annoying.....On the roads the middle finger would have been extended lol....Good bunch of ladies with the locks...well done VP !!

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers Stu! That crash made me jump a bit. It's best to try and ignore them kind of things out here, or it would spoil my day haha! The ladies done a fine job! Thanks for the comment, as you've been a regular on here, it's much appreciated.

Howdy Vince and lots of bumps and crashes in the tunnel. The wide beam looked out of place on that canal. The lady should have given way it your kind nature was evident. Lovely weather snd the holiday boat certainly gave you some help.

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

Hello Keith! I didn't like that tunnel much. Them widebeams are lovely to live on, but they must be so awkward to handle out here! It's best to be patient out here, as it's easy to get all bitter & twisted with the things that go on! See you next time!

Another great vlog..the Oxford Canal is supposed to be beautiful, so I’m looking forward to your new adventures 🙂 Thank you for sharing..

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Lizzy! I hope you're right, its really nice already! Hope to see you again!

Hi Vince, well done on your completion of the Grand Union canal. It’s not how big your boat is, it’s what you do with it 😂 That tunnel is definitely taxing, barely enough room to pass, and like you said, passing in the kinks is nigh on impossible. Hope you didn’t trade too much paint. Braunston is a nice place to spend a bit of time, enjoy 👍

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

That's what people with small boats always say haha! Yes, it's pot luck in that tunnel. I've been digging out all the paint and stuff to start patching up the boat today, so I'm glad I went through that tunnel first! Loving Braunston!

You are looking very well Vince. Glad you are still enjoying yourself. x

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I'm still trying to make the best of things x

Yet another relaxing and informative vlog. God bless mate 👍

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Ian! All the best Vince!

Iv been through that tunnel many times worst bit is in the middle as there is a kink it’s where they tunneled and were slightly off course also wear a rain coat sometimes the air shaft creates a water fall got wet a few times.

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

Жыл бұрын

It was the worst tunnel I've been through so far Robert! Passing 5 boats coming the other way didn't help I suppose haha!

Cor blimey Vince. I can't believe how excited I get when I get your email. I wait till the arvo, pour myself a Rose and sit and enjoy in front of my 40 inch computer screen. Love it.

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

That's nice to know Carmen. That's a big screen, I bet it shows all my mistakes in more detail haha!

Hello Vince, getting darker now, so catching up on some vids! Looking good there, that biggun would have given you trouble in the tunnel! When you coming back our way, still didn't get to crew for you for a bit. Take care mate.

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

Жыл бұрын

Hello Jeff, long time no see! Will be a while before I head south! But I won't forget about the offer to crew!

Another great trip along the cut a bit crowded in the tunnel but you got to take it easy on the locks, have a nice rest and we'll see you on the next Vlog.

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers Alan! I needed a little break after all banging and crashing. See you next time!

My oh my. Vince. That was scary. Seems a bit narrow for two boats alongside each other. Bet you was glad to get out of it. Nice of those ladies to help you out, you will have to learn to accept a gift horse when you see one Vince. Enjoyed the trip but had nail imprints in my hands most of the time haha!! Take care of youtself. Love Mumxx

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

On the next one you can sit up front mum haha! xxx

@patriciaparker7786

2 жыл бұрын

@@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle No way. You will find me in the bathroom!

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

@@patriciaparker7786 Haha xxx

Hi again Vince, my word the size of his boat (no sniggering 😂) how the heck do you steer it...Another beautiful cruise, gorgeous weather 😎 though that tunnel reminds me of being on the dodgems at the fair, nothing to do with your steering though, just a wonky tunnel. 😅 You've got to take your time and enjoy your journey on the canals Vince otherwise what's the point of leaving the rat race.?

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

I reckon that boat is a handful to control. It did feel like being on the dodgems Kath! That's exactly my thinking. Just taking my time and enjoying the surroundings! Thanks for the nice comment. See you next time!

You did well in the tunnel dad, poor aitch got a bit of a whack though haha. I liked the bridge with the ducks at the end 😊 Looking forward to your next video in Braunston, it’s a beautiful little town! x

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

Yes Clare, poor old Aitch took a bit of stick in there. I love the place too, I will show it in the next one! See you soon xxx

Scary 😨 moments in that tunnel. At kat you got through. I think its great to have some assistance going through locks, more hands make light work. Thankyou for sharing the vlog.

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

It was the worst tunnel that I've been through Sheila! All that help at the locks certainly made it easy. And it is my pleasure! Hope to see you on the next one.

Another great video Vince and at least your safe after that bump

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers Stuart! I only scratched the paintwork (Lucky)

Another lovely video. Thanks Vince. Best wishes, Bill.

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Bill, glad you like it mate!

Great video Dad, you did well in the tunnel. Looking forward to the next one ❤️x x x

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Vik! It turned out a bit of a nightmare in there with walloping that other boat! See you soon xxx

Greetings from the Stort Vince. Glad to see how you’re pushing on. I was rammed in that *#^* tunnel by a hire boat going full speed. Apart from being scary it did damage. I hate it! Good blog as usual. A great area to cruise. Enjoy. Rob.

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

Hello Robbie! I don't like it either! It's one of them where you have no control. If you meet a boat on one of the bends you are going to hit it! You heard how much noise it made when that boat hit me, so I bet it was loud when that hire boat hit you! All the best Vince!

Blimey Vince you were unlucky meeting all them boats in the tunnel, i am not keen on the tunnels we get up early and go through in the hope of not seeing another boat, its worked so far lol , enjoyed the vlog, keep well.

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

After that one, I might copy you on the next one! Glad you enjoyed it Kevin!

that chap with the BIG one !!!. boat, I mean, must be very limited to what canals he can travel on.

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

Yes that's right. Because in the middle of the country they are all single locks! So without getting craned out, he's more or less as far North as he can go! So having a big whopper is not always the best haha!

Heyup a year getting from London to Wolverhampton can't say slow down a bit can I! Keep plodding along mate Marty Australia

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

They should call me the Narrowboat Tortoise haha!

hi Vince. so pleased to have got you out of Aitch yesterday to say hello. X 🤗🥰

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

It was lovely to meet you, and put a pretty face to the comments! I'm just glad you didn't find something else to tell me off about haha!

@5581debdo1

2 жыл бұрын

@@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle sorry didnt mean for it to be telling you off, just for you to be careful and keep safe. Hope to see you again sometime and have a bit more time. X 🤗

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

@@5581debdo1 I know you're not telling me off I'm just winding you up! That will be nice x

Naughty you. Remember they always say "size doesn't matter". lol Temp here today is 33.333 in your Celsius . They say more to come. Yuck. Very muddy waters there. Lots of rain? What in the world would you do if you got "stuck" in there? Engine failure, etc? Or heaven forbid, your lights failed. Did you at one time wonder why so many boats were going the other way? Huh. "Young Ladies"? Very nice of you. Take care and travel safe.

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

I think that's a myth Sandi haha! If I got stuck I would have to get a tow! If the lights failed it would be a nightmare. I think there were as many boats going both ways. Thanks for commenting!

Lucky you did not meet up with that big boat just found your channel 👍👍

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

That big one would have made mincemeat out of my boat Alan haha! Hope to see you on the next one!

Really enjoyed your vlog Braunstone looks lovely but bit hectic take care.

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed the vlog Caroline! The tunnel was definitely hectic haha!

Another great video. Love the tunnel bit. Thanks for sharing.😀

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Simon! I'm glad someone likes that tunnel haha!

I said braunston was a bad tunnel lol, and yes it is so much better to double up in the locks. There are a few of them bridges on the way to Hawkesbury, take care Vince I’m only up at Barby Moorings 4 miles away

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

You're right about that tunnel Dan! You take pot luck where you meet an oncoming boat and if it's in the wrong place, you've got no chance!

cracking good trip mate. thank you

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

I'm glad you thought so, thanks!

Wow you got through there in one piece sorry they should make this a traffic like system I bet you were glad to get out of there so did you stop and check to see if there was any damage to your boat.

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

Thankfully there was only a few scratches, it was a big old wallop though Stewart!

Didn’t know you had tropical birds , like the crane…..was that real? You’re not a tropical Island…if I know my geography well….have a splendid day🤗❤️

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

You probably saw a Heron Princess!

Hey Vince, I hope you are ok? Great vlog again..... Love from Milton Keynes :) x

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

Hello Jules! I'm fine thanks. Hope you are well! Thank you and hope to see you on the next one!

Well that was a stressful cruise.

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

Жыл бұрын

It was a bit crash bang wallop in that tunnel.

Hey Vince, There was a wiggle while digging the Victoria Line Tunnels, the young engineer had given the TBM operator the wrong steering sheet and argued with him about having too sharp a turn. A couple of hours later the right sheet was found, instead of taking a slow turn back the engineer insisted on a tight one. The area was then known as Consadine's Folly and later had to be dug out and enlarged to get the tube trains through. Having a relax after doing all those locks???????? I bet you still had yer pint though!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Which reminds me I need one after commenting on two of your vids Phew. Safe sailing.

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the interesting info. Another example of being ignorant after making a mistake! And no, I stuck to tea haha! Enjoy yours!

Hi, hope there wasn’t any damage to aitch . Good vlog thanks 👍

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

A few scratches Glyn, as far as I can see! Cheers mate!

Blimey indeed with that tunnel vince.. Nice cruise tho..

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers! I've had more gentle cruises haha!

Hi Vince, Came through recently, same sort of thing, Brunston tunnel one for out of season, but there's no other way to get down or up those locks. Looking forward to your comments as you head up the North Oxford.

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, that tunnels a bit of a nightmare! I'm loving what I've seen of the Oxford so far, but I will see!

@jimgolden886

2 жыл бұрын

@@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle been on 30 years on n off and braunston on my 70' is a nightmare i always go through nice n early between 6 n 7 am before they pass the fat boats through in the last few years ive not ssen another boat mate. Oxford north is lovely all the way upto the cov where u headed now? funny watching your channel ive just arrived at hallingbury on the stort ....... missing the midlands already mind.

@inagnu5347

2 жыл бұрын

@@jimgolden886 Yes 70ft here, but we will leave it at that :-)

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

@@jimgolden886 That's a better idea Jim! The Stort is lovely but isolated by London!

I enjoy watching your videos

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Hey Vince , how's things. Sorry about the crash.hope you recover.still in a hotel aint' got a a home yet.

@lanerovito4324

2 жыл бұрын

Still miss momma, and sister.aint' gonnah' recover to some point nevar be the same.

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

Keep your chin up and stay positive Lane, and things will change!

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

Try to look forward Lane!

@lanerovito4324

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, yore rite it aint' wat we think it is.

I wonder what would have happened if that widebeam was still in the tunnel when you arrived. Would the CRT have blocked the entrance or just had someone on the towpath waving a red flag maybe?

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

The widebeams have to book a passage through the tunnels with the CRT Timothy.

Another great adventure. I'm going the have to rewatch the tunnel section... I had my eyes shut tight through most of it..lol. Is there a specific speed limit while inside? I guess you'd be crazy to zoom. Those young ladies couldn't help be helpful to you..you just looked so jaunty in that cool hat.😃 Enjoy that beautiful mooring!!

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers Scrappy! Normal 4mph as far as I know. Hopefully I won't crash in the re run. I think the ladies thought I was a fat version of Worzal Gummidge with that hat on haha!

@MissScrappy

2 жыл бұрын

@@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle hahaha... Now I'm going to have to hunt down some episodes of that to watch. I still have popcorn.

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

@@MissScrappy You will see what I mean haha!

@MissScrappy

2 жыл бұрын

@@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle And a Happy Anniversary to you and "H". Plus many more to come. 🍰🎂🍰🎂🍰

Did you put your inside lights on it helps with positioning 👍

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

No I don't bother, I can see everything fine Stephen!

@Disblair

2 жыл бұрын

To be fair, it is recommended to put your inside lights on in tunnels. Check out the Canal & River Trust Boaters Handbook DVD. kzread.info/dash/bejne/noyilpmDibvZZJc.html

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

@@Disblair Yes I know!

What happens if you meet a widebeam in a tunnel?

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

Жыл бұрын

The widebeams have to arrange a certain time space with the authorities. And then narrowboats are stopped from entering the tunnel for the allotted time. Hope that's explained it Graham!

@grahaml8838

Жыл бұрын

@@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle Brilliant. Cheers Vince

That has to be very tricky passing in a tunnel that has what a coulple of inches on both sides of the boat, you have to keep enough speed to be able to control your boat but not to much so it gets away from you very quickly….it’s definitely a nail biter 🫣🫣🫣🫣

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

Жыл бұрын

It's definitely a tunnel I won't be looking forward to doing again! You have to be lucky where you meet another boat!

Maybe traffic lights would be effective

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

Жыл бұрын

That may be a good idea for some tunnels Virginia!

hmmm. no water dripping in the tunnel

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

It's quite dry in there Peter!

amazing the crap some people have on top of their boats....

@NarrowboatCruisingLifestyle

2 жыл бұрын

Some people do hoard a bit gear on their roofs!

@Dawn-Songs

2 ай бұрын

Amazing crap some people have in their houses 😂