It's great watching this now in 2019 and knowing that your operation went well 😎

@simonablokeinthewoods

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you - seems weird that that chapter in my life is behind me now., I’m very lucky!

@kristysins-and-outs6515

4 жыл бұрын

Glad this is the first comment. I know he's still making videos like before, but I'd be dying to know if the procedure was a success. Amazing!💜

@counterdebate

4 жыл бұрын

@@kristysins-and-outs6515 ❤

@aulii11

Жыл бұрын

@@simonablokeinthewoods I've also been diagnosed with Afib, but have not yet undergone an ablation to attempt to correct it. I think I'll call my cardiologist tomorrow morning - thanks for the inspiration!

Just love your infectious enthusiasm, Simon. It has inspired me, at the tender age of 70, to get my first canoe! Can't wait to get it on the river - perhaps the Thet!

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Peter! I’m glad I’ve inspired you to get on the water - maybe I’ll bump into you one day (hopefully not literally!!) you’ll not regret getting a canoe - it is THE best and most relaxing way to explore our countryside and the world looks different viewed from a river! Good luck and happy paddling! Simon.

Ahh...the sound of silence. Well, that bird was a loud one with those wings slapping. So good to hear about your operation. A lot more traveling to do. A lot to see and share. Thank you, Simon.

We canoed this route in July 2022. First section was clear but after the canoe school it got very overgrown and clogged. We were expecting this and had loppers and a bow saw which were enough to clear a passage although we had to get out of the canoe numerous times to pull it over trees which spanned the river. The river was quite low in places as it had been dry and hot. From the bridge at Bridgham Lane to Thetford is about 10 miles and took us 9 hours including breaks. It’s best to get out at Nun’s Bridges road in Thetford as the river stops at the old mill and is flanked by residential gardens after the bridge. A challenging and hard day which was frustrating at times because of the many blockages, but a beautiful and remote section of river,

I’m watching your videos in reverse, started with newest to oldest. Modern medicine has amazing results. There really is a wonderful life after treatment ❤️. 5/1/2024

That canoe is a true gem, craftsmanship in master class! And truly a nice area for canoeing. Thanks, Simon!

@simonablokeinthewoods

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you Roy! It’s my pride and joy. 😁🛶

Thank you , Simon , 🐺Loupis Canis .

Just listening to your explanation of the surgery reminded me of a worrying moment when I thought I was having a heart attack when in London. Turned out it wasn't, my heart had an infection but the procedure was the same, a camera up my leg, into my heart for an examination. I was awake throughout the process and the surgeon viewed the procedure from a 'control room' with only nursing staff in the theatre. The whole procedure went off without a hitch save for one minor aspect. When the nurses were adjusting the camera feeds and my coverings, they neglected to ensure full 'coverage' which resulted in my spuds, being displayed, in glorious technicolour on 3 X 60" HDMI screens for 30 mins. Including, the introduction of 7, 1st year medical students to witness the procedure. Joy....

I had to come to revisit this again. It’s just so beautiful and so peaceful.

Every time I see you in your canoe I'm impressed by what a work of art it is. Glad the op went well and that you have made more videos since.

Hi Simon. Only just stumbled upon your content during this lockdown. Subscribed, up-thumbed every video and always keen to see the next one. I think i must have watched most of your really interesting videos for weeks now...i feel like myself and my missus have connected with you through this media, and came to know you as a mate . You have worked so hard to produce footage and natural commentary which gives us an insight into what kind of guy you are, as well as being an advocate for nature and wilderness living experiences. I built a prospector canoe in my daughters garage some 10 years back and spent time outdoors on canoeing /bush-craft courses etc; but i myself have slipped out of that healthy habit... fortunately which you are reintroducing to us all. Watching your KZread clips has been great for me personally during this difficult time, and as a focus for us since we had a sad bereavement at home only a week ago ! and has helped deal mentally with our restricted activities. Hope one day to meet with you and some of the other great bushcraft guys out there. Stay safe and keep it going buddy ! Simon

@simonablokeinthewoods

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Simon! So sorry to hear about your loss, bad enough at the moment without a bereavement! Really glad the videos have been helping. Take care mate! Simon

The underwater camera was so cool!! Your canoe skills are exceptional. I wish I was as confident I have been watching your channel for just a little while.I had no idea you had AF....my Mom has the same thing.

My husband went thru the ablation procedure as well…and all went well. I know you will be fine and happy when done & your heart will be functioning properly. Sending good wishes your way…😊

What a fantastic canoe trip along the river Thet on a gorgeous day too, Simon. I like the natural sounds of life all round you, the rippling of the water against the side of the canoe and fleeting encounters with those beautiful swans. A very peaceful and enjoyable video adventure. Good luck with your heart operation, which I'm sure you'll glid through it like a canoe through water. Take care...

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

+John King - Cheers John, I love your analogy with a canoe through water! Itll all be fine, I know it will and afterwards I’ll be a new man. It was a lovely few hours on the water - I felt a bit bad about the swans though! I was trying to slip past them and ended up inadvertently herding one of the adults up the river, it just kept going and left the youngsters behind! I’m sure they all became reunited eventually. Thanks again, be back soon, Atb, Simon.

Wishing you a full and speedy recovery.

Wonderful area, overgrown is as it should be. The only thing missing is a large, pretty newfie. I'm glad your procedure went well. Cheers mate.

Simon! youre an inspiration to me, hope you can keep up the good work! all the best to you in and around the upcoming surgery. i work in a dutch hospital so i understand what youre going through (from a nurse and patients perspective). cheers mate

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

+Benjamin Verhoef - Thank you Benjamin! That’s means a lot to me! I’ll hopefully be back on track in no time!! Thanks buddy, Atb, Simon.

Awww man I'm doing a 'way back when' rummage of your back catalogue and just realised that you have had your op yonks ago. Superb....... KTF bro🙏 (from 2022!)

Another totally enjoyable film, would like to see you producing something like these canoeing videos on the TV. Best wishes for Friday. ⛺️

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

+LiveSimplyFilms Mountain Mike - Thanks Mike! Glad you enjoyed it. 👍 be back on the thwart soon! Atb, Simon.

Congratulations on the surgery! I know the surgery went well. I've been binge watching for the last week and the videos come a bit out of order. Lol Also, on a completely unrelated note, I have been making Bannock for the last 2 days! Just wonderful. Thank you for your uploads..All my friends and family know about you now. Keep up the good work.

@simonablokeinthewoods

5 жыл бұрын

Haha - glad the bannock has gone down well and thanks for the well wishes re. the surgery - I’m eternally grateful and amazed by modern surgery - completely cured me! 😁

@jennifersims7890

5 жыл бұрын

I do agree about modern surgery. Just a blessing. Also, I've talked so much about the bread that my grown children are calling it Lembas bread! 😆 (From Lord of the Rings) Thank you again for explaining the sawdust and all the recipes, advice and teaching! 🔥🍞🏕️ 😁

Obviously, I watched this well after the procedure and I'm seriously hoping it all went well. I've had this done twice. I really do enjoy your videos and am truly captured by your kit build videos as well as you in the field. Thanks for your good work here. P.S. Love the Canoe. Did you do a build video for that too?

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! Yes, the procedure went really well, they seem to have sorted it first time - I’ve not had any incidents of AF since - fingers crossed!! I didn’t do a video on the build - it was before I started my KZread channel, but I did photograph the build - only to loose them all due to a stupid mistake on my part!!! Glad you enjoy the videos - that’s what it’s all about for me! Atb, Simon.

Hi Simon ,I never saw these vids before and didn;t know about the AF but so very glad you got sorted out. Really enjoing these 3 I've watched tonight and just wanted to wish you well. PS, I can't imagine you being a smoker and I can't believe I was one for so long. 👍👍👍👏👏👏

All the best for Friday and a fast recovery, I,ll be trying that stretch of river myself it looks wonderful

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

+Fenland Survivor - Thanks for the well wishes! I’ll be a new man afterwards! It’s a lovely river - shame not more of it is clear - but still a nice couple of hours paddle! 👍 Cheers buddy, Simon.

Great watching in 2022 knowing your operation worked.

Truly lovely video. Thanks so much for sharing! I'll say a prayer for your quick recovery. Take care, Simon, and let us know how you are doing when you get a chance. God bless you. :)

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

+Linnee Kay - Thank you for your well wishes! I’ll soon be back in the saddle, and hopefully in better shape! Glad you enjoyed the paddle - it’s a lovely river! Take care, Simon.

Hi Simon, I recently had heart surgery (September 2020) I have bracacardia which meant my heart was not beating as it should. They placed three wires in the valves of my heart and attached them to a pacemaker. I was conscious when all this was going on and felt everything although they had supposedly froze the area. I was home two days later. I was having black outs for over 5 years so now it is good to be able to live a normal life again. I hope that your operation went smoothly and that you are fully recovered now. regards Terry.

Nice trip and all the best for the op Simon.

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

+noriz4me - Thank you - looking forward to it all being over!! ! It was a really relaxing paddle - I love being on the water - everything slows down and you see the world from a different perspective. Cheers, Simon.

Good luck. I'll be pulling for you. Days with Simon are good days indeed.

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

+LoaferXcursions - Thank you!! Can’t wait for it to be over so I can get back on with things! 🛶🔥🏕🌲 Atb, Simon.

Simon I love the videos. They are really relaxing. Keep up the good work mate ATB Rich

Just found your site dude...great videos...another great stretch of water near you is the little ouse from thetford to the ship inn near southery...doesn't get clogged and great scenery...I used to live in feltwell....have fun

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks buddy! I’ve paddled from Thetford to Santon Downham along the Little Ouse, but not any further - I’ll have to give that a go - I like that river - there were loads of trees down across the river when I went - but that’s pretty much the norm for a lot of rivers around here these days! Thanks for the suggestion - I’ll definitely give it a go! Atb, Simon.

We used to have a Constable picture of Thetford Mill on our parlour wall when I was a kid. I've beenbthere too as a boy. Most beautiful. Great video thanks

Great to hear that you are ok look forward to you recovering get well soon

Good luck on Friday mate. ATB

Good luck on your surgery and a speedy recovery. Looking forward to more canoe videos in the future. 👍👍

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

+Martin Outdoors69 - Cheers Martin, and thanks for the well wishes! Got a couple of winter paddles in the pipeline! Atb mate, Simon.

I am guessing a jealous Bear Grylls is the one who disliked this. Great stuff as always Simon

@simonablokeinthewoods

5 жыл бұрын

😂 cheers David! 😁

I love your canoe videos :) Great video Simon

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

+Bushcraft Bjarke - Thank you my friend - it was really relaxing! 🛶🔥

Are you seriously this cheerful? It makes me happy!

Good luck with your op on Friday Simon... Your vids and attitude to life are a tonic...

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

+Martyn Jones - Thanks Martyn! Appreciate the kind words and well wishes. Back soon! Atb, Simon.

Enjoyed the video once again Simon, oh and best of luck on Friday pal, praying for you.

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

+detector ken - Thanks for the thoughts Ken, be back soon! Glad you enjoyed the paddle 🛶 Atb, Simon.

Not sure how I missed this film last year....but hope all is now as it should be. Judging by your never ending adventures hopefully all is good 👍🍺

@simonablokeinthewoods

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Stuart! Yes, all good now - the operation cured me! 😁

Another very enjoyable video of lovely little river! Best wishes for your op! Al

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

Knucker - Thanks Al! Glad you enjoyed the paddle! It’s a really nice little stretch, and only 15 mins away from home 😁 thanks for the well wishes, Atb, Simon.

Many thanks for letting me enjoy your trip with you, hope you have a speedy recovery

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

+stevietennent - Thanks Stevie, glad you came along! Appreciate the well wishes, be back on track in no time I’m sure. Cheers, Simon.

good luck mate be thinking of you

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

+Yaseen Esprit - Thank Yaseen, got out of theatre about 2 hrs ago - feeling my a bit sore and tired, but the surgery was a success! 😀

Great video Simon nothing like a couple of hours on the river to clear the head and make us human again. I’m really enjoying your channel and I’m looking forward to your next video when your back on your feet. Best of luck with your op. ATB Johnny

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

+Awesome Outdoors - Thanks Johnny! I’ll be back in the game in no time! I love being on the river - everything is slow and calm! The world looks better from the waters perspective. Cheers mate, Simon.

I reckon I picked up the magic of canoeing on an intimate river Simon, thanks for the video and Best Wishes.

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mark! I love the small rivers - fewer people and more wildlife! Atb Simon

Sending you my best thoughts particularly on Friday, Simon! You'll do brilliantly. You have zest, very positive attitude and great good will. Thanks for your inspirational videos. I am a survivor of several heart procedures. I'm building a sailing skiff for my own adventures and your videos have been very inspirational and sustaining. Cheers, mate!

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

+Donald Paulson - Thanks Donald, you are kind with your words! I’m really pleased you’ve enjoyed the videos and found some inspiration from them! Looking forward to It being over and done with so I can get back on the water!!🛶 good luck with the skiff - let me know how it comes along! Atb, Simon.

@09mrdon

6 жыл бұрын

Many thanks, Simon. I'll keep you posted.

Nice little river to paddle and I like your canoe. I am still jealous of the Firebox stove you have there. Thanks for sharing.

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

+North Country Adventures - Thanks! It’s a lovely little river - I’m really fortunate to have some real gems around this area. I’m really starting to get used to the firebox now - it’s heavy but I don’t mind putting up with that because it works so well! Thanks for watching! Atb, Simon.

Good luck for your surgery mate. Look forward to some more good videos on the other side! Love the canoeing

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

+Andrew Kent - Thanks Andrew, looking forward to it being over and done with! I’ll be back on the thwart in no time! 🛶 Atb, Simon.

Sounds like the cardinal sin that Simon - a lighter! Fabulously authentic getting there though. A nice little river and the stillness was divine. I thought I'd go back a bit. Glad I did. I trust the op has worked now. My dear twin brother died of a coronary thrombosis. It's good you took action.! Your hear to live more of the outdoors. I'm going to give the bread a go - I could taste it from here. The Thet in the end was a good host. All the best. Mark

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

Cheers Mark! Yes, it is a lovely little river, nice and quiet - just the way I like it! The op went really well, a complete success - there was a good chance it wouldn’t work first time, but they nailed it - I’m as good as new! Really sorry to hear about your brother!! Must have been heartbreaking mate.

@WyeExplorer

6 жыл бұрын

Yes, just the job Simon. Good to hear the op went well - it's a reason to be happy and relieved. I wish you all the strength and health - you sound top rate with it! That's alright about Paul. We never got married - it was him and me for 48 years. He was my hiking buddy, camping buddy, dreamer and much more. I've not wanted to be here but I am. I will find my way - he wants that. Well, loving your videos mate - I will explore more. Take care as always...

Great video mate, hope everything goes well for your op and your recovery. Best of luck to ya :)

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

+Chris Bamman - Cheers mate! I’m feeling pretty good about it - just looking forward to getting back to normal. Atb, Simon.

Those makes me want to have a paddle! And Bannock! Hope your op all good well.

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

+magicdrshoon - Thank you sir! It’s a good combination - the paddling works up an appetite and the bannock satisfies it! Cheers - be back soon! 👍

Glad it went well fella, I was pretty poorly myself with pneumonia, once the docs spotted they worked miracles and the aftercare was awesome.🏥👍👍👍

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

We are really lucky to have our good old NHS! Glad they sorted you out! Atb, Simon.

That is a beautiful canoe Simon

@simonablokeinthewoods

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Thanks for sharing your video, good luck for your heart surgery.

@simonablokeinthewoods

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mark! The surgery was a complete success - they zapped the bad bits and I’ve been free from AF ever since! The wonder of modern medicine. 😁👍

P.S. I use a Firebox Nano...awesome little stove...be well brother...woods

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

+MTwoodsrunner - I’ve not used the nano, but it looks like a great tittle stove - especially the weight! Cheers my friend! Simon.

Good J-stroke for a Kipper! All the best. I hope the surgery went well for you. Really enjoyed the video. Eric, Ottawa

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

Hahaha! Thanks Eric, yeah, the figure of 8 stroke in a coracle is more traditional here! The surgery was a complete success - I’m a new man! Glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for coming along. Atb, Simon.

If I had to design a river to canoe down, it would look like that! Lovely stretch of water. It's funny, cigarette lighter are older then Ferro rods, nothing wrong in using them. Good luck with the operation, looking forward to seeing more videos when you are fit again. Steve.

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

+Crafty Veggie - Thanks Steve! I’ll be back in the saddle before long - full of vim and vigour! It’s a lovely little stretch of river - calm and tranquil - a perfect tonic!! Sometimes a lighter is just the trick - I know the purists amongst us would disagree, but if it works, why not? Cheers, Simon.

Great video as always Simon. I have to admit, I always carry a small bic lighter in the Tilley hat pocket... Thanks for sharing and best of luck with your procedure. Steve

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Steve - looking forward to it - well....looking forward to it being done! Thats a really good idea! Ive kept other things in there in the past, but a lighter is a fine idea! Atb mate, Simon.

I went trough the same procedure when they had to put a stent after my heart attack. Just relax and everything will be fine. ( Usually they give you some of before doing it ;) )Wishing you a speedy recovery and fast return :)

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

+Stef B - Thank you!! You are only the second person I’ve spoken to who has had it done - so thanks for the reassurance!!think I’ll need some of that good stuff!!! Cheers!

That is a beautiful canoe

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you Robin! It’s my pride and joy! Atb, Simon.

All the best mate. Hope everything goes well.

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

+Adam Whent - Cheers Adam! Looking forward to all being over so things can get back to normal! 🛶🔥🌲🏕 Thanks mate, Simon.

Will be exploring the Thet as soon as poss. Looks great

@simonablokeinthewoods

5 жыл бұрын

It’s a lovely river, quiet and peaceful, but busier during the summer months especially at weekends. Shame the river is too overgrown to paddle downstream from Thorpe Woodlands. I may take a bow-saw with me next time!!

Looks like nature is reclaiming your river there Simon! My wife suffers with AF, as do at least two of her siblings...today is friday...prayers inbound amigo...woods

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

+MTwoodsrunner - Thanks my friend! The surgery went well - the AF appears to have been stopped - 4 hours of laser blasting, I’m I’m a bit tender and drained! But looks like they did it!! Yay!! Yep, that river needs a bit of maintainable for sure - I’m taking my buck saw next time!! Cheers mate, Simon.

Simon all the best of luck to ya! youll be back soon! keep up mate! God Bless

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

+Benjamin Verhoef - Thanks Benjamin, looking forward to the other side - not long now! Atb mate, Simon.

Very, very best of luck for your upcoming op Simon. I'll be thinking of you next Friday.

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you sir! I'll be a new me!

Get well and get back in the woods to make more bannock ! The best of luck on Friday !

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

+Vlad Bucur - Thank you Vlad, I’ll be back soon, that you can count on! Atb, Simon.

To Simon a bloke in the woods You said you built that canoe at home how long did it take you to make it and how much did it cost see I live here in the US I've been watching your videos I've seen you in a lot of different canoes and I've seen you in that one and you said it's homemade looks nice very good work but I still like to know how much it cost and how long it took you to make it that is the part I find interesting God bless my friend stay safe out there and my regards to the Royal family as far as loss of the queen and God save the King God bless my friend

Best of luck with your surgery this Friday. Will be looking forward to the many more videos to come.

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

+Barls Charkley - Thank you! I’m looking forward to the new me! Lots of video ideas for winter so I’ll be back in the saddle in no time! 🛶🔥🏕🌲❄️ Atb, Simon.

good video Simon best of luck see you soon

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

+Alan Shepley - Thanks Alan, glad you enjoyed it - there is little more relaxing in the world than a gently flowing river! Atb, Simon.

Glad to hear you got through the surgery. I didn't know there was anything but medication for afib. Now I know why the Firefox that you have costs more. The hinges work better than piece parts. I bout an $11 One, very light Weight, but it's like a house of cards. If it gets bumped it falls apart. It makes me want to fasten the whole thing together in one piece and forget about making it compact. The mineral spirit burner cost me $20, but a good unit that will last a lifetime. Great paddling views, thank you for the experience.

@simonablokeinthewoods

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you - yes, I was lucky to be put forward for surgery and it was a complete success! I also have a slot together wood stove (honey stove) can be fiddly to assemble, but it’s fairly stable once together. 👍🔥

Mike from Oklahoma: I've been watching all the videos I could find that we're yours. Trying to catch up. Today I watched this one on the river Thet , and you were talking about your surgery. If you remember I just had surgery myself . Man I was really able to feel where you were coming from . Especially when you said "I'll be back to KZread soon, I hope ! " Mine was an eight inch incision I was down for 7 weeks and they put me completely out. Man I wanted one of those laparoscopic incisions like yours, (small) but they said no . Thank God though it wasn't my heart ! But man, I could feel your pitch . Wish I could have been there to pray for you back then. I listened to a Senator recently speaking on medical care in Europe. He was explained to me how you have to wait there for a date for surgery and it might be a long time. Wow ! It's true. See if we have a problem here on Tuesday then we're in surgery on Friday. Unreal, I only waited till all the tests we're done and an attempt to correct with meds failed . I can't even imagine the waiting . Hope it's going well now.! I'll pray for continued progress over the years. Great stuff man ! Peace be with you my brother !!!

@simonablokeinthewoods

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Yes, it seems like a long time ago now haha! I was really lucky -, I didn’t have to wait long and the surgery was a complete success. The waiting times I can accept, as we don’t have to pay extra for it - all part of the NHS, which we pay for in our taxes. You can opt to go private if you want to avoid the waiting time (and you can afford it! 😁 Thanks mate!

Nah you'll be fine I had surgery on my elbow had a great laugh with the operating team

Good luck withe the op' pal. You'll be up and about inno time.

@simonablokeinthewoods

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mark - the op was a complete success - they corrected the wobbly part of my heart with a laser and I’ve not had any problems since - hard to believe that was a year ago almost to the day! Cheers, Simon

Great video again. The date you posted this video was my dads birthday. He turned 79 and had the very operation you will have had by now when he was 54. I hope your surgery went as well as his did all those years ago. That is one beautiful canoe, and I think you should put it up as your next giveaway - let's say 1001 subscribers - what do you say? Thanks again Tony

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

+- curtisharper01 - Thanks Tony! Glad your Dad is doing well! My op went really well and I’m feeling great! I’m even going back to work tomorrow!! Glad you like the canoe- it is my proudest achievement that’s for sure! And no, but nice try!! 😉

Simon, all the best with the op....... fingers x'd mate

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

+kris4362 - Thanks Mate, soon be done and back on track again! Thanks for the well wishes, Atb, Simon.

I'm just now watching in 2020. I'm glad your surgery went well. It's amazing isn't it what they can do now days going in through an artery. My Dad had a valve replacement done that way. That is a pretty canoe. I cringe a little every time you drag her on the gravel. :)

@simonablokeinthewoods

4 жыл бұрын

Me too! But it’s tougher than it looks! Thank you Jim - modern medicine is jaw dropping! 👍

Hoping it all goes well for you Simon - look forward to your first video on your return. You may have made the 1000 subs by then...! Atb, Paul C.

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

+Paul C2629 - Thanks Paul! Looking forward to it - well, the afterwards bit anyway!! It’s getting close to that milestone - can’t quite believe it!! Cheers mate, back soon, Simon.

About flooding and there being trees and things in rivers, I think you should read the bit about that in George Monbiot's book "Feral". Actually you might well like to read it entirely...

@simonablokeinthewoods

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Johan - I’ll check it out!

You can roll it out in a tube, wrap it around a stick and put it over an open fire too!

@simonablokeinthewoods

5 жыл бұрын

Used to do that in the scouts - we called it damper (line the aboriginal Australian bread) versatile stuff!

Being near water ways allows for some good bird watching.

A year ago I had my aortic valve replaced and aneurysm repaired. At least we’re both doing well now! ✌🏻thank the gods for science.

@simonablokeinthewoods

5 жыл бұрын

Amen to that! Medical science is just amazing! Glad you’re doing well too. Atb, Simon

Just watched this, great video, I like to put a drop of molasses on my bannock. Give it try, my mom is from Wales and got me hooked on it from her ginger snaps.

@simonablokeinthewoods

4 жыл бұрын

I’ll try that, thank you! 👍

I am looking this also in 2019, its now the first week in September. (smile) I hope all was going well, I had the same operation, only I was pretty nauseous during it was happening. What was amazing I could see my own hard on a monitor..! But ok, also behind me and all was going well. Hope you fine also now. Regards Tony.

@simonablokeinthewoods

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Tony, thank you! Yes, all has been well since the op - it was a total success. Like you, I was awake for the procedure and watched it all on the screen - a very odd experience!

While you had the camera up inside your body, did you look at the television screen which was showing the progress of the camera? Mine looked as if it was filming an underwater scene in the Amazon with all the tree roots under water. Fascinating stuff.

I've been canoeing only twice on the Loxahachee River in Florida. It was swampy and ran through a wooded area. So I can relate to the beauty and peace that a river paddle offers! How long a paddle was the whole thing?

I bet there’s some lovely fish in that river. Looks really peaceful there 😊 I hope that your procedure went well? It must have because your still making vids 😂👍🏻

@simonablokeinthewoods

5 жыл бұрын

Cheers Alex - Yes, completely cured! I was discharged from the cardio clinic last month! 👍😁😁👍

@alexpage7292

5 жыл бұрын

Simon, a bloke in the woods That’s good news. I’m suffering from Ménière’s and it can be pretty difficult sometimes!

I love this canoe, can't get enough of how it looks. I'm curious as to if you could use other wood rather than cedar. Like something much cheaper but without loosing durability ect?

@simonablokeinthewoods

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Thomas! You could use any wood really -it would just add weight - cedar is very light, so you end up with a light boat - mine weighs 27kg, lighter than most high end plastic composite boats. 👍

@thomasmcfarlane1924

4 жыл бұрын

Would there be a huge difference in weight using say pine maybe? I've only recently found your channel but lovi g especially the conoe trips, got me wanting to get out in a canoe again

Be thinking of you and your family on Friday.

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

+charles foster - Thanks Charles! I’ll be glad when it’s all over and I can resume normality!! (Whatever that is!) Atb, Simon.

@charlesfoster2196

6 жыл бұрын

Simon, a bloke in the woods I have been on the operating table 3 times, adding up to 13 hours!😕

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

+charles foster - Sounds like you’ve been in the wars my friend - nothing too serious I hope!

@charlesfoster2196

6 жыл бұрын

Simon, a bloke in the woods ,car driver did not engage brain and I was on a bike. Hard, life changing and it has done me some good.

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

charles foster Sorry to hear that Charles - I’m glad you’ve managed to pull some positives out of it - can’t have been easy.

I am a tea drinker, like when u have tea also

Has the NRA been superseded by the environment agency ?? I’m sure if these waterways were kept in better condition it would help alleviate flooding that has become so commonplace, especially on Somerset levels. Great content Simon 👏👏👍

@simonablokeinthewoods

4 жыл бұрын

Totally agree - we don’t stand a chance at battling against flooding if all that water just backs up in our river channels. 👍👍👍

Another great video Simon, I'm going to try Bannock again next time I'm out I made some earlier this year and it was a total disaster lol. Good luck with the op, looking forward to your return to youtube ATB

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

+Chris Millington - Thank you Chris! I’ve had a few bannock disasters too - usually making the dough too wet! Add the water bit by bit - it needs to remain stiff enough to handle without sticking to your hands. It’s worth having spare flour!! Thanks for the good wishes, be back soon! Atb, Simon.

mate! i hope surgery went well, how do you feel? and is youre problem solved? all the best!

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

+Benjamin Verhoef - Hi Benjamin, yes, the surgery went well, the surgeon had a problem isolating one of pulmonary veins and had to re-cauterise it a few times - the surgery lasted longer than it should 4 1/2 hours, but they got there in the end! I’m sore and tired, but relieved it’s all over! I’ve now got some recovery time to spend watching KZread videos!! 😉 thanks for the thoughts my friend, Atb, Simon.

Where are you from Simon? I don’t believe I have ever watched one of your videos but as soon as I saw your face I thought “where do I know him from?” Are you in construction? What do you do? Great looking canoe

@simonablokeinthewoods

5 жыл бұрын

Haha - I am in construction - I’m a chippy from the Norfolk/Suffolk border area. 👍

I've watched this several times now (true of all your paddling films!) and it is all the below comments say....my bannock is always a disaster though !!!

@simonablokeinthewoods

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Laurie. 👍

Simon, which brand of Billy Pot do you use? Thanks

Just watched your vid in 2020,glad your OP went well,and it's all behind you now. Beautiful "stripper" canoe you got there Simon!

@simonablokeinthewoods

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you and thank you! 😁🛶

You need some beavers to sort the river out.

@simonablokeinthewoods

5 жыл бұрын

Hahaha - not wrong there!

Buzzard calling at 10:03

🚫🐅🔥

Now, that's the way to spend a relaxing time. Wonder who the halfwit who hit the dislike button was and why? Maybe it was because there was no little doggie in the vid, which some might argue is reason enough. Still, that's the trouble with becoming popular: increase in popularity = increase in halfwits. I'm surrounded by them.

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

John Finnis - Hahahaha! I love you John - not in that way!! There are just too many swans in that river for Maggie - she’d have had us over for sure! ‘‘Twas a nice relaxing couple of hours.

@johnfinnis8373

6 жыл бұрын

Not in THAT way, eh? Bugger. Oh well, I'll switch my attentions to Trev then. Or Keith. I trust this will not affect out professional relationship in any way and should you find me blubbing by the offcut pile from time to time I hope you'll understand.

@simonablokeinthewoods

6 жыл бұрын

+John Finnis - Oh.....okay then John, you had me at ‘eh’. I couldn’t stand to see the firewood getting wet!