All I know is, you two make it look so enjoyable and that is what I think it is all about. When you enjoy, It is fun and interesting, otherwise it becomes a chore.

Very informative vlog. The fitness side of things is important but also working on your own system of doing the locks. Volunteers are a real plus when I go out as I am a 69 yr old single hander. I don't know how long I will be able to keep going but as long as possible as I love the canals and started in 1969. Keep going girls, I look forward to your next vid. To

@zefriend3

4 жыл бұрын

Press gang younger relatives for flights?

Now there's a great idea for your next book, Annamarie, "Kath's 101 Great Excuses For Bumping The Boat"! 🤣

As I watched this, I was thinking how comfortable being on camera you ladies are now. Its great that you are so relaxed and natural. Great video. I think that the boat driver has the easier job, followed by whichever cat sleeps the most.

To me it is so entertaining to watch Annamarie’s face while Kath is giving another one of her explanations.

@lovenature5360

4 жыл бұрын

Hiya, love your vlog :) we’re hoping to live aboard in the not too distant future. In the meantime we’ve just purchased a narrowboat share and our first holiday will be at the end of August - so exciting! Not in a position to comment on whether helmsman or crew is ‘better’ but I think I’ll start off being the latter. If you’d like to join up on FitBit my profile is Jak H. Happy walking :)

As a skipper and having the benefit of crew, at the end of the day I have to go on a good walk, eight hours of standing does the legs no good at all! I do remember crewing up the Hatton flight in 32’ of sun and heat, absolutely exhausted even when drinking water during the whole duration however it made me appreciate the job the crew does! Anne-Marie and Kath, another great vlog.

This got me thinking of poor CC doing it all by his lonesome! Swapping roles is a good idea, two thumbs up to being able to do every job!

@TheNarrowboatExperience

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Yes, I don't know how single handers do it all of the time.

@CruisingTheCut

4 жыл бұрын

Yes! Poor old CC

@zefriend3

4 жыл бұрын

Plenty of moaning and swearing involved 😉

@lisakessler5749

4 жыл бұрын

😂

I think you both are good example for lady boaters,we had to retire from cruising after a stroke i sufferd, we had a 32’ creighton centre cockpit on the lancaster canal ,we loved it XX

I think the helmsperson gets a lot less exercise the the crewperson , saying that I'm single handed {solo} so I get more exercise than most, I appreciate any help I get from vlockies or other boaters, love your vlogs, Cheers Chris

The bridges on the Stratford are not only very narrow but many of them are set at a slight angle across the canal - its a wonder with all the dings they have received over the past 150+ years they are still standing. I remember the chagrin we felt upon discovering a sizeable chunk of red brick in the bow after a too close encounter with one of those bridges 😒

Thanks girls. I love the way you introduce different canal angles to us. The fitness aspect is certainly something that needs to be considered.

@TheNarrowboatExperience

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you, we really try hard to think what would be of most value to the most amount of people, but also what would be interesting. While it takes a bit more thought that just point and shoot cruising it certainly is fun.

Why I watch... loved it on your lock ascendance you showed that Mallard duck so sweet and watching him would be where my eye would go.... love watching the flora and fauna that resides on the canals. You guys always show them, and we all love it.

lovely demonstration of lock operation. Its nice watching the easy scenery but very interesting watching the hard work bits too, thanks. Starting the boat from inside is a great addition!

Great vlog ladies, in my opinion anything you do on a narrow boat is the best job

My vote is for more space. We've lived in a boat and now a small RV so space is always a plus. I really enjoy your videos every week! You two are lovely people💕

You two are always a pleasure to watch, of course, because of your interesting vlog about life on a narrowboat, but also because you are so bubbly and happy, with your glass always half full.

@TheNarrowboatExperience

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that!

I always enjoy getting to see the mechanics of operating the boat safely and methodically. There're lots of things I can learn from a handbook or from thinking through "OK, do X, then Y, then Z" but some of the things that keep it from being a hassle are the ones that aren't mentioned in most documents or examples. Dealing with the center line, fenders, etc might be something mentioned in passing but are all things that make doing a flight of locks (especially a longer flight) either fairly easy, or miserable if you're doing them inefficiently. Great video, and thank you both for taking the time to share. Hopefully the bikes found great new homes, and Kath gets to enjoy the extra room in the workspace! Stay safe and I hope you're getting some great cruising weather :)

Valuable information on energy required and fitness needed. My husband and I sailed for 12 years around and across the North Atlantic. I had thought exploring the canals would be a lovely quieter experience. Now I am not sure as we are 79 with several associated aches and pains. Thank you for your excellent teaching styles. I love your vlogs.

VERY GOOD INFORMATIVE EPISODE. YOU TO ARE ALWAYS CLEAR AND BASIC, AS PEOPLE REALLY THINK ABOUT THINGS.

I went through the Atherstone flight the other day and was only able to do all 11 in one day because I had a crew member. Up until that point I'd been completely solo and it was a welcome change to gave some company and much appreciated help. We soon found ourselves falling into a rhythm that worked well for both of us, punctuated by a lovely pub lunch at the Kings Head

you two are just plain awesome!

great to see you cooperating as a team in these vlogs!!!

We most enjoyed walking along the tow path and setting the locks rather than driving the boats. Sometimes it was really quiet when you got ahead of the boat and you could see deer by the canal.

I always do the locks and my husband usually helps by getting out on the other side. He also uses a rope to close the big gate or one of our poles to close the smaller gates . Teamwork is important to us.

Looking forward to your vlogs coming down the Avon. It is a lovely river with beautiful scenery. Some moorings are by the locks so no public access and it feels like your own private island. Offenham lock is lovely to moor at, and Evesham and Pershore have plenty too.The pub in Twyning (The Fleet) has now sadly closed, but there are moorings there. Also don't forget that on the Avon you don't have to close the lock gates behind you when you exit. Such a time saver. Happy sailing.

Kat, I agree... you would be an officer I would choose to run the crew.Your working management style, shares the labor and involves the mind, share that with you, on a side , when sailing in frothy seas with a novice crew, I usually get their mind and body moving and interacting with the vessel, and never have had a seasick novice ever... and walking and brainstorming works better than any think tank.

My husband assures me that being a helmsman is no easy task but... lock crew gets you out there and you do meet a lot of really nice people.(Mind you he does seem to consume more cups of tea than I have access to!)

I think you both do a wonderful job with big smiley faces. Was a bit worried watching Kath shimmy across the lock gate near the beginning but she handled it like a pro!

You two are so well suited. Is there a vlog about how you met? I'd love to hear your story, and I'm sure I'm not the only follower who would enjoy learning a bit more.

We had a surprise in the post today our Mugs arrived, woohoo so a cup of tea in the morning with our Narrowboat Mugs. cheers thanks guys.

Enjoyed the vlog very informative and really appreciated the way you go about doing things together please take care and thankyou

Wishing you happy days on the canals!

Enjoyed you vlog as usual

LOVE the grey AnnaMarie! 🍀

From my own perspective of single handed cruising on holidays, I think it's definitely the helming that is the easiest to do. I would be so relieved when someone offered to help me with the locks.

We did the Hatton flight at the start of July and went a bit further than planned, I ended up doing 27400 steps and was shattered, all to get a 4g signal for our son. I enjoy doing both steering and locking, it’s great exercise and always fun. As to optical illusions any time I hit the side it’s either that or a strong current! Never my dodgy eyesight. Really enjoy your videos.

No way can I compete with your fitness and daily steps! Victoria (in Oz ) is in lockdown again, as you will have heard. So glad that you are both well and enjoying your summer. Proud of you! Deb from Oz.

You two make me smile, there is know way Iam going to choose between you on the fitness level you both look good to me

@TheNarrowboatExperience

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks. x

To the tune of "Three wheels on my wagon".... Windlass on my rear view, But I'm still cruising along, The CTR are after me, The mooring fine, Is not mine, But I'm singing a happy song. Feel free to add your own verse!

I would say Helmsman for sure, but then you have the responsibility of the boat, nice little video girls , cheers

The most satisfying job is crewing, you get time to observe what is around you and at the end of the day you are physically tired if you have walked miles without actually realising it. Good for arms, legs and most importantly the heart. I have stage 3 heart failure, not that you would know at first glance... I tend to do the helm, but I love to get off and work the paddles and gates, they are by far my favourite job. But to answer your question, helm is easier.

Definitely Helms for me. Great vlog as usual. Stay safe and happy. Hugs

That was a lovely cruise and well explained.....I love cycling so I would have kept the bikes...but having the space is also useful too....stay safe....thanks for sharing

I have no idea or opinion which is more work, the boat driver, or the crew person. It I can say I like the way you both share the work. Best in a relationship.

Years ago when I was full of energy, I used to deliver Meals on Wheels as a volunteer. I can't really imagine what motivates people to be a _Narrowboat Lock Volunteer._ Have you interviewed any of them to discover why they take on such a labour intensive task, spanning possibly hours at a time on weekends, when they should be feet-up infront of the TV drinking cans of Fosters?

@terryrigden4860

4 жыл бұрын

I volunteer as a lock keeper and find it really rewarding, I meet lovely people, work with great colleagues in a delightful environment, whats not to like

you work like a team,everyone on a boat is important :),good vlog again :)

Addicted and a little competitive with my Fitbit.

Hi I think the individuals with the easiest job on your boat is held by your lovely cats after all they are part of the crew. Happiness and smiles J

Great vlog. The exercise bit on a narrowboat has always been of interest to me. Well done and keep going, YOU are an insopiration.

@TheNarrowboatExperience

4 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Thank you!

I’ve only ever been the crew, and it’s lots of hard, but fun, work! I’ve never had the nerve to learn the helm, but have only done 2 short narrowboat vacations. If I lived on a boat permanently, I would want to learn to drive. And would love to have bikes along! On the roof! Love your vlogs!!

@TheNarrowboatExperience

4 жыл бұрын

It's definitely worth putting some hours behind the helm. You'll never regret it.

I love walking between the locks but I need to do some driving. Great vlog.

Good vid enjoyed 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

I think the crew is the hardest job! great vlog

Nice goin Captain Cath, the canal an rivers trust should be real happy with you doing their job for them 😀 good stuff! You an your cats stay safe an well eh!

Thanks again for a lovely relaxing video. The crew has the less stressful job. The gongoozalers are just waiting for the helm to cock-up!

@TheNarrowboatExperience

4 жыл бұрын

Good point.

Lovely seeing you beautiful girls again! As for crew versus pilot, I think that both jobs are very nearly equal, but they're two different things! You do have to understand both jobs to be a success at either though. And I have an UnfitBit, if it detects too much movement, it advises me to sit down, and orders me a pizza! :-)

I think there's an option of playing to your strengths. But also sharing tasks does tend to create a better relationship. I'm sure my wife and I would figure it out but not before some seriously sneaky comments regarding how well we actually think the other is doing. All in jest I swear!

I could not shinny up and down those ladders especially with the really deep locks. So I guess I'd have to be the walker person!! Great vlog as always.

smashing informative video.. all I can say is...' Bike it you'll like it''..

@TheNarrowboatExperience

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍

Hi girls I really think that that both jobs are equally the same to me but it’s good as you say to know both jobs it does take work load of each other which really it’s what it’s all about but you r right you do to a certain degree have to be fit which I am sure you girls r by now after all them steps each day great vlog as usual

Could you educate us on mooring up? We see chains with rings, multiple lines to the shore, when do you use the center line, etc.

@TheNarrowboatExperience

4 жыл бұрын

Definitely, sounds like an interesting vlog idea, thanks. We always use the centre line when getting off a boat to help pull the boat to land. We never moor up with a centre line.

your right m8, you not the first to bounce of the bridge, an you wont be the last :) nice work m8s, thanks for the ride along. staring at 4 walls, an looking at the same streets in a stage 3 lockdown with a stage 4 20 minutes nth east of here aint fun! i wouldn't be any good as crew, i only walk about 4000 steps a day :D you 4 stay safe an well eh!

How I am missing my canal holiday this year! I tend to spend most of my canal time on the helm, mainly because of knee problems, standing too long and walking any great distance aggravates my knee. As we are normally a crew of 4 or 5 it isn't really a problem for us. Most of my mates prefer to be working the locks so things work out well.

@TheNarrowboatExperience

4 жыл бұрын

I hope you'll be able to enjoy it next year though

Kath and Annemarie a perfect partnership.🤗

I just like to say before I get started I found a very very comfortable fence so anyway here we go I think the helmsman and the crew are both doing a wonderful job and what's more surprising is that they are both working as hard as each other so if you would excuse me I would like to carry on sitting on this really comfortable fence and watch the world go buy very very slowly. PSI don't know about watching memories Faith while Kath is making excuses but I'm still on this fence and I think it start to get dark

Crew gets more exercise! Can transpose this into my job, HGV driver Vs yard shunter. Drivers get in and out of units (up steps and back down, maybe a couple of times per day) Yard shunters are constantly on the go, walking to various bays, in and out of units, winding legs up or down, closing or opening doors. Put a step app on my phone ages ago - I average between 9 - 12 miles per day, depending how busy it is! When you see a driver cover holidays, they are knackered after 4 days... Our secret is food, little and often, Plus lots and lots of chocolate, to keep you going - you just burn it off.....👍

Kath loves being the Helmsperson!

Alice has the easiest job :-)

@TheNarrowboatExperience

4 жыл бұрын

She would disagree. Her feelings are that she has to organise all of us.

@eamonfire

4 жыл бұрын

Alice and Munchkin are in charge of overall control of operations, so with that comes much responsibility! When the boat's a movin, they're inside, plotting the forthcoming schedules! 🐈 😻

Annamarie and Kath, when i get back to work here very soon, i go for my physical tomorrow 9/22 2020 and if all is good and i pass it, i would like to be fit bit buddies. Will give me motivation to get back in shape. I have been off on the 30th of this month will be 1 year. I am turning 60 next month and i want so bad to get back in shape. Before being on medical i gave up diet sodas and was doing really well . was down 37 lbs , making my weight at 152. Then was in the hospital 4 times last year. Found out my immune system was attacking my Red blood cells. So, it has taken a long time to get better. And then the lock down. I have basically have been in lock down since last year. Had to be careful . No gym no walks . I always slept because i had no energy. But it has all changed. I am excited to get back to work , working on the train is no easy job. I ran the Dining car and was Employee in charge. Hours worked in any single day can be 15 to 18 hrs. So on this note if you girls still are doing that let me know. I would love to be fit bit buddies. Take care , Kimberly from Las Vegas

Thanks for this video :-) 👍 🌸

@TheNarrowboatExperience

4 жыл бұрын

Welcome 😊

Always easier as the lockie plus you get to scout out any canal-side pubs :-)

When we were coaling it was always the steerer job to close the gates. Lock ladders are new thing for hirers Fitted about the 70/80s. The steerer also bag up the coal while locking up. Wish we had been boating it working days they never stop to close gates.

@danensis

4 жыл бұрын

There was more water about in those days.

I think you two work like a well oiled machine,both more than competent in either role but Annamarie seems to do more of the locks and Kath the helms person job.In all the time I have been following them I've never detected any disagreements although I have witnessed the odd kiss or two. They are a great team in all ways,fun to watch educational and imaginative too. Happy Cruising ladies Cheers from Canada

Lovely vlog as always! I think the Helsman job is harder because I hate ladders and also you’re controlling the boat but I think both look like you need a level of fitness and strength x

Another fantastic video I'm addict to watching narrow boating video's, would we be able to get a video in safety equipment that's required on board and what safety equipment and supplies you have on board. Thanks can't wait for the next video 😊

@TheNarrowboatExperience

4 жыл бұрын

Great suggestion!

on the bikes, unsure laws there, but here in states, I would use a vintage engine on front wheel to make it an easy commuter instead of a mid engine mount, when I didnt want to pedal, orsome of those steps, & yes I have the vintage engines from my youth. I would also have a way to attach a milk crate or similar over back wheel to carry groceries from shops to current locations. my feet are a constant source of pain, so the climbing, 1-2 times a day & thats it for me, I really hurt that bad, but I could stand on boat fairly easy 6-8 hours. still hurt, but not pain that brings tears to my eyes I would love to go on vacation there after travel bans are lifted, maybe next year? & book a week or so tour on the waterway, most of these videos with narrow boats my wife just listens, while she does reports on her computer today she had to watch y'all, she wants to too, but doesnt want to build hopes up, until after travel ban is lifted, but her liking y'all gets me to subscribe, lol, and for us doing a trip, I am too much of a relic, I would have to find someone using a vintage engine, I just like the sound so much better than modern engine drone sound.I have seen a few videos of owners showing vintage engines, I just like the old sound so much better.

Being a solo boater I don't have the choice of Helmsperson or Crew. Head Cook & Bottlewasher as well ;) But I wouldn't change it.. It's a relief when I see Volunteer lockies

@TheNarrowboatExperience

4 жыл бұрын

I bet it is

You sounded like an F1 driver there Kath when you hit that bridge😂😂😂no slippy corner,bad camber,sun in eyes,,brake etc😂😂😂.

There can only be one Captain but perhaps swapping roles would balance the two positions evenly looks like great fun and the changing views is like the World unfolding in front of you Enjoy.

With my 'crew', I do most of the driving and we have at least two 'lockers' over the side, rolling the lock. When 'the other driver' is with us, we usually share driving. For instance, on the day we did the Caen Hill flight on the K&A, the 'day' is clearly defined as 29 locks in 2.25 miles. I think I did the bottom 15 and then helped the other 'locker'. The following day, coming down, I did the first locks to about half way down the flight and then rolled locks until we moored up at Foxhangers. That way, we had both driven the whole flight. I have a problem with walking distances - my calf muscles cramp up after a half mile or so - but standing on the back, even with the walking back and forth you do, is fine. Like George, my little dog Rocko is delighted to go ashore with the lockers to explore and he's mostly safe doing that. Except for once on the GU when a gate into the road at a lock/bridge was high enough for him to 'explore' under and we had to chase him out of traffic!

Lovely relaxing vlog! Keep up the walking. Maybe later in the year or early next year, we do a through the hedge together, and walk around a NT or E.heritage site together 👍♥️🎥

nice 1 m8s, stay fit, safe an well eh!

Thanks girls.... for reminding me that it`s time to exercise :-) Much Love from Mexico & 4 cats! xo PS I`d sign up for lock duty!

The river Avon isn’t anything to be nervous of.... The basin lock can be tricky as the gates have minds of their own .. one person must close, and then stay with the gate, whilst the other then starts letting a few turns of water out the lock and then shuts the other gate.... otherwise you will be running back and forth like a blue arsed fly.... Resetting it is just as tricky alone, so best you both do it if needed.. The stretch in front of the theatre can get busy quick with row boats and cruiser s , so I tend to only travel that stretch before 9 and after 6 to avoid the rush and congestion around the basin lock.. Trinity lock just after the holy trinity church looks imposing but is fine to go down but should be done slowly if coming up.. And there are two weirs just downriver of trinity lock that can push you over to the other bank as you leave the lock,so keep you bow to starboard as you exit.. Luddington lock has a sharp bend upon exit downstream and is also very narrow so is worth checking there is no one approaching before you exit the lock.. After that it’s plain sailing.... just stay central where you can But if I see you I will come offer my help Happy Drifting 😉

Having no knowledge of the specific work I tend to default to things I learned from dairy farming and that it's hard to say one job is harder/easier than others because more often they are just different.

hello there waiting for your next video

I’d be keen to try both. I’m thinking that crew person is more up my alley though. Definitely keen to have a Fitbit challenge with you both though. I’m in Melbourne, Australia. We are in the grips of a nasty second wave here and in lock down again so an incentive to get out for a walk each day would be great. 😊

The most difficult narrowboat job is gongoozler'n :) I know it wears me out :)

Great vlog! Always look forward to Sundays. If so, how many steps do you get in? How many just on the towpath when transiting? And yes, those bridges can move quickly on you...;). Edited: And you just answered with 10000 steps a day in the video and will update at the end of the video. You both read my mind. Thank you for what you do! And for who has it easier being Skipper or Crew? I think each of you have your own challenges. I do not have a Fitbit, but and Apple Watch and use mapmywalk, so I would ask to join if possible.

Steerer has the easiest job. Although in our case we usually cruise as a crew of six and in a big lock flight the steerer is also responsible for making bucket loads of tea or hot Ribena and shovelling enough cake into the hungry crew. Happy days.

And here I was thinking you would be taking turns pulling the boat 😀 I would wear work gloves (leather or PU or somthing like that) while doing locks/climbing and the like to reduce the risk of hand injuries 10:38

A good informative vlog on what to expect when transiting locks, no heroics, no pain, just sure and steady and enjoyable as it should be. Ps. How did the Reflex stove perform over winter?

@TheNarrowboatExperience

4 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it and very well said. We made a relfeks stove money/performance type vlog already- check out our upload button if you missed it.

I enjoyed your vlog. I would definitely want to keep the fold up bikes, and preferably electric bikes!! xx

Greetings Ladies! I'm a relatively new Subscriber and have been thoroughly enjoying your videos! I'm also making my way through your previous posts as I have time. It's all very inspiring, and I am learning a lot from you and a few other Narrow Boaters. I hope to get into your Art channel and put an order in soon! Best wishes for smooth motoring and peaceful days. :o)

Entertaining video! Reading "move 15 tonnes" I thought you'd actually try to pull the boat like the horses did in the past, but you left the 15 tonnes to the Diesel ;) Concerning your question, /methinks that both of you do the same job on the locks, opening and closing the paddles and gates. Comparing to the helmswomen's lockclimbing, I'd think the walking job is more demanding, given the distances between these locks. It might be different on a dedicated lock flight or with the bike. Have fun!!

@scottfw7169

3 жыл бұрын

That 15 tonnes brings to mind a 1940s song Sixteen Tons about being a coal miner.

I saw the optical illusion as well. You didn’t miss judge it...lol. And is it about sharing? You either doing one job or the other. The helmsman is mentally challenging. It’s a lot of responsibility being the one looking after ones home in motion.

@TheNarrowboatExperience

4 жыл бұрын

Kind of you to say

When I was young, I preferred operating the locks. Much more fun! Now I'm old and not so fit, I don't mind steering. Best of all is making the tea while everybody else runs around in the rain! And don't get hung up on 10000 steps. It was always just an arbitrary number (and I hardly ever made it).

Nearly on the Avon! Just those last few (awkward?) Locks, down to Stratford Basin. I'm firmly of the opinion that working the locks is harder work than steering the boat, but that might be because, as we get older, I do most of the locks, and my wife works the boat though! Despite my having 60 years of experience, she still a better helms woman than me,WHEN SHE CONCENTRATES!! (Private joke!!😂)

That is a lot more steps than I thought, but many locks too

When I have a rental boat I prefer the freedom of crewing, but it's fun to steer the boat occasionally.