Maintaining relationships requires effort on both sides. The channel shows our lives together and apart and how we make it work for us. We meet in lovely places, see the sights on offer, spend time with each other and cruise the canals of Britain together when we can!
My name is Marianne and my channel features my solo life on the land e.g. my hobbies, the places I visit, my faith, my ongoing efforts at decluttering and the life I have away from Peter, Narrowboat Bandoneon and the canals. It also features Peter, who lives on Narrowboat Bandoneon full time since his retirement, his life on the water, the improvements made to the narrowboat and all the ups and downs related to this lifestyle!
Thanks for watching and I hope you will join us on our journey.
Thank you for sharing your journey. Scotland is somewhere that I had known about but did not understood why one should visit. These days I regret not taking more time to discover Scotland because my travel days are over. Loved the shots of the plates of food, its all about presentation lol. Mary Ann what did you think of Easy Jets service. Back in 2019 they were in trouble and could not get their act together. When I travelled this year I was delighted as to how they had improved and that goes for their booking site. Mark Alberta, Canada
I’m sorry to hear your travelling days are over but glad that you made it to England for your epic trip this year! EasyJet travel has been fine. I used them years ago too but so long as they don’t move the goalposts regarding cabin bag sizes, I can work with it. My daughter made the booking as she is more competent than I with online stuff. I’d rather visit a travel agent but you don’t always get the price you want. I have more videos planned for Glasgow so hopefully will do it justice and give you a flavour of what is there. There will be a waterways connection too as Glasgow is on the River Clyde. Thanks for your support. 🙂
I don't know how or why this video popped up but I loved it. I'm in Australia where we don't have narrow boats and canals like these. Can you rent narrow boats there? I'm coming to the UK next year and I can't think of anything better.
Hello and welcome to the channel, this is Peter here as Marianne is visiting her second daughter in Glasgow for a few days so she may be busy. I'm glad you liked Marianne's video You certainly can hire a narrowboat at many places all around the canal network and I've met many Australians on my travels doing just that. I introduced Marianne to the canals in 2017 by renting a 45 foot boat for a week - and the rest is history!
Hello and welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed the video. Peter has answered your question but I would like to wish you happy holiday planning! The research and anticipation of a holiday like this is a lot of fun in itself. I hope you find more on my channel to interest you and look forward to further comments. Best wishes, Marianne
Good day Mary Ann and Peter One often hears of the many trials and tribulations that are attached to boat life but when put together, as in this video, it certainly highlights how one could get frustrated if Murphey decided to take his frustration out on an individual. Thank goodness for the pleasures that balance out the turmoil. One other thing that causes boat life to come to a stand still is wind and days of perpetual rain which must make moving awkward. Many thanks for putting boat life into perspective Mary Ann. How is Peter holding up these days?? Mark Alberta, Canada
Hello Mark. You’re right about adverse weather conditions putting a halt to cruising and we don’t move in high winds. You’re also right that the pros outweigh the cons of boat life for us. Peter is doing well since the loss of Flann. Unfortunately, I haven’t managed to get to visit him much either due to my family and work commitments. I will be trying to rectify that as soon as possible! Best wishes to you in Canada, Marianne 🙂
Well Mary Ann don't you have a challenge ahead of you. You and Peter will figure it out as there are some very creative ideas out there. It's just a matter of knowing how to share the space and working as a team. Hugs to both of you. Mark Alberta, Canada
Hi Mark, it is a challenge but I am sure we will solve it! The biggest challenge for me right now is downsizing my possessions at home so I won’t be leaving a mess behind! Thanks for your continued support of watching and commenting on my channel. It is appreciated. 🙂
Fascinating insight into your life and music teaching. So envious of your abilities. All looks so wonderful. If only comes to my mind. I never grew up around friends or family with music abilities. Never had books or music either when I was growing up. Didn't even go to secondary school. My love for music has come to late in life for me to be able to even try to play musical instruments. I absolutely love classical music. I don't know why as I was never introduced to it. I have just been fascinated with the sounds and abilities of people like yourself. Absolutely love classical singers. You are now on a different journey but music will always be with you I am sure of that. Plans to meet up with your pupils for music sessions sounds wonderful. Hopefully you may record some for us to see and hear. My abilities growing up were physical abilities. So on retiring it seems my body has also retired sadly with injures and exhaustion. So it's not something I can continue on with for much longer. Unlike your wonderful abilities. I am sure you will adapt to retired life. You have a wonderful outlook on life. Thank you for sharing this video with us. Gail
Hello Gail. Thank you for your comment. It’s good to hear of your appreciation of music and classical music in particular. Not everyone can be good at everything and the fact that you didn’t get the opportunity to learn an instrument but have still discovered music is brilliant! I hope music is a good companion to your daily life. 🙂
Hi Mary Anne Do you remember who or what inspired you to play the instruments that you do play. If it helps, don't think in terms of retiring. In fact don't even use the word "retired", you have changed careers. As for missing your past students, there is always Zoom or Face Time and other forms of video calling. Mark Alberta, Canada
Hello Mark. I like your idea of a new career! I may start using that phrase. A friend of my parents lived down the road from us and I started to learn the piano from him. He was the grandfather of a girl that was later to become my best friend. I was 6. The headmistress at my primary school just asked me one day if I would like to play the violin and I just said yes. It was in a music class and I was standing on a small podium with a drum round my neck. She must have seen something musical in what I was doing to ask the question. I was 7. Her name was Mrs Irwin. When it comes to the guitar, I didn't have any formal teaching. Both my brothers played guitar and I picked it up and pestered them to show my how to play. I persevered with it and taught myself a lot of it as I grew up. I was 9. I am grateful to each person that influenced me, was there for me and especially to my parents who encouraged me and facilitated my musical journey that still goes on today. You make a valid point about communication these days. It is easy to do. My hope for my pupils is that they find new teachers to take them further and enjoy their journey even more. Thanks for your question.
Thanks for watching and your comment. This accident was 3 years ago and I’m about to retire onto the boat in September. I do hope you’re wrong about this not being for me and I will try to be more careful in future. Wish me luck! 🙂
@@PartTimeBoater hi there I am sure you will be fine , it was ment as a bit of a joke to lighten up your day after such a bad experience. Hope you in joy your retirement and have a wonderful time in the future.👍🏻😎👍🏻
I had a old Military pot belly stove that ran on diesel, and cold did affect the fuel flow, so home heating oil was used in the winter it worked better, less jelling of the fuel. 2# I raised the height of the gravity tank ( increased the fuel pressure), and it worked good. 3# the lower I set the stove temp, it was not as cleen burning. This is about a different brand of stove so take the info with a grain of salt. If any part helps, cool. Love your channel ❤️ 💕
Thank you so much for your comment, compliment and for watching. It’s good to hear of your experiences. Peter will no doubt be interested in the points you have made as he is more experienced with the stove than I. Thanks again. 🙂
Hi, thanks for your comments, its good to have a debate about these stoves as a number people I've met have given up on them. I had a number of problems, some of due to my understanding of the stove, but now I'm very happy with it. As to your comments - #1 Diesel in cold weather. I spoke to someone who has operated a canal fuel boat for many years (Jules Fuels, for those who know them) and they said diesel should be good down to -10C. We don't really see temperatures that low on the canals and my supply tank is on the well deck, protected by the cratch cover and benefiting from warmth from the cabin. I remember having problems with diesel in north Germany when I was in the army. In the winter of 1970/1971 we had -25C several days in a row and I tried to top up a generator from a jerry can that had been outside overnight. I opened to cap and held the can upside down - and nothing came out, it was one big diesel ice lolly! It was fine after a bit of thawing. My problem with fuel flow when the tank was low seems to have been fixed by adjusting the run of the fuel supply line, and by not letting the tank run too low. #2 Increasing the height of the supply tank is a good idea, as you say, it increases the pressure. Unfortunately I can't do that, but as I say in point 1, it seems to be working all right now - I just try not to let the supply tank drop below 25% full. #3 That's interesting about the stove burning differently at different settings. The Refleks stove has two fuel jets for low and high settings. The screws that control them are set in the factory and painted over with something like shellac. Paul from Lockgate Stoves came to check my stove with a temperature reader and discovered that the low level jet was working as it should, but the high jet wasn't making the stove as hot as it should. He adjusted the jet and that fixed it. Once again, thanks for adding to the conversation!
Good day Mary Ann and Peter, Glad to see that you are keeping well. Have you ever been to the Catholic Cathedral in Norwich? If not, then do put it on your "To Do" list. The craftsmanship which built that Norwich cathedral is exceptional. Mark Alberta, Canada
Good day to you both Many years ago I learned an important lesson about fire extinguishers. Just because the dial is in the green, it does not mean that the unit will work efficiently. In Canada fire extinguishers have a tag, attached to them, to indicate when they were last professionally checked. Professional checks indicate how well they function etc. If a unit has passed a certain number of years they maybe taken out of service. One thing that you should do with them, on an annual basis, is turn them upside down and use a rubber mallet to tap on their bottom surface. This will help prevent the powder inside from getting compacted as time moves on. If the powder does get packed the unit will not discharge as much as it should. That was a good find on the back of the fire blanket box. who would have thought to look on the back side. Safe journey and I hope that your new government will improve things. Mark Alberta, Canada
Hello Mark. Thank you for the extinguisher advice. I don’t know how old they are but tapping the bottom to free the powder seems like a good idea. I’m not sure where to go for a professional check but that’s a good idea. We also hope things improve in the future but I think it will be a difficult and slow road to travel before changes take place. Thanks again for watching and for your comment. 🙂
Hello Martin. It was a domestic radiator that was fitted. I don’t know if a car radiator would have been better or not. We think the problem may have been that it was positioned incorrectly due to a lack of space. Ratty, who fitted one on his boat, had it fitted in a different style of engine room but it just didn’t work on NB Bandoneon. Thanks for your question. 🙂
Hi Peter It's a bit of a job taking every thing out to get to the core plugs. My one that went was next to the starter motor under the heat exchanger. I only changed the one that went on my Beta 43. Looks like we have the same set up on our engines I have three alternators . A 3.5kw alternator for my power pack. As you have. 🤞we both don't have that problem again. Felt for you doing all those locks. And thanks for the fascinating tour guide Great to see that not much has changed on the Shropshire canal Glad your on the move again Gail
Hi Gail. Really don't know yet if the problems are over. Will keep you posted here of anything else that crops up. Hope your engine is behaving itself. How's your shoulder doing? Marianne
@@PartTimeBoater Hi Marianne Thanks for asking re my shoulder My shoulder healed really well but I still had problems with my arm. It's a long story but I had many injuries over the years in the military and as a result my neck sustained damage to my discs that are inoperable. My surgeon arranged for me to see a physio consultant at Oxford. He performed a miracle. Just a few minutes of manipulation on my neck and I was completely cured. I had no pains and full movement immediately. Then he said it won't last unfortunately. My injuries added to this last shoulder incident ment that i have not been using my neck muscles correctly for a long time and they went to sleep over the years gradually. The disc's in my neck unknown to me have been my problems for years He said I have woken the muscles up and now it's up to me to keep them awake. I have always been a fitness freak and I am now back training with no pains or headaches that I have been plaged with for years. I am not young now 😔 and the training is harder and I have a bit of extra weight to lose. So far I am feeling wonderful. Sorry its a long explanation But i am so excited and I like telling people of this miracle. Any way I hope the engine problems will not be a problem for you 🤞. I look forward to your next video with anticipation 😉 Gail
This way of life seems to suit Peter. Since his retirement the boat gives him things to keep busy, active and a way to see the country from a different view. It may seem that there are a lot of problems on the boat and we show them in case it helps other people, but the pros far outweigh the cons! I am looking forward to joining him on his travels when I retire so watch this space to see if I am as suited to boat life as he is. Thank you for watching and your comment. I do appreciate it.
Hi Peter and Mary Ann It is great to hear that the engine problems seem to have been fixed. As for the weather it appears that what you are experiencing seems to be similar for us and those in Slovenia. Do take care and have sunny days ahead. Mark Alberta, Canada
Hi Mary Ann and Peter I definitely did enjoy my trip through Britain and Slovenia. I am back in Canada though Britain is my home. Thank you for asking. Mark Alberta, Canada@@PartTimeBoater
Dear Maryann and Peter, Thank you for your commentary on Nantwich. Such a charming town/village. Two questions which I have not found answers to, "Why are Tudor houses black and white?" "In Tudor days what was used to create the black and white colours?" Mark Alberta, Canada
Hi Mark, thanks for the questions, they made me look into something I've seen around me all my life. First, there are Tudor era houses (from mid 15th century onwards), and there are 19th/20th century Tudor revival. The classic black and white Tudor style house has a frame of solid timber infilled with 'wattle and daub' - although sometimes a brick infill was used. In wattle and daub the wattle part is vertical wooden strips, with thinner wood (I'm guessing willow but I could be wrong) woven through it horizontally. This wood frame was daubed with a mixture of mud or clay with lime, straw, or even horsehair, depending on the year and the region of the country. They often added whitewash in the mix so the walls were white all through. The main timbers were left exposed. The exposed timbers were protected from the weather by a coating of tar, and that gave the typical black and white look. I am originally from Dorset, on the south coast, and back in the 70s some friends of mine lived in an ancient pub in a village called Tiptoe (no, really!) and that had a wattle and daub structure but without the exposed beams. The walls were very thick but when my friends tried to put a cupboard on the wall using standard plugs and screws it immediately fell down again. They had to get special long nails to go into the wattle.
That was lovely. I passed through Nantwich a few times. Unfortunately my last adopted greyhound was not happy being left on the boat for long periods. So i was unable to explore many places. I am so greatfull for your videos sowing basically what i had missed. Very relaxing and fascinating video over my Sunday breakfast 🤞Your boat has been repaired Gail
That would have been good except that I had to move my car in order for the engineers to park their van and by the time I walked back to the boat they had already done the temporary repairs. Besides, with three men involved in gathering in and around the engine bay, I don’t think there was space for me and my camera. I will see if Peter can get some footage of the actual repairs, as I won’t be on the boat for that. I appreciate you watching and commenting and wish I could have provided the views you suggested. 🙂
You’re right there! Making the best of any situation is a good thing to aim for. We can but try to do the same here. Thanks for watching and commenting. 😊
Hi Peter and Maryann, Good to hear from you guys again. Peter what did the engineer do to get you mobile again? Will you share what work you had done at the marina? That was interesting about the two different coolants and how the red one could cause core plug failure. Maryann I trust your vacation was pleasant and worth doing. Your videos of it suggested so. Hugs to both of you, Mark Alberta, Canada
Hi Mark. I will keep you posted as to what repairs take place. I am enjoying my break with Peter. I hope you enjoyed Portsmouth. Are you still in the UK or have you returned home now? Best wishes, Marianne 🙂
Hi Mariann, I look forward to hearing how Bandoneon's engine issues are dealt with. I am now back in Canada. It was a wonderful 5 weeks in Britain visiting family and friends. The journey took me to London, Hastings, Colchester, Norwich , Wales and Portsmouth. Do give my regards to Peter. Mark Alberta, Canada@@PartTimeBoater
Hi Mark, sorry, we didn't say what the temporary repair was did we? The engineer used a two part epoxy resin glue - brand name Araldite in the UK - to seal the holes in the core plugs. The first attempt wasn't fully successful and when I ran the engine for a few minutes it started to leak again. I called the engineer back and a second attempt was more successful. I was able to travel the 6.5 miles to the engineer's base at the marina, though of course I want to get a proper repair done. The coolant issue has been a real learning experience for me. The red/OAT antifreeze has a longer active life in the engine and is (I believe) more modern so I thought it would be better but I now know it is designed for modern car engines, with their high degree of aluminium alloys. My Beta Marine set-up uses a two litre Japanese Kubota diesel engine with a cast iron block and steel core plugs and that is why the blue/MEG antifreeze is recommended. Knowing I may have caused the problem with the core plugs is a bit disheartening. Learning is good of course, but does it have to so expensive... 🙂
Hi Peter, I know exactly what you mean about the cost of knowledge. I suppose one way of looking at that side of it is "how much does formal education cost" and thus we are paying for someone to attend school. I am so glad that you have not had some of the experiences that other boaters have had or that the engine had to be pulled. You can now help someone else if they have a similar problem. You are now that much more valuable to the boating community. Keep smiling and keep cruising. Mark Alberta, Canada@@peterodonnell5820
Ho dear Peter last thing you needed. Blasted core plug brings back memories of my core plug. My core plug was just under the starter motor. On my Beta 43. I managed to get back to my marina even though I was very unwell. I decided to use RCR as I was a member and the quote was reasonable. Unfortunately they just kept letting me down. They gave every excuse possible why they were unable to start the job. I eventually did the job myself. I have always used the blue anti freeze It happened in 2020 and I had been on my boat for sixteenth years by then. I Chang my anti freeze every 4 years. And that was my only core plug Problem. I wish you luck. It looks as though you are in a nice marina with a cafe. Wonderful. Marianne your tea remark to Peter was spot on. Tea is a great healer at troubled times. Best of luck to you both Thank you for the video Gail
Thanks for relating your experience Gail. Really interesting to know that you haven’t had any more core plug issues while using the blue coolant. Hopefully it will be sorted soon. 🙂
I can relate to your experience, I fell in on the norfolk broads a few weeks back- at Hardly cross, only a few miles upstream from the sea, so there are lots of tides and the river flows fairly fast- my incident- (and I am a solo boater) was that I was coming in to moor up, so had the ropes in hand, I had set the engine in neutral and stepped off the boat, my shoreward foot slipped in the mud and in I went. now in several ways I was very fortunate, I learned to swim in an outdoor pool in may when I was a child, so cold water doesnt shock me as it does some people, the water was deep where I was, so I couldnt touch bottom, but I still had the end of the mooring rope in hand.as I was on my own with nobody about to assist, I knew that I just had my own efforts to get me out of the mess. I could see a ladder on the quaty heading some 30 yards away, and the quay heading had safety chains for me to grab hold of. I also knew that i needed to make the boat secure before I left it, so tied it to one of the chains, as I could not reach the bollards on shore. once the boat was secured, I started working my way along the safety chains to the ladder- 3 broke due to rusting almost through before I got there, I then climbed out and made my way back to the boat (dripping wet) to secure it properly. and then aboard to get out of my wet clothes into something dry, and get the kettle on and a warm drink inside me. I am thankful, that I didnt hit my head on the way down, or I could easily have drowned, luckily I had the engine in neutral and didn get near the stern of the boat. I reported the incident to the Broads control, and was visited by a ranger later in the day, who also saw the issue with the safety chains (apparently they were out the next day to repair them). I was incredibly lucky. but its at this point I must give the warning- always do things in a calm safe manner, and even when you do, things can go wrong, and they will go wrong in the blink of an eye. dont assume it cant happen to you- because it can and it will, and things can get far worse than what happened to me and to this lady, above all, if you are in an area where the river is flowing or is tidal, please consider wearing a lifejacket as it may well save your life. if you do find yourself in the water, take a second to assess your situation, dont panic, dont make a hurried reaction.
I am really glad you are ok and had the presence of mind to get yourself and your boat to safety. Your swimming experience stood you in good stead. I do feel I kept calm but didn’t make right choices due to my inexperience in the water. Hopefully your comment and my video will keep others safe by helping them to remain calm next to the water. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Dear Peter, Sad to hear about Flann. Do remember that you will always be able to find him in your heart. For Flann to be 19 he lived a VERY full and happy life. It was better that he leave this world to be free of his physical body and now to be with other cats. Did you ever see the musical Cats? If not then do so. Mark Alberta, Canada (currently in Portsmouth)
Feel for you Peter. Your ex wife and now Flann. I so loved seeing Flann on your videos. I shall miss seeing and hearing him Such a hard video for you to make. RIP Flann Gail
Hello Gail. I have just come onto the boat for a few days and am missing Flann. Peter is slowly coming to terms with life without Flann. It's hard but he is coping well. Thanks for commenting. 🙂
OOOO Maryann what delectable meals. The entertainment was good as well but the food caught my attention. How is Peter doing these days? Mark Alberta, Canada (currently in Portsmouth)
Hello Mark. You are in the same county as my home town! I hope you enjoy the history it holds. The food was excellent, such a range of choice and cuisine, something for everyone. Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for the support. 🙂
No good deed goes unpunished 😢 I feel it's best if roles are shared, that way you can appreciate whats involved in each aspect. If one person always does one task and the other person always does the other, it's more difficult to appreciate the entirety of the task in hand.
This is absolutely terrifying, the worst fears of every boater. This is why I get scared and shout at people when I see people being careless in locks, complacency can be a dangerous thing, very very scary stuff, these boats aren't toys
Thank you for your comment. When I am on the boat full time I will share the tiller. At present, I would not be able to practise any skills I learn so am happy to stick with doing the locks. It is also good exercise for me.
I try not to shout at people in case they get startled and I inadvertently cause an accident. Complacency can be dangerous. In the case of my accident, I was trying to be helpful, thinking about the other boat and how I could prevent a collision and that's when I missed my footing. Thank you for your comment.
Hi Maryanne So often when we visit another country we are awe struck by the number of things around us. One thing that I attempt to do is zero in on those items which were made by hand and done so many centuries ago. It is always an experience to view the work done in wood or stone or other mediums. To experience those things which are so far beyond the skills of so called modern day craftsmen. Over the last couple of weeks I have had the pleasure of viewing such things in England. Mark Alberta, Canada (currently in Norwich)
Hello Mark. It sounds like you are having a brilliant time and getting around quite a bit. I agree with you that seeing the making skills of people is an amazing experience. I hope your holiday continues to go well. Thanks for watching. 🙂
Thanks for sharing your cruise with us. It's amazing to see the construction of LaSagrada Familia. Such genius of design. Then the other sites, the ampitheatre. Lovely.
Hi Maryanne, I had never thought of comparing a narrowboat to a cruise ship. There is no comparison considering your stats and shots. Thank you for putting it all into perspective. Mark Alberta, Canada (currently in Colchester)
Hi Mark. Thanks for watching and commenting. I found it interesting to show the common points, even though they were quite different due to size, etc. How long are you in England for and are you travelling around or in one place? 🤔
Good morning Maryanne I am in England until the end of the month when I head back to Canada. Today I am heading to Norwich. That will be a one week stay and then I head for Bangor, Wales. From there to Freith and after a couple of days down to Portsmouth to view the Mary Rose and HMS Victory. Portsmouth is my final destination prior to heading back to Canada. Mark Alberta, Canada@@PartTimeBoater
@@markrant1460 I live about an hour from Portsmouth and have never seen the Mary Rose! Your British tour sounds amazing! I hope you have smooth travels and enjoy your time here. 🙂
Wow the architecture and museum along with churches were wonderful. Every where you went seems so clean and modern and yet blended so well with the old So much for you to see. Thank you Gail
The architecture was beautiful Gail. The old and new do blend very well. My eyes were going in every direction as there was always something to see. More cities next week. 🙂
The narrowboat is definitely the simpler lifestyle but the cruise ship makes for a lovely holiday. I too would choose the narrowboat. Thanks for commenting. It’s good to know your thoughts on it. 🙂
Excellent love the comparison. It looks wonderful on board the massive cruise ship. I would have like to have seen the two different engine rooms 😮 😂 Have thought about going on a cruise. Unfortunately the single supplements have always put me off. Thank you for the video Gail
They did offer a behind the scenes look on the ship but not sure it would have included the engine room. There are specific cruises for solo travellers but haven't looked into the cost or if there is a single occupancy supplement. I hope you achieve this as its a lovely experience. More videos about the holiday next week. 🙂
