This is my narrowboat vlog of journeys that I take on my boat and the nature that I explore during each mooring. I include the nature journal that I have created based on my visit at the end of each video with a poem. My aim is to create moments of mindfulness for you to sit back and relax to. If you like British canals, boats, nature and poetry then you will enjoy this vlog. Thank you so much for visiting my channel.
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Contact: You can catch me on: Twitter at: @TheMindfulNB Instagram: @themindfulnb Or email: themindfulnarrowboat@gmail.com It's always lovely to hear from you and I will get back to you! Take care x
Flecknoe, there's a blast from the past! A great many moons ago when I was in the cub scouts we went on a cub camp there. I remember we fished in the canal - though I don't think we caught anything - although all I can really recall is the smell of damp mud in the morning, this nice earthy whiff that suffused the weekend stay. Thank you for taking me back so many years!
What a fantastic experience going on that amazing bridge. You did a great job handling Alice Grace in those windy conditions. It sounds like you are heading across the Pennines during autumn and winter. Happy cruising. Take care.
My wife is from Essex, we meet while she was returning to England after visiting Australia, we've been together since 1992 and I put that down to her being a good Harlow girl 💖💖
Farewell to the Weaver So we're saying goodbye to the Weaver, but if truth be told, we didn't want to leave her, So on her banks we lie with the sun in the sky, i swear Alice had a tear in her eye, As champions to side with a wave goodbye and the Kennet round the corner formed a guard of honour, The old timers with pride lined the banks, side by side, A cormorant lament on a crane was sent to friends who were leaving with good wishes to believe in, And Zephyr's wish list for her great big stick as the heron contemplates his Autumn fate, Then up sounds the rally , from steam boat Danny then Alice returned the call, with a promise to say "we'll be back some day" to the Weaver and steam boat Danny, So we set out early for the Trent and Mersey and who knows what adventures we'll find, but a Chancel to pray got in our way, The Anderton boat lift ride, And oh how we pondered this mechanical wonder, to see us safe through the other side, So Cathedral on high, hold us safe in the sky, as we seek our departure from this holy order, through a gateway to fresh new water, So with a quick look behind as the lapwings unwind, we take the helm, to our woodland realm, For theres fungi to find, in those woodlands down the line. A beautiful video Vanessa. Thank you once again. Take care and stay safe ❤❤xx. Love from mum ❤❤
Well done young lady, another lovely video. Visited the boat lift a year or so ago, a fabulous structure. Looking forward to seeing your journey through Manchester, it’s going to be hard work but the views up the Rochdale are superb! Did Zephyr ever give you her list, or was it just one item? Have a great week, take care 👍
Lovely video as always Vanessa tinged with sadness that summer is at an end. It's certainly been a tough season for butterflies not seen many at all. Bless Zeph she looked so fed up with the rain! Looking forward to more videos of Nature in her glorious autumn beauty. Thanks very much x
The Butterfly Conservation have set up a petition to take to government to declare a national emergency for butterflies and moths following the sudden drop in numbers. I signed it the other day and I hope the government take it seriously. Thank you so much for watching. Take care 🦋🌻
Dear Vanessa and Zeph Where has the time gone, 5 years and 2 months!! Vanessa the picture of Zephyr is extraordinary, thank you for sharing. The Anderson locks have always been a favorite of mine. Have you managed to keep Alice Grace maintained? Will you be changing her oil out soon and install a thinner grade of engine oil for the colder months? Don't forget to keep the fuel tank filled to prevent the accumulation of condensation. The roof and building work was successfully, finished yesterday. Looking forward to your next vlog. Go safe and I wish you lots of sunshine. Mark Alberta, Canada
What a wonderful vlog…again…..so many incredible, amazing and beautiful sights packed in! And the portrait of Zephyr, can’t wait to see it on your wall! We are relieved the title this week means continuing on with your Narrowboat life…we were a little worried! I just purchased my “Vanessa” mug at a local craft fair…beautiful blue glazed top and handle with a natural sandy textured clay bottom surrounded by fungi imprints of all sorts! And, to make it even more special, it was crafted by a former student of mine! Have a wonderful journey this week to all!
Oh how wonderful! I’d love to see a picture of it- and how amazing that a former student made it too. I love this story!!! Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care 🌻🦋
Whenever I need to relax I think of the narrow boat Alice Grace, cruising from lock to lock, from mooring to mooring, the beautiful landscapes of this beloved island. I think of gorgeous plants,insects, birds and animals. Of Zephyr wagging her tail, loosing and finding her ball. All worries and dark thoughts disappear immediately. Great medicine. 😊
Yet again you've given us a wonderful insight into the beautiful land we call home. The painting of zephyr was truly amazing, such talent is beyond me I can't paint a wall without messing up. Stay safe 🙏.
I am over the moon with the portrait of Zephyr. Chris did it using pencils! What a talent 🤩 I bet you could paint if you had practice time each week. Thank you for your lovely comment. Take care 🌻🦋
Good luck on the Rochdale canal one of the few canals I have left to do but a friend has just done it and it took over a month he said a lovely canal but everything is broken the locks don't work properly there is no water one lock he had to wait weeks before it was fixed
Love watching a professional captain at work navigating her narrowboat !!! Proud of you Vanessa and love your co-captain Zephyr !! That lift is an engineering marvel---as an engineer (civil) , it impresses the heck out of me !!! Stay safe and give Zephyr a treat for me !!!
What a fantastic piece of engineering. Making tea with tea leaves in a pot, that's a dying art, Glad that you're keeping the tradition going. A really beautiful diary.
I love your vlogs. I have a new Robin frend in my garden I have spent a lot of time watching him this week. I got him some Robin seed and his own little feeder so he gets some food as I feed the pigeons and they eat so fast he would not get a look in. ❤
Great to see you finally doing the Boat lift, bought back memories of doing it🙂, fantastic drawing of Zephyr by Chris & nice gift. Looking forward to your onward route & can't wait see what you think of the "Rochdale 9" ? 😲 ..when you eventually get to them ! 😱
Be sure to Film it 🎥 for your Vlog..not sure what nature, plants🌺, birds 🐦or insects🐛 you will see or find on that stretch..🤔😂..to add to your journal..& be sure to start early..before gets dark ☠️😂..TC
Oh wow Vanessa, you are coming to the Rochdale canal. I might get to see you and Zephr. I live 2 mins from the Rochdale canal in Mytholmroyd. In winter we walk our labs on the canal towpath if the weather is too inclement for the hills.
Thank you for sharing your adventures again Vanessa. Chris is a very talented illustrator, as you are. Zephyr is such a lovely dog. He has captured her spirit. I went to school in Brentwood, just up the road.
Hello Mindful Narrowboater: OMG the Anderton Boat Lift! I was with you every 'nail biting' inch of the way; I was very impressed with the way you manoeuvred the boat into the casson; you look very much like an 'old hand' at this boating lark now. Good luck for the Autumn. Beautiful photography. Pete Glyde
I loved hearing the history about the old boats that you passed. Loved, loved, the beautiful scenery, loved, loved, loved the Anderson boat lift. But best of all was your art and poetry. I loved the portrait of Zephyr, Chris really captured Zephyr’s personality in the picture. Zephyrs bucket list is to go whereever you go, collect big sticks, paddle in every waterway and make lots of new friends wherever she goes. This vlog was one of your best Vanessa, thank you so much for the work you put in to entertain us every week. xxx❤
You are such a kind person, Shirley. Thank you so much for watching each week and for your lovely comment too. I like your version of Zeff’s bucket list and she does too! 🐾🐾🤗 Take care 🌻🦋
Thank you once again for cheering me up and relaxing me after a long difficult week working away from home and my dog Zeva. Thank you. Please don’t stop. 🙂👍
Absolutely lovely, when I watch your videos, wonderful nature, zephyr so relaxed on the boat, I think she relaxes with the sound of the engine, beautiful pictures of zephyr , as said before your a inspiration, I am going down the canal later, I unwind llamas , ponies, horses, sheep, the heron , lovely nature, and stop off for coffee,
@@themindfulnarrowboat yes had a lovely day thank you, everyone happy, on the canal path, lovely weather, had a lovely walk, then a stop off, at Holly the cafe boat Bollington 🌸
