#178 

Never look back… New life, new start, remain positive and you’ll be fine… Sell your drawings, they’re brilliant. 👍

Glad you made it through the lock in time. You were really accompanied by bird friends! The swans and Muscovy duck are lovely. I so much appreciated your poem today. It encapsulated the journey so perfectly. Lots of vigor left indeed! Take care Vanessa. w xxx

I am so glad you decided to journal your adventures. I love exploring with you and Zephyr.

A lovely thing to see your video today.So glad you are safe and not in the flood areas we see on the news..That bird on the roof was soo lovely and heartwarming.Good luck in your winter travels and thank you for bringing such beautiful scenery,art and poetry to the world.

Enjoyed the vlog as usual, your enthusiasm for nature is refreshing. Great to see Zephyr and yourself on Will's channel.

what a start to the new yr a race to the lock, but time for nature, time for a pub meal, time to reminisce, and time after the race to share tour video with us Thank you. Happy New Year to you both. Gary n Irene

Oh Vanessa this one was so special, chock full of too many stunning scenes to recount. I'm so glad you heard about the lock closure just in time to make it past Stone. I wonder how easy it is to access this information on closures from the CRT, and are they very up to date? I definitely found it interesting as you disclosed personal information about your life, quitting your job, renting your house, and taking a chance on a year of narrowboat life. I'll be turning 65 this August, and I'm trying to nudge my wife into the idea of our doing the very same thing, a year or two spent in England spent aboard our own narrowboat. She is still reluctant. We did, however, rent a boat four years ago out of Ellesmere from ABC and sailed up the Llangollen to Wales. To say we had a wonderful time would be an understatement of epic proportions. I crossed the mighty Pontcysyllte Aqueduct the very day I turned 60 ! We also pounded our pins in at the Chirk tunnel and hiked up and toured the castle there, another amazing experience. Hopefully I can convince Mrs. Higgins to fulfill this dream I have. The other sticky point though is, I believe England currently issues travel visas for no longer than 6 months, so you may have to adopt us both :) I wish you, Zephyr, and the mysterious Mr. M a wonderful week ahead, may God shower you all with his many blessings and protection. Cheers from Avondale, Arizona.

When my son was young, he would ask me to keep sticks and twigs and pebbles and even a piece of hay. So one day after saving all of them ( I still have a bucket of sticks that he saved) I said, how about we take a picture of it so we don't forget.. don't forget that piece of seaweed or the clam shell, we can keep it if we have the photo. You do too

Canada Geese! This morning I could not think of their name. I got stuck on 'Canned Geese'. Senior moment - again. I love how you get excited about what you see in nature. Regarding being frozen in: I heard about a boater who cooked popcorn for the swans who swam around his boat and kept the ice away. Tall story? Such a peaceful ending sequence. Just what I needed.

How lovely Doublet chose to keep warm on Alice Grace's roof for a night. Great video & good to see so many types of bird along the way. The colours of plants etc are just stunning.

Love your relaxed style and your filming is spot on scenery and wildlife a pleasure to see good luck getting past that lock before it closes ❤

Happy New Year! Just love your nature and historical dialogue along your travels.

Happy New Year. And happy journeys to you. ❤ Love your channel. 😊 The birds are amazing. The swans know a bird lover when they see one. The duck knew too. Living on a boat as you are makes you a brave soul.

Your videos are just so calming and beautiful. Even during the winter there is so much beauty in nature.

Zephyr licking her lips at the thought of duck feast….i love how you talk with her and your feathered friends as you see them. Really enjoy your journeys. I too took a year off work, intending to go back and never did. Amazing how once you remove yourself from the day to day grind you can discover other ways to live and enjoy life more. Not a luxury that too many can swing but well worth the sacrifices if it can be done. Happy boating.

All the best for your adventures of 2024, look forward to seeing them on screen.🦆

A lovely 😍 vlog to start the New Year Vanessa. We will travel with you through the seasons of the year.Looking forward to it already.❤

A very happy New Year to you ALL, your vlog get better and better, that was brilliant, thank you so much🙏✝️🙏🇨🇦

Happy New Year and many happy travels! That muscovy duck was just beautiful, and the light all around - such gorgeous colours. Looking forward to another year of fabulous episodes. Take care 🌸🦋🐾

A video about an urgent situation but, as always, full of serenity 💖

Lovely to see you begin your 2024 adventures. Well done on getting through that unexpected closure. Phew, you must have been so relieved. 👏👏👍😀

So happy you made it through the lock, I was on the edge of my seat.😉

Awwww the bird life was really amazing I would have brought the duck inside she was lovely hope the year goes well for youth now all our best wishes for your travels 🤗🤗🤗👍👍👍

Gorgeous green feathers on your pet duck, Doublet!

Thank you for telling me your book is still available, it's winging its way to me here in Ontario, Canada. Your videos heal the soul, they should be available in long term care facilities where they would uplift the spirits of the residents.

Happy 2024. I used to see redwings and lapwings (or peewits as we called them) when we lived in Lincolnshire. The peewits used to sit in the furrows left by the ploughs through the winter. The redwings used to visit the back garden.

Oh my goodness! Since I moved to the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, I am overwhelmed with Muscovy ducks!! I've actually given several of them names!! They look at my kitchen window awaiting my daily bird feeding ritual. Although lately they've been competing with the brown hares in the wee hours of the morning, and the highly competitive mourning doves. They don't quack, but kind of hiss, however they are VERY friendly!!

RU-vid just recommended me your videos, and I'm so glad it did! Your videos are so interesting but also relaxing to watch. I love your knowledge on the local areas and wildlife you travel through as well.

Poor sheep they are so hungry. What else would you do if no other food. Your reminiscing is so interesting and how it all can about. It's clear you love this life style. It's a new adventure ahead for you.

What a beautiful vlog to start your 2024 year of cruising and recording your narrowboat adventures. Love, love your channel.

Wow, what an emotional cruise . Love your Muscovey Duck, so pretty and the drawing was perfect.

So glad to see Alice Grace back. Your videos transcends me from the reality and problems of the "real" world to a sort of fairy tale fantasy world where I could happily exist forever. I know------------ that sounds nuts.

Congratulations, you made it. Do give yourself a pat on your back. 😊😊😊 Whatever happens down the canal, don't forget to smell the roses you will encounter. Be safe and enjoy your life, Maranatha.

I love the opening shots with the narrowboat parking lot behind you. Such a beautiful image! Muscovy Duck and Flute Meadow Bridge, such evocative names and magnificent scenes🙌

Well done getting to your destination! Good weather as well and of course the friendly muscovy! Happy cruising in 2024!!😊

Good that you made it through the lock. 🥰 happy new year to you all. 🎉🎉

Vanessa I’m glad you did it otherwise we wouldn’t be watching you now your amazing well done you and your lovely dog

What a peaceful and affirmative message Vanessa. Of course, thd stories of our own lives bear telling too. Beautiful and poignant nature notes too.

Beautiful bird watching!☺Thanks!😁

A really pretty duck. Poor duck. Hope you are staying warm.

Well that reflected image of the duck is so beautiful Glad you got through the lock to be closed & now on your 2024 journey I’m happy to see new vistas & views with you both Keep warm keep safe & virtual hug 🫂🫂

Happy New Year Vanessa! Good to see you back. I love your choice of music; it's so elegant and perfectly matches the elegance of the beautiful countryside. Your love and capture of wildlife, especially birds is such a lovely feature of your channel. I'm glad you stayed with your lifestyle and videos. You and your channel make the world a better place!

Doublet the duck's wing feathers looked like they were crafted by Tiffany.

So another year begins and I hope I can follow you and Zephyr for a long time to come. That ornate bridge you went through, I thought you were going to knock your chimney off again, but the camera angle was deceiving. So Zephyr doesn't like swans. Don't blame her. They can be very aggressive at times. Must have felt strange, passing the very spot you first met Alice Grey and thinking you'd give canal life a go for 12 months! I went to Devizes a couple of days ago and was fascinated by a number of Grey Wagtails busy catching insects around the locks. They must have some nests around there. It's so pretty at the moment, with the fresh green leaves sparkling in the sunlight. This was at Amesbury on the river Avon. The river is very fast flowing at present and we laughed at a swan being carried backwards by the current, whilst feeding off the bottom of the river. Take great care x Ps. How do I buy you a coffee? You will be the first person I've done that for.

The heart knows where we need to be. Follow your heart, always.

When i was young long timeí ago my freinds and I used to walk through feilds of Lapwings and their nests hidden on marshy feilds, now there are houses and a small bit left fir dog walkers .sad but at least i was there in the 60s and 70s to see them.love your ❤channel

Belated Happy New Year to you and Mr M, Vanessa. My wife Anne and I really enjoy your channel. We always watch on Friday evening via our TV and find it relaxing viewing. With your love of nature, your wonderful poetry and drawings takes us both into another world. I have posted a channel link for my friends on FB so that others may find you and enjoy the calming effect of your channel. Best wishes for 2024 from us both.

Some beautiful scenery & wildlife and the music complimented your trip perfectly 👌

You've taught me 2 new birds Redwing and Muscovy duck, I knew about them but visually logged now thank you. Loved the posh toast lol nice 😊

"And then there is that one wonderful person who not only touches your heart, but also your soul." M.H. Thanks

A peaceful and thoughtful start to 2024, thank you.

Lovely colours on the tree,bridge and duck just a very nice vlog and you really messed up the biscuit challenge (you little tinker),lol stay safe Rob.😊

Loved the Redwing. Seen tons of 'em over t'years, but never that close up. Fab.

Lovely, gentle start to the new year, thank you.

You are a great ambassador for the creation of God. You have a great eye to see nature. Happy new year.

So good you are here on Alice Grace again. It must have been so weird at first on land. Hope your time was enjoyable.

Vanessa, Happy New Years and thanks for sharing life on the Alice Grace. Love the birds 🦢🦢🦆🦆and water fowl of the UK. The sheep eating🐑 the bark off the trees, is like here where I live on the Olympic Peninsula bears 🐻eat the bark off of fir trees like that and it kills the trees. Love your journal with your amazing drawing and poetry. Stay safe and happy narrow boating. 🚢Cheers of the USA 🥮🥮☕☕👨‍🍳

I think the Birds you love so much are looking for you Vanessa . When a Duck settles on the roof of Alice Grey that should tell you all you need to know. You are like me using a knife with butter on it then dipping it into another jar. My Mum would tell me off when I did that as a kid. You filled my Homesick craving again Vanessa, thank you.

RU-vid recommended your channel a couple of days age, and I’m hooked. Been binge watching older episodes. How easy would it be to work remotely on your boat? Good luck. Your channel is very special

What a huge relief you got to where you had to in time. Excellent vlog. Stay well and cosy. Eat lots and take good care. x

Hello again. Finally getting the time to comment...I was interrupted earlier in the day by visitors. Oh well. Enjoyed this very much, and before I forget...Happy New Year! To you and yours! As you might remember, I put myself to going back through all of your vlogs from where I first started. Now I plan to go back and revisit some of my favorites. Best wishes, as always!

Thank you for your content. It’s a comfort, and keeping me sane.

Magnificent shots in this video - Happy 2024 to you and yours

Came across your feed recently and they are really helping me through a very difficult time in my life. Your videos are beautifully put together and relaxing to watch with lovely background music. Your artwork and poetry are wonderful too, Thank you very much !

Really nice to see you today. Stay safe and warm.

Just beautiful Vanessa, thankyou so much!... Xx

Happy new year. So happy that you made it through the lock just before it closed. I loved your video. You and feathered life have a great affinity! Especially with Doublet. So beautiful.

Excellent content , just takes me travel to another dimension, sooooooo relaxing. Thankyou x

Thanks for your vid 😇💟💟💟 Love and bless you guys, beautiful bird's we have seen thanks for what you do.

Good job, V&Z keep on cruising.x

Really enjoying your videos. I find myself guessing which bird you will feature in your diary. Your sketches are beautiful 🤗🤗

Love seeing your videos Vanessa! So calming ... A joy to watch. 😃

It was nice to hear you may be heading our way,(Peak forest) Jar of honey for you when you get to buggy basin. Love your video's and knowledge of wildlife. Pete and Lorraine

Lovely video so peaceful and picturesque. Keep up the great work.

Hi Vanessa loved the video! I knew you would make it lol. It was lovely scenery and the colours of the trees were fab. Have great week. Xx

Happy new year. Glad you got to Stone safely after all this awful weather...Muscoveys are lovely to see. By coincidence, I was walking along the canal at Bradford On Avon and one was sat on a narrowboat there too....xx

Happy new year to you. What a lovely first cruise of 2024. I just found a photo of a Muscovy duck who used to come and sit on my lap whenever I fished 'his' lake, I used to always look forward to seeing him, just thought I'd mention it 😇

Hi great video I just love your blogs and the history on the places you visit I love your dog giving you a helping hand

Absolutely loved this! Your drawings are incredible

A very Happy and Adventurous New Year to you and Mr M. It was lovely to see that stretch of canal, it is a favourite of ours. All the best Lucy and Rob😊🎉

A very Happy new year to you all Vanessa. That was a beautiful cruise with lovely wildlife and the golden light brought out the colour all around. Shame you had to zip through it quicker than normal but glad you made it before the lock closed. That was strange having the duck on the roof for so long 😂. I didn’t realise you were heading back to where it all began, quite emotional by the looks of it, but happy thoughts I’m sure xx

Lovely vlog, glad you made it through the lock, now you can rest a while 😊

nice start to the new year glad to see you wrapped up nice and warm

Hi Vanessa, if you’re still in Stone when you read this, I recommend you try out a Titanic Brewery pub. There’s the Royal Exchange, or Bod on the main street, where you can have cake with your beer. Tony swears by the Plum Porter. Happy New Year, and hopefully see you on the cut soon. Felix (nb EmBarrussed))

Your heading into my part of the world. Looking forward to seeing what you make of the area

Good evening Vanessa a very sunny start to 2024 cruising with the colourful canal and lovely birds to kick start u off, nice to see the duck take refuge on ur roof. Nice to see u managed to get through the planned closure of the lock before it closed. How does Zephyr cope with the muddy towpaths and the mud on her paws? My dog is rebelling and won't venture far and sucks his feet constantly and the sucking is driving me mad its like a vampire sucking his victim slurp slurp 😂😂so I'm thinking of boots for him 😂. Have a great weekend 🐕🐑🦆🦢🦢🦤🕸

Love 'swantourage'! Thanks for the video.

Happy New year to you. Water fowl on the roof, without a fiddle 🎻 😅 I used to see one when kayaking Brinklow canal G.Union he sometimes was seen perching on a hugectree branch over the canal never see ducks perched up on trees lol. Used yo see a terrapin too a big one but he seems to have sadly disappeared .... Lov the picture and poem 💕 Lock done to infinity and beyond... 😅 Kev the brinklow kayaker... Ps canal boat Will must have been very star struck he keeps putting you up on his videos lol. You star 🎉❤

Glad to have your weekly vlogs, they are a highlight. What did you do for a living before you started your adventures?

Really happy to be with you again on your adventures. Hope you had a fantastic Christmas and New year

I keep thinking your a couple … are you alone with just your dog ? Love how knowledgeable you are ❤

Getting addicted to your Vids they are so chilled and informative! Love the banoffee at the end you deserve a sub for that! Happy & Healthy Cruising new year! PS the vid you did on Little Venice, I was born 2min walk from there! The Cut was a big part of my life in Paddington! Stay safe.

Soo may birds! Glad you made it! Do Lapwing have a strange way of flying ? So there's salt that far south as well ? I knew there was a lot around the 'wich's. It was such a massive and ancient industry and even down in southern England there are old salt ways (tracks) from the area, distributing it about. I think Zephr needs some kind of crowsnest bed on the side rail of Alice Grace, or maybe just a bed so she can lay down in comfort whilst looking out the side. I wonder if male Pheasants ever lose there immaculate colouring ? I don't recall seeing a drab one.

What a lovely video again Vanessa to start the new year Yea boater life is also the best decision I’ve ever made being so close to nature Looking forward to your next video and happy new year thank you

Another great video, thanks for introducing me to the salted caramel spread,I can’t eat hazelnut chocolate or peanut butter, the caramel is delicious

Happy New Year and welcome back! The inland salt marshes are interesting. I noticed you went near the village of Shirleywich, the ending wich means salt as in Droitwich, Northwich etc. More interesting adventures to come in 2024😎

Thanks Vanessa for taking us along on your first cruise of 2024, it was lovely to see the rare duck that befriended you, and I'm glad that you managed to get past the lock that was due to be closed. As always your journal was magical and particularly wonderful being narrated by yourself. Take care and all the best. Stevie

Have a Great New Year….and so looking forward to seeing your new adventures !!

What a lovely videos to watch I only started watching your videos today Im going to tell my sisters to watch your videos and subscribe to your channel love everything about your videos i like nature and exploring. Looking forward to seeing more of your lovely videos. Well done. 😊🦆🦢🦤🦉🐿️

Your drawings are amazing. Loving those quiet times at the end of your videos. Just wish we could mute some of the music as feel it rather a bit loud and distracting. All the best for 2024, from a fan in NZ.