222. A buttock-clenchingly tight squeeze on my narrowboat canal journey 

"High stress" and "High drama", through the "Squishy bit". Your years of experience in exciting British journalism is showing. ;-)

As my father would say, "one thing we can always relay on in England, is the rain." Enjoy seeing your travels and the rain, too.

"Absolutely flooring it" = 6 MPH

This video is buttock-clenchingly British. A number of fine chaps are making narrowboat videos, but this is the most colorful I’ve seen. Like the James May of narrrowboats. Love it!

Was so relaxed on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, I fell asleep watching this. Does not reflect my interest level, just the beauty and peace of it all. 😬❤👍

When you "floored" it I set my desk fan on high.

Thanks youtube algorithm for the completely different suggestion that I watched more out of curiosity and now enjoyed 🤣

I still can't figure out why this is so fascinating, but it is...

"Note to self, conquer the world via Narrowboat. Security will never expect it!" Sorta like the Spanish Inquisition.

"Touch Wood" English version "Knock on wood" North American Version. Touching wood would appear to be way more fun for everyone..

That narrow bit looked as though you were boating through the woods, with no water. Very cool!

Thanks, algorithm. All of my habits definitely point to this as my primary interest. very good.

Yeah a lovely narrow boat cruise again....raining where I am as well.....but really enjoyed your little cruise through the English countryside....keeps my mind from wandering and settling on the Bizarro world we live in presently.....thanks once again....I am sure these videos are helping to keep me sane ....🤣🤣🤣🤣

RU-vid algorithm really be hittin' sometime

We keep our boat a little further south, at Austcliffe, so cruise trough those narrows fairly often, fun aren't they, especially if you meet another boat coming the other way! I believe it's a line of Marl clay, which as Dave Hutchins found when trying to construct Marlcliff lock, on the Avon, is very difficult to excavate, even using explosives!! It lines up with a couple of shorter narrows on the Shroppie, you may remember them? Incidentally, solo boater, poor weather conditions, slippery lock sides, NO LIFE JACKET!!?? I've recently started wearing one, even when my wife is aboard, at 70 the idea of stepping across at a narrow lock, slipping, banging my head and falling in has convinced me that after 60 years canaling, I want to survive another few years!!!! Very enjoyable vlog. Hope you enjoyed the return through the narrows!!

David, oh dear, you did not say cheerio

Usain Bolt you say? More like Insain Nut. I think I pulled a hamstring just watching you run. Haha! Love the videos, keep 'em coming David! :)

A heron that didn't fly away? Suspicious. Perhaps he's keeping tabs on you for the lock gate nudging incident? 🤔

Hello David what a wonderful cruise Thank you for sharing.. Did you ever think of starting a RU-vid channel on Reading Books even like children Books Because your voice is perfect for that just my opinion..🙏☮️👍

What am I watching lol xD

Had to laugh at 8:42 with the pronunciation of Birmingham. Birmingham Alabama here, was named after your same UK city, by English settlers in 1871. Only we pronounce it Bur Ming Haayyumm. Of course, yours is the original, it was just funny to hear the differences in speech.

I just stumbled upon your channel and have to say I love it. Not a lifestyle found in the US but I can watch your videos for days. Thank you.

In the North Country of New York State, USA, we often drove by the remains of locks from the all too brief glory days of the Erie, and it’s many fingers that once carried pig-iron, salt, coal, lumber, and textiles to exotic foreign ports, (like Buffalo and Syracuse. LOL.) Speeding along the interstate by these moss-covered cut-stone walls - still standing at attention to yet receive the next loaded narrow boat that would never come - I often felt a wistful longing. As if the distant memory of a life I never knew called me to alert to the shout of the mule team drover on the tow-path, to the next low bridge or coming series of locks . Thank you for making me sigh and smile with such vicarious satisfaction.

As an American I noticed that you stay to the right ton the canal but you drive on the left on the road. Why is that?

I would love a trip on one of these Narrow boat. Great Briton has done a excellent job preserving the canals. AT one point of the U.S.A history in the midwest we had canals also. I have relatives that lived in Roscoe, Ohio a canal town in history, It all started with the Erie Canal and in the 1830's and 1840's canals were all over the State of Ohio. But Railroads soon took over and many canals's only turned into Garbage Dumps. Only if I could visit GB for 6 months and tour on the narrow boats. My dream vacation if I win the Lottery. I would also enjoy Ham radio too.

Better than the buttock-clenchingly tight squeeze I now have trying to get my post-lockdown backside into my work trousers...

Touch wood, fingers crossed! Wink, Wink! Nudge, nudge! Know what I mean? Know what I mean.

Blimey O'Reilly! 🤣I'm gonna use that one! But I totally understand the anxiety of going alone through the locks. But so wonderfully green! Not so much here in Texas right now. Lol

I love that you said 'blimey O'Reilly'. I thought I was the only left! 😄😄😄

Finally, some herons. Now you can go off and have a cheese sandwich as a reward.

I'm now bnag up to date with your vlogs, having started 5 years ago with "How I came to buy a norrow boat" to No. 222 on 2nd. August 2020. What a fantstic journey and it's all thanks down to you David. A virtual adventure that I hope will continue for a long time to come

Maybe you should get a pet woofer dog to keep you company on your boat.There are a lot of helpful people around the locks of England I am sure.

"Flooring it?" What 5 mph?

Great video! Am enjoying going through your 'back catalogue' at the moment. I live not too far from that narrow bit - its known locally as the Rockin. It was dug through solid rock at the summit there before the age of explosives with just navvies with pickaxes, so I suppose they just removed the minimum amount of material necessary to make a navigable cut!

The urge to sing "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" is only ever a whim away.

I just discovered that New York State (where I live in America) has a bunch of canals. I knew about the Erie Canal (a series of rivers connecting the Hudson River/NYC to the Great lakes, with the occasional stretch of canal where the rivers are not navigable) and today I discovered the Champlain Canal, which is a more proper canal linking the Hudson River to Lake Champlain. Given that you aren’t from here, I don’t know how much of that made any sense. Oh well

I just clicked for "buttock-clenchingly" as any serious video with a title that includes these words is bound to be gold

Recently, you mentioned that you can't get to Scotland on the canals. This makes me wonder why the networks aren't connected. Was it the political situation at the time the canals were constructed? I'm rather disappointed; I was hoping to see you someday on the Falkirk Wheel.

I’ve seen several vlogs cataloguing that “squishy” bit, surly the CRT could put boater operated traffic light system? If you see a red light wait, if not head in and press a button that turns the other end on, or perhaps a sensor version?

Well done for going through that narrow bit, I was leaning forward willing you to get through quickly! 😂

Lovely video, as an American I didn’t realize narrow boat culture was still so alive and well. Is it still done for commercial purposes or just as a hobby similar to caravaning?

I was wondering if you’d ever pass by near us, and today was the day! autherley junction is about 5 mins walk from my front door

Why can’t we have something this enjoyable (cruising canals) in the US?

Love the way you reply to all queries that certainly improves knowledge about this wonderful life like I said before if I won a lotto will spend all my millions while cruising the cut.......

You have a dry wit that I thoroughly enjoy. I'm new here and have subscribed. Never heard of narrow boats until a couple few weeks ago and now I'm besotted. We don't have the like in California. We have an ocean, but are light on the canals. Thanks for the narration and allowing me to share the beauty and tranquility.

I'm highly offended that an Englishman would say the word "buttock". How dare you mention human body parts! *hehe*

YT algorithm strikes again. Now I have to filter by oldest vid first :)

The other day I was loading a semi Trailer at work. I was imagining that it was about as wide as a Narrow Boat. and length. In a moment of folly I was imagining putting a couch and stove inside with a bed, then attaching a motor on the back of the trailer and having myself a cheap version or a Narrow Boat.. Of course I realized that would be a stupid idea but funny.

Oh. The mystery.....I almost can't bear it....leaving us,all at the precipice....on the edge of tomorrow...😊

I am not sure you realise what a public service your channel provides in times of stress for viewers, David. So relaxing and reassuring.

At my age, I don't have many stresses but your videos provide a wonderfully relaxing diversion from my daily routine. I felt no drama during your "buttock-clenchingly" squeeze approaching Autherley! I was disappointed when you turned the boat, though I'm sure there will be something good after you retrace today's cruise route.

Loved the color commentary for this video. You are very entertaining. Thanks for sharing.

was wondering when you'd post a rainy boating video, we are in the uk after all 🤣

Tight squeezes, danger and mystery. This must be extreme narrow boating. I need a stiff drink after that. Luckily, I think I have some milk in the fridge.

Hi from Japan, David-san. Sure wish we had such things "canal-wise" here in Japan... There was a time when most of the rivers here were navigable and used for commerce. But the 20th century brought the construction technology and know-how needed to regulate the waterways so as to curtail flooding that annually devastated the river towns. Alas, the motorways have taken over... Never mind-- Things could be worse than being left with your excellent series in which to experience the canal life, albeit vicariously!

Another great vid CTC. Keep them coming, this is my therapy during COVID 19..... Cheers from Michigan USA.

Never been interested in narrow boating, but I think the slowlife on the water is probably quite good for your soul, thanks for posting, I'll be sure to watch more. :)

Any chance you can do some more baking? You could try and do some cakes or biscuits. Yum

Today is my birthday and this video has made up for a non existing cake.

I think you must be one of the luckiest guys in the world, what a sweet life. And your humor is spot on, entertaining,.

oh no, that was too enjoyable to watch...I may have found my next youtube black hole...

I've watched many many of these videos now, I don't know wether it's the scenery or the type of life that comes along with owning a narrow boat, but I've watched this journey and really really like it.. It helps that this gentleman is proper articulate, informed with a dry sense of humour.. Great Great video...

Your channel is my happy place. I never knew the UK had such canals until recently, and am catching up on all your adventures. Thanks for sharing!

G’day from Down Under. We stumbled on your vlogs back in April and have just caught up. We love them and your presentation style perfectly matches the tranquil setting. Looking forward to many more.

First time stumbling on your channel. You are a great narrator and the video interesting. This is kind of reminiscent of thomas the tank.

You know, for having 146k subs and 143k views on this video, your engagement is nearly perfect! Keep on trolling(american version of slow journey's like this) Cya next time!

I thought this was canal cruising, not amazon jungle cruising 11:40

quite pleasant. as always, entertaining. got me thinking that the railways have invented a lighting system that might be of use to notify 'occupied' status at either end of that narrow stretch. maybe a slot for a coin at each end to both activate the system and pay for it's upkeep.

Admit it, you didn't search for this video either.

I often go and see your quite bit sitting in my chair with a pot of tea. Lovely 😊. Let the world go by. And stress come of your being. It's wonderful feeling. 😊😊😊😊😊😊

I wonder if passing pedestrians think this guys cheese has slid off his sandwich when they see him float by talking to himself.

Ah ha, the three little ducks episode 222. How exciting is that? 49,500 views in 11 hours! Some BBC 4 producers will be looking nervously at those figures.

Thank you for posting this. I really needed a nice, peaceful break and this was it!

I think I would have been having a heart attack on that narrow stretch due to the stress of worrying about whether oncoming boats was coming as I was in it.

I'm gonna live on a boat one day.. after my daughter moves out or gets a bit older.. not sure whether it will be a sailboat or a yacht of some sort, but it's a dream I mean to see come to fruition.. fair winds and calm canals lol

Wow 144k subs now was only yesterday it was at 100k

I'm American and I had no idea this was a thing but it seems really cool

Do brits really say "touch wood" instead of knock on wood? sounds a bit naughty

12:05 "Flooring it." _Whoa!! Slow down, Maurice._ ~Gaston

Chemical Plant Security - "Hello, control? Yes, he's getting away at slightly over walking pace, over!"

Names and places in this video are more British than meat pies and fish & chips.

Another chilled cruise. As for the Met office, it would not be the Met office if they got it right most of the time. It's tradition to mess the weather report up, lol. If its not raining, we are not training. Until the next time.

I'm from San Diego, CA and boy do I love watching your videos. Really well put together and each one takes me on a journey of your lifestyle.

wow the views have tripled while I read comments for half an hour. Great for David. Viewers let the ad's play out fully as our gracious narrowboat host will benefit.

Qualified tree surgeon here and would like to consider doing some voluntary work clearing the canals etc, what would you suggest? Thanks

Love your tee shirt .. and love your videos, such a pleasant way to discover England. Thanks from Auckland

*sigh* You passed another prime docking location thinking "I bet there's a better one up ahead somewhere.."

G'day David. What a peaceful video to watch in this mad crazy time we're all experiencing. Thanks for the time and effort you put into the production of these videos. Speaking for me, i do appreciate it. Take care.

To quote an old sailing friend, ”There is no bad weather. Just bad clothing.”

From 1968-1994 we vacationed Lake Winnipesaukee in Wolfeboro New Hampshire. A 29 mile long lake with white caps in the main lake coves and quiet places were abound. I was 8. I'm 60 now. I miss it so much.

I was expecting Gandalf on the other boat to say, 'you shall not pass'!

I'm always happy to see a video about buttock-clenching in my youtube subscriptions.

A 3 hour cruise A 3 hour cruise The weather started getting rough The tiny ship was tossed If not for the courage of our fearless crew The Wreyland would be lost 🙂 (But it wasn’t....obviously)

After discovering your channel and travelling at warp speed through your amazing number of adventures, a few weeks ago we found ourselves up to date. Ever since we found ourselves searching for more. But we realised you are not on any kind of slow down this is now reality and your out put is as is. We had moved forward four years or so in time which is a great escape tool from the nonsense going on around us so thank you so much there is obviously a lot of effort put into your productions which is much appreciated. We hope you never feel as if you have done that before or oh they have seen something like this or I said this or that before so I wont say it again etc. Each of your adventures is a different journey enjoyed by thousands look forward to the continuation. PS. perhaps the Bee was working a dance out on your boat when it stopped for a rest to tell its community, it didn't get splattered against a windscreen and that there is hope for humans, they do travel in a civilised way.

I noticed a path/road on the sides of the canals. Is this where they used to pull freight with horses or people back in the old days? I feel like I saw a picture of that in a history book or something.

David, also now reported to the Canal, Rivers and Waterways Trust for running on the towpath, saying "blimey" on the canal, going under the M54 motorway and taking advantage of a dog walker. Just letting you know, thanks.

When an Englishman describes the weather as random, you're in for a bad time.

Fair-weather boater? Tsk. And in England too! Clearly you've never been a biker then. Let alone an offshore sailor. . I'm only yanking yer anchor chain Dude. Your vlogs are always extremely relaxing and very informative, even for one who yearns to live on a narrow boat, but will never be able to afford such a hike in class status. . I always love that - Floydesque musical finale. :-))

Very nice cruise today, if damp in parts. And I just realized, there was no world famous, carefully hand drawn, wonderfully detailed, accurate in scale, map this year. Or did I somehow miss it? Of course, there really never was one of those before either.

Thank you for a glimpse into this adventure! Are the canal works in UK subject to patrol and jurisdiction of any type of law enforcement? How about recreational boating? Has a jackrabbit jet ski ever shared the waterway with you? Be safe!