We Struggle to turn our boat around. Narrowboat Life cruising the Middle Levels & River Nene. E115 

It's okay complaining about the goose mess, just wondering if the boaters trying to moor wouldn't mind contributing to the local Council Tax, .... Thought not.

I read on Facebook that you, unfortunately, had to deal with a few members of the “rude as they come” club. This really annoys me because these people wouldn’t dear say those things to someone’s face as they know they would get a smack in the chops. Please, please don’t stop what you both do. We cried when Deb’s had her diagnosis. We laughed at the silly stuff that happens to you both. You are so much a part of our lives that it feels like we’ve known you both for so long. The amount of enjoyment we get from your vlogs and reviews is so hard to put into words and would definitely be missed by so many people. Now go do what great parents and grandparents do and help out and we look forward to hopefully seeing you back here when you are good and ready. Loads of love, Myke & Belinda. XxXxX

Many years ago on a visit to Thailand a guide talked about how they used to have canals that ran from above Bangkok to many hundreds of kilometers down south below it. It's too bad they have not taken care of their canals because touring those would have to be another awe inspiring adventure of a different flavor.

Always enjoy cruising with you folk, forgive my impertinence, but is that a Roberts radio on your shelf I see? Stay well and Deb, thought you both handled your challenge so well, appreciated your sharing, must have been very inspirational for others similarly inflicted. Paul, Johannesburg

I mostly watch narrowboat vlogs at night before bed. When I find myself smiling I know I'll have a peaceful night. Wonderful family. Such a great episode, so nice to see you both enjoying life.

I love seeing you with your Grandsons! What a blessing you all are to each other. Congrats to Deb (and Family) for getting to that one year anniversary. My husband just had his 4 year checkup and all clear! This was a right nice video!

Deb, we all cried with you a year ago but so so smiling with you now. Love cruising with you both. Best wishes =-) Lol holding my breath going around the bend. What brilliant memories the boys will have with their grandparents =-)

What a beaming Grandpa watch Maximus pilot the boat. Amazing vlog again. Grandchildren are just the best! You know we would have loved to see you roll down the hill to.your boat from the pub. Thank you for sharing!

Was totally blubbing with you Mark at the last Daniel Craig adventure as James Bond 😥. Debbie your hair is now longer and thicker than Mark's is - and looks lovely. I totally agree with you about the sorry state of moorings and services at March. Our MP is talking regularly to both Fenland DC and the Middle Level Commissioners about getting things sorted - especially as the MLC are demanding higher licence fees to traverse their waters! How lovely to see you spending such quality and fun times with family ❤ Happy Anniversary Debs! ✔🌟

I hope you keep doing this I look forward to seeing you do not let a handful of nasty people with nothing better to do then say nasty things about people that are nice don’t let them get you down don’t let them run you off hope the baby is doing well please keep them coming xx glenda from California usa

Hi Debbie Mark,,,,looks like you had great fun with the grandkids,,was you at Ferry Meadows few years back ,yes that is a very tight corner well that’s what a Bow thruster is for to give you a helping hand 🖐,great blog very interesting, yes mark the river side with the rats and goose shit ,the mooring near the park the council said it had a quote ,,,to repair the mooring was going to cost £52.000 pounds to fix it , ,so I guess it will always be like it is ,,got to say Debbie you are looking great your hair is growing so fast now. Well guys till next time take care keep safe, John 😂🇬🇧💃🤷‍♀️👏👀👀👩👩‍🦳

Lucky you....last time I did Briggate Bend, there was a group of about 10 people on the bridge watching! Luckily, it was one of my successful attempts and I actually got a round of applause! Glad they weren't there for all the times I attempted going round there! Interesting about the moorings in March, I haven't been there in the last couple of years. You would hope now they are charging a licence fee, they will get things sorted!

I have loved seeing familiar places on your videos. We started boating when our daughter was 8 and the boys 6.They had no life jackets for children in those days ,though they were all in a swimming club we had to make sure that they were really careful. Though they never swam in canals we all used to regularly swim in the rivers if we were sure there were no underwater hazards. It was lovely seeing your grandchildren enjoying having fun with their granddad at Ferrymeadows. We would stop there on the way to the Middle Level. The boys would go with their Dad to play golf and my daughter and I would go to a local riding school. (I dont suppose they are there now.) Sorry to go on but your videos have brought back such lovely memories as we sold our boat 2 years ago after nearly 50 years of cruising. By the way Deborah I had 2 operations for breast cancer and that was almost 30 years ago. What you are doing is so right, being positive and keeping active. Good luck to you both xx

As I sit and enjoy another of your vlogs I'm just a couple of miles from St. Peters Brewery. In the other direction just a little further one of your favourites Adnams. For me the standard Adnams bitter (Jack) takes some beating.

I think the boat is good for the kids they seem a lot CALMER!

Love seeing someone doing the East Anglian waterways for a change. And your videos are always very watchable - thank you!

Hello Mark and Debbie, just wanted to say watched all your videos from the start, I’ve laughed cried and been so inspired by your new way of living and sharing your lives with us, so much so myself and family rented for the first time a narrow boat and cruised up and down Llangollen canal, we had so much fun, and made lots of new memories Thank you both take care T xx

My late mum and dad moved to west end march,one of the last houses on the Peterborough end of town.had a lovley mooring for the garden.which they kept a small cabin cruiser on.previously had a Springer in the late 70s early 80s.Shame to see all the town moorings gone to pot..shame on fenland council.Used to have a great boating festival there,every 3 or 4 years

Deb is looking gorgeous as ever, you two have such a lovely tight bond. I really hope my husband and I are like you both when we retire. Your grandchildren are such a ray of sunshine, but I’ve got to admit I understand when the grandparents say they are glad they can give them back, you look exhausted. We used to go to Ferrymeadows when we were little in the caravan with my parents. Beautiful pictures and loved the drone footage. Take care ❤️💓❤️

Wonderful memories for you and the grandsons!! XXX

Mark, I've had some of those St Peter ales, they're pretty good. Have you tried Aldi's own golden ale? great beer for a quid each!

I agree with you about geese, they’re noisy and dirty. What a terrible state to leave those moorings in, especially the ones that have collapsed. Maximus looked very confident at the helm. You’ve got three lovely grandchildren there.

Sorry to say Deb but you look younger and happier… (so do you Mark). Fell us with joy when we watch your vlogs

The middle level commissioners are responsible for maintaining moorings and their website does mention replacement moorings but it's down to funding.

Brilliant video you two. Thanks for the “snot bubbles” comment Mark. I was just taking a sip of my coffee when that wisecrack came out, result was coffee bubbles out my nose. Yeah, thanks for that. 😂😂 It was an absolute delight meeting you both. We enjoyed our time immensely. We are very glad you like the pens. You may find the OPA a bit too dry and hoppy to your taste but I expect the Don’t Call Me Bitter will rate a thumbs up. 😁 Looking forward to the next video. Love from Fiona and I. 👍

You are a Wee Jem - as we say in the North - You love your Kids - But are not your Grandchildren your World?

Did you taste the jacobite ale from traqair castele? It goed from strong to very strong

Briggate bend has been enlarged by the Middle Level Commissioners to reduce the number of boaters damaging the bank.

Not to be a smart ass but are you not moored in the winding hole ? I can see boats making the turn with some effort but if they wanted to wind in that hole your boat is taking up space is it not?

LOL, oh boy did I take this the wrong way! 🙂 You mentioned having a nice family bar-b-que ... and I thought, "what?! bar-b-que your family?!?!?" Ok, sorry, wiping my eyes, I'll try to get serious here. 🙂 Gorgeous boating video, really love that, thank you. Really gorgeous. All of it, all of the different views.

I hope have lot sunny. It just rain herbals the time for the last two weeks. You look so happy and have a grant winter. From KITCHENER ONTARIO CANADA

Time flies! How do you get around that giant chair?

Looking good, Deb's Hun. Has it really been a year? Eeeeekkk!!!! Where the time gone. Great to see the grandchildren on board spending time with you and having fun. Take care and stay safe.

Debbie, congrats on your anniversary! Mark, as a Bond fan myself I'll always be a Connery supporter; but for me, "best bond movie ever," has to go to Craig and Casino Royale". I'm looking forward to seeing his last go-around, and for what it's worth; I'm all for Tom Hardy taking a shot at the role, think he'd do "a nice right" job! Thank you both for your vlogs; keeps the dreams alive!

Great to see you both. Looks like you had some lovely family time with the grandchildren. We’ve got relatives that live near Peterborough and have visited Ferry Meadows. I seem to remember lots of cycle tracks and a big cafe by the lake. Take care. Nick

It has been a year already? Whoa, time flies! Deb looks good in that fabric.

That's a Nice right Grampa sharing his beer with his grandson

Hi. Have to ask. Have you been to the theatre to see phantom of the opera? Asking because we went a couple of years ago and we both got very emotional. We have a bet between us on your answer! Loved the vlog. Deb yr looking brill! My best bit was the look of pride on Marks face with grandsons. X

You've got a real John Lennon there!

Do the rats ever jump on the boat? Are the dogs terriers? Ratters!

Grandchildren 1 at a time are so much more relaxing than all at once!

Just wanted to say thanks for the recommendation about EcoEggs a few vlogs ago. We followed the link you attached and got some (and the dryer eggs too). Absolutely amazed at how well they work and wouldn't use anything else now. Without your recommendation we wouldn't have known about them and certainly wouldn't have bought them. So, as well as loving your vlogs, you've helped us be more environmentally friendly! Thanks again x

Lovely Lovely to see you both on our screen's again. Supurb quality family time thrown in as well. Keep safe dry warm and virus free.

Lovely video guys. Any link for your’pen’ friends. Would love to get some of those pens for Christmas presents!! Joan

hi guys good to see y’all

Please don't let those with small minds stop you doing your amazing vlogs! Love watching as do many others!! Sending huge hugs!! Hope the latest arrival is doing well!! X

Great vlog,,, Bet it was great to spend time with the little ones,,,,, Glad ur both doing really well 👍💪💪

Your both looking great 👍 and that really wasn’t a beer your grandson was drinking was it just being nosy lol

Bless you Deborah for your recovery! You are looking well. Really happy for you. Bet Mark is over the moon🤩. Health is wealth! And to be near loved ones is the nice icing on the cake. So pleased Summer has been fun for you both. The footage of the sky above the river is gorgeous! Beautiful day! Happy Day! Love ya!

How beautiful to see you with your grandson(s). God bless you all! Love being with you on your adventures.

The alcohol free beer is my favourite,

Thank you nice to see my old stomping ground ( haven't been back to Whittelsea area for fifty years !! Lovely video as usual see you both soon.

BEER FROM THE JESTER'S CHAIR.......drink the citrus beer....on a very hot day, it is refreshing

Where Mole and Mr Toad not with Ratty?

Loved this one ... Happy days ❤

Lovely video.Good to see more boaters doing the Anglian Waterways in fact several RU-vidrs seem to have been there this year.On the continuing subject of team steel I seem to remember the lock gates at Ashline are steel.I have found quite a number of steel gates on the Staffs & Worcs and the Atherstone flight this year but they all look 1970/1980 vintage so lasting really well.Come on CRT start using steel all the time.Looking forward to studying the apparently Iron gates on lock 2 at Hillmorton today.Are you still out east as this video was August?

Hey mark and Deb! Great vlog! Deb i love your top, so pretty. Seeing that boating beyond is no more, selling their boat poppy, is all well with ali and matt? Hopefully nothing bad happened!! 😥

What a lovely place to cruise along on... lots of drone and camera opportunities with the lovely flat landscape and cloud shots... good to know about the different windlass!! Thats abit like the River Wey where our boat is moored, thats a different windlass for the locks... debbie.... r u going to do any new meal vlogs...xxx

What a delightful video. Great fun with grand-sons. Always give us a happy feel good feeling. . Know what you mean about James Bond. Think they may do a Bobby Ewing if you know what I mean. Thank you for this vlog.

So very nice to see you guys again 👍🏻❤️. About the Bond movie…… i’m a bit worried about the future, but all in all a nice movie. Keep it spicy 🌶 🙏😂

So much to comment on! Let’s hope I remember it all and I don’t go on too long (it’s a problem and Fran counts my paragraphs if I talk too much on Floating Their Boat so I keep it brief. I have asked what camera you use and I have the same, our weather is very similar and I don’t get the colors and clarity that you get on your videos. Do you use a filter on your lens? Husband can see a filter right away but I don’t have the same skill set that he has. Whatever it is you are doing and using, it is absolutely lovely! When you first started the video and managed to spit out an apology for being gone so long, I answered you and said that you had covered that in the last video and you didn’t need to worry. Then a few little things in combination with that confused me a bit and I was afraid I would have to turn my iPad off to avoid getting caught in the time space continuum. But when you panned over to Maximilian playing at the park saying things were opening up, with an inflection on the weather, I started to suspect that you two might be stuck in your self created time warp. I didn’t need to stop the video, seeing that you two are stuck in a loop but I hope you can get out. Do let me know if you need help getting out. Today is October 16th of 2021 and your last video was several months ahead. If we keep comments in this space, it will keep you back so we can move it to present day Facebook or something to get you out of the loop. Playing with time! We have talked about this! You canNOT be so casual going back and forward through time!!! We love our kids with every breath we take but it is not like the Grandkids. Nothing is. We love them just as much as our kids but without the worry and discipline and constant anxiety of our kids (when they were kids), our relationship with the grandkids is just pure joy, love and FUN! I consider them my reward for seeing their parents through everything only to wrap up our duty with a bad attitude and zero respect or compassion. Some retirement party (NOT!). But when the grandkids arrive? Their parents attitude is just something to laugh about. No hard feelings, the boy and I are going to run to the park/movie/lake/wherever. Have a nap Honey, you look beat. We’re FINE! I came close to talking about mine. Whew! Stop me if ever I ado, will you? I don’t carry their pictures, either. Just play it cool and go nuts when the kids call. BTW Mark. Maximilian will be taller than you in two years. He’s got a major growth spurt coming. DeboRAH? Would you be so kind as to to snap a photo the first time that Maximilian pats Mark on the head? The second he sees the top of your head, he’s going to do it. It will be a BIG day for him when he realizes but it will also be his first act of restraint not to jump up and down then squeal and run to tell DebORAH. He’ll play it cool. My oldest is 20 and youngest is 9, and I stand under 2 meters by the length of my foot. Been there years ago. He didn’t realize for almost a year. And to wrap it up, Mark? After having spent so much time teaching both of the older boys to steer the boat, I am happy to be able to announce this to you. You are afraid, from your description of your visit at the pub with your Ottowadians, that you might sound like a couple of old men? Old farts? What did you say? Whatever if was, if you are teaching the boy the finer arts of appreciating a good brew WHILE you are teaching him to safely manage the helm of 9 tons of steel? YOU ARE AN OLD GEEZER!!! There were 2 more things, I remembered. But I have gone on too long and I would HATE for you two to also moan when I comment. FanTASTic video! Thanks for bringing us along. Ta!

Great to see you two as always. Sending loads of good fortune and luv from Sheree and Gary in Bewdley Worcs. xx

Hi Mark & Deb great vlog and sending best wishes from Downunder in Auzz. Visit by grand kids at any time is fab and we agree they certainly act different when away from home environment and in a new ste of surroundings. Great steer on that tight bend Mark. Cheers Keith & Helen Melbourne Auzz.

And Malachi is awesome too 💙 how awesome are all your Grandies ♥️💙

Thanks to you both for a lovely cruise with the grandkids but it was a shame about the St Peter's beer not making the 'Ryte Nyce Pynte' as it sounded like one I'd have liked. It's great to see you are both doing well, did you not think of letting the pups go at the rats Mark? Take care and all the best. Stevie

What a wonderful vlog this is. Maximus and Malachai are handsome and accomplished nbters. Your pride in them is readily apparent. And hats off to my fellow bc survivor. - Leigh

Days of future passed.... I can't believe a year alreaddy passed since the terrible diagnosis. I feel like it's only a coupple of months ago. But lovely to see you are cruising again and both of you are growing more and more hair. What can I say? I just love you both. Thanks for a beautifull video with grandchildren and all. Love from Denmark!

So great to see you guys with with your adorable grand sons. We are going to be in the UK in May. Have arranged our first ever NarrowBoat experience on the Trent and Mersey. Been a while since my husband has been “home” and we are going to be doing something so completely different! We are both very much looking forward to it but also a bit worried about….so many things! 😝

Hi jane from new zealand

Why do narrowboaters consider using the bow thrusters as "cheating"? Isn't just having a motor cheating then since the original narrowboats only used horses? Love your videos thanks for sharing!

Wonderful vid!! Hair is gorgeous Deb. And as for James Bond... OMG, the tears were flowing. Be well!! Loved seeing the grandkids.

What a lovely vlog.. lovely seeing your grandchildren...love you 2. 🙌🙌🙌💗🤩🌷🌺🌹 Xx

Well this is turning out to be a nice weekend, Holly the Cafe boat swung round last night which was nice. I was so happy things are going well for the three of them. Then bless me you lovely people call in for a natter had to stop you first to get a beer as well. One year on OMG that is quick ? but maybe not for you I think. It is good to see you both looking so well, I bet having the young ones was part of it. Friday I had a call for an eye test al was fine and I was passed to one person then on to the next one. Then a youg girl walked me over to pick a frame told the best deal and said what would you like to look at ? I said please help me. Well frames came of the rack and back. Then she said try these ones I did I liked them, she said they look nice. Me sitting a chair looking in a mirror said yes they do. Oh hold on a moment OMG she said we have just picked out the same frames that you have ! We howled out laughing tears rolling down both our eyes It was a loverly afternoon out. the girl said I am going to make sure I am in when you pick up you glasses even if my day off 😂😂

J said Deb is looking amazing and recovering well, and I agree. You're an inspiration. We have another 500 mile (800Km) drive for treatment on Monday. Just grand when they don't remember how far away you live and book you for the main office. The treatment seems to be working, slowly as it is. Too slow for our liking but it's in God's hands. We just keep taking it as it comes. Another great video. Cheers ;)

Excitement yesterday as my "well desk dairies" Mug and tshirt arrived in the post...... woohooo....

Another great video, I do enjoy them so much. You have an excellent camera, very clear and sharp. Your music is good too. Congratulations. I look forward to the next one.

Well well great day with the grand kids. That it is what it is all about having time with family in these difficult times. Greeting from Fish Hoek 40km south of Cape Town.

Hubby was surprised at the end of James Bond film, but I can't comprehend how people didn't realise what was coming up before they went to see it! how else did people think he was bowing out after 15 years 🤣 so surprised its been a year since Debs diagnosis, that has flown, lovely vlog with the grandkids, thought you were a gonna in that peddalo though Mark 🤣

Hey Mark and Debs what a lovely week you have had with the grandkids lovely to see you looking so well Debs love you're georgeous top you are wearing Mark that was a bit disappointing about the right nice pint

Next time Dave and Fiona come over there - ask them to bring some "Fin Du Monde" - it's a Quebec beer that around 16% Alcohol! We do have some great beers here in Canada!

Love the part of the video about 10:44when the cars and van reverse out of the junction without slowing or stopping to look if it’s clear !! Ha ha Great video as normal, stay safe you two. Xx

Mark, we have proof behind you on the wall that you're drinking before 5 PM. Watch out! 😃

I must say this is an enjoyable videos, and the fact that you show family enojoying your life style...... keep up the good work......❤❤

Wow that bend looks so tricky. A lovely video and a pleasure to see you both enjoying yourself, especially in the part of the country I love ,thank you xxx

No more sherry for Debbie there be finger accidents gallore. Yes the year has been crazy, anyways Happy Anniversary Debs!

LOL 2 rat terriers. 2 rats. And 2 leashes. Bummer! It's always lovely to visit with you 2.

G’day Deb & Mark. Another great video. Wow can’t believe it’s been a year. You are looking so well Deb. Take care and have a great weekend. Deb & Pat in New Zealand

Good morning, could you please tell me what size is your boat as I'm thinking of treating myself to one myself, I really enjoy your videos, great entertainment

This your video’s, this one in particular, you looked to be having a whale of a time with your grandchildren. Sadly, our’s are all in Australia so I do envy you. 💐💐

Thank you, nice to see the navigations in that part of the country, we only discovered Nene park this year. Didn't know St Peters brewery was still going, used to drink some of their beer, they used to do a large variety.

You are both looking soo good! And those grandkids are just edible! You are a scrumptious family altogether, thank God over and over again that you made it, Debs. xx

We so enjoy your beer reviews. Hubby know all that hop stuff. I like ciders when we come over. The next trip is planned for Spring 2022 and we're planning to rent a boat for 2 weeks around the Anderton Lift. We are so ready to get back to the UK.

Another lovely vlog, you never have to apologise for length of time between vlogs, we don’t mind when you post. I’m all caught up after starting from the beginning. Thank you for the mention i get more emotional than Mark lol just you being kind thanking us. if I win on lottery I will send you a lot more. lol. Take care lovelies. ❤️🌻❤️🌻

Your looking very sharp Debbie. I think your hair looks healthier than ever. Great vlog. Nice to see the youngsters enjoying themselves.

Lovely to see you both again The first year anniversary is always the hardest but then it's all uphill and away to enjoying life .Your grandchildren are brilliant lovely to see them having fun doing something different. Stay safe and well and enjoying the beers and sherry 😊😊😍😍🌞🌞🦋🦋

How do I find what playlist you use

Deb o rah, you look fantastic. Thank you for sharing your world with us. It’s been quite a year. Always enjoy your vlog. God bless you and Mark

Deb o rah, you look fantastic. Thank you for sharing your world with us. It’s been quite a year. Always enjoy your vlog. God bless you and Mark

Congratulations on your year anniversary Deb🥰. Had my core biopsy two days ago so waiting for results, they are pretty sure it’s just some calcification, fingers crossed.🙋🏼‍♀️

OMG how gorgeous is Max!!!!