Thanks Lloyd. You’re getting closer. I’ve booked a Paddington Basin pontoon mooring for Saturday night. They appear to be busy so was fortunate. Enjoy mate.
Chris, I have been with you from the beginning and you never fail to entertain us. I always come away with a new bit of knowledge and I so enjoy when you make us think about life itself. May you continue your journey for many more years. Cheers!
You communicate so well Chris I do enjoy your freestyle presentation so much. It was always my ambition to follow your example and live aboard a narrowboat some day but I am now over 80 and my old pins have worn out and all that physical activity needed is beyond me now. Boating solo must be a real challenge and I often wonder how hard it must be to work the locks, park the boat and even take comfort breaks on the run. Congratulations on a very clear assessment of your first year aboard your fine vessel. Lessons learned for you and for many other newbies who are themselves afloat like you for the first time. Looking forward to many more excellent videos and narrative. Here's hoping you have a warm Winter.
Thank you Paul. I appreciate the comment. Working the locks as a single bloke is easy. It's just a pain and slow going. That said, if the canal is high and water overflowing the lock, it can be and has been impossible for knees to open, so I get your point. I was surprised how weak my knees were pushing against an overflowing lock. Have a great week.
I have no doubt you’re exactly the same all the time - that’s one of the reasons I love your blogs so much. You’re just you. Honest, expressive, interesting and funny….you probably talk about boaty topics less than other things which is different to most of the TH-cam channels I’ve found, and makes a nice change. I can’t believe how immaculate your boat is - it’s beautifully crafted but it’s clear you look after it very well. Maybe one day it will be untidy, but I doubt it!! I’d love to hear you do another review in six months time - middle of winter - so you can compare with your experience last year. Hopefully you’ll be feeling a lot happier and less lonely….and considerably warmer! Look after yourself - have a lovely week 😊
Thanks Mish. The boat got a tidy to take the photos. It’s been the only time it’s been tidy. It’s lived in now. But I do put stuff away…most of the time. A winter review is a very good idea as there are a few simple improvements I’m thinking about. The nattering on; I prefer talking about real life stuff. I’d run out talking about the boat as it appears to work. Doesn’t leak, sink, crash into bridges, has anything technical that could go wrong. I wanted a simple boat. Looking forward to a warm winter, as I was summer. Have a great week.
what a pleasant surprise to find an extra vlog this morning, once again you outdo so many others, really appreciate you sharing the past years learning. love the addition of the photographs, really adds your touch. Stay Safe and sane
One hundred and thirteen likes and 11 comments only 2 hours after release on a Sunday morning; that shows how your channel has progressed. What a clever idea to have a review of the first year on the water. As for the challenges behind finding content every week, I can well understand that: in the early days I wondered how could you possibly keep this going - making an entertaining and interesting video every single week. Well, whatever the secret to it is, you’ve certainly mastered it. Happy anniversary, Chris. Martin
Thanks for the kind support and commenting Martin. There is always something to discuss on the canals as it is ever changing. There is a constant; keep look for fresh idea and mix it up with interesting stuff. Hope you are well and enjoy your week.
Chris I very much enjoy your vlogs. I am so pleased that you have come through the winter and are feeling comfortable on your boat. Looking forward to your thoughts and adventures in the coming 12 months.
Thanks Helen. It was useful thinking about the last 12 months. I’m already preparing for winter and like the practice set up I’ve done. It works I just need to put it into production. Have a great week
What a great watch! You discuss the security you left behind i.e. bricks and mortar, Job structure and sense of belonging. You certainly made a huge leap of faith but recognised what you were about to embrace was well outside your comfort zone. I can only admire your courage and enthusiasm to overcome your reservations and give a new life a "Bloody Good Crack"! You have now adjusted but have you taken time to reflect on what you have created? A growing community of "Thinking People" who thoroughly enjoy your personality, honesty and lack of drama. Real people who wish to associate themselves with you, what a wonderful achievement. And as for a sense of belonging? You definitely have space in my house every Wed and occasional Sunday, and I live the other side of the world! Great Job Chris And, as always Thank you Mel
I love how you are so down to earth, I am waiting to win a narrowboat as its the only way I could live this life but really want to do this when I retire next yr
Hi Chris, I've only just come across your channel, and really enjoy it. As a lateral thinker, enjoy your no nonsense descriptive. One tip of something I got recently that may be of use to you, (depending on your cooking preferences), was a Mr D's Thermal Cooker!, Simply cook food to it's premium temperature, transfer to the thermal pot, and it continues slow cooking, (without using any energy) for 4-8hrs. Make in the morning, enjoy for dinner! I shall look forward to viewing more of your blogs/vlogs things😊! All The Best. Angela. 😊
Hi Angela. Thanks for the comment and the tip. Those thermal cookers are certainly a great idea. I’ve been on the boat a year now and during the build process I certainly considered it. Now however, my style of cooking is more simple and I just heat up and eat. Not saying never as it’s only me but if I ever get someone else on the boat full time, maybe that’ll change. Have a great week.
Thanks Rob. I rarely talk toilets as it’s not an issue but it wouldn’t be a review without toilet talk. Thanks for the comment mate. Have a great week.
Another insightful, thought-provoking and entertaining vlog! Everyday's a school day in life. We are constantly in a state of "I don't know what I don't know", and often look back with regret at decisions made - but then you have to realise that person who made those decisions is different to the person now. You're doing alright, mate. You're going through life with your eyes open, you head up and an abundant amount of self-awareness. Your videos are like therapy sessions. Keep on keeping on...
Thanks Richard. I think I got it about right. There were decisions that if I were to do it again, diesel heater may have been better. But I’ll know after this winter for sure. That said, I’ll still be using coal for the foreseeable future. I’ll live with it. Thanks for the comment. Have a great week.
Hello Chris,fellow ex serviceman here,RGJ,just came across your channel and found it really interesting,the way you go about things gave me a chuckle as it was like being back on a course in the army,anyway,well done and i will be following you from now on,all the best
Welcome James and good to have you on board. Service life is mentioned a little over the course of the vlogs. It's been a massive part of my life and have gained so much from it. No war stories, just experience stories. Thanks for the comment and Sub. have a great week.
@@chrismears-inslowtime update from BB yesterday, last week in August. Leave booked from 24th for two weeks so covered ourselves. It’s looking good. 👍🏼
What a great round up of your year so far Chris and what you have found challenging… I look at life as lots of bubbles that I have “fit in” over time / jobs / friends / family locations etc / sometimes my bubble bumps into someone else’s for a while and shares the same space / so I get it that your getting to grips with your new bubble and surroundings. But sometimes I find it’s great to step outside my bubble “comfort zone” so to speak and see how the world and all the bubbles float about / love stepping into your bubble each week and enjoying your journey / keep up the good work Chris - you will become a TH-cam legend in your own right / plus as your kids grow up they can see challenges in life from your perspective and that will provide great memories in the future 😊
There’s thought that has gone into that comment. Thanks Jon. I recognise others also write thought provoking comments too. I liked the idea of the children being able to follow my journey when they get older. Not sure any of them actually watch the channel. Perhaps on the odd occasion they catch up. But it’s all on a hard drive too. That reminds me - need to back up the HD. That could be fatal. Plenty of bubbles in life is a great expression and I think it’s important to look through a different bubble to work out if there are better ways of living. I think at the moment people are generally concerned about life rather than living. I hope it all improves soon. Have a great week Jon and thanks for the comment.
Hi Chris, what a beautiful boat. Really enjoy listening to your journey and things you have learnt and overcoming loneliness which can be a tough one. I also really understand the familiarity comments, it can feel unnerving when everything is away from the norm. We are learning so much from you, and do appreciate it so much. Great vlogs thank you so much ❤
Hey Chris, everyone else, have said it all. Brilliant vlog, great walk through. What really excelled was the video techniques and post production..... slick, real slick. Your sharing of your trials and tribulations was very interesting indeed. Hey looking forward to our paths crossing and grab a meal and or a beer or two. Best Regards Colin
Chris, loved, loved this! Your home is amazing. The pictures are beautiful .Thanks so much for taking us through the year and sharing your breakthroughs. Excited for you and your upcoming ventures, please share all that you can with us. Until next time, CP
Thank you Clara. Indeed I do share my life as much as possible. There are things I'm going to broach over the coming months but need to measure the responses. It is a boat channel and want to keep it that way but...... Thanks for the comment and enjoy your week.
Hi Chris. Excellent vlog, Sir. Also, I have very much appreciated your responses to earlier posts I've made here. Being around the same age as you, I can well imagine the time putting these clogs together would entail. Indeed, a Finn sailing Ak in winter, 20yrs ynger than us at least, says it takes him 105mins editing / 1min of vlog! As for experiencing lonliness, narrowboating alone, I'd hazzard a guess that experience has as much to do with your place in time and space with context. Age, regimented work history out the side hatch, and living alone now vs having been raising a family in the not too distant history. I think I get lonliness - what it is and how quietly debilitating in can present as: I am an American and I've lived in Jakarta, Indonesia for some 30yrs now! Yrs ago Indid a Goenke Vippasana meditation retreat, 10 days of silent meditation in the foothills of a volcanic massif in West Java. Whilst I bolted after 4 days, the peace of meditation, sitting in silence, and accepting that the mind is essentially a river if turbulent ideations, has stuck with me ever since. Loved your library - Sapiens, you have Sapiens! I have that too - and the graphic novel version too. Much more understandable for me as a comic book - LOL! Have a great week! 😅
Editing time is about right. I base it on 1hr per minute of video. He maybe a little better than me. If I need to colour grade and colour correct, it’s a lot longer. When I’ve done it, no-one appears to notice so unless the footage is blown out with the whites and highlights or too dark with the shadows and blacks, I generally don’t bother. Skin tones is the key. If I look too pale, I generally colour correct. Yes to all of that ref loneliness. You’ve lived in some interesting place and as for the silence retreat, I can’t mediate as I can’t sit still. ADHD they call it now. A figit was the name in our era. A mix of books from the library and the kindle. Some more philosophy and psychology on the kindle with a bit of Ludlum and Archer. Thanks for the comment. I appreciate it. Enjoy the week.
Thoroughly enjoyed the State of the Nation review. At a time when dishonesty, editorial bias and the spouting of general bullshit has become the norm in most media outlets, it is entirely refreshing to hear heart-felt truth delivered without filter or fettle. I’ve mentioned it previously and will do so again, your delivery is balanced, considered, opinionated but not malicious, it’s compelling. What about hosting an online book club? Maybe an option for the darker days of winter…
Thanks for the comment Mark. On-Line book club. That would mean I need to read a book or two. And more importantly get the info right instead of thingy or what's his name. It just doesn't cut it. I may give it a go on one in the future. See what the end result is. Have a great week.
Thank you Sandra. I can sniff out people who talk to the viewers in a way they want to come across as a certain person. I’ve seen it on this thing. You get caught out. Have a great week.
Great picture of the kids Terrific music! Just you 👏🌟 Joan. ( don’t know if it was a good thing to do, but we had no solar, Graham used a Cpac machine at night, so we would switch the fridge and freezer off each night, but never open the doors till power back on!! )
Thanks for the comment and advice Joan. I've been looking at briefcase generators. I've chosen one. I phoned the Fit Out Pontoon and sought advice. Strangely the same make as the one Mark had on his boat. I've done the switch off of the freezer and fridge but the food didn't last as long. Freezer not so bad. This year, I'm not going to use the freezer as I didn't need it as much as I thought I would. I'm running it down now. Turn it back on in Apr. Have a great week.
Oh Yes. What’s the score. Too bust answering comments I’ve forgotten about the football. Thanks for the comment and watching as opposed to watching the footie. Have a great week Malcolm.
As someone who will be selling their house next year to buy a boat I am finding your vlogs very useful as an honest experience of life afloat to help let me know what I'm in for , also your boats interior finishes beautiful and so clean and tidy
Thanks Nathan. Clean and tidy(ish) most of the time. I do have to put things away every so often. It's the small stuff that I leave lying about. Need to find a home for them this week. Talking of which, generators on the next vlog. Might be interesting for you. Thanks for the comment and have a great week.
@@chrismears-inslowtime oh yes very interested in generators especially silent generators theirs been soooo much development with generators and power stations so it will definitely be a very interesting subject , love your vlogs and your music within the vlogs aswell
Hi Chris. Long time no comment. I think I was one of your first subscribers. Still watch all your vlogs but been feeling low this past year so didn’t have the umph to comment. Another great vlog this week with your wit and honesty. Hope Max is doing well 😊
Hi Jackie. I agree you were one of the first movers. Thank you. Sorry to hear you’ve been feeling a little low over the past year. I hope your feeling a little brighter now the summers here, this week at least. Enjoy the week. Take care.
I always enjoy watching your Vlogs, as you are very different from the many I watch. Many are so predictable in the content. Keep up the good work. And it's good to listen to you. The subject matter is always different and interesting, and when you "interview peeps," it is good to watch.
I enjoy watching your videos and love your artwork n camera quality. I’m from America and you fill a lot of lonely hours. Two days ago was the anniversary of my husband passing it’s the fifth anniversary and just as hard as when he first passed your videos is the first I’ve ever comment on but you seem honest n down to earth n keep the videos coming
Hi Rhonda. Sorry to read about your husband’s passing. I feel privileged that you’ve chosen to comment on my channel as a first time commenter. I’m please you like the vids. This week is a week of more waffle with a bit of thought provoking stuff I think/hope. Thanks for the comment. I appreciate it. Have a lovely week and take care.
Chris, another beautiful vlog. I get the asking a family member or friend for an address , postcode. You are living like a gypsy. No offence to gypsies. Changing the subject, what I admire in you is that you are willing to evolve and learn. I try to be the same. Just because I am getting older. Does not mean I can not learn and or evolve into a better person. There are tooooooo many people just stagnate. Life is for living and we or some people forget that has they get older. Chris, I am going to look up how i can buy you a coffee. Thanks for the work you put in to the videos.
Thanks Fred. Learning to evolve comes generally through necessity. Having to live a different style than one expected now becomes a motivator. I’m we can all do given the circumstances. I think for me what is interesting is the thought process people like. As you know, it’s just basic logic learned from life. But then maybe not. It’s all I know through. Thanks for the comment and have a great week.
Chris, I follow 4 narrow boat sites. Each one is different from the other 3. I do not enjoy any of the other 3 more than yours. I think that they happen to have more viewers than you only because they’ve been at it longer than you. I’d like to buy you a “coffee”, but I’m technologically illiterate. I’d appreciate it if you could instruct me (us) in a detailed way how to do so. On top of that, I live in Indiana in the USA. Finally, don’t change a damned thing you feel doing; its your personality that makes your site so special! Keep on keeping on.
Hi Thomas. Thank you for your supportive comment and indeed for the offer of additional support. I get the tech stuff. 1. go to my channel home page by clicking or pressing on my face. 2. Below the pic of the steel shell is a row of segments. Click or tap the about. 3. There is a link on that page to buy me a coffee. 4. Follow the instructions. Thank you very much Thomas. Enjoy your week.
Excellent vlog Content very good very honest and truthful Please don’t be lonely there are lots of us subscribers waiting to hear about your life and you 🙃a interesting person
It’s my birthday 🥳. Thank you for being you. I really like the way you think, but I also think you are so funny. Thank you for sharing your “year” with us land lovers. 😂 Have a drink for me and a smoke if you have one.
Great video Chris - Sincerely I love the honesty in your content. If 'we' help you at all in your travels, then we've succeeded too. Keep it up, thank you.
Loneliness doesn’t seem to affect us single introverts. 😊. But Chris you are certainly Not an introvert 😅😅😅 which is one of reasons I’ve enjoyed all your vlogs since day 1.
Not in the truest sense and I totally get where you’re coming from. I did a profile on MBTI before I left. INTJ. I = Introverted. It does just mean I have a learning towards introversion. I = single minded, independent, determined, individualistic. It’s interesting if you check it out on the Tube as the four letters. I agree, I do come across as extroverted. I think the fella on My Narrowboat Adventure is an introvert. Great comment as it made me reload and read my profile to see if I’ve changed. Have a great week.
Hi Chris. An excellent vlog as we now expect. Chris you would have more content if you wandered further afield on the canal system. However you have your reasons and after over a year following your channel I still really enjoy your vlogs. Thank you so much.
That will be happening this year or next. I have my younger children in the Greater London area. That will change in the future. Not sure when but then you'll all get bored with the new area. However, it might be in the Midlands where there are a few more canals. Until then, I'll waffle on but have some stuff planned for this winter. It'll keep you all amused I'm sure; and me. Thanks for the comment Jo and have a great week.
Hi Chris, we've watched you from the start and hopefully every episode and loved it. Since what i can remember your first episode, (i better check) with you chatting about embarking on your journey, i knew it would be a cracking channel. We watch some others , then go off their channel and maybe try it again but you have been consistent. As people have said, you're the same person on and off the tube, i haven't met you, but it does come across that way. You're a natural, looking forward to another year watching your life on board and I'm glad you're popping in a few more Sunday's again. Raymond & Tina
Thank you for the kind support Raymond. I appreciate the comment. I said in my first vid about there being a saturated segment which has only become more saturated. I wanted to be different. I think I am and others are starting to find out, which is great news. Have a great week.
I've often mused over the different types types of boater - the 20 miler, the LTM/marina, the leisure and of course the true CC'er. Being the latter was what it was all about for me - why live in a metal tube if you are not going anywhere? But it can be very tiring, the constant finding your way around new places, mooring etc. I have to say, you have an unusually well equipped vessel, which must certainly help. So many are still living with second/third rate power, poor insulation etc etc. I'd have gone 12v with the appliances but aside from that perfection!
Thanks Johnny. I agree I'm fortunate to have the boat I have. It is well equipped and is a house on the water which has become my home. Agree with the 12v thingy but the decision is made now and I have to live with it. Thanks for the comment and enjoy your week.
Hi Chris, I’m a relatively new follower and I’m slowly working my way through your previous videos. I do follow a couple of other canal boat TH-camrs - but I’m quite fussy. Your channel is refreshing as you speak your mind; you’re honest and have a very dry sense of humour. I’m not sure why you haven’t got more subscribers. Your are very “Blokey”which is fine by me; why not? I like your signature tune but think maybe your very black background with your face peering through at the beginning maybe puts some people off?! It didn’t put me off but I could see how it might! Just an observation. Don’t shoot me down everyone…… I’m fine with it. Thank you Chris for being informative and entertaining. I’m enjoying catching up with your earlier videos. Have a good week! 👍
Thank you Sally. I get the face on the channel art. The point is it’s art. Also the phrase that has books and covers springs to mind. In the early days that same comment was made by a few people. Not sure if they are still subscribers but it’s one of my earliest attempts of a self portrait. I do a few more on the boat with a different outcome. Although shadows and light still feature. Thanks for the comment and pleased you get the humour. Have a great week.
Great vlog your honesty is great. Purpose is hard to find as your career and raising a family gives you this in heaps but when times change we have to find our way, glad TH-cam has given you something back. Have a good week and look look forward to the next one 😊
Thanks for the time it takes for you to think about vlogs content, it can’t always be easy, and of course filming it, editing it and uploading it. Quite honestly when you showed us your finger it turned my stomach, it could very easily been much worse. It’s at times like this when, as a lone boater, I do wonder what you would do had it been worse. Always very interesting even as a none boater, what with battery %, multi fuel stoves etc. I can well imagine how useful a pram cover is but also how expensive they are. Looking forward to many more, keep your fingers to yourself in future. Take care and continue being yourself, it’s what we like about you.
Thanks Bob. The finger could have been worse and to be honest I’m surprised it’s not happened sooner. That said, it was a sharp edge and a clean cut that may have gone all the way. Maybe not through the bone, although it was close enough. The worst case scenario, I would have popped the finger in a bag with ice and walked to the hospital with a bandage over the other end. Fortunately, I’ve lived in this area so know where the hospital is. It would have been a challenge had I been somewhere i didn’t know so well. I think from here on in, I’ll look on the map. You never know. Have a great week and thanks for the comment and support.
Hi Chris and a very interesting vlog. You have come along way since your first time on the boat. Love the boat and the finish is excellent. Well presented and clearly explained. Cheers Keith from Auzz.
Great Vlog Chris and a really interesting reflection on your last year, fascinating in many respects to see and feel the realities of your life over the last 12 months. Have a brilliant week, Autumn/Winter will not be far away so I am certain your preparations are all in place or getting there. Enjoy your week and look forward to Wednesdays Vlog.
Yes I’ve considered winter. I’m trying out boxes on the roof. I have two currently and like the system. Mats are required as I only had two. Need to get more and more boxes. That’ll make it easier to get the coal, reduce the weight in the bow and it’s cleaner as I’m not lifting coal bags. Also I can have a winter+ supply. Thanks for the comment Gary. Have a great week.
Lovely video, you do an amazing job every time, great style and so informative from yourself but also your interviews of others are well done.👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🙋🏼♀️
Thanks for the support Jilli. A chat with Christian will be next Sunday. I just need to do the editing. Busy week for me but I hope you have a great one.
It’s the only problem with the sun and the blown-out effect with the port holes. Rest assured, no halo attached. Dodgy past! Thanks for the comment Gillian and have a great week.
Get your self a foot stool (no pun intended 😅) when using your toillett, get one as tall as your knees can go to your chest as if you were squatting. This is a game changer.
I'm not sure if you noticed the collapsable stool in the bathroom. Or even if I showed it, but it's there. Done it. Been there, Makes the difference. You're right. It's all about relaxing and openings. Thanks for the tip.
The year has flown by since I attended the launch and you have clearly adjusted to your new lifestyle brilliantly. I genuinely appreciate your time and effort into vlogging, as it allows me to be a passenger on your journeys, which I enjoy thoroughly. Well done Chris, I tip my hat to you.
Enjoy it and give it time. It may take a bit of time but good luck. Hope the vids have been useful. It is only my perspective. Thanks for the comment and have a great week.
wonderful insightful view based on your experience of a year afloat Chris. I've been watching and more importantly for me, listening to you for a few months. I've watched all your videos back catalogue and especially enjoyed seeing how the ' boat ' developed and came to be. Its nice to see that by and large you appear to have got things right. In not a boater and don't intend to become one, but I enjoy your style and slant on life as a boater and very much enjoy your videos. Thanks for your entertaining video content and your life philosophy. Much appreciated
Thank you for the comment Rick. I appreciate the support. I appear to be able to tell a story by stringing a few words together about life (my life) and will dabble a little more over the coming months. Meeting up with a few boaters in September and October. Even Christmas has been loosely arranged. Have a great week.
Good one Chris! Oh my goodness!! I hope your finger is better. Ouch! The boat still looks new. I’ve been with you since day one and it’s nice to watch you grow into your new life. Cheers!
Thank you Jayne. I appreciate the support. The finger is healing up well to be honest. Had to buy some spray stuff. Appears to work. Might have a battle scar now! Have a great week.
Great vlog as usual, Chris. Very interesting to hear your reflections on the first year. Did you get your boat from Ovation? We get our new boat in a couple of weeks time from Tristar, next shed to Ovation! We’re benefiting from your first year experience
The Fit Out Pontoon is across the road at Winking Hill Farm. basically go to the next junction towards Nottingham. Good luck on your launch and journey in your boat. I'm pleased to have added value. Thanks for the comment and have a great weekend.
Hi Chris I have been watching you from the start going to the boat yard and seeing the progress each time, it took quite a while to get the boat into the water, Your boat is really smart but thing’s move on and morning star is a move forward, Although they are having a few teething problems, The lonely part just took some getting used to Bob
Thanks for the comment Bob. The Morning Star is a nice boat although a bit GREEN. That said, the lithium lifestyle costs a lot of money. I didn’t have enough. The car industry are suffering currently if you believe everything on the Tube. People who have bought electric cars are complaining about the batteries and the lack of miles covered. Do they have a generator on board? Most do. I have spoken to a few all electric boaters and I’m surprised how well they cope. Good luck to the fellas and anyone else who goes that way. Have a great week Bob.
Well Chris, what detail, about the toilet😢 For some reason funny. Great office space. I have a small fridge/freezer, it's a pain, but you have to go shopping more that's all. Be good to yourself my friend😊x
It’s all these little things that I just didn’t know. I though it was a small fridge and freezer. But it’s not. I’m actually running my freezer down and want to measure the effect of not having the use of it during the winter. Both on how I live and the battery. Stand-by. Thanks for the comment Julie and have a great week.
Chris a brilliant vlog. All those questions answered especially the loo bit too ! And totally agree re finding content. The tube and social media a challenge but so mentally rewarding when it goes right. Your boat is like brand new. Omg you need my dogs for a day lol. Fluff everywhere. Lol. Best wishes. Have a good week.
Hey bud,,, U explained everything so well !! From solar, battery, emma, etc I really enjoy ur vlogs,,, They are clear and u make em Logical and simple to understand,,,, Ur boat is absolutely immaculate,, well built and ur design of the interior is perfect !! Ur a good fella,,, obviously truthful and I guess u say it the way it is 👍 lol If u float past Pewsey wharf on the kennet and Avon let me know,,, I own the Barbers Room In pewsey I’ll treat you to a curry in our local establishment 💪👍
Thanks Rich. Dependant on how long you’ll be on your boat, I will definitely do the K&A. You’ll need to give me a prompt when I’m closer. Thanks for the comment and support. Have a great week.
Hi Chris, this is a brilliant vlog and your review of your first year om "Maximise".. It's scary how much power is drawn from various appliances and I'm sure had you known you would of sorted it from the off... Catch you Wednesday.. PS Get that Tetnus booster sorted :)
We take electrify for granted in a house. I did. Never had extortionate bills but never considered it before the boat just how much an effect it would have. Battery got down to 10% today. I am now accepting that is just the way. Thank goodness for lithium. Thanks for the comment Tim. Have a great week.
Great vlog Chris mate, very interesting. Can't believe it's been a year, flown by so fast. I'm not looking forward to learning the multi fuel stove on our boat, we haven't tried it yet, baby steps. About another week in Mercia Marina before we head north! Take care Chris
Congratulations and good luck. The stove - use coal and lots of it to start with. More that I considered. Use bold turns of the primary air flow then study it. Coal is more forgiving than wood. Take care going north. It’s colder and more northern. If you’re from the north, disregard you know already. No doubt less congested than being in the south. Have a great week.
hey mate your videos always have lots of content and you have a reall intersting outlook on life keep them coming and dont give it up i and your viewrers love watching them
If you do, have a great time. Regardless of new or old boat and whether you're on you own or not, I'm sure many people will agree, get over the first full year to decide if you're going to like it. I've spoken to other military people who have said, they needed a full year to agree to the way of life. Horses for course as they say. Thanks for the comment Glenn. Have a great week.
Thanks very much for the compliment. The opportunity in Switzerland. It did appear the fella was genuine in his conversation and intent. However that’s about as far as it got. He’s never responded to communication since. It’s a shame but in the back of my mind, it was a nice thought but never really expected it to happen.
@@chrismears-inslowtime helmsman courses (1 each) just completed. House photos taken last week, storage sourced for some important things. Just trying to gauge the market now to when is the best time to put it up for sale. Estate agent reckons things are as flat as pancake currently! (And we ain’t giving it away to suit a buyer on the limit!). We know what we are looking for now regarding a NB, with the help of much research, and yours and other folks VLOGs 👌
Hi Chris, great vlog as always & really interesting to hear your honest views on your 1st year on the boat. Keep up the good work and enjoy the rest of the summer.
This was so interesting and very timely. I've just finished watching your first videos through the fit out to launch day and then your first few vlogs on the cut. And coincidentally had watched your first solo Sandbag Sunday yesterday. You are so perceptive, and I wondered whether the sense of loneliness you spoke about in the early days was indeed missing that feeling of belonging somewhere. Keep doing what you do. Have a good week. :)
Hi Jean. I think the loneliness was a multitude of effects. Some of which have only just become apparent. Loss of belonging to my military life. New way of life, which is different to most and an unknown at that time. The compromises you need to do a massive at first. Being on my own in a new environment with no-one to bounce ideas off. Now….totally different. The weather helps and time of year. Thanks for the comment. Have a great week.
I like the way your boat has a colour scheme throughout. It conveys a sense of organization and thought. It might be controversial to say it, but I don't think you would get that with a couple designing a bpat interior. One of the things I wonder about is "efficient" food items. How would I handle that problem on a narrowboat? For instance, granola and pizza are both are easy to make and can be incredibly good nutrition. The problem is that the ingredients tend to take up a lot of space. You're not going to have room for 10 lbs of rolled oats or flour, or even space for frozen pizza shells. Both of those require an oven with a fair amount of space inside. For me, some things are simpler because I don't eat land -based meat of any kind, but keeping fish cold presents the same problems, albeit on a slightly smaller scale. Food would be something that would occupy a lot of my time, I'm sure.
The boat design - one signer Peter. Far easier. Granola I buy to add to the wheatabix. I also buy Alpen. Yes it takes up room but it also lasts a lot longer than a box of cereal. Pizza however, I have to let them go. Too much packaging. Rolled OPats in 1kg bag - yes Pizza - no due to packaging. Flour - yes to make pancakes and sear liver. Mince, chicken and fish are all freezable as is liver. All of that as it’s diverse. Thants about the gist of my eating habits. That or tinned stuff. Thanks for the comment Peter. Have a great week.
I look forward to your video's Chris. I went to do some work on my boat yesterday. Ive had a hatch fitted and a window in the back. Theres anither window to be fitted. The kitchen is ready to fit then ill need a gas fitter. Then i can get back on it and get the rest of the work finished. I will be bored stiff when its all done.
You may have a little more time on your hands but then that must be a good thing for you to sit back and enjoy the life you have worked hard to get. Good luck on the fit-out Jacquie. Have a great week. I don’t think it’s going to rain until Friday.
Look forward to your blogs you were only round the corner from me last Sunday at boxmoor the fishery inn I'd love to have a look in your boat and have a coffee with you
Hi Kym. I’m heading back that way in September. When the vlogs are going north, let me know and I’ll send a message when I’m at Kings Langley area. The vids are sometimes a little behind reality as I like to keep the vids to 20mins. Doesn’t always work. Sometimes, from a location I can get 2-3 vids out of it. Thanks for the comment and look forward to meeting up in the very near future.
Great Vlog again Chris, I was in Berkhamsted a while back and didn’t know till I had left that you was around otherwise I would of loved to of caught up with you as you seem to be on the same wavelength as myself ha ha. Is that good or bad. Hope you have a very happy second year and give me a shout if you ever want a chat 😊 All the best to you 👍
I’ll be there again soon. Probably late September. Happy to meet up if you’re around. Not a bad thing to be on a similar wavelength. Thanks Nikola. Have a great week.
Thanks for the tip. Yes I have considered it but I actually need to change the post code system, I’m going to continue to mortgage the good will. Have a great week and thanks for watching
Thanks for the comment Mark. No is the answer as I have a Hobbit stove which is small. I have seen other stoves where that would be a great idea. The coal is concentrated in a small area in my stove due to the size. I might be using bait more coal this year though. Have a great week.
Looks like you’ve got a good balance of energy usage from solar/lithium to appliances. Interesting to see your views on stoves. Maybe a diesel would be more convenient, less messy, free up more space and maybe more cost effective, don’t know. Research is required. Issues with water. Have you purchased a water carrier, think you mentioned it. ? The pram cover is great, I would definitely have one. Your home looks let’s say well organised, wouldn’t expect anything less. All the best. Keep up the good work…
The water carrier thing. I have a small 20ltr container. I am going to invest in perhaps two of those rollie things. That'll give me an extra 100ltrs. Weight distribution on the boat needs to be looked at but I have a plan. Thanks for the comment Dave. Have a great week.
I can relate man, I'm retired now and have turned to writing to find a way to have my say and then review what I think I'm thinking. Only to find out I make a lot of assumptions 🙃
Great idea. I've found a few people who are doing much the same thing. A great way of reflecting what has been done and the reasons why. The homework of life. Thanks for the comment Enjoy your week.
Hey Chris. Great Vlog. Thanks for the honesty and tour. I am starting down the path albeit at a very early stage having just put a deposit on a new shell which I want to fit out myself. I see you have a master volt set up. Something I am considering. Also thought about a compost toilet but where do you dispose of the waste product? I need to binge watch your build vlogs to see what ideas I can use. Lol. Keep up the great vlogs. Mick
Hi Mick. S2 Ep43 I discuss the whole composting system….while making an omelette. Perhaps not the best way but in one end……. I still use the same system as I can’t improve upon it, Trust me, I’ve tried. I would recommend Mastervolt as the wiring system is so much easier than others. They are more expensive but when those big expensive yacht things use Mastervolt as the main battery of choice, it’ll do for me too. Plug and play apparently. Points to note, I didn’t do a thing about fixing it or programming it. Thanks for watching and I hope the video helps answer the question. Have a great week.
Chris you are a top gent, have you any recommendations for a good read, As you probably read so much. I also follow quite a few boaters. I once had a week on a narrow boat , a holiday I loved with my wife daughter and son in law. Trouble is my wife hated it as much as I loved it, and I know she won’t go on another, I think they are so lovely in the winter warm and welcoming. Do you think you should get a dog!! ?? I really like Heidi on the. Pirate boat , she’s so funny and she likes her own company. By for now bob
There have been a few comments this week on good reads and should I do a book review. I just might do that but I don’t read as much as I thought I would do. Prisoners of Geography is a great read. How geography shapes Geo Politics. I was travelling to Iraq on C130/Hercules. Those who were reading, I would suggest 50% were reading that book. You wont be disappointed. Canal life, love or hate it. I appear to have been in both camps. Not really hated it but it’s taken it’s time to love it. Thanks Bob. Have a great week.
![ทุกครั้งที่หลับตา (Lucid Dream) - AYLA's [ Official MV ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4i1OBAQyv58/mqdefault.jpg)
great to see the vibe of positivity rolling on Chris
so much always to appreciate & learn
roll on buddy !!
Thanks Lloyd. You’re getting closer. I’ve booked a Paddington Basin pontoon mooring for Saturday night. They appear to be busy so was fortunate. Enjoy mate.
@@chrismears-inslowtime oh wow fantastic Chris
that's where I use to work @ st mary's hosp
Enjoy !!
Chris, I have been with you from the beginning and you never fail to entertain us. I always come away with a new bit of knowledge and I so enjoy when you make us think about life itself. May you continue your journey for many more years. Cheers!
Thanks for your support. I appreciate it. Have a great week.
You communicate so well Chris I do enjoy your freestyle presentation so much. It was always my ambition to follow your example and live aboard a narrowboat some day but I am now over 80 and my old pins have worn out and all that physical activity needed is beyond me now. Boating solo must be a real challenge and I often wonder how hard it must be to work the locks, park the boat and even take comfort breaks on the run. Congratulations on a very clear assessment of your first year aboard your fine vessel. Lessons learned for you and for many other newbies who are themselves afloat like you for the first time. Looking forward to many more excellent videos and narrative. Here's hoping you have a warm Winter.
Thank you Paul. I appreciate the comment. Working the locks as a single bloke is easy. It's just a pain and slow going. That said, if the canal is high and water overflowing the lock, it can be and has been impossible for knees to open, so I get your point. I was surprised how weak my knees were pushing against an overflowing lock. Have a great week.
I have no doubt you’re exactly the same all the time - that’s one of the reasons I love your blogs so much. You’re just you. Honest, expressive, interesting and funny….you probably talk about boaty topics less than other things which is different to most of the TH-cam channels I’ve found, and makes a nice change. I can’t believe how immaculate your boat is - it’s beautifully crafted but it’s clear you look after it very well. Maybe one day it will be untidy, but I doubt it!! I’d love to hear you do another review in six months time - middle of winter - so you can compare with your experience last year. Hopefully you’ll be feeling a lot happier and less lonely….and considerably warmer! Look after yourself - have a lovely week 😊
Thanks Mish. The boat got a tidy to take the photos. It’s been the only time it’s been tidy. It’s lived in now. But I do put stuff away…most of the time. A winter review is a very good idea as there are a few simple improvements I’m thinking about. The nattering on; I prefer talking about real life stuff. I’d run out talking about the boat as it appears to work. Doesn’t leak, sink, crash into bridges, has anything technical that could go wrong. I wanted a simple boat. Looking forward to a warm winter, as I was summer. Have a great week.
what a pleasant surprise to find an extra vlog this morning, once again you outdo so many others, really appreciate you sharing the past years learning. love the addition of the photographs, really adds your touch. Stay Safe and sane
Thanks Harry. Always appreciate the comment. Have a great week.
Always good to hear from you Chris. Chris in Devon.🙂
Thanks as always Chris. Have a great week.
One hundred and thirteen likes and 11 comments only 2 hours after release on a Sunday morning; that shows how your channel has progressed.
What a clever idea to have a review of the first year on the water.
As for the challenges behind finding content every week, I can well understand that: in the early days I wondered how could you possibly keep this going - making an entertaining and interesting video every single week. Well, whatever the secret to it is, you’ve certainly mastered it.
Happy anniversary, Chris.
Martin
Thanks for the kind support and commenting Martin. There is always something to discuss on the canals as it is ever changing. There is a constant; keep look for fresh idea and mix it up with interesting stuff. Hope you are well and enjoy your week.
Chris, thank you so much for your honest take with life on a narrowboat. I love your technical speak (thingy) it’s just so me.
Thanks Jacqui. I appreciate the comment and support. Have a great week.
Chris I very much enjoy your vlogs. I am so pleased that you have come through the winter and are feeling comfortable on your boat. Looking forward to your thoughts and adventures in the coming 12 months.
Thanks Helen. It was useful thinking about the last 12 months. I’m already preparing for winter and like the practice set up I’ve done. It works I just need to put it into production. Have a great week
Morning Chris ,a very good yearly reminder of your journey 👍very well done vlog,👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks Thomas. Appreciate the comment. Have a great week.
Another great Vlog Chris, enjoy the content, easy manner and so natural.😊keep it up.
Thanks Shaun. Have a great week.
What a great watch!
You discuss the security you left behind i.e. bricks and mortar, Job structure and sense of belonging. You certainly made a huge leap of faith but recognised what you were about to embrace was well outside your comfort zone. I can only admire your courage and enthusiasm to overcome your reservations and give a new life a "Bloody Good Crack"!
You have now adjusted but have you taken time to reflect on what you have created? A growing community of "Thinking People" who thoroughly enjoy your personality, honesty and lack of drama.
Real people who wish to associate themselves with you, what a wonderful achievement.
And as for a sense of belonging? You definitely have space in my house every Wed and occasional Sunday, and I live the other side of the world!
Great Job Chris
And, as always
Thank you
Mel
Thanks Mel. I have appreciated your input and support each week. Your counsel is appreciated. Thanks again. Have a great week.
Outstanding
Thank you Brian. Appreciate the compliment. Have a great week.
Thanks for your candour and honesty. It was a very interesting video.
Thank you Will. I appreciate the comment. Have a great week.
Thanks
Thank you Peter. Very much appreciated.
I loved this ! Never boring ,never lazy. 😊😎👍
Thank you Sharon. I appreciate the support and comment. Have a great week.
Enjoyed as always... Thank you, Chris!
Thanks Andrew. I appreciate the support. Have a great week
I love how you are so down to earth, I am waiting to win a narrowboat as its the only way I could live this life but really want to do this when I retire next yr
Hi Chris, I've only just come across your channel, and really enjoy it. As a lateral thinker, enjoy your no nonsense descriptive. One tip of something I got recently that may be of use to you, (depending on your cooking preferences), was a Mr D's Thermal Cooker!, Simply cook food to it's premium temperature, transfer to the thermal pot, and it continues slow cooking, (without using any energy) for 4-8hrs. Make in the morning, enjoy for dinner! I shall look forward to viewing more of your blogs/vlogs things😊! All The Best. Angela. 😊
Hi Angela. Thanks for the comment and the tip. Those thermal cookers are certainly a great idea. I’ve been on the boat a year now and during the build process I certainly considered it. Now however, my style of cooking is more simple and I just heat up and eat. Not saying never as it’s only me but if I ever get someone else on the boat full time, maybe that’ll change. Have a great week.
What an amazing persona and personality you have. Love your videos.
Thanks for the compliment and comment. have a great week.
Always great discussing toilets, cheers Chris!!!
Thanks Rob. I rarely talk toilets as it’s not an issue but it wouldn’t be a review without toilet talk. Thanks for the comment mate. Have a great week.
Another insightful, thought-provoking and entertaining vlog! Everyday's a school day in life. We are constantly in a state of "I don't know what I don't know", and often look back with regret at decisions made - but then you have to realise that person who made those decisions is different to the person now.
You're doing alright, mate. You're going through life with your eyes open, you head up and an abundant amount of self-awareness. Your videos are like therapy sessions.
Keep on keeping on...
Thanks Richard. I think I got it about right. There were decisions that if I were to do it again, diesel heater may have been better. But I’ll know after this winter for sure. That said, I’ll still be using coal for the foreseeable future. I’ll live with it. Thanks for the comment. Have a great week.
Hello Chris,fellow ex serviceman here,RGJ,just came across your channel and found it really interesting,the way you go about things gave me a chuckle as it was like being back on a course in the army,anyway,well done and i will be following you from now on,all the best
Welcome James and good to have you on board. Service life is mentioned a little over the course of the vlogs. It's been a massive part of my life and have gained so much from it. No war stories, just experience stories. Thanks for the comment and Sub. have a great week.
Great Vlog Chris, especially with a coffee on a Sunday morning. 👏🏻👍🏼😎
I think it’s a bit early but as you know how time flies on the water. Is it this week? Thanks Nick.
@@chrismears-inslowtime update from BB yesterday, last week in August. Leave booked from 24th for two weeks so covered ourselves. It’s looking good. 👍🏼
What a great round up of your year so far Chris and what you have found challenging… I look at life as lots of bubbles that I have “fit in” over time / jobs / friends / family locations etc / sometimes my bubble bumps into someone else’s for a while and shares the same space / so I get it that your getting to grips with your new bubble and surroundings. But sometimes I find it’s great to step outside my bubble “comfort zone” so to speak and see how the world and all the bubbles float about / love stepping into your bubble each week and enjoying your journey / keep up the good work Chris - you will become a TH-cam legend in your own right / plus as your kids grow up they can see challenges in life from your perspective and that will provide great memories in the future 😊
There’s thought that has gone into that comment. Thanks Jon. I recognise others also write thought provoking comments too. I liked the idea of the children being able to follow my journey when they get older. Not sure any of them actually watch the channel. Perhaps on the odd occasion they catch up. But it’s all on a hard drive too. That reminds me - need to back up the HD. That could be fatal. Plenty of bubbles in life is a great expression and I think it’s important to look through a different bubble to work out if there are better ways of living. I think at the moment people are generally concerned about life rather than living. I hope it all improves soon. Have a great week Jon and thanks for the comment.
I have enjoyed all your vlogs.
Thank you. I appreciate the watch time and comment. Enjoy your week.
Hi Chris, what a beautiful boat. Really enjoy listening to your journey and things you have learnt and overcoming loneliness which can be a tough one. I also really understand the familiarity comments, it can feel unnerving when everything is away from the norm. We are learning so much from you, and do appreciate it so much. Great vlogs thank you so much ❤
Thank very much Jacqueline. I appreciate the support and pleased I've been of some use. Enjoy the weekend.
Hey Chris, everyone else, have said it all. Brilliant vlog, great walk through. What really excelled was the video techniques and post production..... slick, real slick. Your sharing of your trials and tribulations was very interesting indeed.
Hey looking forward to our paths crossing and grab a meal and or a beer or two.
Best Regards Colin
Thanks Colin. It’ll be great to catch up sometime this year. Pop in if you get the chance. Thanks for the comment. Have a great week.
very helpful - thank you Chris
Thanks for the comment. Pleased you thought it useful. Have a great week.
Chris, loved, loved this! Your home is amazing. The pictures are beautiful .Thanks so much for taking us through the year and sharing your breakthroughs. Excited for you and your upcoming ventures, please share all that you can with us. Until next time, CP
Thank you Clara. Indeed I do share my life as much as possible. There are things I'm going to broach over the coming months but need to measure the responses. It is a boat channel and want to keep it that way but......
Thanks for the comment and enjoy your week.
Hi Chris. Excellent vlog, Sir. Also, I have very much appreciated your responses to earlier posts I've made here. Being around the same age as you, I can well imagine the time putting these clogs together would entail. Indeed, a Finn sailing Ak in winter, 20yrs ynger than us at least, says it takes him 105mins editing / 1min of vlog!
As for experiencing lonliness, narrowboating alone, I'd hazzard a guess that experience has as much to do with your place in time and space with context. Age, regimented work history out the side hatch, and living alone now vs having been raising a family in the not too distant history.
I think I get lonliness - what it is and how quietly debilitating in can present as: I am an American and I've lived in Jakarta, Indonesia for some 30yrs now!
Yrs ago Indid a Goenke Vippasana meditation retreat, 10 days of silent meditation in the foothills of a volcanic massif in West Java. Whilst I bolted after 4 days, the peace of meditation, sitting in silence, and accepting that the mind is essentially a river if turbulent ideations, has stuck with me ever since.
Loved your library - Sapiens, you have Sapiens! I have that too - and the graphic novel version too. Much more understandable for me as a comic book - LOL!
Have a great week! 😅
Editing time is about right. I base it on 1hr per minute of video. He maybe a little better than me. If I need to colour grade and colour correct, it’s a lot longer. When I’ve done it, no-one appears to notice so unless the footage is blown out with the whites and highlights or too dark with the shadows and blacks, I generally don’t bother. Skin tones is the key. If I look too pale, I generally colour correct.
Yes to all of that ref loneliness. You’ve lived in some interesting place and as for the silence retreat, I can’t mediate as I can’t sit still. ADHD they call it now. A figit was the name in our era.
A mix of books from the library and the kindle. Some more philosophy and psychology on the kindle with a bit of Ludlum and Archer. Thanks for the comment. I appreciate it. Enjoy the week.
Fascinating,,,,,an entertaining, interesting and amusing video,,,,Thank you young fella!
Thanks Ian. I hope you’re sat in more than your underwear this week and the weather a little cooler. Have a great week.
Thoroughly enjoyed the State of the Nation review. At a time when dishonesty, editorial bias and the spouting of general bullshit has become the norm in most media outlets, it is entirely refreshing to hear heart-felt truth delivered without filter or fettle. I’ve mentioned it previously and will do so again, your delivery is balanced, considered, opinionated but not malicious, it’s compelling.
What about hosting an online book club? Maybe an option for the darker days of winter…
Thanks for the comment Mark. On-Line book club. That would mean I need to read a book or two. And more importantly get the info right instead of thingy or what's his name. It just doesn't cut it. I may give it a go on one in the future. See what the end result is. Have a great week.
As previously just seen Sunday evening absolutely loving your friendly honest blogs xx well done !
Thank you Sandra. I can sniff out people who talk to the viewers in a way they want to come across as a certain person. I’ve seen it on this thing. You get caught out. Have a great week.
Great picture of the kids Terrific music! Just you 👏🌟 Joan. ( don’t know if it was a good thing to do, but we had no solar, Graham used a Cpac machine at night, so we would switch the fridge and freezer off each night, but never open the doors till power back on!! )
Thanks for the comment and advice Joan. I've been looking at briefcase generators. I've chosen one. I phoned the Fit Out Pontoon and sought advice. Strangely the same make as the one Mark had on his boat. I've done the switch off of the freezer and fridge but the food didn't last as long. Freezer not so bad. This year, I'm not going to use the freezer as I didn't need it as much as I thought I would. I'm running it down now. Turn it back on in Apr. Have a great week.
Thanks, Chris. Good vlog. I missed the first half of the Lionesses watching/listening to you! I'm going to have program you at different times.🙂
Oh Yes. What’s the score. Too bust answering comments I’ve forgotten about the football. Thanks for the comment and watching as opposed to watching the footie. Have a great week Malcolm.
1-0 to Spain. Half time. Have a good week, too.
As someone who will be selling their house next year to buy a boat I am finding your vlogs very useful as an honest experience of life afloat to help let me know what I'm in for , also your boats interior finishes beautiful and so clean and tidy
Thanks Nathan. Clean and tidy(ish) most of the time. I do have to put things away every so often. It's the small stuff that I leave lying about. Need to find a home for them this week. Talking of which, generators on the next vlog. Might be interesting for you. Thanks for the comment and have a great week.
@@chrismears-inslowtime oh yes very interested in generators especially silent generators theirs been soooo much development with generators and power stations so it will definitely be a very interesting subject , love your vlogs and your music within the vlogs aswell
Hi Chris. Long time no comment. I think I was one of your first subscribers. Still watch all your vlogs but been feeling low this past year so didn’t have the umph to comment. Another great vlog this week with your wit and honesty. Hope Max is doing well 😊
Hi Jackie. I agree you were one of the first movers. Thank you. Sorry to hear you’ve been feeling a little low over the past year. I hope your feeling a little brighter now the summers here, this week at least. Enjoy the week. Take care.
I always enjoy watching your Vlogs, as you are very different from the many I watch. Many are so predictable in the content. Keep up the good work. And it's good to listen to you. The subject matter is always different and interesting, and when you "interview peeps," it is good to watch.
Thanks for the comment Geoff. I appreciate it. Need to edit Christians vid this week. I've put pressure on myself. Have a great week.
I enjoy watching your videos and love your artwork n camera quality. I’m from America and you fill a lot of lonely hours. Two days ago was the anniversary of my husband passing it’s the fifth anniversary and just as hard as when he first passed your videos is the first I’ve ever comment on but you seem honest n down to earth n keep the videos coming
Hi Rhonda. Sorry to read about your husband’s passing. I feel privileged that you’ve chosen to comment on my channel as a first time commenter. I’m please you like the vids. This week is a week of more waffle with a bit of thought provoking stuff I think/hope. Thanks for the comment. I appreciate it. Have a lovely week and take care.
Chris, another beautiful vlog. I get the asking a family member or friend for an address , postcode. You are living like a gypsy. No offence to gypsies. Changing the subject, what I admire in you is that you are willing to evolve and learn. I try to be the same. Just because I am getting older. Does not mean I can not learn and or evolve into a better person. There are tooooooo many people just stagnate. Life is for living and we or some people forget that has they get older. Chris, I am going to look up how i can buy you a coffee. Thanks for the work you put in to the videos.
Thanks Fred. Learning to evolve comes generally through necessity. Having to live a different style than one expected now becomes a motivator. I’m we can all do given the circumstances. I think for me what is interesting is the thought process people like. As you know, it’s just basic logic learned from life. But then maybe not. It’s all I know through. Thanks for the comment and have a great week.
Really good.
Thank you
Thanks Will. Have a great week
Chris, I follow 4 narrow boat sites. Each one is different from the other 3. I do not enjoy any of the other 3 more than yours. I think that they happen to have more viewers than you only because they’ve been at it longer than you. I’d like to buy you a “coffee”, but I’m technologically illiterate. I’d appreciate it if you could instruct me (us) in a detailed way how to do so. On top of that, I live in Indiana in the USA. Finally, don’t change a damned thing you feel doing; its your personality that makes your site so special! Keep on keeping on.
Hi Thomas. Thank you for your supportive comment and indeed for the offer of additional support. I get the tech stuff.
1. go to my channel home page by clicking or pressing on my face.
2. Below the pic of the steel shell is a row of segments. Click or tap the about.
3. There is a link on that page to buy me a coffee.
4. Follow the instructions.
Thank you very much Thomas. Enjoy your week.
Excellent vlog Content very good very honest and truthful Please don’t be lonely there are lots of us subscribers waiting to hear about your life and you 🙃a interesting person
Thank you Sue. I appreciate the caring thought and support. Have a great week.
It’s my birthday 🥳. Thank you for being you. I really like the way you think, but I also think you are so funny. Thank you for sharing your “year” with us land lovers. 😂
Have a drink for me and a smoke if you have one.
Thank you Shoan. As always, thanks for your comment and support. I appreciate them and enjoy your week.
Love your vlogs keep them coming .
Thank you Lynne. I appreciate the comment and support. Have a great week. (Auto correct is a pain)
Hi Chris great vlog and really enjoy them and lovely to see how your first year has been on the boat. Keep doing them. Have a great week. X
Thank you Caroline. I appreciate the comment and support. Have a great week.
interesting vlog. You come across very genuine which is very important. Best wishes
Thank you Julie. I appreciate the support and comment. Have a great week.
Great video Chris - Sincerely I love the honesty in your content. If 'we' help you at all in your travels, then we've succeeded too. Keep it up, thank you.
Thanks very much for the supportive comment. Have a great week.
Great vlog Chris. Cheers
Thanks Greg. I appreciate the comment. Have a great week.
I am glad that you have settled down in your boat. Take care.
Thanks Tom. Have a great week.
Discovered you a few weeks ago. Thoroughly enjoying your channel and your honesty about living on a canal boat. 😊
Thank you. Welcome aboard and the style is about my life without exaggeration or sensationalism. Have a great week and thanks for the comment.
Loneliness doesn’t seem to affect us single introverts. 😊. But Chris you are certainly Not an introvert 😅😅😅 which is one of reasons I’ve enjoyed all your vlogs since day 1.
Not in the truest sense and I totally get where you’re coming from. I did a profile on MBTI before I left. INTJ. I = Introverted. It does just mean I have a learning towards introversion.
I = single minded, independent, determined, individualistic. It’s interesting if you check it out on the Tube as the four letters.
I agree, I do come across as extroverted. I think the fella on My Narrowboat Adventure is an introvert. Great comment as it made me reload and read my profile to see if I’ve changed. Have a great week.
Hi Chris. An excellent vlog as we now expect. Chris you would have more content if you wandered further afield on the canal system. However you have your reasons and after over a year following your channel I still really enjoy your vlogs. Thank you so much.
That will be happening this year or next. I have my younger children in the Greater London area. That will change in the future. Not sure when but then you'll all get bored with the new area. However, it might be in the Midlands where there are a few more canals. Until then, I'll waffle on but have some stuff planned for this winter. It'll keep you all amused I'm sure; and me. Thanks for the comment Jo and have a great week.
Brilliant. I learned a lot from this, 1 year on a narrow boat. I love the vlogs, 😂thank you.
Thank you Russell. I appreciate the comment. Enjoy your week.
Hi Chris, we've watched you from the start and hopefully every episode and loved it. Since what i can remember your first episode, (i better check) with you chatting about embarking on your journey, i knew it would be a cracking channel.
We watch some others , then go off their channel and maybe try it again but you have been consistent. As people have said, you're the same person on and off the tube, i haven't met you, but it does come across that way. You're a natural, looking forward to another year watching your life on board and I'm glad you're popping in a few more Sunday's again.
Raymond & Tina
Thank you for the kind support Raymond. I appreciate the comment. I said in my first vid about there being a saturated segment which has only become more saturated. I wanted to be different. I think I am and others are starting to find out, which is great news. Have a great week.
I've often mused over the different types types of boater - the 20 miler, the LTM/marina, the leisure and of course the true CC'er. Being the latter was what it was all about for me - why live in a metal tube if you are not going anywhere? But it can be very tiring, the constant finding your way around new places, mooring etc.
I have to say, you have an unusually well equipped vessel, which must certainly help. So many are still living with second/third rate power, poor insulation etc etc. I'd have gone 12v with the appliances but aside from that perfection!
Thanks Johnny. I agree I'm fortunate to have the boat I have. It is well equipped and is a house on the water which has become my home. Agree with the 12v thingy but the decision is made now and I have to live with it. Thanks for the comment and enjoy your week.
Hi Chris, I’m a relatively new follower and I’m slowly working my way through your previous videos. I do follow a couple of other canal boat TH-camrs - but I’m quite fussy. Your channel is refreshing as you speak your mind; you’re honest and have a very dry sense of humour. I’m not sure why you haven’t got more subscribers. Your are very “Blokey”which is fine by me; why not? I like your signature tune but think maybe your very black background with your face peering through at the beginning maybe puts some people off?! It didn’t put me off but I could see how it might! Just an observation. Don’t shoot me down everyone…… I’m fine with it. Thank you Chris for being informative and entertaining. I’m enjoying catching up with your earlier videos. Have a good week! 👍
Thank you Sally. I get the face on the channel art. The point is it’s art. Also the phrase that has books and covers springs to mind. In the early days that same comment was made by a few people. Not sure if they are still subscribers but it’s one of my earliest attempts of a self portrait. I do a few more on the boat with a different outcome. Although shadows and light still feature. Thanks for the comment and pleased you get the humour. Have a great week.
Cool.. I don't like blue , blue is not for me, but boy that blue you have , makes me love blue beautiful.
It's called Prussian Blue. I just liked the contrasting colours of the blue against the light/medium oak. Thanks Pamela. Have a great week.
Great vlog your honesty is great. Purpose is hard to find as your career and raising a family gives you this in heaps but when times change we have to find our way, glad TH-cam has given you something back. Have a good week and look look forward to the next one 😊
Thank you Ali. I appreciate the comment and support. Have a great week.
Thanks for the time it takes for you to think about vlogs content, it can’t always be easy, and of course filming it, editing it and uploading it. Quite honestly when you showed us your finger it turned my stomach, it could very easily been much worse. It’s at times like this when, as a lone boater, I do wonder what you would do had it been worse.
Always very interesting even as a none boater, what with battery %, multi fuel stoves etc. I can well imagine how useful a pram cover is but also how expensive they are. Looking forward to many more, keep your fingers to yourself in future. Take care and continue being yourself, it’s what we like about you.
Thanks Bob. The finger could have been worse and to be honest I’m surprised it’s not happened sooner. That said, it was a sharp edge and a clean cut that may have gone all the way. Maybe not through the bone, although it was close enough. The worst case scenario, I would have popped the finger in a bag with ice and walked to the hospital with a bandage over the other end. Fortunately, I’ve lived in this area so know where the hospital is. It would have been a challenge had I been somewhere i didn’t know so well. I think from here on in, I’ll look on the map. You never know. Have a great week and thanks for the comment and support.
Hi Chris and a very interesting vlog. You have come along way since your first time on the boat. Love the boat and the finish is excellent. Well presented and clearly explained.
Cheers Keith from Auzz.
Thanks Kieth. Have a great week.
Great Vlog Chris and a really interesting reflection on your last year, fascinating in many respects to see and feel the realities of your life over the last 12 months. Have a brilliant week, Autumn/Winter will not be far away so I am certain your preparations are all in place or getting there. Enjoy your week and look forward to Wednesdays Vlog.
Yes I’ve considered winter. I’m trying out boxes on the roof. I have two currently and like the system. Mats are required as I only had two. Need to get more and more boxes. That’ll make it easier to get the coal, reduce the weight in the bow and it’s cleaner as I’m not lifting coal bags. Also I can have a winter+ supply. Thanks for the comment Gary. Have a great week.
Lovely video, you do an amazing job every time, great style and so informative from yourself but also your interviews of others are well done.👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🙋🏼♀️
Thanks for the support Jilli. A chat with Christian will be next Sunday. I just need to do the editing. Busy week for me but I hope you have a great one.
Love the vlog very interesting hear your views but best of all love the Halo you have at the end of the vlog. Ha ha. 😇
It’s the only problem with the sun and the blown-out effect with the port holes. Rest assured, no halo attached. Dodgy past! Thanks for the comment Gillian and have a great week.
Get your self a foot stool (no pun intended 😅) when using your toillett, get one as tall as your knees can go to your chest as if you were squatting. This is a game changer.
I'm not sure if you noticed the collapsable stool in the bathroom. Or even if I showed it, but it's there. Done it. Been there, Makes the difference. You're right. It's all about relaxing and openings. Thanks for the tip.
The year has flown by since I attended the launch and you have clearly adjusted to your new lifestyle brilliantly. I genuinely appreciate your time and effort into vlogging, as it allows me to be a passenger on your journeys, which I enjoy thoroughly. Well done Chris, I tip my hat to you.
Thanks as always Jack. It’ll be nice to host you on the boat sometime soon. Have a good week mate.
Congratulations on 12 months on the cut starting my journey very soon
Enjoy it and give it time. It may take a bit of time but good luck. Hope the vids have been useful. It is only my perspective. Thanks for the comment and have a great week.
Quality video..
Thanks Chevy. Have a great week.
You have given me another great start for the day cheers Chris 🌻
Thanks Jim. Have a great week.
wonderful insightful view based on your experience of a year afloat Chris. I've been watching and more importantly for me, listening to you for a few months. I've watched all your videos back catalogue and especially enjoyed seeing how the ' boat ' developed and came to be. Its nice to see that by and large you appear to have got things right. In not a boater and don't intend to become one, but I enjoy your style and slant on life as a boater and very much enjoy your videos. Thanks for your entertaining video content and your life philosophy. Much appreciated
Thank you for the comment Rick. I appreciate the support. I appear to be able to tell a story by stringing a few words together about life (my life) and will dabble a little more over the coming months. Meeting up with a few boaters in September and October. Even Christmas has been loosely arranged. Have a great week.
You are doing good enjoy the content x
Thank you Lesley. Have a great week.
Good one Chris! Oh my goodness!! I hope your finger is better. Ouch! The boat still looks new. I’ve been with you since day one and it’s nice to watch you grow into your new life. Cheers!
Thank you Jayne. I appreciate the support. The finger is healing up well to be honest. Had to buy some spray stuff. Appears to work. Might have a battle scar now! Have a great week.
Great vlog as usual, Chris. Very interesting to hear your reflections on the first year. Did you get your boat from Ovation? We get our new boat in a couple of weeks time from Tristar, next shed to Ovation! We’re benefiting from your first year experience
The Fit Out Pontoon is across the road at Winking Hill Farm. basically go to the next junction towards Nottingham. Good luck on your launch and journey in your boat. I'm pleased to have added value. Thanks for the comment and have a great weekend.
Hi Chris I have been watching you from the start going to the boat yard and seeing the progress each time, it took quite a while to get the boat into the water, Your boat is really smart but thing’s move on and morning star is a move forward, Although they are having a few teething problems, The lonely part just took some getting used to Bob
Thanks for the comment Bob. The Morning Star is a nice boat although a bit GREEN. That said, the lithium lifestyle costs a lot of money. I didn’t have enough. The car industry are suffering currently if you believe everything on the Tube. People who have bought electric cars are complaining about the batteries and the lack of miles covered. Do they have a generator on board? Most do. I have spoken to a few all electric boaters and I’m surprised how well they cope. Good luck to the fellas and anyone else who goes that way. Have a great week Bob.
Well Chris, what detail, about the toilet😢 For some reason funny. Great office space. I have a small fridge/freezer, it's a pain, but you have to go shopping more that's all. Be good to yourself my friend😊x
It’s all these little things that I just didn’t know. I though it was a small fridge and freezer. But it’s not. I’m actually running my freezer down and want to measure the effect of not having the use of it during the winter. Both on how I live and the battery. Stand-by. Thanks for the comment Julie and have a great week.
Nice one Chris. Keep up the good work mate it’s always nice to see what you are doing 👍🇬🇧
Thanks for the comment Chris. Have a great week.
Thanks Mate & the same to you.
Chris a brilliant vlog. All those questions answered especially the loo bit too ! And totally agree re finding content. The tube and social media a challenge but so mentally rewarding when it goes right. Your boat is like brand new. Omg you need my dogs for a day lol. Fluff everywhere. Lol. Best wishes. Have a good week.
The dogs for a day would be nice….for a day. I want to get a dog at some stage but not for a few years. Take care Trev. have a great week.
Hey bud,,,
U explained everything so well !! From solar, battery, emma, etc
I really enjoy ur vlogs,,,
They are clear and u make em
Logical and simple to understand,,,,
Ur boat is absolutely immaculate,, well built and ur design of the interior is perfect !!
Ur a good fella,,, obviously truthful and I guess u say it the way it is 👍 lol
If u float past Pewsey wharf on the kennet and Avon let me know,,,
I own the
Barbers Room
In pewsey
I’ll treat you to a curry in our local establishment
💪👍
Thanks Rich. Dependant on how long you’ll be on your boat, I will definitely do the K&A. You’ll need to give me a prompt when I’m closer. Thanks for the comment and support. Have a great week.
Hi Chris, this is a brilliant vlog and your review of your first year om "Maximise".. It's scary how much power is drawn from various appliances and I'm sure had you known you would of sorted it from the off... Catch you Wednesday.. PS Get that Tetnus booster sorted :)
We take electrify for granted in a house. I did. Never had extortionate bills but never considered it before the boat just how much an effect it would have. Battery got down to 10% today. I am now accepting that is just the way. Thank goodness for lithium. Thanks for the comment Tim. Have a great week.
Great vlog Chris mate, very interesting. Can't believe it's been a year, flown by so fast. I'm not looking forward to learning the multi fuel stove on our boat, we haven't tried it yet, baby steps. About another week in Mercia Marina before we head north! Take care Chris
Congratulations and good luck. The stove - use coal and lots of it to start with. More that I considered. Use bold turns of the primary air flow then study it. Coal is more forgiving than wood. Take care going north. It’s colder and more northern. If you’re from the north, disregard you know already. No doubt less congested than being in the south. Have a great week.
hey mate your videos always have lots of content and you have a reall intersting outlook on life keep them coming and dont give it up i and your viewrers love watching them
Thanks you for the supportive comment Dougie. I appreciate it. I’m here for a while at least. I’m just getting started. Have a great week.
Thanks for your info, looking at doing the same in jan. Mine will have to be a leaker...
If you do, have a great time. Regardless of new or old boat and whether you're on you own or not, I'm sure many people will agree, get over the first full year to decide if you're going to like it. I've spoken to other military people who have said, they needed a full year to agree to the way of life. Horses for course as they say. Thanks for the comment Glenn. Have a great week.
Best narrowboat vlog on the Internet . Do you mind if I ask if anything transpired from the potential opportunities from your trip to Switzerland?
Thanks very much for the compliment. The opportunity in Switzerland. It did appear the fella was genuine in his conversation and intent. However that’s about as far as it got. He’s never responded to communication since. It’s a shame but in the back of my mind, it was a nice thought but never really expected it to happen.
Great vlog seems longer than a year that we’ve been watching think it’s 2 lol. Always interesting always straight talking take care.
Nearly two on the Tube, you’re right. I certainly feels longer for me doing all this vlogging malarkey. Thanks Caroline.
Congratulations on your year mate. Great Sum’ 👏
Thanks Andy. SitRep!
@@chrismears-inslowtime helmsman courses (1 each) just completed. House photos taken last week, storage sourced for some important things. Just trying to gauge the market now to when is the best time to put it up for sale. Estate agent reckons things are as flat as pancake currently! (And we ain’t giving it away to suit a buyer on the limit!). We know what we are looking for now regarding a NB, with the help of much research, and yours and other folks VLOGs 👌
Hi Chris, great vlog as always & really interesting to hear your honest views on your 1st year on the boat. Keep up the good work and enjoy the rest of the summer.
Thanks Rob. I do feel cheated this summer as the sun has never been a constant and the brasses always dull due to the rain. Have a great week.
This was so interesting and very timely. I've just finished watching your first videos through the fit out to launch day and then your first few vlogs on the cut. And coincidentally had watched your first solo Sandbag Sunday yesterday. You are so perceptive, and I wondered whether the sense of loneliness you spoke about in the early days was indeed missing that feeling of belonging somewhere. Keep doing what you do. Have a good week. :)
Hi Jean. I think the loneliness was a multitude of effects. Some of which have only just become apparent. Loss of belonging to my military life. New way of life, which is different to most and an unknown at that time. The compromises you need to do a massive at first. Being on my own in a new environment with no-one to bounce ideas off. Now….totally different. The weather helps and time of year. Thanks for the comment. Have a great week.
I like the way your boat has a colour scheme throughout. It conveys a sense of organization and thought. It might be controversial to say it, but I don't think you would get that with a couple designing a bpat interior.
One of the things I wonder about is "efficient" food items. How would I handle that problem on a narrowboat?
For instance, granola and pizza are both are easy to make and can be incredibly good nutrition. The problem is that the ingredients tend to take up a lot of space. You're not going to have room for 10 lbs of rolled oats or flour, or even space for frozen pizza shells. Both of those require an oven with a fair amount of space inside. For me, some things are simpler because I don't eat land -based meat of any kind, but keeping fish cold presents the same problems, albeit on a slightly smaller scale. Food would be something that would occupy a lot of my time, I'm sure.
The boat design - one signer Peter. Far easier. Granola I buy to add to the wheatabix. I also buy Alpen. Yes it takes up room but it also lasts a lot longer than a box of cereal. Pizza however, I have to let them go. Too much packaging.
Rolled OPats in 1kg bag - yes
Pizza - no due to packaging.
Flour - yes to make pancakes and sear liver.
Mince, chicken and fish are all freezable as is liver. All of that as it’s diverse.
Thants about the gist of my eating habits. That or tinned stuff. Thanks for the comment Peter. Have a great week.
I look forward to your video's Chris. I went to do some work on my boat yesterday. Ive had a hatch fitted and a window in the back. Theres anither window to be fitted. The kitchen is ready to fit then ill need a gas fitter. Then i can get back on it and get the rest of the work finished. I will be bored stiff when its all done.
You may have a little more time on your hands but then that must be a good thing for you to sit back and enjoy the life you have worked hard to get. Good luck on the fit-out Jacquie. Have a great week. I don’t think it’s going to rain until Friday.
Hi crish love the channel
Thanks John. Have a great week.
Look forward to your blogs you were only round the corner from me last Sunday at boxmoor the fishery inn I'd love to have a look in your boat and have a coffee with you
Hi Kym. I’m heading back that way in September. When the vlogs are going north, let me know and I’ll send a message when I’m at Kings Langley area. The vids are sometimes a little behind reality as I like to keep the vids to 20mins. Doesn’t always work. Sometimes, from a location I can get 2-3 vids out of it. Thanks for the comment and look forward to meeting up in the very near future.
Great Vlog again Chris, I was in Berkhamsted a while back and didn’t know till I had left that you was around otherwise I would of loved to of caught up with you as you seem to be on the same wavelength as myself ha ha. Is that good or bad. Hope you have a very happy second year and give me a shout if you ever want a chat 😊
All the best to you 👍
I’ll be there again soon. Probably late September. Happy to meet up if you’re around. Not a bad thing to be on a similar wavelength. Thanks Nikola. Have a great week.
Have you considered using the Post Office’s ‘Post Restante’ service or Boatmail to get around your Postcode problem?
Thanks for the tip. Yes I have considered it but I actually need to change the post code system, I’m going to continue to mortgage the good will. Have a great week and thanks for watching
Controlling the burn time of the coal is a fine art; a few boaters have mentioned the ‘coal cage.’ Did you get one ?
Thanks for the comment Mark. No is the answer as I have a Hobbit stove which is small. I have seen other stoves where that would be a great idea. The coal is concentrated in a small area in my stove due to the size. I might be using bait more coal this year though. Have a great week.
That was a great vid!
Cheers Dutch. Appreciate the comment. Have a great week.
Looks like you’ve got a good balance of energy usage from solar/lithium to appliances.
Interesting to see your views on stoves. Maybe a diesel would be more convenient, less messy, free up more space and maybe more cost effective, don’t know. Research is required.
Issues with water. Have you purchased a water carrier, think you mentioned it. ?
The pram cover is great, I would definitely have one.
Your home looks let’s say well organised, wouldn’t expect anything less.
All the best. Keep up the good work…
The water carrier thing. I have a small 20ltr container. I am going to invest in perhaps two of those rollie things. That'll give me an extra 100ltrs. Weight distribution on the boat needs to be looked at but I have a plan. Thanks for the comment Dave. Have a great week.
I can relate man, I'm retired now and have turned to writing to find a way to have my say and then review what I think I'm thinking. Only to find out I make a lot of assumptions 🙃
Great idea. I've found a few people who are doing much the same thing. A great way of reflecting what has been done and the reasons why. The homework of life. Thanks for the comment Enjoy your week.
Hey Chris. Great Vlog. Thanks for the honesty and tour. I am starting down the path albeit at a very early stage having just put a deposit on a new shell which I want to fit out myself. I see you have a master volt set up. Something I am considering. Also thought about a compost toilet but where do you dispose of the waste product? I need to binge watch your build vlogs to see what ideas I can use. Lol. Keep up the great vlogs. Mick
Hi Mick. S2 Ep43 I discuss the whole composting system….while making an omelette. Perhaps not the best way but in one end……. I still use the same system as I can’t improve upon it, Trust me, I’ve tried. I would recommend Mastervolt as the wiring system is so much easier than others. They are more expensive but when those big expensive yacht things use Mastervolt as the main battery of choice, it’ll do for me too. Plug and play apparently. Points to note, I didn’t do a thing about fixing it or programming it. Thanks for watching and I hope the video helps answer the question. Have a great week.
@@chrismears-inslowtime Thanks Chris, good to know about master volt. I will now go and watch the omelet from it creation to its destruction.
Now I understand better definitely go that route but it was only half the story 😅😅(unless I missed something). What happens to no 1’s?
Ignore my last question. I realised how stupid I was. Lol
Chris you are a top gent, have you any recommendations for a good read, As you probably read so much. I also follow quite a few boaters. I once had a week on a narrow boat , a holiday I loved with my wife daughter and son in law. Trouble is my wife hated it as much as I loved it, and I know she won’t go on another, I think they are so lovely in the winter warm and welcoming. Do you think you should get a dog!! ?? I really like Heidi on the. Pirate boat , she’s so funny and she likes her own company. By for now bob
There have been a few comments this week on good reads and should I do a book review. I just might do that but I don’t read as much as I thought I would do. Prisoners of Geography is a great read. How geography shapes Geo Politics. I was travelling to Iraq on C130/Hercules. Those who were reading, I would suggest 50% were reading that book. You wont be disappointed. Canal life, love or hate it. I appear to have been in both camps. Not really hated it but it’s taken it’s time to love it. Thanks Bob. Have a great week.