@4:10 that's a section of a Bailey bridge. They were designed in WW2 so combat engineers could put up bridges in (literally) hours. They'd made so many they ended up being used basically everywhere for a few decades after the war. They still make them for military use.
Hey there, thanks so much for the info. I thought that it was some sort of movable, bridge, and I am really pleased to now know what they are called. Thank you so much. Thanks again, much appreciated. 🙂🐿🌈❤️
At 4.02 min it is most certainly a Bailey Bridge section, a 'Triple Single'. note the three panels which are vertical each side, of the deck or 'roadway'. Just some humble observations from a former Royal Australian Engineer, form Queensland Australia. Really Like the VLOG BTW
Mr. Tupperware was in the wrong. But you know this by now 😊 I joined your channel a few years back, watched all vlogs, and now I am back again. A joy, I must say. Cheers
WOW, I am sure they are a part of a WW2 Bailey bridge, used to span rivers and such, where the original had been blown up. much like a giant meccano kit, they could be joined together to span in a solid bridge of on pontoons so spanning a greater width.
Reference the metal edifice at 4:05 it looks like a section of Bailey bridge. A type of prefabricated bridge used by the military for crossing obstacles like ditches, canals or narrow rivers. You'd need a combat engineer to say if it's genuine WW 2 vintage but they were widely used during the war but also during the reconstruction following the war to replace bombed out civilian bridges. Couldn't say why it's sitting there but maybe this was used as a training area during the war and this was left as a monument.
I second that. It is a section of Bailey Bridge. Nowadays, the US Army calls it a Medium Girder Bridge, but all same same. Funny thing, there are still Bailey Bridges in use in the US, and Europe, which were put in at various times. Some were put in as Civil Affairs projects, or by National Guard, or Reserve units. Funny to drive across and suddenly realize what it is.
Your comments on the Soar were very helpful to us on our first Cruise of that river. - thank you. The Weirs and the goose mess - you were quite right! We think that the object in the field was part of an old military bridge, a Bailey bridge (there is still one in place and used at Walton on Trent). We continue our cruise towards Kegworth, mooring at Mountsorrel for refreshment and the night. Ian and Angela on Knot About.
Awsome, and very enjoyable video as usual, to answer your question Its a section of a Bailey Bridge. They were mobil bridges that could be assembled within hours. Used in WWII
Hi, David. Thanks so much for a relaxing cruise this evening. We enjoyed it thoroughly, and it helped us to ease out of the work day. Cheers, Maggie & David, Vermont, US
David at 4.05 you pulled out of a lock and asked about a structure on the left, it is a piece of a Bailey Bridge. The British military developed these in the 1940s, they are prefabricated sections that are joined as required to form a truss bridge.
David, Its a sections of an Army Baily bridge They where used during and after WW2 there designed to span a river from one side. So the bridge had more sections on one side of the bank than the span to counter balance the whole weight. Cheers David
First rule of boating everywhere: "Avoid collisions if at all possible." If an oncoming vessel makes a definite and obvious move to his chosen path, AVOID HIM, even if he is in the wrong. NEVER insist upon your 'legal' right. You might end up 'dead' right. You clearly - and early on - saw him taking the wrong path. Leave him to it, give him room, as long as it does not endanger you. Then, forget it. Don't carry him rent free in your head. You will still be grousing over his incompetence while he is 'mugging' someone else down the canal, having long forgotten about you.
I suspect that the other boater misinterpreted a complementary "keep left" sign in his direction of travel as "keep to the left, and oncoming boats will also keep to their left, and you pass each other on your right". So David did the right thing, tried to stick to the rules, and when that turned out to be impossible, avoided the collision. I don't know British inland navigation rules, but international maritime law (COLREGS) actually has a rule that *requires* you to *break* the rules if there is no other way to avoid a collision. Very sensible, should apply in more areas of life.
Oh darn it! I forgot to make my tea! (pauses video to go make some tea...) Ah, much better. :-) (resumes video). I loved the little sturdy horses. I wonder what kind they were.
@4:09 That appears to be a section of Bailey bridge or similar design. Semi-portable, modular bridge construction parts that men can maneuver into position to with replace damaged bridge sections or bridge gaps where no bridge currently exists.
hi there we love the vlog ,we were delighted to see our new boat appear on your vlog as you passed MGM boats .We take ownership of her at the Crick boat show .So if you go to Crick come and say hello NB. IKE Tom and Jacqui
Two years late, but I might be able shed some light on the 'rules of the road'. I am an old deep water sailor but to the best of my knowledge we Americans learned to sail from our British parents who quite literally wrote the book. Again, to the best of my knowledge these rules are international in that they are practiced in every regulated waterway on Earth. When coming into contact with other vessels one must only remember a simple rule: Port = left = red and Starboard = right = green. While simplified the rule is green light go, red light give way. The smaller boat clearly saw your port side. Therefore they saw red. They should have never crossed your bow without establishing communications, relaying their intention, and procuring your consent (hardly a thing applicable to this situation as the closing speed was too great). A great teaching method for fledgling seaman and land-lubbers is to note that all of the words correlate to which has the greater or lesser number of letters in the word. Port < Starboard; Left < Right; and Red < Green.
Brett got it right, that unknown metal structure was a section of Bailey bridge. Used extensively during WWII, and yes it is a British invention. Still used throughout the world even today.
4:11 Lt. Colonel J.O.E. Vandeleur: “When you refer to Bailey crap I take it you mean that glorious, precision-made, British-built bridge which is the envy of the civilized world?”
Maybe the small craft was fresh out of driving school and was following road rules.... You tea sippers sure like to drive on the other side of the road!!!! Another brilliant episode to distract me from my dull tasks....thank you!
"What the Dickens" was a section of a Bailey bridge. A WWII invention of a modular bridge that could very quickly create a river or canal crossing. If I remember correctly it was a British invention but used extensively during and after the war by all allies. What one section was doing in that field I don't know. Even if some Army Engineers had been playing there at some time, it is hardly the kind of thing one would forget when packing up. And besides, packing up means completely dismantling it, not leaving sections intact.
A truly wonderful vlog as always. I'm new to Cruising The Cut and I'm loving all your videos. I've started at the very beginning (it's a very good place to start) but couldn't resist watching this vlog when I got my notification email. By the way, you have a lovely voice - you should read audiobooks for Audible.
Hallo, that thing on the field is a part of a "Bailey-" or "D- Bridge" that army engeneers use to cros rivers when other bridges are destroid. HTH. Greting from Germany.
"You're probably wondering about my anchor" err...no! But I am squealing at the kissing horses and the donkey 😍😍 I loooove donkeys. And the dog by the flood lock was beautiful
I'm from Australia. We drive cars on the left the same as you but boats to the right as is the international rule. I have had another boat push its way past on the wrong side as in this video. As he went past, arms waving furiously, he yelled, "don't you know the road rules?" which, unfortunately, made me laugh loudly in his face and answer "yes I do."
funny really. it was the brits who came up with/recommended or whatever, that marine traffic passes on the right side. sometime in the late 1800's i guess(?)
Loving your videos David. Started from number 1 and I'm now here after about a week of watching. Brilliantly put together and your a great presenter. A few more to go before I get to recent vlogs 😂
I like herons but I’m really loving the swans they r so beautiful. Thank you for showing you life on the canals.❤️👍🏻😷 I love the horses with the long hairs on their hooves just gorgeous.
It's a section of 'triple truss' 'single story' Bailey Bridge (different design configurations depending on the length/load requirements - I used to build them in a previous life as a Royal Engineer) went out of service in the 60's/70's except for special events - last one I saw built was over the main road as a foot bridge to provide access to the Aldershot show. The chappie in the grp should have given you 2 short blasts on the horn to let you know he was moving to port and intending to pass starboard to starboard (must have assumed you were psychic). Great video again btw :)
6:18 Always keep the approaching craft to larboard (left or portside) save that anything under sail without motor assistance always has the right of way, and two sails pass to port as usual with the one breaking wind due to the courtesy being owed a pint at the next meeting. That snotty little plastic pik will likely encounter the submerged grocery trolley 'cause of his insubordination and too dense to ever know why. May the great spirit save me. Because of my fascination with the blog, Kokopelli has turned me into a defective Brit. He stands with the herons on the shore. Look there! I sees 'im.
Got to wake up to see that cruising the cut had uploaded another video. That always a great way to start a morning coffee and a another great video. Don't worry about that boat that passed you. You were very much in the right he should of stayed left. Thanks for another great video can't wait till the next one
Large lump of metal looked like a Bailey bridge segment. They are used by the army to cross rivers, the are taken to site in pieces, assembled, a counterweight attached and pushed across until the frame touches the other side. Good intro, we all know who you are so you just get on with it. Thanks
4:06 That would possibly be a section of what is called Bailey Bridge. They are meant to be temporary structures, connected together with other sections to make whatever length of bridge is needed. Hope that helps. Safe journey!
When you mentioned 30 years since University your face said it all. For a couple of seconds you almost blanked out thinking of those 30 years and had a slightly mortified look. Funny stuff, I do the same, I'm 50 next week haha :)
After i could see and if the canals use ordnary sea rules ,boat you meet should pass you at your left side.So you ,if searules are valid ,was in the right.Great video and natur as you pass by.So nice that take the "wildlife " in the vlog.
Comments by experienced boaters say the gesticulating boater was in the wrong. Being uncertain I might have simply stopped moving to let the angry man pass however he wanted and good riddance, but in the moment I'd probably do as you did. I always learn something from your vids, thanks!
Triple Single Bailey bridge...3 sections wide one high. Still used in military and civillian applications today (Made by Mabey). In fact the bridge over the river at Pooley Bridge in the lakes has been replaced by a Bailey Bridge following the 2015 floods
Not sure the rules at the waterways in the UK are exactly the same as over here in The Netherlands but the action of the Tupperware-captain wasn't the right thing to do. I was hoping he got grounded, would be the best for everybody if he doesn't move at all. In The Netherlands (and the mainland of Europe), if you want to pass at the opposite side you have to show a blue square signal or blast your horn short twice.
The rule that indicates you pass port to port isn't set in stone. But it's considered good form. The GRP craft was generally in the wrong, but you did the correct thing by letting him pass you to the 'wrong' side. There are appropriate sound signals, both in the U.S. and internationally to indicate which side you want to pass. I don't know if they apply on the canals, but should on rivers. That said, it is both captain's responsibility to avoid a collision, even if one is a complete dufus.
Your puns do make me groan, but also smile :) I remember Frank Muir going through a long monologue (not sure if it was on Call my Bluff or something else) where he had to comment on puns, and he ended up with the point of the story as being "buns where the lowest form of wheat". Sorry, as in true Ronnie Corbet style...I digress! Interesting vlog as usual David. You now seem to be conquering your fear of Weirs!
Looks a lovely stretch of water. I (Shaun) also went to Loogabarooga Uni but only for a year. I left before I got kicked out, with nothing but drinking debt! Good times though :-)
nice to see Loughborough . i was born there but moved to Australia when i was 5.. very nice to see the place from a different angle... came over from the Vandamonium channel. always wanted to take a canal boat holiday. I have been binge watching you over easter break. Glad to see i have a long way to go yet...thanks for all the great video.
Hey David greats vlogs catching up again as I have just spent the last 11 days on The Corsican that's now 35 day's on board and only 4 at home if I keep this up i'll soon be a live a board that would be great . So we have to stay right here in Norfolk if your old mate there had pushes right over like that he would have been in the wrong in Norfolk and watching the vlog I think he was in a muddle but I do think you were right and he got it wrong . Now 30 years that is how long I have been here in Norfolk and who knows where the time go's someone rote a song called that I believe Sandy Denny it's a beautiful song if you get a chance to hear it , well keep them coming great stuff as per good luck David ...
Thank you for this most enjoyable new vlog, I'm not too familiar with the narrowboat habbits, but I used to be an inland barge captain on the other side of the Channel (now retired).On the barges here (of course quite a bit bigger than NB's) if a boat wants to be on the wrong side, often when going upstream on a flowing river taking the Inside bend, he'll show a blue board (used to be a blue flag) and at the same time it will show a white flashing light, downstream traffic shows this blue board too, to show that it's understood.The same if the boats wants to more up on the wrong side, if there's traffic in the opposite direction coming, he'll show the blue board too.On top of that the barges will have (had) VHF contact already too, but I think that all that is way to much for some gentle pleasure boat cruising in the UK.Looking forward to your next vlog.
For the record - Bailey Bridge -Donald Bailey was a civil servant in the British War Office who tinkered with model bridges as a hobby.[1] He presented one such model to his chiefs, who saw some merit in the design. A team of Royal Engineer (RE) officers was assembled at the Military Engineering Experimental Establishment (MEXE), in Barrack Road Christchurch, Dorset, in 1941 and 1942. In the course of development, the bridge was tested in several formats, e.g., as a suspension bridge, and as a "stepped arch" bridge, as well as the flat truss bridge which became the standard. The prototype of this was used to span Mother Siller's Channel which cuts through the nearby Stanpit Marshes, an area of marshland at the confluence of the River Avon (Hampshire) and the River Stour, Dorset. It remains there (50°43′31″N 1°45′44″W) as a functioning bridge.....Another great Vlog !
Very nice vlog and good to see a bit of the Soar that we have recently traveled, especially also Loughborough (my home town) where we moored in the basin last year.
Ah, I'm new to your channel and grew up in Birstall. I still have family in Leicester and Mountsorrel so it was nice seeing familar places from the canal. Great videos and great channel
I like to google the places you show and talk about like the mgm boat place and look at the satalite view . To see the locks and follow the river . That thing you asked about there is another one on tour stbd side in a field Hello from kentucky 🇺🇸
Tip for the anchor from a sailor (me): From the last mooring point, lead the anchor rope directly outboard first and then over the rail or around the rail post back inboard again to the anchor. When you have to throw it, you have to throw it fast, and when it grips into the river- or canalbed and is still twisted around parts of the rail (or whatever it is called at the side of a cockpit on a narrowboat), with a current pushing a 20t boat on one end and a dug in anchor on the other, chances are high that your rail (or whatever it is called at the side of a cockpit on a narrowboat) will be torn off! The mooring point is made for those forces, the rail possibly not.
I hate to do this but I must correct you (sorry). Not a long boat. Those are what the Vikings used to go pillaging. These are narrowboats. Sweet dreams though :-)
You're thinking of longships. A long boat can also be a narrow boat and a narrowboat may be wider than a long boat. The longboats however are mostly longer than a narrowboat but I have to check how narrowboats compare to longboats. They may be wider. Longships are really long.
Excellent.....love your blogs more and more. You have cemented our decision to get a liveaboard..hope to meet you along the way. The only thing worse than acting on a a mid-life crisis is not acting on it. Very professional footage and commentary, the BBC could do with sending a bit of Gary linekar salary your way for a proper informative programme. Best of luck xx Colleen and James
So far today manfully, watching the adverts to show my appreciation of your vlogs, I have been recommended to buy a 150,000 BMW, invest in Brazil, watched nightmare inducing Netflix ads, and a beautiful lady recommending Go Daddy. Not easy lol.
Since you like Herons , might be an idea to have a couple of them painted on your lovely ship just to brighten it up . Lots of Canal boat painters and signwriters listed once you start to look for them. Cheers!
twisty bits , river currents , and wrong side drivers. you've survived another leg on the river! can't wait to see what excitement awaits downstream...😏
You are correct port to port ,but if in doubt you can turn your bow to your right and come back to straight do that 3 times to indicate you are going right or starboard so he should know to pass you on your port ,also if you are the bigger boat heavyer in narrow channel the smaller boat must give way as you are confined by steerage.
Pilling Lock - named after me (haha). Another super video David. Very exciting in places. Those weirs certainly look far from peaceful; imagine what they must be like when it's been raining for a few days! Again, your commentary was very informative and following the map at the same time, gave me an idea as to where you were at the time.
I was going to say it looks like a section of bridge. Spotted your answer and upon Googling Bailey Bridge along with where I live it brings up images of the bridge I was thinking of. It's reasonably near a weir too but that's probably unrelated.
Thank You , enjoyed that, you were on my home turf there. The point where you past from the Lelcester Canal onto the River Wreake, there is a bridge called the Three Ways Bridge (you were thinking about a cup of tea at the time) that we call the front door, the front door to the rest of the Wreake ,which was the Melton Navigation, and is in the early stages of restoration. Sorry for the plug . You will be surprised that people don't know that that short stretch From the canal to Cossington is the Wreake.
The sightings of the Great Blue Herons is actually a very good sign. Means that the waterways are clean enough for them to find safe food and nesting. They are a sensitive species. I had to grin at the black cat confidently exploring the "wrong" side of the canal. Obviously he/she has done this sort of thing before. And I got right bouncy at the sight of the horses. Love them, always have. Question; what are the weirs for? The ones on Canadian rivers are for folks who want to catch a lot of salmon. But I suspect there are few salmon in the canals. May you meet a pleasant weird.
They're to divert water away from the main course I suppose, some sort of flood control. Truth be told, I don't really know! I liked the stealthy cat too :-)
Weirs are used to maintain a navigable height of water as the river flows downstream. Locks are placed at the side of weirs to lower boats to the next level.A stretch between weirs is known as a reach.
My uncle works as a volunteer (is that working?) at Loughborough's Great Central Railway. Didn't see the bridge crossing the canal in your videos, but they hope to connect the GCR with another heritage railway to the north by rebuilding 'the Loughborough Gap.' This means replacing/refurbishing the bridge over the canal, completely reconstructing a missing embankment, and building a new bridge from scratch over the existing mainline track. The so-called gap is about 1/2 mile in total. I know this information isn't boating related, but certainly one of my favorite things to see is an old steam train working across a canal bridge with narrowboats below. I've always wanted to go to the end of the Caldon Canal for that very reason. Greetings again from New York City.
@4:10 that's a section of a Bailey bridge. They were designed in WW2 so combat engineers could put up bridges in (literally) hours. They'd made so many they ended up being used basically everywhere for a few decades after the war. They still make them for military use.
kylesenior and they really suck to assemble and disassemble
The more modern versions are erectable in mere minutes
That metal thing was a section of bailey bridge, used by the army as a temporary bridge
Hey there, thanks so much for the info.
I thought that it was some sort of movable, bridge, and I am really pleased to now know what they are called.
Thank you so much.
Thanks again, much appreciated.
🙂🐿🌈❤️
Why would it have been located where it was in that field?
To pile things on it?
It's 'cruising the cut' - binge night tonight for me i'm afraid- far better than regular tv (he should have his own tv show really!)
At 4.02 min it is most certainly a Bailey Bridge section, a 'Triple Single'. note the three panels which are vertical each side, of the deck or 'roadway'. Just some humble observations from a former Royal Australian Engineer, form Queensland Australia. Really Like the VLOG BTW
Took the words right out of my mouth , hello to a fellow sapper !....royal engineers British army
Mr. Tupperware was in the wrong. But you know this by now 😊
I joined your channel a few years back, watched all vlogs, and now I am back again. A joy, I must say.
Cheers
WOW, I am sure they are a part of a WW2 Bailey bridge, used to span rivers and such, where the original had been blown up.
much like a giant meccano kit, they could be joined together to span in a solid bridge of on pontoons so spanning a greater width.
The structure that you had no clue about is a section of Bailey bridge.
Emergency bridging I think it's a version of the military bailey bridge
Definitely looked like Bailey Bridge to me as well
These videos are so pleasant, I just love them
Thank you
Reference the metal edifice at 4:05 it looks like a section of Bailey bridge. A type of prefabricated bridge used by the military for crossing obstacles like ditches, canals or narrow rivers. You'd need a combat engineer to say if it's genuine WW 2 vintage but they were widely used during the war but also during the reconstruction following the war to replace bombed out civilian bridges. Couldn't say why it's sitting there but maybe this was used as a training area during the war and this was left as a monument.
I second that. It is a section of Bailey Bridge. Nowadays, the US Army calls it a Medium Girder Bridge, but all same same. Funny thing, there are still Bailey Bridges in use in the US, and Europe, which were put in at various times. Some were put in as Civil Affairs projects, or by National Guard, or Reserve units. Funny to drive across and suddenly realize what it is.
Thirded. It’s definitely a prefabricated steel bridge segment, aka Bailey Bridge.
I am seriously picking up on the English language because i seriously doubt there are many Britons more British than you David, i love it! 😊👍
Your comments on the Soar were very helpful to us on our first Cruise of that river. - thank you. The Weirs and the goose mess - you were quite right! We think that the object in the field was part of an old military bridge, a Bailey bridge (there is still one in place and used at Walton on Trent). We continue our cruise towards Kegworth, mooring at Mountsorrel for refreshment and the night. Ian and Angela on Knot About.
Ah, superb! 😀😀
Awsome, and very enjoyable video as usual, to answer your question
Its a section of a Bailey Bridge.
They were mobil bridges that could be assembled within hours. Used in WWII
Hi, David. Thanks so much for a relaxing cruise this evening. We enjoyed it thoroughly, and it helped us to ease out of the work day. Cheers, Maggie & David, Vermont, US
Super, that's good to hear :-)
all caught up now, this means no more binge watching, sad face. Guess I could start from the beginning again! i love the scenery.
Yes, start again. You might have missed something :-)
David at 4.05 you pulled out of a lock and asked about a structure on the left, it is a piece of a Bailey Bridge. The British military developed these in the 1940s, they are prefabricated sections that are joined as required to form a truss bridge.
Came here looking for this ... thanks ...
Lovely video! Thank you for posting!
Thanks Jenny :-)
David, Its a sections of an Army Baily bridge They where used during and after WW2 there designed to span a river from one side. So the bridge had more sections on one side of the bank than the span to counter balance the whole weight. Cheers David
Super! Thanks
First rule of boating everywhere: "Avoid collisions if at all possible." If an oncoming vessel makes a definite and obvious move to his chosen path, AVOID HIM, even if he is in the wrong. NEVER insist upon your 'legal' right. You might end up 'dead' right. You clearly - and early on - saw him taking the wrong path. Leave him to it, give him room, as long as it does not endanger you. Then, forget it. Don't carry him rent free in your head. You will still be grousing over his incompetence while he is 'mugging' someone else down the canal, having long forgotten about you.
Sound advice!
I suspect that the other boater misinterpreted a complementary "keep left" sign in his direction of travel as "keep to the left, and oncoming boats will also keep to their left, and you pass each other on your right". So David did the right thing, tried to stick to the rules, and when that turned out to be impossible, avoided the collision. I don't know British inland navigation rules, but international maritime law (COLREGS) actually has a rule that *requires* you to *break* the rules if there is no other way to avoid a collision. Very sensible, should apply in more areas of life.
I agree, I think that's exactly what occurred!
Oh darn it! I forgot to make my tea! (pauses video to go make some tea...)
Ah, much better. :-) (resumes video).
I loved the little sturdy horses. I wonder what kind they were.
Tea is crucial. No idea about the horses!
Lovely, as always, David. I enjoy your professional presenter persona intermingled with your Everyman humour.
Thank you
@4:09 That appears to be a section of Bailey bridge or similar design. Semi-portable, modular bridge construction parts that men can maneuver into position to with replace damaged bridge sections or bridge gaps where no bridge currently exists.
Thank you
hi there we love the vlog ,we were delighted to see our new boat appear on your vlog as you passed MGM boats .We take ownership of her at the Crick boat show .So if you go to Crick come and say hello NB. IKE Tom and Jacqui
Oh wow, how exciting for you! Unfortunately I won't be at Crick this year, what a shame.
Two years late, but I might be able shed some light on the 'rules of the road'. I am an old deep water sailor but to the best of my knowledge we Americans learned to sail from our British parents who quite literally wrote the book. Again, to the best of my knowledge these rules are international in that they are practiced in every regulated waterway on Earth.
When coming into contact with other vessels one must only remember a simple rule: Port = left = red and Starboard = right = green. While simplified the rule is green light go, red light give way. The smaller boat clearly saw your port side. Therefore they saw red. They should have never crossed your bow without establishing communications, relaying their intention, and procuring your consent (hardly a thing applicable to this situation as the closing speed was too great).
A great teaching method for fledgling seaman and land-lubbers is to note that all of the words correlate to which has the greater or lesser number of letters in the word. Port < Starboard; Left < Right; and Red < Green.
Meaning he should've been on your left.
Another great Vlog. When you get that notification, from your channel you know it's a great day ha Keep them coming 🙌
I hope I can maintain the standard!!
The piece of steel in the field is a section of a Bailey Bridge.
Aye! That thing could very well be a WW2 relic!
Brett got it right, that unknown metal structure was a section of Bailey bridge. Used extensively during WWII, and yes it is a British invention. Still used throughout the world even today.
Please keep these wonderful vlogs coming for us poor land lubbers here in North Idaho.
Haha, OK then!
And the Puget Sound!
:-)
4:11 Lt. Colonel J.O.E. Vandeleur:
“When you refer to Bailey crap I take it you mean that glorious, precision-made, British-built bridge which is the envy of the civilized world?”
Maybe the small craft was fresh out of driving school and was following road rules.... You tea sippers sure like to drive on the other side of the road!!!!
Another brilliant episode to distract me from my dull tasks....thank you!
Cheers Doug!
If it wasn't mention the object at 4:08 is part of a Bailey Bridge.
I thought so as soon as I saw it; my grandad put them up during the war.
"What the Dickens" was a section of a Bailey bridge. A WWII invention of a modular bridge that could very quickly create a river or canal crossing. If I remember correctly it was a British invention but used extensively during and after the war by all allies.
What one section was doing in that field I don't know. Even if some Army Engineers had been playing there at some time, it is hardly the kind of thing one would forget when packing up. And besides, packing up means completely dismantling it, not leaving sections intact.
Thank you. Good info and yes, a mystery!
CruisingTheCut no good asking me😊 I didn't have a clue!
Hahaha
Well done!!! You have braved more treacherous weirs and emerged victorious!
The only part of each vlog that I don't like is when the music starts to come up and I know it's near the end. Thanks for all your efforts!! Cheers!
More soon!
Just lovely.....as always.
Thanks!!
Ta
Thank you sharing such an enjoyable vlog.
Thank you, as always, for watching.
A truly wonderful vlog as always. I'm new to Cruising The Cut and I'm loving all your videos. I've started at the very beginning (it's a very good place to start) but couldn't resist watching this vlog when I got my notification email. By the way, you have a lovely voice - you should read audiobooks for Audible.
Thank you and thanks for watching. If Audible want to pay me to do that, I'll be more than happy :-)
Hallo, that thing on the field is a part of a "Bailey-" or "D- Bridge" that army engeneers use to cros rivers when other bridges are destroid. HTH. Greting from Germany.
Thank you!
oh sorry too late!
"You're probably wondering about my anchor" err...no! But I am squealing at the kissing horses and the donkey 😍😍 I loooove donkeys. And the dog by the flood lock was beautiful
Donkeys are ace. When I get a homestead, I'm going to have donkeys.
Yes!!!
And chickens. And lots of cats.
What could go wrong there...
Perhaps I could have a sanctuary for orphan foxes too?
Your journalistic skills serve you well. I live in Utah, and your vlogs gives me glimpse of a life style I find fascinating.
Thank you :-)
I'm from Australia. We drive cars on the left the same as you but boats to the right as is the international rule.
I have had another boat push its way past on the wrong side as in this video.
As he went past, arms waving furiously, he yelled, "don't you know the road rules?" which, unfortunately, made me laugh loudly in his face and answer "yes I do."
Oh dear :-(
funny really. it was the brits who came up with/recommended or whatever, that marine traffic passes on the right side. sometime in the late 1800's i guess(?)
Loving your videos David. Started from number 1 and I'm now here after about a week of watching. Brilliantly put together and your a great presenter. A few more to go before I get to recent vlogs 😂
I like herons but I’m really loving the swans they r so beautiful. Thank you for showing you life on the canals.❤️👍🏻😷 I love the horses with the long hairs on their hooves just gorgeous.
I had no idea that you were in your late 40s. I had you around 38 or 39. Must be the fresh air, boats and tea that's good for staying youthful .
It's a section of 'triple truss' 'single story' Bailey Bridge (different design configurations depending on the length/load requirements - I used to build them in a previous life as a Royal Engineer) went out of service in the 60's/70's except for special events - last one I saw built was over the main road as a foot bridge to provide access to the Aldershot show. The chappie in the grp should have given you 2 short blasts on the horn to let you know he was moving to port and intending to pass starboard to starboard (must have assumed you were psychic). Great video again btw :)
Thank you (for both answers). Cheers!
Thank you ; all the lovely birds and critters are charming.
Fantastic Vlog. What a stunning stretch that was. Really enjoyed the trip, Roll on the next !!
Thank you
I watched this vlog three times...... I really enjoyed it.. Thank you.
Blimey, thank you!
6:18 Always keep the approaching craft to larboard (left or portside) save that anything under sail without motor assistance always has the right of way, and two sails pass to port as usual with the one breaking wind due to the courtesy being owed a pint at the next meeting. That snotty little plastic pik will likely encounter the submerged grocery trolley 'cause of his insubordination and too dense to ever know why.
May the great spirit save me. Because of my fascination with the blog, Kokopelli has turned me into a defective Brit. He stands with the herons on the shore. Look there! I sees 'im.
Got to wake up to see that cruising the cut had uploaded another video. That always a great way to start a morning coffee and a another great video. Don't worry about that boat that passed you. You were very much in the right he should of stayed left. Thanks for another great video can't wait till the next one
Thank you and glad you liked the video :-)
High Adventure here.
Thanks for taking us along.
Happy Cruising
:-)
Large lump of metal looked like a Bailey bridge segment. They are used by the army to cross rivers, the are taken to site in pieces, assembled, a counterweight attached and pushed across until the frame touches the other side. Good intro, we all know who you are so you just get on with it. Thanks
Thanks :-)
I just want to say I absolutely love your videos I live in London and they provide an escape from the rat race !!.
that metal thing was part of a portable bridge from WW2, watch Kelly's Heros, or a Bridge Too Far
Lovely, thank-you for the nice journey.
Cheers
4:06 That would possibly be a section of what is called Bailey Bridge. They are meant to be temporary structures, connected together with other sections to make whatever length of bridge is needed. Hope that helps. Safe journey!
Ah terrific; cheers!
When you mentioned 30 years since University your face said it all. For a couple of seconds you almost blanked out thinking of those 30 years and had a slightly mortified look. Funny stuff, I do the same, I'm 50 next week haha :)
Where did the time go?!
After i could see and if the canals use ordnary sea rules ,boat you meet should pass you at your left side.So you ,if searules are valid ,was in the right.Great video and natur as you pass by.So nice that take the "wildlife " in the vlog.
Thank you!
Comments by experienced boaters say the gesticulating boater was in the wrong. Being uncertain I might have simply stopped moving to let the angry man pass however he wanted and good riddance, but in the moment I'd probably do as you did. I always learn something from your vids, thanks!
You were correct on the right.
Thanks for sharing, that seemed like a lovely tour.
:-)
How wonderful it must be to float down the waterways and wakeup to it all. It did get a bit hairy though.Hugs.
It is, thank you :-)
Your welcome my friend.
The garden with the cannons along the bank makes me think of the house in Mary Poppins
Triple Single Bailey bridge...3 sections wide one high.
Still used in military and civillian applications today (Made by Mabey). In fact the bridge over the river at Pooley Bridge in the lakes has been replaced by a Bailey Bridge following the 2015 floods
Thank you.
actually.....thank you. Your channel has been most helpful to the point that we're off looking at boats 😊
That's dangerously expensive talk!
early retirement 😊
Not sure the rules at the waterways in the UK are exactly the same as over here in The Netherlands but the action of the Tupperware-captain wasn't the right thing to do. I was hoping he got grounded, would be the best for everybody if he doesn't move at all.
In The Netherlands (and the mainland of Europe), if you want to pass at the opposite side you have to show a blue square signal or blast your horn short twice.
The rule that indicates you pass port to port isn't set in stone. But it's considered good form. The GRP craft was generally in the wrong, but you did the correct thing by letting him pass you to the 'wrong' side. There are appropriate sound signals, both in the U.S. and internationally to indicate which side you want to pass. I don't know if they apply on the canals, but should on rivers. That said, it is both captain's responsibility to avoid a collision, even if one is a complete dufus.
Your puns do make me groan, but also smile :) I remember Frank Muir going through a long monologue (not sure if it was on Call my Bluff or something else) where he had to comment on puns, and he ended up with the point of the story as being "buns where the lowest form of wheat". Sorry, as in true Ronnie Corbet style...I digress! Interesting vlog as usual David. You now seem to be conquering your fear of Weirs!
I love it. Just wait 'til the next video title... :-)
once someone asked CTC to sing in a tunnel :)
was great to see the river Soar and how long boats deal with moving water thank you for another pleasant video once again cheers
Cheers (PS they're not "long boats" - that's what the Vikings used to go around pillaging in. These are narrowboats)
Looks a lovely stretch of water. I (Shaun) also went to Loogabarooga Uni but only for a year. I left before I got kicked out, with nothing but drinking debt! Good times though :-)
Hahaha. Ahh, memories (mostly for me of the student radio station).
nice to see Loughborough . i was born there but moved to Australia when i was 5.. very nice to see the place from a different angle... came over from the Vandamonium channel. always wanted to take a canal boat holiday. I have been binge watching you over easter break. Glad to see i have a long way to go yet...thanks for all the great video.
Hey David greats vlogs catching up again as I have just spent the last 11 days on The Corsican that's now 35 day's on board and only 4 at home if I keep this up i'll soon be a live a board that would be great . So we have to stay right here in Norfolk if your old mate there had pushes right over like that he would have been in the wrong in Norfolk and watching the vlog I think he was in a muddle but I do think you were right and he got it wrong . Now 30 years that is how long I have been here in Norfolk and who knows where the time go's someone rote a song called that I believe Sandy Denny it's a beautiful song if you get a chance to hear it , well keep them coming great stuff as per good luck David ...
Cheers :-)
Thank you for this most enjoyable new vlog, I'm not too familiar with the narrowboat habbits, but I used to be an inland barge captain on the other side of the Channel (now retired).On the barges here (of course quite a bit bigger than NB's) if a boat wants to be on the wrong side, often when going upstream on a flowing river taking the Inside bend, he'll show a blue board (used to be a blue flag) and at the same time it will show a white flashing light, downstream traffic shows this blue board too, to show that it's understood.The same if the boats wants to more up on the wrong side, if there's traffic in the opposite direction coming, he'll show the blue board too.On top of that the barges will have (had) VHF contact already too, but I think that all that is way to much for some gentle pleasure boat cruising in the UK.Looking forward to your next vlog.
Thank you. Yes, narrowboats only tend to carry marine VHF if they're going on tidal waters.
For the record - Bailey Bridge -Donald Bailey was a civil servant in the British War Office who tinkered with model bridges as a hobby.[1] He presented one such model to his chiefs, who saw some merit in the design. A team of Royal Engineer (RE) officers was assembled at the Military Engineering Experimental Establishment (MEXE), in Barrack Road Christchurch, Dorset, in 1941 and 1942. In the course of development, the bridge was tested in several formats, e.g., as a suspension bridge, and as a "stepped arch" bridge, as well as the flat truss bridge which became the standard. The prototype of this was used to span Mother Siller's Channel which cuts through the nearby Stanpit Marshes, an area of marshland at the confluence of the River Avon (Hampshire) and the River Stour, Dorset. It remains there (50°43′31″N 1°45′44″W) as a functioning bridge.....Another great Vlog !
Genuinely interesting stuff, thank you
Thanks David. I look forward to your videos.
:-)
8:45 that little trimaran on your starboard side looks like it would be great fun to muck about in on the water 🙂
Very nice vlog and good to see a bit of the Soar that we have recently traveled, especially also Loughborough (my home town) where we moored in the basin last year.
And from where someone nicked Alan's BBQ which he left cooling down on the towpath, admittedly overnight...
Oh yes...good old Rough-borough! :)
Ah, I'm new to your channel and grew up in Birstall. I still have family in Leicester and Mountsorrel so it was nice seeing familar places from the canal. Great videos and great channel
I like to google the places you show and talk about like the mgm boat place and look at the satalite view . To see the locks and follow the river . That thing you asked about there is another one on tour stbd side in a field Hello from kentucky 🇺🇸
Tip for the anchor from a sailor (me): From the last mooring point, lead the anchor rope directly outboard first and then over the rail or around the rail post back inboard again to the anchor. When you have to throw it, you have to throw it fast, and when it grips into the river- or canalbed and is still twisted around parts of the rail (or whatever it is called at the side of a cockpit on a narrowboat), with a current pushing a 20t boat on one end and a dug in anchor on the other, chances are high that your rail (or whatever it is called at the side of a cockpit on a narrowboat) will be torn off! The mooring point is made for those forces, the rail possibly not.
To sleep per chance to dream of sailing the canals of England on my own long boat.. Bravo to another enjoyable Vlog :-)
I hate to do this but I must correct you (sorry). Not a long boat. Those are what the Vikings used to go pillaging. These are narrowboats. Sweet dreams though :-)
You're thinking of longships. A long boat can also be a narrow boat and a narrowboat may be wider than a long boat. The longboats however are mostly longer than a narrowboat but I have to check how narrowboats compare to longboats. They may be wider. Longships are really long.
I stand corrected..:-)
Excellent.....love your blogs more and more. You have cemented our decision to get a liveaboard..hope to meet you along the way. The only thing worse than acting on a a mid-life crisis is not acting on it. Very professional footage and commentary, the BBC could do with sending a bit of Gary linekar salary your way for a proper informative programme. Best of luck xx Colleen and James
And I'll quite happily take that kind of cash! :-) Cheers
'boy racer' passing on the wrong side. Nice river footage
Haha, thanks
So far today manfully, watching the adverts to show my appreciation of your vlogs, I have been recommended to buy a 150,000 BMW, invest in Brazil, watched nightmare inducing Netflix ads, and a beautiful lady recommending Go Daddy. Not easy lol.
I'm pretty sure there's another section of bailey bridge on the other side possibly used as a farm crossing for a while
Haha, I don't think I looked to the right!!
Yep its a Bailey Bridge we used to use them in the Army.
In the States, the smaller craft is the burdened vessel (in general).
Since you like Herons , might be an idea to have a couple of them painted on your lovely ship just to brighten it up . Lots of Canal boat painters and signwriters listed once you start to look for them. Cheers!
Maybe but I wouldn't see them when standing at the back :-)
twisty bits , river currents , and wrong side drivers. you've survived another leg on the river! can't wait to see what excitement awaits downstream...😏
All sorts of high drama!
You are correct port to port ,but if in doubt you can turn your bow to your right and come back to straight do that 3 times to indicate you are going right or starboard so he should know to pass you on your port ,also if you are the bigger boat heavyer in narrow channel the smaller boat must give way as you are confined by steerage.
Starting Location:
www.google.com/maps/@52.6727359,-1.1146911,299m/data=!3m1!1e3!5m1!1e4?hl=en
Hidden Weir:
www.google.com/maps/@52.6796406,-1.1015936,106m/data=!3m1!1e3!5m1!1e4?hl=en
Pass On The Right:
www.google.com/maps/@52.7267476,-1.1226185,149m/data=!3m1!1e3!5m1!1e4?hl=en
1860 Bridge - Mountsorrel Railway Bridge:
maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=16&lat=52.7332&lon=-1.1438&layers=168&b=1
www.google.com/maps/@52.7331441,-1.142964,422m/data=!3m1!1e3!5m1!1e4?hl=en
Meadow Farm:
www.google.com/maps/@52.7430755,-1.1350413,597m/data=!3m1!1e3!5m1!1e4?hl=en
Pillings Lock:
www.google.com/maps/@52.7585746,-1.16428,177m/data=!3m1!1e3!5m1!1e4?hl=en
Ending Location:
www.google.com/maps/@52.7771571,-1.2135822,3a,75y,306.85h,81.42t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sem4C-K0caKInW8ayPms1jw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!5m1!1e4?hl=en
Pilling Lock - named after me (haha). Another super video David. Very exciting in places. Those weirs certainly look far from peaceful; imagine what they must be like when it's been raining for a few days! Again, your commentary was very informative and following the map at the same time, gave me an idea as to where you were at the time.
That bit of bridge like metal in the field is a Bailey Bridge of military fame.
Ta
I was going to say it looks like a section of bridge. Spotted your answer and upon Googling Bailey Bridge along with where I live it brings up images of the bridge I was thinking of. It's reasonably near a weir too but that's probably unrelated.
Thank You , enjoyed that, you were on my home turf there. The point where you past from the Lelcester Canal onto the River Wreake, there is a bridge called the Three Ways Bridge (you were thinking about a cup of tea at the time) that we call the front door, the front door to the rest of the Wreake ,which was the Melton Navigation, and is in the early stages of restoration. Sorry for the plug . You will be surprised that people don't know that that short stretch From the canal to Cossington is the Wreake.
enjoyed that vlog. thanks for uploading.
Cheers
The sightings of the Great Blue Herons is actually a very good sign. Means that the waterways are clean enough for them to find safe food and nesting. They are a sensitive species. I had to grin at the black cat confidently exploring the "wrong" side of the canal. Obviously he/she has done this sort of thing before. And I got right bouncy at the sight of the horses. Love them, always have.
Question; what are the weirs for? The ones on Canadian rivers are for folks who want to catch a lot of salmon. But I suspect there are few salmon in the canals.
May you meet a pleasant weird.
They're to divert water away from the main course I suppose, some sort of flood control. Truth be told, I don't really know! I liked the stealthy cat too :-)
Weirs are used to maintain a navigable height of water as the river flows downstream. Locks are placed at the side of weirs to lower boats to the next level.A stretch between weirs is known as a reach.
Wannabee Boater Thanks!
At 4.10 it is a section of the famous Baily Bridge a wartime invention!
I thought the same. Glad for the confirmation.
Looking forward to every new vlog from you!
Thank you
Lovely bit of cruising the cut David!
Thank you
@4:06 it looks like a military assault bridge. Abandoned. Usually from a specialist tank and can span gaps in as little as 90 seconds
When two vessels approach bow on, each shall alter course to starboard to avoid collision... and the lack of horn signals... well...
My uncle works as a volunteer (is that working?) at Loughborough's Great Central Railway. Didn't see the bridge crossing the canal in your videos, but they hope to connect the GCR with another heritage railway to the north by rebuilding 'the Loughborough Gap.' This means replacing/refurbishing the bridge over the canal, completely reconstructing a missing embankment, and building a new bridge from scratch over the existing mainline track. The so-called gap is about 1/2 mile in total. I know this information isn't boating related, but certainly one of my favorite things to see is an old steam train working across a canal bridge with narrowboats below. I've always wanted to go to the end of the Caldon Canal for that very reason.
Greetings again from New York City.
That sounds like a great project but a huge amount of work. Good luck to them!