Travels by Narrowboat - "Lock Up & No Smokin' Chimney" - S08E05
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 เม.ย. 2022
- The journey southwards along the Trent & Mersey Canal continues, with Aslan and I now tackling the four locks at Middlewich.
These are the first 'proper' locks I will have experienced in 3 years, not including the tiny lock at Preston Brook - even that caught me unawares.
First up is the imposing and appropriately named 'Middlewich Big Lock' - followed in quick succession by the three narrow-gauge locks - known as the 'Middlewich Locks'.
Naturally of course and considering my extensive knowledge and experience of lock operation (which I share), the whole endeavour will be an absolute breeze . . . ?
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If you'd like to contribute to my channel and future videos, then I have a PayPal Me page. Cheers, www.paypal.com/paypalme/kevin...
All 6 seasons of Travels By Narrowboat are available to stream on Amazon Prime, with Seasons 7 & 8 here on TH-cam. www.amazon.com/dp/B07NXQG5HB/
#narrowboat #canal #travelsbynarrowboat
My brother passed away a few weeks ago and Kevin’s channel has brought me great joy and peace in these dark times. Thank you, Kevin.
So sorry for your loss.
Saying good bye to a brother, that's a big loss. I'm glad you are finding some comfort in canal journeys.
Sorry for your loss, I too have recently lost my dad and have been watching travels by narrowboat for the same reason.
Looking forward to sitting down this evening in the USA to watch this vid with my British Expat husband. Your videos help to keep him connected to the things he loves and misses about his homeland.
Thank you Sally (and husband) ☺️
Likewise I love England but too cold and wet. A good old country pub REAL cheese Pork pies and the. Humour now that along with your husband I reckon we both miss! Cheers n beers Marty Australia
@@elizaandalisa Oh yes....Proper Pork Pies.....hot or cold..... that "gravy"/"gel".....OMG! I'm drooling!
And the Cheese..... Where I live now they have many different "types"....but they are ALL BORINGLY the same semi-plastic rubbish, no character and certainly nothing an Englishman could possibly enjoy!
A crumbly Cheshire...a hard Lancashire, a creamy Wensleydale.....a proper REAL Cheddar.... Sharp...tangy.... lingering aspects of bliss!
Oh! the world knows nowt of what English Cheese has to offer! (600 varieties I believe....) (And the Welsh know a thing or two too!)
Greetings from Chile...and an Ex-Pat that also lived in Victoria Oz, as a kid..... Pretty sure Mum And Dad wanted to come home to Blighty....
Just for the Cheese! Not for the damn weather as you so rightly say.
@@patagualianmostly7437 mate I get UK cheddar tasty and crumbly as the ex president of the cheese and onion pie appreciation society when it comes to cheese Britain still reigns supreme. Surely in Yankee land they can get you poor buggars decent UK cheese. I'll bet the local ethnic groups are catered for. Like in Oz if your a pom/Brit your treated as a local ah well old mate good luck thank god we are free!!! Cheers n beers Marty Australia
@@elizaandalisa Hi Marty....Yes indeed, but I'm not in Yankee land.....Like you, I'm in the southern hemisphere, in Chile.
Cheese is pretty crap here, I can assure you. Ah well, at least we have some sun and a real summer......not the 5-minute "heatwaves" of old Blighty! Cheers mate...Raise a glass or two later.
My sister, uncle, and step-father all passed away of cancer about the same time, and one day, i stumbled upon your show on Prime, and I've been hooked ever since. So interesting.. Thank you
So sorry to hear that Johnny. The best wishes to you.
These days it seems like all the old favorites have anchored up for good or just faded away but Kevin is hitting the canals again. Someday I want to meet up with Kevin in a pub for a pint anywhere whose with me
Well that was a roller coaster of emotions when I saw the dog’s paws.
I went from, nawwww cute, to sh1t, wait a second OH nooooo.
I really thought for a moment that the dog would pee on the camera 😳
Phew, talk about high drama.
🙂🐿🌈❤️
Indeed, edge of the seat stuff. 🤭
Nice filming. Taking time to leave the camera for an ongoing shot and walking back to retrieve it 👍
Makes the film more "real" and seeworthy.
Love from Denmark
Cheers Bent. Yes, a few seconds extra effort can make all the difference.
@@CountryHouseGent Les Stroud has a similar shooting style on his survival series.
I do not always comment but I always watch thank you for your effort. Im addicted to the narrow boats, locks and the beautiful English countryside through your eyes. P.S I was a diesel mechanic for 38 years, ans I also love your vintage engine and the way you keep it up. ty Kevin
Many thanks Mark. Very pleased to hear that. Cheers,
I guess I'd be one of those overly worried persons who'd tie a lanyard onto the crank handle for fear of having to fish it out later while navigating those ladders. Knock on wood Mr. Gent. ...and it just dawned on me that you do it twice in order to film it.
By far your show is more fun and entertaining than watching anything else. Thank You!
A great shame to see careless locking Kevin.
At least you didn't break.
It is always good to see your vlogs especially since we are loosing so many to tera Firma these days.
Thanks for your time in posting.
Keep safe warm dry and virus free.
Stay sharp at locks !
I've done the same thing. I had a cleat fly off on the Avon, never to be seen again. All happens so quickly.
Great seeing you doing vids more . Love your vids mate
Great to hear that Jamie. You're welcome. 🙂
I so look forward to this every week. Wonderful description of how to work locks for those of us who've never done it
A pleasure Tom. Thank you.
I sure do love these videos just sit back watch relax somebody pass me a glass of wine.
Loved the dog paws! 🐾 🐾
Locks fascinate me and I always enjoy an up front view of them. I have no clue how you single boaters manage. Manly men for sure! Thanks for letting us tag along. Cheers!!
Hahaha! I love the doggy paws! :)
Lovely to see springtime. I hope Aslan can be repaired without a painful cost. Three locks, one right after the other, seems like quite a challenge to me (yes, I know there's a place where there are 17), especially doing the opening and closing all by yourself.
Hi Helene. The cost of parts was a bit eye watering for what they are but haven't had the time to fit them yet. I'm heading for a part of the T&M with 31 locks before Harecastle Tunnel. Still, I'll just think of the exercise I'm getting. 🙂
Another excellent installment Kevin. I love the varied camera placement. It does give a different perspective of your journeys. Sorry about your vent stack....Oops...Can't wait for the next segment! Cheers.
The thermals remind me of the hat on my head in the thumbnail of me. I was paddling on the Chena river and there was this hat floating upright on the water so as I passed I just had to check to see if there was a head attached. No head but I still have the hat . Played hundreds of Folk festivals wearing that hat. I sure hope Folk Festivals will start up again soon. Miss them.
Back to binge watching, Country House Gent. At least there was no one in the underwear. I love the sound of your engine, especially when going under bridges. I love the scenery of the canals, but I find myself checking out the boats you pass. I find myself thinking, "Yeah, I like that one or no that one looks tired. I believe if I lived there and could do canals, I would want one about 45 feet. I don't know if I could judge the tight turns you do.
I’m still making up stories about how those thermals can to take a swim in the canal. Very entertaining! Keep chugging and stay safe, it’s so good to check in with you each week.
Thank God no on was inside the thermals. Love your travels for aesthetic reasons. Now i have a practical use. your asmr one helps my insomnia.
Fabulous Nancy. Great to hear that video is having an affect.
Your in depth explanation on how the locks work was very interesting. It's a pretty labor intensive process. I can now understand why you express happiness when there are volunteers manning some of the locks you go through.
But again....all that physical labor helps keep you in shape, along with the walking that you do every day. I remember you saying in a previous episode that you walk a few miles every day. It keeps you healthy! 😊
For sure it's a workout Sonya but how else am I supposed to maintain my youthful, boyish appearance. 😆 However it is nice to have volunteers, or other boaters doing the locks for you, or even a long stretch without any locks. 😁
@@CountryHouseGent you gotta keep that youthful, boyish appearance....you know...its all about the looks on camera! 🤣
Thanks for the effort you put into the videos, just now, there is something to really look forward to on a Saturday morning
Cheers Allan. It's nice to be uploading at a regular slot each week.
Opps. But all can be repaired. Really enjoyed the locks. Thank you.
Hi Kevin 👋 well just us 2saying saying hi and thanks again for sharing this relaxing video update well it is for us 😀 keep safe say well and safe travels 👍 den and sue 👍👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🚌🚌🚌
Thanks Kev really look forward to Fridays now that you are back. Safe travels and Godspeed. Shout out to Asland keeping the canals clean. Lol 🙃🙃🙃
Cheers for watching. Yes canal dredging is all part of the service. 😁
I first found you on Prime... glad to have found your newer episodes here!
You're very welcome Peter and thank you. Cheers for watching and following,
I really appreciate your camerawork with all the interesting angles (including dogs' feet). It must entail you running around four times the necessary distance to keep relocating it.
Ha, it keeps me fit. 😁
Another great video, it’s so good to have you back cruising. Thanks for all the time you put into making so many people happy, you’re a gent.
That's much appreciated, thank you. Reading that people enjoy watching is a huge motivation to keep making videos. Cheers,
@@CountryHouseGent I’m sure but rest assured I’m one of literally thousands who get huge amounts of pleasure from sharing your days and regard you as a friend in this strange new world. But hey what’s wrong with that? Times have changed and we can share friendships in lots of different ways which only helps to make us feel less lonely and more appreciated.
Another great video, thanks for taking us along for the cruise
Thank you David and you're welcome.
Thanks for the videos! I've binge watched all weekend whilst sewing. I made a curry after watching one of your episodes :) keep safe and happy. Catherine
Thank you Adriano and pleased to have inspired a tasty culinary endeavour.
@@CountryHouseGent , my partner Catherine tends to forget (as do I) that all the Google stuff is logged in as me. Cath binge-watched, sewed and curried the weekend away. I was just the grateful beneficiary! I have enjoyed a few episodes too mind. Best wishes, keep on cruising, Adriano
At least there were no "bits" in the undercrakers. 🤣👍
There may well have been but didn't dare venture that far into them. 🤭🤢🤮
Thanks, Kevin, another enjoyable and humorous episode. Patch up Aslan and enjoy the canals!
Hi Kevin! Getting through a locks is an involved exercise and as we saw a couple of episodes not without risk to both the boat and the captain. Friend, I never tire of watching your adventurers. Thanks so much!
Thanks for the video Kevin. I’m enjoying watching all and hope to be narrowboating the Llangollen before too long.
You're welcome, Papa. Hope you enjoy your journey on the Llangollen, its very pretty and also a bit trouser numbing in places. 😳😁
Love the different perspectives. So not snap-shotty!
Thank you Damon, pleased you enjoy my camera work. Probably comes from my Street Photography days. 🙂
Great to see you and Aslan again. So much green grass, we don't get to see much in south Texas. Really enjoyed the video😊
My wife and I eagerly await each episode every week to watch together
Good to know that. Thank you.
Aslans engine can send me to sleep and I drop my phone on my face. Always look forward to to next episode.
Good to know. Cheers Carl.
It's great to get a refresher course on navigating the locks. It never gets boring but too many people forget about the do's and don't's. It adds to the quality of your videos. Keep up the great work Kevin.
Thank you Graham. Yep, whilst the principle of the locks is very simple, it's shocking how quickly things can go pear-shaped. Think Aslan had a relatively lucky escape.
Wonderful video and great to have you posting regularly again
We had a bunch of actors filming in the caravan in our yard last year as neighbour is film location scout.One of the leads was in the original "Lock,stock..." apparently (but I wasn't worldly wise enough to recognise him!)
Hi Sarah and cheers. Funny you should say that. I owned a self-catering holiday house before moving onto the canals. One day I was mowing the lawns and a guest came outside and we got talking. I mentioned that he seemed very familiar and had I met him before - school even. The he said "It's a deal, it's a steal, it's sale of the f*****g century." That's when I realised it was the actor from Lock, Stock. Yep, really. 🙂
Hi and a fantasrtic cruise along some very nice country. Great lock work alas apart from the rope damage to the boat. Cheers Keith Melbourne Australia
Thank you Keith
Good video…. Thanks for sharing!
I came across your videos on Prime. I'm now hooked! I even found myself doing a tour of some local canal locations (Kennet & Avon) at the weekend on my motorbike! Looking forward to watching your videos when your in my area. Keep up the good work Kevin. Great stuff 👍👏
Many thanks and cheers for watching. The K&A is on my To Do list - if not this year then next. Cheers 🙂
Sure is good to have you and Aslan posting regularly again, how often are the crank handles dropped or left behind? A good rinsing and those long johnnies will be perfect for you next winter.
Hi James. Speaking purely from my point of view, never. Can't comment on how others cope though. 😁
Thank You for the Fun : )
You're welcome.
I just love the way you have the thermal underwear indoors to dry, lol. Best I ever managed was a kid's entire school bag wrapped round the prop. Wonder how he explained his missing gym kit and homework? Re your damaged flue... I've done a lot of solo boating, and by far the best technique for uphill narrow locks, is to take a long centre line and lash it round a bollard by the top gate, so the boat is tied in against the top gate. It can't go anywhere and you don't risk it going tight. You can also whip up the top paddles, no problem... boat can't go anywhere!
Ha, no way it even crossed my mind they could be salvaged. Just needed to hang them from something to video them. 😲😆
So sorry about your mishap with the boat. I thought for a moment you had fallen in!
Ha yes Marilyn, falling in is on my to do list. 🤭
You mention that you can tip your boat over with a tight center line, and you can flood your boat in these locks. I'm assuming one of those things, or something worse has happened to you before. Another great vlog from the master narrow boater. Interesting, with some comedic overtones.
Hi Robert. No not at all, just that these are the most common mishaps heard about on the canals. Genuinely this was the first time something worse than a ripped off side fender had happened to me. 🙂 Cheers, 🙂
Thanks Kevin.
Thanks for the ride
Good to see you back mate.
Very enjoyable video.
Great to be back Thomas. 😊
Hi Kevin. Just enjoyed this video for a second time. I hope your boat repairs are not too expensive 🙄🙄I look forward to your next video.
Cheers. All in, the cost was 125 pounds inc VAT.
Great job as usual Kev! Love to hear that engine!
Thank you Anthony.
Hello Kevin, We have enjoyed so many of your videos , but this one brought back so many memories. We met a wonderful couple from Middlewich while in Rarotonga, Cook Islands. They actually owned and operated the The Big Lock Pub and had a canal boat. They asked us if we'd ever been on one and said we hadn't. So 6 months later we were in the UK , on their boat going from Middlewich to Market - Drayton and return.
We stayed over in Audlem and Market Drayton.
After making the turn at Market-Drayton I asked my friend how long would it have been by car. He said 45 minutes each way. We lazily did it 3n/4d. It's so relaxing and even more so with good friends. We also walked to The Kings lock to have a few pints and watch the boats.
Sadly they both passed away 5 months apart during the lock down.
I will be watching this episode many many time.
Thank you so much for traveling this section and posting it.
Cheers
Nice one Kev that’s some force to rip that fleet off be good dude 🙂🦢✌️
Sure was Lee. Quite suprising especially as you'd think the rope would snap first. Must be good rope.
Happy to see a new video up. Thanks for explaining the lock system; I've seen you do it before but the explanation helped me understand. Boy you sure got your exercise in today between moving the camera & working through all the locks. Anxious to see your next adventure, Kevin!
Yes it's always an intensive workout with these locks, Candy. 🙂
Enjoyed the ride. Thanks Kevin. Sorry about the damage to Aslan.
Thank you Rob. Hopefully straightforward to repair. I have the new flue parts, just not the time to fit at the moment.
Wish I was there. I would be glad to help.
Really enjoyed the more in depth explanation of the locks. Shame what happened with your water heater vent and Aslan. Great example of some of the hazards of the canal life and how quickly damage can happen. Hope the fix goes easy for you. Wishing you all the best Kevin. Deb
Cheers Kevin and Deb. Yes, a minute if distraction and it all goes wrong. Could've been much worse though.
Firstly, condolences on the damage to Aslan's cleat and flue stack. Life happens. Secondly, the thermals in the weed hatch made me wonder if that possibly became the fate of your lucky hat years ago. If so, someone came out ahead (no pun intended) on that one and you got the short end of the stick in the exchange. Lastly, have you ever considered getting a belt holster or wrist lanyard for your windlass? The lady in purple in your video looked to have had one. Hate to see that fall in the bottom of a lock. Plus it frees up your hands for safe climbing etc. Hopefully you have a spare onboard in case. Cheers for now.
Great video Kevin. Sorry about the chimney and cleat. Fix Em up and keep calm. God bless.
Cheers guys. 🙂
Great video this week, I always enjoy seeing the locks worked. I would have cussed more when the rope caught, good thing I don't make many videos...
I don't know, would probably be quite entertaining, Bryan. 😆
Thank you, Kevin! I enjoyed every minute! It's a great tutorial about locks! I also noticed just how beautiful the brick work is on those old locks; there is some great craftsmanship going on here!
Cheers Camden. Indeed the skills and sheer effort involved in building those locks, all by manual labour and no machinery, is impressive.
i look so forward to your videos! thank you
Wow, that was some force to break a cleat! Good that you have speedy reflexes--could have been a nasty injury.
Indeed could have been much much worse, Elle. Blessings counted. 🙂
Another great vlog glad to see more of them
Thanks for the Video Kevin!
It was almost worth the loss of the chimney to enable the great title to this week's vlog, but I hope there was a chandler nearby for a replacement cleat and a way to repair the chimney!
Indeed Sara, I've been waiting for an excuse to weedle that title into a video for a long time. Just wish it hadn't been in such an expensive way. Thank heavens for chandlers, as online and delivery is impossible.
I haven't seen much of you lately. Good to hear your voice again. Very calming!
Glad you’re back. Missed your vids.
Great to be back and thank you for watching.
Cheers!
Hello
Kevin, I think you must have to have a great deal of patience to navigate locks! Which you obviously do. Aslan sure picks up some interesting objects along the way! Bad luck and commiserations about the mishap to Aslan. You’ve been having some lovely weather. We too on Skye are enjoying lovely weather which looks to last for a while yet. Fingers crossed! Cheers.
Hi Connie and yes, patience is the only way to go with locks - otherwise something untoward will happen. 🤭 Stayed on Skye a year or so ago in a shepherd's hut for a couple of days. What a gorgeous island Skye is and will definitely be back another day.
@@CountryHouseGent Hi Kevin, Would love to meet you if you ever get to Skye again. You could meet my Kevin too!
It’s Friday night and it’s Country House Gent night. Thanks for posting on Friday nights giving a perfect start to the weekend. Thanks Kevin.
Very happy to oblige David. Thank you for watching.
Coming rite back to you looks like! Cheers. See you on the next one.
Thanks for watching, Jim
Very relaxing show. Love the countryside and wildlife.
Thank you Kevin, another peaceful trip, take care and stay safe 🌷😊👍
Gee, I bet those thermals have a story😂
Another great trip with you on Aslan...stay well & safe❣️
Indeed it's a mystery how they ended up in the canal, Tina.
Sorry about boat. But I loved it. The dog was funny. I’m glad the dog didn’t take off with the camera. Great to see you Kevin. Thanks for sharing. And I did love the locks a lot. Cheers!
Wow thank you so much, Kevin! My kids really, really enjoyed your lesson in canal lock operations!😀
Great to hear that Crystal. Cheers,
Very enjoyable thanks.
Thank you Andy
Brilliant 🤩 another lovely video from Kevin and Aslan. Best wishes Helen
Happy memories of that neck of the woods many moons ago 😉👍
Sure was a lot simpler going down those locks.
Aaaaaaand relax. Another lovely vlog, Kevin. CHG has now become my “go to” sub. Always excited to see a new episode and see what you’ve been up too.
Sorry to see the chimney mate, hopefully not to costly for you.
Safe travels pal 👍🏻👍🏻🙏🏻😎
Thanks Pete. Only required a pile of the old brown folding stuff.
@@CountryHouseGent “old brown folding stuff” that’s sounds like one of my technical terms 😅👍🏻
Lolly and Dosh are my favourites, but not everyone knows what you're talking about - especially youngun's today. 😁
So happy you are back to filming on Aslan!
Top video thank you 😊
You're welcome Jules, thank you.
Great new angles of filming this episode Kevin plus how much effort is involved in solo narrow boating going through each lock! Crazy..But oh no... I almost cried.. Woody, Woody..are you alive? Lol..poor wee soul.
Nicely done! Your lock system there is a marvel of engineering!
Cheers Net. It's suprising how straightforward the basic principle is. Just like filling and emptying a bath.
good vid on the cut kev like seeing you go in the lock s ad the sound of you boat thanks lee
Cheers Lee
Awe ... could have been worse.. only a cleat.. and the chimmuck... those damn ducks.... Thank Kev on to pastures new next time ... exciting stuff
Yep, all history now and could've been worse.
aslan wearing undies?! what next? sunglasses?! 😂😂😂😂
hope that damage can be fixed without too much hastle and cost!
safe journies! btw when you reach stone check out the star pub... its on the canal, maybe have an explore too!! 😊 joulsies court pub is also nice 😊 you wont be dissapointed!
Thanks for watching and the tips for a fine night out, Geoff. I have the parts now. . Nothing extortionate, just 125 quid inc VAT 😲🤭😢😆
Your relaxed pace, post lockdown, has me wondering where you would be now if the world didn't shut down. I am a little bit grateful life happens for a reason and a lit bit of remorse of missed opportunity. Curious of your thoughts. Thanks for sharing your life with us.
That's a difficult one Daniel. Not sure but then I rarely suffer from regret or 'what might have been'. Very grateful for what I have and am, anything more is a bonus. 🙂
Thank you Kevin. Always better to humble and grateful.
Loving the country house gent blues intro
Cheers momma. Quite catchy isn't it. 🙂
So glad to be doing some locks. The countryside is marvelous. Hi from California!
Cheers Jana.
i nearly jumped out of my skin when the lock accident happened!
Excellent work. Camera positioning spot on. Well done.
Happy you enjoyed it Alan. Cheers,
Good morning Kevin happy to see you today 😊👏👏👏👏👏👏
Oh, how fate always keeps us humble with those surprize maintenance items (cleat, stovepipe). Too bad most of our "labors of love" end up eating into our budget. Safe travels my friend! Thanks for sharing your perspective.
Too true but blowing money is part of the charm, isn't it? 🤭 🤔😆 Or perhaps not.
Great video especially as your going through my home town of middlewich
Hope I did it justice, Alan? Cheers for watching.
Reminds me of my very first journey - picked up my first ever boat from Lymm and headed south, really didn't enjoy the tunnels or the rain and sleet (it was December 2019 !) - I've not been back that way since so this is a lovely reminder of the panic I felt trying to get into lock 72 - enjoy your journey, wherever that may take you.
Ah yes Martin, Lock 72. A very sharp entry and, umm, strong currents.
Great blog again. I think I'm your biggest fan, when friday comes around, I can't wait to see the latest!! Keep it up! Cheers and thank you! I'm so sorry about Aslans pipe!
Thank you Kinnear. Yes, nothing that can't be fixed, with a little effort, thankfully.
@@CountryHouseGent please call me K or Kathy...lol.