I'm selling my narrowboat and moving back to land (yes, really)
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 มิ.ย. 2024
- It's been a difficult decision but for the various reasons outlined in this rather long talking-head chatty video, I am selling my narrowboat and moving back to a house - at least for a while.
MY BOAT IS NOW SOLD, THANK YOU!
Timestamps
00:00 Video starts
00:05 Introduction
00:40 Brokerage sale
01:22 Cruising the Cut CONTINUES
03:04 But you're not on a boat?
03:57 New cruising videos!
04:47 Not buying Barlaston Boatyard
05:23 Why are you selling?
05:45 For my old age
09:55 Missing little luxuries
10:49 Space
12:13 A one-year experiment
13:26 Not feeling boaty
14:57 So why not cruise again?
15:48 Socialising
18:06 The 5-year itch
19:11 Seized by a Giant Hand
20:46 The future
21:03 More cruising?
21:57 DIY boat fit-out
23:11 Abject terror
23:41 A terrible mistake?
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Theme music: "Vespers" by Topher Mohr and Alex Alena, from the TH-cam music library
#narrowboat #canal #cruisingthecut #rivers #offgrid #liveaboard
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My narrowboat's name is "Wreyland" and ALL enquiries should be directed to the broker, ABNB. The listing won't be on the website until at least Saturday afternoon (at best) but you can contact them about it on:
Web www.abnb.co.uk
Tel: 01788 822115
Or email admin@abnb.co.uk
Retire to a cheaper country like Portugal, or the the Balkans
Which one is yours? Is there a specific link? (Asking because I don’t see it)
I'm so disappointed that life isn't perfect. I love your vlog and am happy it will continue. Perhaps opportunity will afford that you can get a Beaver or something similar in the future as well as your house.
900,000 pounds for this famous boat?
Their website is absolutely dreadful
This Yank wants to say: Thanks David for all that you have given us. I never knew that Britain was so beautiful. Your videos have always been an oasis of peace and calm in this hectic world. Best of luck in your new adventures and I'll be on the lookout for your new videos. It's been a total pleasure following your wanderings!
What he said!
Hello David and "Thank You"!!! You are my first introduction to narrow boats. I been in the UK back when I was in the Military years ago. A bit of nostalgia. I enjoyed your videos as I also learned by visiting and seeing places and things one would not see on tours. I haveut on my
Hi david.i was born in northampton so watching your vids was like a trip home...thank you and best wishes
Well said.
This Yank thanks you for your enjoyable commentary’s. Looking forward to your next adventures. I completely understand your situation been there don that.
Dear David, I can’t wait for your new home vlog, “Mowing the Cut - a lawn episode”. Thank you for sharing your life and adventures with us.
"Mowing the cut" -- Love it.
👍😂
😆
😄
Here's my idea. Give him one of the seized Russian super yachts. I'd love to see one of those on the canal.
YOU were the reason! I'm the guy that made global news - first Brit with Covid on the Diamond Princess in Japan. In the Japanese hospital bed I watched 'cruising the cut' and contacted ABNB and put a deposit on a narrowboat without seeing it, without a survey etc.
Returned to the UK amidst lockdown and really enjoyed cruising and putting our own stamp on the boat.
September 2021 had a full blown stroke and now I am considered a liability on water. Reluctantly our boat will be offered back to ABNB brokerage this week but, like you, we also have a camper van. So adventures will continue but in a different direction. At almost 76 years I have loads more life in me and wish you well as you allow your future to unfold. Thank you for all you have done for those of us interested in canals and thank you for giving me a reason to live - when I was at a very low ebb in the Japanese hospital. Blessings, Dave Abel (YT The Real David Abel)
Sorry to hear about the stroke but glad you're still having fun!
I just have to say this: I have worked manual labor jobs most of my life. I do have 10 years of communications experience but it still doesn't count when you're moving pails of cherries or peaches, cases of pasta and sauce. I am 65 years old now. I retire this time next year. I've lived with my brothers and family and many years in an apartment. When my step-mum passed she left me enough to buy a small house. I did so. Paid cash for it. I am so very thankful for her gift as I've been unemployed many times in my life. Like you I get the urge to do something else every five years or so. I've quit, I've been fired and I've been laid off. I've had over 32 jobs since I started working at the age of 14. Now, with 1 year of working left, I am again working in a gas station. I've been here for over 2 years and every day is a challenge as I do so much want to find something else. But I just have to remember just 12 months left to retirement. I try to keep my old age situation in mind when making decisions and remaining employed until the end is one of them. I pray that I live long enough to actually retire and long enough to enjoy retirement. Peace be with you.
I have always loved this channel, in my opinion, the best narrowboat channel on TH-cam. David, you do what you have to, I will follow you until you stop. All the best from Canada.
I’ve looked and his by far is the best
It all made perfect sense, David. It struck many chords with me, and I dare say it will for most of your viewers. Hearing someone thinking about age in their early fifties was a bit of a surprise (speaking as someone approaching 70!), but looking back, I realise that that's when it first really hit me that I was getting old. Your 40s are a nice surprise - you think you're old, but discover that you're actually still young. But, paradoxically, the opposite happens in your 50s - you think it's just going to be a continuation of your 40s, but the signs of getting old start to materialise, and it reality hits you. The points about age and mortgages is also very true, and well done for publicising it. People tend to just assume they can always get a 25 year mortgage, but (again) once you're in your 50s, you discover with a shock, that you can't get a full mortgage any more. I was 59 when we last moved, and this had never occurred to me. And, not only could I not get a long mortgage, but I couldn't even get a long joint mortgage with my wife (who is younger than me). We ended up having to have the house in her name, just so we could afford too buy it. I have effectively ceased to exist - I live here, I look after the house, I pay my half, and the house was mostly bought with my money, but I don't own a single brick of it! If your decision does nothing else than warn those approaching 50 that they need to move now or never, it will still have done a great service.
Can't edit for some reason!! So apologies for the typos...
Wow man… pretty deep. Especially as a “ young “ man in his 40’s.
That is so ridiculous that your age determines whether you get a long-term term loan. That is discrimination of age, which would not go down here in the States.
You can get 30 year loans at an old age in the states… you can’t age discriminate here…
Don’t worry, the bank will get their money somehow, hopefully not via your children
Well, John, it has been very relaxing watching your (full-on) cruising videos for the last 6.5 years; and your documentary adjustment to the channel over the past year seems a natural step. Your reasons for selling are well thought out and (given the current housing market!) definately wise. All power (water, that kind of thing, flushing toilets etc..) to you!! I will stay subscribed to this channel, as I think your film making style has fantastic appeal and is easily watchable. Good luck in everything you do.
*EDIT: I'm so sorry I put your last name first, David...oops!
Viewed this today. Also agree that no explanations were needed but nice to hear the plan, it's your life. You have a beautiful heart!
Thank you so much!
You don't have to give excuses to anyone else on earth why you make the decisions for your life. No one should be making negative comments on purchasing a house. I think it could be fun to have you showing us how you will decorate your house or make repairs as well as info on the cut. Good luck with finding your dream home.
For me, it didn't come across as an excuse but more an explanation of things to come a declaration of intent. And I greatly appreciate knowing David's motives after all this time following his vlogs. It's like I got an invested interest in what David is happy to share with us (Damn I'm so noesy).
New channel names - lubbing on land, stationary under slates, motionless behind mortar, crusing on carpet
I like cruising the carpet
!!
hahaha
It all makes perfect sense to me. I hope you the best in whatever endeavors you chose to do.
Interesting that someone is so honest about himself. And commendable.
Thank you
6+ years - nobody can ever accuse you of not living the boating life! I'm really enjoying your canal-related videos, dare I say it, more than the cruising ones, so I shall continue to look forward to your content - best of luck in whatever you decide to do next.
At 95, I have lived a long and lucky life and know exactly how you feel David. My first mid-life crisis came at the age of 25 when I emigrated to Canada. No regrets. I met and married the love of my life and had 56 years with her, four kids, and several careers before she was taken from me in 2009 - I miss her still. I'm sure I speak for all of us out here when I wish you every success, David. I look forward to sharing your new life and will continue to look forward to new adventures.
John, Ontario, Canada.
Thank you so much for numbering your videos!
I live in San Antonio Texas and you made me love the Canals . Thank you. What an amazing piece of history.
Fellow introvert and loyal viewer here. I wish you much luck on your future endeavors. I look forward to more videos from you!
As a person deep into retirement & much older than you, I can fully understand your thinking & look forward to your next video.
I was once told "I'd rather look back and say I did ,than, What if ? "
Best of luck in all you do and thank you .Looking forward to the next bit.
100000000000000000000% yes.
Thank you for this video. I’ve been binge watching cruising the cut the last couple weeks. I have to admit I was sad when I found out you stopped cruising. Your plans are valid and sound. I will continue to follow your adventures from land, and cruising occasionally. I pray all goes your way.
Much appreciated, cheers
This is a really honest look at the lifestyle. I have often wondered how it feels as you get older and have to deal with the practicalities of boat life alone. A broken arm or leg , or developing arthritis, could be a disaster in a way it might not be on land. Well done for not feeling you have to stick to the same thing when it no longer lights your fire!
I don't know how many people watch your videos because they are narrowboaters, I certainly am not one. I just find the narrowboat culture interesting. It really makes no difference to me whether you live on a boat or not as long as the videos remain interesting. Cheers.
When I came across your channel, I was in a really bad place with anxiety and started watching your videos and it helped a lot. I actually got help and medication and I am doing fantastic since, in some way you changing and doing different things actually helps others, thank you for what you did. I would love to see your house in future if possible 🤘🤗
Fair play and no need to justify yourself. I lived on my boat in London and for sure it's not all castles and roses. Luckily I was able to keep the narrowboat whilst also having a house. Biggest bonus is having a garden again. Great idea to use a beaver - the idea had crossed my mind too as I'm on the Mon and Brec.
A few things from a long time watcher of CTC. I’m 78 and I just bought a farm. The reason is that for the past 10 years we have been leaving a house which means closing it up for 6 months of winter and opening another house that has been closed up for very, very hot summers and moving household and creatures 1700 miles away. We are done and have made the decision to live in the humid in the summer and cold in the winter north. Please don’t let anyone hurt you with their comments. It is your life and your happiness. I look forward to anything you share with us in the future. To quote Johnny Cash, “everything goes away in the end”. God Bless you.
I actually enjoy your sitting down, talking to us videos the best, doesn't matter what you talk about, you just have a natural coversational manner. If you please continue with them, that would be great 😀. Good luck with the buying and selling and I will remain subscribed.
We lived in a semi rural village for 28 years with horses and trees and land. We lived in a 400 year old house. It was a stage in our life. We downsized to a flat in Brighton and single level living with a lift. We love our life now in this next stage in our life…..
God bless you David. Don’t agonize your decision. You’ve done great things promoting canal life and will continue to do so. Do what makes you happy and your true fans will follow. I would personally would love to see you outfit a wilderness boat. To be able to put your boat on a trailer and go to any point and put in to do a bit of boating is very appealing. Bring camper life and boating together and be a pioneer as you were one of the first successful narrowboat vloggers. What ever you decide I’ve loved your vlogs, lived vicariously through your adventures and will continue to enjoy your honesty, integrity, professionalism, wonderful videotaping. self deprecating sense of humor and sense of wonder about living on the canals. You are an an important part of why narrow-boating has become such an appealing alternative lifestyle and helped revamped a billion dollar industry that saved an important part of English history, the canals, and the birth of the industrial revolution. Love you David, be happy. May the wind always be at your back and the sun upon your face, and the winds of destiny carry you aloft to dance with the stars. Cheers from Florida 🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴👍👍❤️❤️
David, as far as I'm concerned, you are still the original and best youtube canal vlogger. And always will be. Go for it mate.
Good for you that you are sorting it all out! We remain totally devoted!
I'm 69, and in the process of building a container home. In the process, I'm getting exercise, and keeping my mind active. 3 acres, creek along south end, with natural, wild tree and brush belt, either side. In the end, I'll have a sturdy house, and a property that already looks like a park. You'll no doubt be able to do some improvements and repairs on your house, using skills learned while you lived on your boat. Keep up with the videos.
Your reasoning is sound given home prices in the UK, your remaining work life, and your desire to be accessible to your family. We retired when I was your age and moved to Florida , thinking it was going to be wonderful. I didn't like living there at all, and after 3 years, I'd had enough and we pivoted ourselves, ending up moving to a place I'd never heard of in a totally different state. No doubt you can certainly pivot back to the boat if you feel the need to. There is a big difference between losing the excitement for living on the canal than losing the love for the canals themselves. I hope people realize the difference. I believe your vlogs will continue to show your passion for canal history, operations, and the aesthetic aspects of canal life. I disagree that it will lose authenticity. You've been there and done that. It doesn't get more authentic than that. You can also convey canal life through hire boats or cruising with friends if need be, like you stated in the vlog, but I doubt it will be necessary. Best of luck to you in this new phase of your life! If we learned nothing else from the pandemic, it was that family is very important.
Sometimes you just need to clap your hands together and say that was fun, now for something completely different.
Well said. When people stick with canal boating (or anything) past their inclinations, that would be Cruising The Rut. It’s time for a new adventure! 👍🏻💐😊
Algorhythms are strange. Never watched this channel before, and here I am listening to a guy who is describing his personality - and we must be twins haha :o) That introvert dilemma of not wanting company but needing 'the right kind' of company. I'm not sure we're introverted, just really fussy about when and who we spend time with. This wonderful life is too precious to waste with people who are not our tribe, that's all. Not being judgemental or feeling superior, just knowing very clearly the kind of people we like to be with and wanting every moment in life to be relaxed and pleasant. Well, Mr CruisingtheCut - I wish you every success in finding a nice house, and also with finding your tribe... happy times ahead I'm sure :o)
Thank you
This is too funny listening to you. I've been following you for several years and I have enjoyed your videos but you're making a lot of sense. Good luck selling your boat and finding your future home. Looking forward to seeing your updates.
Thank you
I'm about 40 videos behind right now, so I just saw this one... Wow, did not see this one coming!
Because I am a very selfish narcissistic bastard I must say I felt a little angry that you would even consider such a drastic life change without consulting your long-time subscribers beforehand to see what we wanted you to do.... After a couple of counseling sessions with my therapist, I have learned that apparently that was an unreasonable expectation on my part. I have learned from my therapist that apparently you need to follow your own path in life and do what you feel needs to be done to make you happy. I really do feel that I'm being the bigger man here by saying good luck and so glad you have come to a plan of action that you are really comfortable with.
OK, with all seriousness/respect, I'm sure I am not alone in wishing that whatever your family members are going through where you need to be a bit closer to them that it goes as well as possible. And as long as I am being serious, I have so thoroughly enjoyed your first 260 videos and I look forward to all of the ones yet to come!
Ta
David, all the very best in the next chapter …..Look forward to your future vlogs.. Cheers Gary
his documentaries are very informative.
How exciting David, I'm so happy for you! As someone who's 60 later this year and who had elderly parents until 2010, I totally get why you've reached this decision. I wish you all the best with the boat sale, your new house and your future endeavors, including what you share on CTC. Good luck! X
You got me and my family through some rough times thanks to your videos. I can’t thank you enough for that. Thank you!
I'm glad the videos were some comfort or distraction and very much hope that things are seeming brighter for you now. Best wishes 🙏
First, as they say in the mid-western United States, where I absolutely do not live, "More power to ya!" Or as they say on the coasts, "You do you!"
Second, I discovered Cruising the Cut on Amazon video, not youtube, and I credit its unique "canal zen" with helping me get through the pandemic with my sanity intact, so thank you for that. Some of the episodes I love the most are the ones looking inside other people's boats, hearing about their lives, etc. etc. So I must say I would absolutely enjoy a series of excursions with other boat owners, and I hope it ends up on Amazon as "Season 5" some day.
Thank you! There won't be a Season Five though, all videos from 2020 onwards on here on YT only (vlog 201 onwards)
Lived on a houseboat for several years, the charm certainly does diminish after a while, sold the house boat, moved back into a house, bought a fishing boat, the world goes on.
Sounds entirely rational and I have a feeling the channel will go from strength to strength with you not being on water. Best of luck.
You are absolutely correct - I bought my house about 52 and now 70 - I would not have had the energy to do all that needed to be done to the house and grounds if I had waited. I now can sit and enjoy it, not work on it.
congratulations on realizing what needs to be done for the future, not an easy decision
Fun fact: a couple years back I was having severe anxiety attacks so bad that I had temporarily paralysis whenever I had one. Long story short: I watched those videos where you just have the video at the front of the boat with no speaking to relax me. So thanks! You’re great!
I suppose I should be grateful having come in towards the last couple of years of your wonderfully calming adventures through the canals because I have so much to look forward to delving in the past and wishing you a bright future. Well done.
Late to the party as always, but I need to say, the respect you have for your viewers always blows me away. You absolutely do not owe us any explanation for anything you do, and yet there you are. Being a lovely host, as usual.
Thank you so much. I felt it would be very odd if I didn't explain.
David, I appreciate that you are practical and made your decisions based on your needs. You made a big decision 6.5 years ago and moved onto the narrowboat. That took courage, and from that, came this channel. We have loved following you and will continue to follow you regardless of where you call home. Planning for your future is something only you can do. I think your idea of building out the small trailerable boat is fantastic! Maybe you can work out a deal with the company. Great advertising for them. Perhaps you will have some long van trips in your future once petrol prices come back to reality. I hope your future is full of adventure and nice people. You certainly have quite a following of subscribers who think you are a very interesting gentleman. Cheers.
I love the way you're living your life, David. You will have lived a life of great variety, having experienced many things.
When I first encountered your channel, I was so enthralled by your cruising life that I became somewhat obsessed with planning to live aboard and cruise in retirement. I tend to be very careful and thoughtful about making big changes. As I studied, I realized two important things ... narrow boats depreciate much like motor homes so I would be eating up my kids' inheritance ... and given autoimmune arthritis, a fractured vertebra, and hernia repair surgery, I just wasn't going to be strong enough to pull a narrow boat to the tow path to tie it off or to crank the gates open.
I'm glad you're continuing the channel. You are an excellent documentarian. I look forward to coming videos.
Alex
I've been on my narrowboat seven years this September and am a year younger than your good self. I've been thinking very much along similar lines. Food for thought indeed. Atb for your plans 👍
think you are already in your true place - that's just being a great presenter and generally interesting bloke. Boat or not I'll keep watching!
You and only you know when it's time for a change and your reasons are very logical and well thought out, so good for you and I'll still watch and won't complain.
Well I loved your life on the canal it helped me partially escape from a bad situation I was in at the time when i discovered your channel. I can fully understand never being able to find a place where you truly belong and are comfortable. I wish you nothing but the best of luck in whatever you choose to do but I hope you continue to make canal videos for as long as you are able and have the desire. I just realized it wasn't only you that made the videos fun to watch (well mostly its you) but its like your boat is a cast member as well lol i know sounds weird, going to miss seeing you work on the boat lol Your DIY idea sounds brilliant and look forward to seeing it.
Downsizing to a smaller house when we were fifty made it possible for us to retire when I was 59. It's so much easier when you have no debt. Now I'm a widower and even a small house I have to keep kept up but it is a lot less $$$ than renting even a tiny flat. It is really good to be planning ahead. Good that you've had the adventure while you could.
Dont ever forget, many people are here amd tune in regularly because of you. The boat and canal is merely a side distraction.
I enjoy your musings, your rants, your opinions, because you present yourself so well. I enjoy watching your ordinarily mundane tasks like renovating a shower unit, or even just making a cheese sandwich - naturally presented in an interesting and light hearted manner.
Perhaps you would consider a new channel, life back in a house, with you getting all set up in your new home, renovating it and of course, making plenty of cheese sandwiches.
All the best, thanks for all the great videos and good luck with it.
Definitely the right thing to do! I've enjoyed all of your videos over the years and if I'm honest the cruising ones are my favourites. But you have to do what's right for you. I will be here for it!
I wish you all the best in your house hunt. As a fellow introvert, I totally get what you are saying about being social. I don’t like to meet new people, either., but I do like to be able to do things with other people sometimes.
Stumbled upon a TH-cam video of yours a few years ago and occasionally watched because I’d been watching sailing videos and yours was an interesting change with a different form of boating. Just watched your entire, rather rambling, video of the why you’re changing. It made absolute sense! I’ve never even seen a boat like yours so I have zero knowledge of what your former style of cruising might be like other than that it was somewhat interesting. It would seem as if your concept of towing that small camper boat behind a camper van on short vacations (holidays) from your home is an excellent solution to your desire for periodic changes. You’d have the comforts of home when you wished while still enjoying the time of traveling to regions you can’t get go on your narrow boat easily or timely, while enjoying the camping/boating life only as much as you’d wish. I just turned 76 and each of your various points in your video appear to be sound thinking. I wish you the best of luck in this move and I’ll actually be looking forward to seeing what you choose to fit your enjoyment. I do like your idea of joining those organized hikes, etc. because you can get the socialization you want then go home and enjoy not having to deal with any folks you don’t want to be around.
Good luck and congratulations. Your videos were an oasis of Zen during the lockdown. Take care.
I have to say, I’m not all that surprised to hear this. Once you stopped cruising on your own boat, I kind of wondered what the point was staying on a boat! I, too, am an introvert, but I always thought how lonely it must be to go out for weeks on end with no one to share the experience. And it’s near impossible to form community when you’re always moving around! I did enjoy your cruising videos, but even those seemed like they were starting to repeat after a while. I’ve never been on a British Canal, yet I was starting to recognize certain features as you went along!
I also really liked those “Slow TV” videos you put out, as well! I still put one of those on every now and then and just enjoy the ride!
All that said, I am enjoying your newer documentary videos (I’m an engineer, so the more techie, the better! Or some good in-depth history.)
As we say in our Navy over on this side of the Great Wash, “Fair winds and following seas to you!”
Your words about the introvert’s paradox really spoke to me. I wish you the best David. You’ve produced some of the best content on TH-cam.
I recently found your program on Netflix and will be spending the next year or so catching up on your TH-cam channel. Your videos are beautifully done and I feel transported to a different place with each one. It's a balm for my soul as I have a very busy and often stressful career. Thank you for educating this American about the canals and providing a mode of escapism!
Welcome aboard! Where the TV series ends is roughly equal to video 201 here on YT and everything from 2020 onwards is YT-only. I hope you continue to enjoy them!
Classic, I wrote my comment half way through your video, and then you echoed my sentiment exactly. Omg the introvert dilemma and seized by the giant hand, brilliant. You will have no regret, you are moving forward, you can always circle back. I like the idea of taking the little boat further afield, that opens more doors. A life of open doors and endless adventures, is a life worth seeking. Cam
David. We dont need you on a narrow boat to cruise or show is what the canals are about. We like you and how you present content. It's an output thing and that you had great timing while doing it and TH-cam said... Maybe this guy should be seen by more people. We are here and you may not know us you are welcomed in our eyes and phones and houses everyday. I hope there is peace in ways your family shall develop it's natural future. And maybe someday you'll find something new and the hand will lurk again just to grab you at the right time. Cheers and let's keep on enjoying your content.
Here here! Well said
Spot on!!!👏👍
53 ? Nowt but a lad ! All the best for the future, I shall continue watching like most of your other subscribers and look forward to new adventures on the cut .
✊Liverpool canaler🕊️
As a fellow 50-something, I very much enjoyed hearing you share your thoughts so honestly!
Thanks David for all the great videos from the deck of Wreyland. Your videos inspired us to hire a narrowboat and navigate the Avon Ring. It is one of our most remembered vacations as we ventured out from the wilds of British Columbia. You helped us to understand the ins and outs of cruising the cut, the self-contained independence, appreciate the beautiful scenery, villages and history of the Midlands. Above all you helped us understand what is meant to have a rich slow experience rather than a checklist holiday which most North Americans try to do. We will continue to be avid subscribers and look forward to the next episodes. Bravo.
Excellent. I’m really pleased you had an enjoyable time.
Thanks David. We will always remember the engineer at Black Prince, Martin, who walked us through the key aspects of managing a narrowboat. He then went on to say that his favourite leg of the ring was the Avon because it was “gin clear”! Brilliant! We now use that expression all the time.
Good luck in your future endeavors! I look forward to continuing to watch your videos. I find them soothing in a way, an escape from the insanity of the rest of the world.
Thank you :-)
The first video I ever watched on this channel was Jules Fuels, but I think I must have watched every video at least twice......not including the slow TV videos.....those are for when I retire. To me every video has felt like I've been invited onto the boat for a cup of tea and a natter, and that is down to your superb creative mind and informative nature. I will miss the day to day aspect of your life because it took me into a world I can currently only dream of being in, but I very much look forward to more videos in this current format. Put simply this channel is my favourite on TH-cam and I look forward to each video being released like a chubby child when they see McDonalds.
Thank goodness you're keeping this channel going. I'm keen to follow your new adventures and learn more about the fascinating canal network and it's people.
Well done! You have to do what you gotta do! If it feels right for you gotta do it and take care. Can't wait to see your new house and videos. Best of luck and hope the sale goes thru and you sell your boat as well. Will see you on your next video, from Cape Breton island, Nova Scotia, Canada!
Good for you David. I suspect that you may have struggled to come to this decision because you knew that you would face a barrage of questions. Forget that. You've got to do what is right for you. Sincere best wishes for this next chapter in your life.
Very kind, thank you
I am also an introvert. I see things just as you do. I hate large gatherings and love very small ones when I can talk myself into going out. My husband and I in 2018 and 2019 traveled around in our RV and didn't have a house. He is a retired builder and would build us a new house every 2 or 3 years and we would move again, so moving around was nothing new to us. We loved traveling but had to stop when I needed cancer treatments. After that I just wanted a very small home with a little garden to enjoy. We finally found a terribly neglected home and bought it. We took a year and remodeled it ourselves. We are 66 and 70 so lots of aches and pains at the end of the day especially while remodeling. The house has almost tripled in value and if we wanted we could sell it and go back on the road quite comfortably. I don't think that will happen because of the same things you mentioned such as emptying the tanks and needing to physically climb on top of and under the vehicle. We still would love to move around every couple of years but it's exhausting to even think of now. I wish you luck and will have to live vicariously through you. Forge ahead and keep heeding that giant hand.
Sounds like a great idea David, combining your previous career skills as well as your passion for Canals & Narrowboats. It can only be a positive thing for increasing the presence and profile of our historic waterways and I wish you all the best with it.....good for you!
You and I are kindred spirits. As an introvert, the Introvert paradox is solved by having the RIGHT people around you. You have a soul of a Nomad, staying the same is your enemy.
One thing to consider is as you get older you need to be close to a hospital. I'm 72 and would like to move
out in the country on several acres of land, but the reality of I'm not a kid anymore hits me in the face. I
will finish my life in the comfortable house I have ,and be happy with that.
Yes. It was a trip to the emergency department for me over winter that probably prompted my chain of thought
I am sorry you are going back to brick. You have to do what's best for you. I was Fifty five when I started boating. I bought a new build house before the boat; I hated it for most of the three years there. I had only two neighbours that ever spoke to me. The noise from the others was annoying at best, coupled with the main road, god almighty! I find on the Canal everyone is only too willing for a brief chat, NB New Dawn has done so much for my peace and well being, I often spend an entire evening standing head out of the campaion way hatch. Listening and looking at my surroundings, spring is here now, been enjoying the Daffodils today! I worry more about being able to maintain my home In my old age though?
The giant hand makes COMPLETE sense to me. Good on you for listening to that part of yourself!
Having watched many of your vlogs, I really appreciate where you have recently arrived in your life.
It's just grand to view you explaining your feelings so thoroughly.
Obviously, your heart was a bit sad yet quite relieved as you spoke.
I believe you only wish to share the genuine you, and I applaud it. Be well.
Thank you 🙏
Very sad this is the end of an era sort of.., however looking forward to the new format with you at home and carrying on with the documentaries. I think i can speak for alot of peeps. you are one of many youtubers who have kept us entertained for so many years especially through lockdown. Your such a nice fella and would love to see you maybe find a partner or a different hobby.
Take up the Ukulele, thats what i did...still rubbish, cant play a thing... anyway thankyou for your time and effort in making these videos, i will certainly miss the diy installs and the bits that go wrong and the bits that go well. Have totally enjoyed them all. So one question will your vandamonium channel still carry on as well?
All the best Paul
I am only months away from turning 80 years old and still living aboard full-time. I too have recently made a decision to go on the hard permanently. I am just having too much trouble keeping the boat up and dealing with all my infirmaries! However, that being said, I think your observation that you need change every seven years or so makes the most sense. I have done this my entire life and only recognized it a few years ago. My older brother who is five years older than me has only lived in two houses in the past 56 years.When he moved into his new house just a few years ago, he remarked to me about how often I’ve moved around. To the point I hadn’t given it much thought, but it was fun recounting the almost 30 residences that I have had, including two boats that I lived aboard full-time. so I think it really is just a matter of renewal. You need as I need a change every few years. You’re not content to do the same thing for 50 years.
While I personally will miss you painting the bilge that perfect green color; adding more solar and cruising the wonderful world of canals I'd never known about before, if its time for a life change for you, then so be it. Glad to know that those of us who've come to know you (from all around the world) as a good acquaintance, these past few years; will still be able to keep in touch. Many thanks, David.
i know the "introvert's paradox" all too well. glad im not the only one
There is a time and a season for all things. And the season for your narrow boat has passed for the moment. I did love the introvert’s paradox - as a fellow introvert, I may borrow this to explain to my extroverted friends! Best of luck on land and I’ll look forward to your future vlogs - I’ve actually been enjoying your recent ones perhaps more than your straight cruising ones.
We do enjoy your documentary videos. You're a good broadcaster. We're on our second cycle of watching CTC. Enjoy your life!
Thanks for video. Thanks for your honesty and as always for the smiles you provoke doing it ! And to hear mention of The Art of Course Sailing - one of my favourite books read when I was a kid (I’m 59 now) was a lovely throwback ( ‘log entry - sextant must be faulty or am sailing up Ludgate Hill’ !!!) a lovely reminder of my dad who was a very keen and accomplished mariner. And the anniversary of his death today so very poignant to hear that book title today if all days. Good luck, thanks for the cruising videos, look forward to future ones, and enjoy your next chapter.
The Giant Hand is really a thing! . Also the Art of Coarse Sailing is a wonderful book. David you are a kindred spirit. Go well young mam.
Thanks for explaining to me that I must be the same type of introvert as you and I get restless every few years too. Your video has had me in fits of laughter due to this
I’ve enjoyed your vlogs immensely and believe it or not understand your reasoning perfectly, if that possible. I also am an introvert but enjoy that social time occasionally as well. For different reasons I’ve been isolated since Spring of 2019 when I was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. Well, He has still been keeping me going and I’m glad you will keep going as I’ve found you and your vlogs to be of great interest.
I sold my narrowboat nearly 3 years ago to buy a small cottage. I miss the boat and found the first 6 months really sad, but am now not desperate to go back. Life moves on and changes. We bought a micro camper recently so that we can have some of the adventure from before but without being limited to the canal network.
I think you’re very sensible, it shocked me how quickly things changed for my parents and mobility / being able to cope with heavy lifting. I’ve seen very elderly on a boat in a marina. They were loved and people checked on them but my goodness it was tough for them even with help. They installed and extra woodburner and had both on constantly.
Good luck!
Hi David. We have been enjoying your blogs for years. I'm Richard's wife and my daughter, who is your age, has just moved to a new well decorated house with a small garden near the sea. She is the same age and very like you so I completely understand your need for a house for later as they have been living on a homesteaad with land and animals for about 6 years and now want to settle and take life easier. Good luck with your plans. Pat
Wishing you the very best for the future, but will still be watching. Good Luck David! 🍀
Well that’s very sound reasoning… I do indeed enjoy your videos and look forward to seeing more. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for taking me along for the Cruise. It’s been fun to learn so much. I’d never even known there was such a thing! Good luck in the future! Will look forward to your coming content. Love from Colorado ❤️❤️
Thank’s for all the canal and boating stuff. Great fun along the way! Cheers and cheerio for now!
Good luck for the future! I'm looking forward to the new videos. :-)
You've obviously thought it through and having explained it, it all makes sense. I've never lived on a boat for anything more than a week at a time, but the need to consider services, topping up water, emptying the loo, the lack of space, muddy tow paths etc. would drive me nuts. I do really like those mini narrow boats, having one of those and a house sounds good to me.
I thank you for introducing me to canal life, something I knew nothing about. The pace, your relaxed temperament and gentle quiet discoveries coupled with interesting historical facts were very nice. I live on a river so the idea of a canal type boat intrigues, but like you, one arrives at practical conclusions. Being 2 decades ahead of you, I fully respect your thinking - but I will miss your adventures. My very best to you! Thanks! If you ever choose to visit Maine USA, you should contact me as I would be happy to provide opportunity for you to enjoy a quiet place on a quiet lake in this quiet State. cheers, Paul
As someone who works mainly in 18th Century history, I can confirm I do not in fact live in the 18th Century. But please don't tell my audience!
I've been a silent but loyal follower of your work for quite some time! I've enjoyed your cruising videos as a way to wind down before bed, but I absolutely adore your documentary style videos. Especially the ones where you've covered canal and boat restoration projects. So here's hoping the Wreyland sells quickly, and the best of luck to you in finding a new home! I'm looking forward to that great big schedule of content you've got planned!
Thanks so much for all of the hard work you've put into this, and for helping a landlocked American to better understand and appreciate the value of the canals to British life. I'm hoping to book a journey on one of the horse-drawn canal boats when I am next in the UK, thanks to your content!
Thank you