Wow, your channel has grown so quickly! I’ve no idea why RUclips recommended your videos but this was really interesting. When I was a kid (about 5 or 6 years old) my family lived in Burton on Trent for a while and I used to love it when I had the opportunity to “help” opening and closing the gates. But in recent years the closest I’ve been is a sketching holiday in Bradford on Avon. I think I chose the busiest lock to sit and sketch. It took ages, because I had to keep stopping my sketch every time the gates were opened! Haha
Good to see you a second time, so many people that I used to follow have left the canal so it is good to have a new channel to watch. The filming is good and clear, looking forward to a third video. My Best Wishes..Andrew.
Great video, love the calming influence it has on me when working in an office and dreaming about enjoying more time travelling through the UK and in nature..love the music and direction of this video thank you.
Camera proceeds to go skybound, followed by a little off camera giggle and a smile, that some, like me, might say is worth the price of admission alone Betty.
Ha, I don't know why I laughed because I was actually worried I'd broken my phone! 😂 It's a good job it wasn't closer to the edge as it could have blown in the lock! 🤦♀
I think I speak for most people here - we'll watch anything you want to post up for us! 🤣 It was great watching the lock navigation - even though many of us watching already know the sequence, it's still nice to see a 'new boater' doing it. And keep it up with the scenery as well. There are some lovely views all around. 🥰 Well done, keep them coming! ☺
@@bettyonaboat You can keep it general, don't show where you keep valuables, keys, actual locks on the boat etc or exactly where you are. Most RUclipsrs put out videos long after leaving an area & you don't have to be specific about where you've been either just a rough idea maybe. It's like any social media in that you shouldn't give too much personal information while being sociable & enjoying connecting with people. Good luck with boat life & enjoy your interaction on RUclips.
Yeah I second what Annie said, I thought it was a bit odd when you mentioned where you'd moored up. One easy way around that is to just release your videos after you move on. Worth keeping in mind though especially as you're traveling alone
Your videos look great Betty! They're honest, and whilst I imagine you're thinking of everything you'd want to do different, learn more with filming and being comfortable with the camera - just take your time and it will happen without you realising it! Keep sharing your lovely lifestyle and you'll be grand - just think it a year's time if you carry on - you'll see how far you've have come!
Yes I think it will be interesting to see what the videos are like once I've been doing them for a bit. I'm just going to have fun with it! I'm glad you like them.🙂
@@bettyonaboat it shows!! I think that's the only way to approach it :) - from what I've seen with other channels, you will get used to talking to the camera more, I guess imagining it's a friend perhaps is one way! I think your audio is great (which is one of the most important things) and music choice too!! There was a shot you did (possibly in your previous video) when you did a 360 pan and the camera didn't like that, I guess it's good to see what equipment other vloggers use (I see DSLR cameras used in other channels I watch) - and perhaps they're good at not vibrating with the engine too!! I think @BenandEmily have done a run-down of their camera equipment somewhere. I guess it's all a steep learning curve! But you definitely have a following already, and it's such a supportive place (I think!) so keep on keeping on :)
It was great to see you back, and I hope you now continue with these vlogs. It's lovely to see a woman handling your own boat and being so confident in boat handling. As many have said, so many narrowboat vloggers have given up filming so it is refreshing to see new faces coming on stream as it were, and bringing a new look to the world of narrowboating. I'm loving your travels. In double locks, would it help to just open one gate?
Thank you, I would like to see more women handling boats on RUclips too as it seems like there are more men doing it. As for the lock gates, it's not really much extra work to open the second gate and it makes it easier to drive out so I just tend to open both!
A little daunting on your own to start with. I'm the same on my widebeam, I can't get away with one gate can take ages. Don't over edit your vlog it's refreshing and more realistic,love it
Thankyou Betty for sharing your life on your narrowboat. You have come over more confident this time. It wont be long before you have a large following, I admire the fact that you do this on you own. You must be a very confident person. In fact I am to old to do what you are doing it's something I should of done when I was younger, so watching video's of people like yourself does brings me some pleasure, so take care and be safe and keep up the good work. Brian
I'm not naturally very confident but I force myself to do things out of necessity really. I'm glad you're enjoying watching people's videos - I like watching them too!
Yes, that's what I've found! I would never have been able to do 74 locks in two weeks if other boaters hadn't helped me. I've found that non-boaters are often willing to close lock gates too.
Another nice video, thanks. If you film while there are people about they might ask what you're doing and when you explain you might get more viewers!. Don't be self-conscious, filming is legal, increasingly normal and nothing to be worried about.
Thanks for another great video Betty. Tackling the locks single-handed looks tricky; but you obviously know what you are doing. That's a good explanation of how they work. I follow another narrowboater, @NarrowboatJourneys, who has been cruising the cut single-handed for thirty years. I think it's fantastic.
love it ... i know you probably know but boat vloggers leave a good month from where they have filmed or going location wise so people cant just turn up and see you just stay safe on your locations x
That was really helpful to see how the locks work singlehanded as we want to go on a narrow boat trip, but wondered how the locks will be navigated singlehanded. Very helpful. Happy boating, Thanks again.
I'm glad it was helpful! I find double locks more difficult than single ones, especially if you're going up in the lock, so you could maybe book a trip along a stretch of canal which has single ones? Or you could book a trip somewhere that doesn't have locks?
Thanks for your videos and information, I fancy a narrowboat and being female and a lone traveller, you've given me the bug to get one!! I often walk the canal paths admiring the boats! Around church lawton, trent and mersey canal. Beautiful scenery! 😊
It's nice to know I've inspired another woman! I do love it but it can also be stressful at times, just so you're aware. In fact, I currently have a problem with the boat which I'm hopefully going to show in a future video. I was due to go through Church Lawton last July but had to take a detour due to a broken lock near Sandbach. I might visit in the future though!
Yes second video, can see the shyness, braver than me lol Maybe add some security for your own personel safety been a lone cruiser 🤷♂️ Also a tip, get a small magnet on a string if you drop something in canal you can fish it out 🙂 Happy boating see you next time 😊
Since stenson had new gates , when the locks full the top gates blow open by the wind , assume the same thing is happening at weston. Much better than leaky gates. 👍
Have always been slightly terrified of canal Locks but you've made it look easy dont blame you for not filming the ladder bit tho thats the part that gives me the heebie geebies!great video look forward to the next one hope the weather isn't too bad for you
@@bettyonaboat totally agree know its not that deep water wise but its a long way down and up !fell in the local cut when I was about 10 big wuss I know but still scared to death of canals generally tbh but it does look like a much calmer pace of life I shall keep watching you never know !stay safe Betty 👍
Hi Betty. Thank you for two really enjoyable videos. You have all you need to make a great channel. Don’t be surprised if it grows quickly. There's an honesty and natural pace that fits the subject. You, your boat, and the scenery make a great trio. Don't feel rushed, remember, it's your channel! Video your travels, edit, and post when you're ready. Your viewers will be here. Stay safe and happy travels...
Thank you, I'll try not to feel rushed! I feel like there are lots of videos I want to make to explain how I got into this, etc, but it will take me a while to do them!
Hi Betty , wonderful video. I follow Cruising Alba , your life style seems such a slow pace of life . Keep the vids coming, you are doing a brilliant job 👍👍
Hi I am contemplating a solo life on a narrowboat so your channel is perfect! It would be interesting to see what routine jobs / checks you have to carry out on the boat. Thanks!
Very nice. Enjoyed it. Keep ‘em coming. 👍 The leisurely pace and lovely scenery are wonderful. You are so fortunate to be doing this. I wish the best for you.
i enjoyed this as much as your first video, please keep them coming. having watched a lot of canal life videos i'm enjoying the simplicity of yours, they're a good mix of scenery, voice over, explanation and chat. thanks
Thank you, I'm glad you like the simplicity of them. I wasn't sure how they were going to turn out but quite a few people have said they find them relaxing.
Hi Betty, Anna and I have just enjoyed watching your first couple of video’s. Nice filming and nice on screen commentary. Good luck with your ongoing vlog activities, it will be interesting to follow your travels.
Thanks for showing such beautiful sights and experiences...yourself included. Glad I gave you a little laugh in the last video when I said you sound very soothing. As a ginger myself, I understand how you'd get ribbed for what you were born with, but here in Canada your voice is every bit as attractive as you look. What may seem like a disadvantage to you could be one of your greater assets to others. Apologies to you if compliments make you uncomfortable. My goals are to boost your confidence early and cheer you on (or up) as you go. I doubt we'll ever meet in person, and I have a life here, so please be assured I have no other (or ill) intents. Darren ("Recordhound")
My friend and I are thinking about moving onto a narrowboat so watching your videos are very informative. Please keep posting, your vlogs and presentation style is very natural and endearing. All the best from a new subscriber 🙂
Thank you, it's nice to know that people who don't currently have boats are finding the videos informative! I'm still a relative beginner myself so I'm no expert, but I thought I'd show how I do things in case it helps people.
Thankyou for shearing that with us ,i can see that working the locks is slow process ,but a lovel;y to slow down the pace of life ,and i notice you have the same coffe mug i use at work.
Yes, locks are a slow process but I enjoy slowing down for them! That mug is quite special to me as my friend gave it to me while I was on my journey bringing the boat back to the Midlands. She met me at a marina and brought me a mug as I didn't have any on the boat at the time.
Wow... these are dream numbers here! "Only" 7'000 subs, and 10 days after release, you already have 25'000 views, 960 comments and a whole load of people enjoying and complementing on this, just your 2nd offering in this series. I feel honoured to be one of these "fans" and wish you good health, and much luck and success on this adventure.
Having just discovered your channel I just binge watched all your videos and liked them. That shyness will soon wear off . Cheers from another Aussie in Brisbane
Hello Betty - greetings from Poland A lovely video. Well done on showing us how to go through a lock. It must be difficult being solo handed, but evn more difficult filming at the same time.
It would be interesting to get a tour of your Boat as its smaller than most RUclipsrs I watch and maybe to understand a bit of your storey of what got you to Narrowboat life
Great to see boat life from a newbie's perspective, and your clear and detailed explanations. Hope you can tell us more about your boat and reasons for choosing it, whether you are a liveaboard (on what seems a very small boat) or not.
I’ve just moved onto my first narrowboat and will be cruising solo when I leave the marina so yet to tackle my first solo lock, and it’s the GU so will be a wide one. When I did the helmsman’s course, I mentioned that some solo boaters prefer to line haul their boats through locks rather than use the ladders but the instructor very much disapproved. Slow Boat Through Britain prefers to line haul.
Ah that's really interesting because I've heard of people pulling their boats through rather than using ladders, and I've thought about giving it a go. Why did the instructor disapprove? I've also heard about people using their ropes to turn their boats around in the canal (i.e. 180 degrees) but I'm worried it will go wrong and the boat will drift off without me! 😄
@@bettyonaboat He was very much against taking the weight of the boat in any situation. He said, “To stop it moving, let the bollards, rings, spikes or piling hooks take the strain. If you want it to move, that’s what the engine’s for.” He taught springing off, where you keep the bowline tied to the bank and move the stern out using forward gear and if the canal is wide enough, you could spin around to face the other way. Also in winding holes, where there’s a soft back on one side, he taught us to nudge into it with the bow then spin the stern around using full rudder and forward gear.
This is great because it’s very natural - I love the fact you don’t like talking in front of people - which must seem weird to do without a camera crew etc in the middle of nowhere! Also the camera falling over is all part of it so I think you already have a style of your own. Keep them coming - good luck
Nice second video. You seem much more comfortable on camera and the actual video.and editing is more polished. Like the brief guide to single handing a lock. Looking forward to the next video.
Hello Betty, you are very personable and I think your first attempts at making videos were very successful. I have subscribed to your channel. I look forward to more beautiful pictures of your travels. I travel a lot in the Netherlands with my boat. I'm from Germany, but there are much nicer places for boating in the Netherlands. I wish you many more wonderful trips.
Oh wow, I've just subscribed to your channel as I don't know very much about boating in the Netherlands but I'd like to find out more. I'm glad you liked the video!
Hi Betty, just to say i really hope that the trolls dont start on you! There are some real so and so know alls out there that like to be critical, ignore them! its part n parcel of utube and facebook unfortunately ! Great vlogs so far and more to come, summers on the way 😊 im on my boat having a cup of tea wishing you well 👍
Oh crikey, I've been OK so far but thank you for the warning! I should probably make it clear that this is just how I do things and isn't necessarily the right or best way of doing things. Yes, I'm looking forward to summer cruising!
My grandad used to own a narrowboat back in the 80s and we'd sometimes go on family trips on it - absolutely loved it as a kid, and for my 42nd birthday this year we rented one in Skipton in yorkshire near where we live just for the day which was great fun although a little chilly in February! Brought back some great memories though. Thanks for the channel!
That sounds lovely! I used to walk along the canal with my granddad when I was growing up but I don’t remember there being as many boats around back then. I’m glad it brought back some nice memories!
Good to see you again, a helping hand always makes life easier,your boat “little one “ looks new or has been repainted recently it looks so clean, see you next time.
I thought you did well. I used to follow several narrowboaters prior to COVID, but most of them are no longer living aboard. Its fun to have someone else to follow now.
I live in the outskirts of Derby and so I know the canal at Shardlow very well. And my great grandfather was born in Shardlow in the 1860's. Well done Betty, keep it up.
@@bettyonaboat As you said in the video, it was at one time what was known as an inland port and was the Motorway of it's day, and though the pace of life was slowere then - the speed of a walking horse - I often think we lost something with the passing of those days. My best wishes to you.
Hi, Betty. Another charming video. I could see how windy it was by the way the boat was being moved about. I am looking forward to seeing what you get up to next. You appear to have mastered locks, even when the wind is not helping. Still a bit shy, no big deal. Do you chat to camera with no intention to use the footage? It's a good way to develop your style. See you on the next one.
Yes, to be honest I probably should have looked at the weather forecast but I needed to move the boat that day as I didn't want to overstay. I filmed these first two videos not sure if I was going to use them so I'm still practising and developing really!
Another lovely insightful video.. lovely bumping into you again this morning and having a little chat.. keep up these vlogs.. and safe journeys on the cut.. ❤
Yes, what a strange coincidence! I was actually about to film a video introduction when you saw me so that’s why I had my phone out, but I felt a bit of an idiot!
Very informative to see how you accomplish this. Its quite a feat to do this with only one person and it was fortunate to get a bit of help in some areas.😁
That was really useful, Betty. Thank you. I'm an old person and I've never been brave enough to go through a lock on my own. Watching the whole process was informative. Happy sailing
Like an American gent in your last video, I’ve no idea how your video was shown in my feed. Anyway considering you seemed new and nervous, I thought it was good. Like my questions after watching, maybe you could do a talk on your trips about how, long, how did you get into narrow boating, etc. Have good travels and stay safe.
Another lovely video, entertaining and educational. I hope it's ok to say to - be cautious about revealing future locations... stay safe out there. More tips and quirks of boat life please 😊
Agreed in respect of revealing location. I'm a local chap to where Betty is in these vids, but as long as she has moved on, it shouldn't be a problem. Judging by the weather, I would say they are a little while ago.
Thank you! I filmed this a while ago so I’m not there now but I think I am going to stop giving my locations in future videos. I thought there would only be about 20 people watching these!
You're definitely growing in confidence and seem more relaxed on camera. Giving us more information on travelling through the locks and the places where you are. Keep up the great work!
I really enjoyed this, we’ve got a leisure boat at Sawley so you’re in our neck of the woods. So lovely to see a new face as so many other boaters that I’ve been following have left. Take care, looking forward to seeing more from you. xxxx
Good to see you are still pursuing your canal journeys Betty 👍 The last time we walked through Shardlow the Trent and Derwent were in full flood and the tow path leading towards Trent lock was totally submerged and impassable The fields between where you moored and the Trent had disappeared 6:38 Don’t know how long your intending to stay moored in the area but will keep and eye out next time we are about and give you a wave 👋 Carry on cruising 😊 👍
![Old age & DAMP patches - BOAT LIFE as a SOLO FEMALE aboard a NARROWBOAT [Ep 92]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/0e5X7b6PTDY/mqdefault.jpg)
![Old age & DAMP patches - BOAT LIFE as a SOLO FEMALE aboard a NARROWBOAT [Ep 92]](/img/tr.png)
Boat looks great, looking forward to seeing more of it and learning more about canal boat life. Really enjoyable watch. Thanks for making it.
Thank you, I'm glad you found it enjoyable and I hope you enjoy my future videos! ☺
Wow, your channel has grown so quickly! I’ve no idea why RUclips recommended your videos but this was really interesting. When I was a kid (about 5 or 6 years old) my family lived in Burton on Trent for a while and I used to love it when I had the opportunity to “help” opening and closing the gates. But in recent years the closest I’ve been is a sketching holiday in Bradford on Avon. I think I chose the busiest lock to sit and sketch. It took ages, because I had to keep stopping my sketch every time the gates were opened! Haha
I'm glad you found it interesting! I've been through Burton-on-Trent on my boat so I must have been through that very lock!
Good to see you a second time, so many people that I used to follow have left the canal so it is good to have a new channel to watch. The filming is good and clear, looking forward to a third video. My Best Wishes..Andrew.
Thank you, there should be a third one in a couple of weeks!
Betty, can you add a short video summary of the day’s trip on a GPS map to better understand where you are and where you end up
Great video, love the calming influence it has on me when working in an office and dreaming about enjoying more time travelling through the UK and in nature..love the music and direction of this video thank you.
Thank you, I'm glad you find it calming! Let's hope nothing dramatic happens... 🤞
Camera proceeds to go skybound, followed by a little off camera giggle and a smile, that some, like me, might say is worth the price of admission alone Betty.
Ha, I don't know why I laughed because I was actually worried I'd broken my phone! 😂 It's a good job it wasn't closer to the edge as it could have blown in the lock! 🤦♀
I think I speak for most people here - we'll watch anything you want to post up for us! 🤣
It was great watching the lock navigation - even though many of us watching already know the sequence, it's still nice to see a 'new boater' doing it. And keep it up with the scenery as well. There are some lovely views all around. 🥰
Well done, keep them coming! ☺
Thank you, I'm glad you like the videos so far! ☺
we need a boat tour!
I'll do one soon!
Be careful what you share on RUclips re your boat security etc, not everyone has good intentions.
@@anniemac3075 That's a good point. I'm already a bit worried about that as I didn't expect so many people to watch these videos.
@@bettyonaboat You can keep it general, don't show where you keep valuables, keys, actual locks on the boat etc or exactly where you are. Most RUclipsrs put out videos long after leaving an area & you don't have to be specific about where you've been either just a rough idea maybe.
It's like any social media in that you shouldn't give too much personal information while being sociable & enjoying connecting with people.
Good luck with boat life & enjoy your interaction on RUclips.
Yeah I second what Annie said, I thought it was a bit odd when you mentioned where you'd moored up. One easy way around that is to just release your videos after you move on. Worth keeping in mind though especially as you're traveling alone
It would be great to have a tour of the boat and learn a bit more about it and how you got it. 😊
I will soon hopefully!
Weird...
@@mickbaker9852 What's weird about that...?
I concur..!!!
@@2000jago chronically online people have their mind in the gutter lol ignore them
There are a bunch of narrow boat channels. Yours is refreshing. Thanks for making the vids. hello from Pa USA
Thank you! Yes, I watch quite a few channels myself. I'm glad you think mine is refreshing!
@@bettyonaboat I look forward to seeing you and David Johns do a collab. fingers crossed for David!
Your videos look great Betty! They're honest, and whilst I imagine you're thinking of everything you'd want to do different, learn more with filming and being comfortable with the camera - just take your time and it will happen without you realising it! Keep sharing your lovely lifestyle and you'll be grand - just think it a year's time if you carry on - you'll see how far you've have come!
Yes I think it will be interesting to see what the videos are like once I've been doing them for a bit. I'm just going to have fun with it! I'm glad you like them.🙂
@@bettyonaboat it shows!! I think that's the only way to approach it :) - from what I've seen with other channels, you will get used to talking to the camera more, I guess imagining it's a friend perhaps is one way! I think your audio is great (which is one of the most important things) and music choice too!! There was a shot you did (possibly in your previous video) when you did a 360 pan and the camera didn't like that, I guess it's good to see what equipment other vloggers use (I see DSLR cameras used in other channels I watch) - and perhaps they're good at not vibrating with the engine too!! I think @BenandEmily have done a run-down of their camera equipment somewhere. I guess it's all a steep learning curve! But you definitely have a following already, and it's such a supportive place (I think!) so keep on keeping on :)
A Steve 'tip', set up 2 centre lines. One on the left, one on the right. Makes life easier for solos.
That's a good idea! I always worry if I'm not standing on the same side of the lock as my centre line, as it means I can't run over to it if needed.
@@bettyonaboat you can just put the boat to the front of the lock and do the paddles slowly. I never use the center line
@@bettyonaboat it can be anoyying when someone helps tho amd does the paddles too quick
It was great to see you back, and I hope you now continue with these vlogs. It's lovely to see a woman handling your own boat and being so confident in boat handling. As many have said, so many narrowboat vloggers have given up filming so it is refreshing to see new faces coming on stream as it were, and bringing a new look to the world of narrowboating. I'm loving your travels. In double locks, would it help to just open one gate?
Thank you, I would like to see more women handling boats on RUclips too as it seems like there are more men doing it. As for the lock gates, it's not really much extra work to open the second gate and it makes it easier to drive out so I just tend to open both!
A little daunting on your own to start with. I'm the same on my widebeam, I can't get away with one gate can take ages. Don't over edit your vlog it's refreshing and more realistic,love it
Yes, they can definitely be daunting!
Love your vids! Don’t be shy you are a natural!
Thankyou Betty for sharing your life on your narrowboat. You have come over more confident this time. It wont be long before you have a large following, I admire the fact that you do this on you own. You must be a very confident person. In fact I am to old to do what you are doing it's something I should of done when I was younger, so watching video's of people like yourself does brings me some pleasure, so take care and be safe and keep up the good work. Brian
I'm not naturally very confident but I force myself to do things out of necessity really. I'm glad you're enjoying watching people's videos - I like watching them too!
This is the perfect content for RUclips and what the platform was created for. Great vids 👍
Thank you, I enjoyed making it so I'm glad RUclips exists! 😀
Glad to see you are getting at least one rain free day although narrow boats can be a bit entertaining in strong cross winds.😅
Oh dear, as long as nobody crashes into me!
@@bettyonaboat we once clonked another boat due to wind. The owner looked at me, smiled and said " you do realise boating is a full contact sport".
@@trevorkirby3781I know some people post videos of narrowboat crashes and I just can't watch them - they're like horror films to me!
Will be my turn to learn in a practical sense canal boating next year. Smile
Good luck, I'm sure you'll enjoy it!
Another interesting, informative and enjoyable video. It seems that the boating community are friendly and are willing to help each other at locks.
Yes, that's what I've found! I would never have been able to do 74 locks in two weeks if other boaters hadn't helped me. I've found that non-boaters are often willing to close lock gates too.
Go girl. Doing well, thankyou for such great entertainment.
Thanks, I'm glad you found it entertaining!
A nice second Vlog, it was good to see a step by step guide to opening & closing the locks. Look forward to your next one. 😊
Thanks, I'm glad you found it interesting!
you are doing so well by yourself.
Thank you! ☺
Another nice video, thanks. If you film while there are people about they might ask what you're doing and when you explain you might get more viewers!. Don't be self-conscious, filming is legal, increasingly normal and nothing to be worried about.
Thanks! I actually did some filming today, outside, while people were walking along the towpath, so I'm getting braver!
Thanks for another great video Betty. Tackling the locks single-handed looks tricky; but you obviously know what you are doing. That's a good explanation of how they work. I follow another narrowboater, @NarrowboatJourneys, who has been cruising the cut single-handed for thirty years. I think it's fantastic.
Oh wow, 30 years is a long time! I bet there weren't as many boats on the canals back then and thing have changed a lot in that time.
This is a refreshing alternative to the usual YT experience. Most enjoyable.
Thanks very much!
love it ... i know you probably know but boat vloggers leave a good month from where they have filmed or going location wise so people cant just turn up and see you just stay safe on your locations x
Yes I’ve done this too! I actually filmed this before I posted the other video and I wasn’t sure if either of them would ever see the light of day!
@@bettyonaboat goood it will be a good channel love it 😀
I never fully understood how locks worked when I saw them all the time as a kid. Thanks for showing us your life on the boat, it's fascinating.
Thank you for watching - I hope it has helped you understand locks after all these years!
@@bettyonaboat flat water = flat earth
Happy sailing friend, hopefully summer comes sooner rather than later
Yes, too many rainy days so far!
I so love your videos and commentary. You are the calm, quiet, reflective equivalent of a Neville Shute book. Please don't change
Thank you, that's really nice of you to say!
I used to live near Shardlow and know the lock well , nice to see it again.
It’s lovely round there - I miss it myself a bit!
That was really helpful to see how the locks work singlehanded as we want to go on a narrow boat trip, but wondered how the locks will be navigated singlehanded. Very helpful. Happy boating, Thanks again.
I'm glad it was helpful! I find double locks more difficult than single ones, especially if you're going up in the lock, so you could maybe book a trip along a stretch of canal which has single ones? Or you could book a trip somewhere that doesn't have locks?
I would love to see a room tour of your boat. Greetings from Germany,
I hope to do a tour soon. Greetings from England!
Thanks for your videos and information, I fancy a narrowboat and being female and a lone traveller, you've given me the bug to get one!! I often walk the canal paths admiring the boats! Around church lawton, trent and mersey canal. Beautiful scenery! 😊
It's nice to know I've inspired another woman! I do love it but it can also be stressful at times, just so you're aware. In fact, I currently have a problem with the boat which I'm hopefully going to show in a future video.
I was due to go through Church Lawton last July but had to take a detour due to a broken lock near Sandbach. I might visit in the future though!
Yes, i solo on my NB, its 57ft, so a handfull if windy, i usually wait a few days, and i generally just potter a few miles.
Great video and a good insight as to how locks work 😊
Thank you, I'm glad it's a good insight. ☺
Yes second video, can see the shyness, braver than me lol
Maybe add some security for your own personel safety been a lone cruiser 🤷♂️
Also a tip, get a small magnet on a string if you drop something in canal you can fish it out 🙂
Happy boating see you next time 😊
Good tips - thank you! ☺
@@bettyonaboat Sea Searcher! A big magnet on a rope.
Loved this so nice to see parts of the trent and Mersey in my area ❤
It's a beautiful canal in parts!
Since stenson had new gates , when the locks full the top gates blow open by the wind , assume the same thing is happening at weston. Much better than leaky gates. 👍
This occurred to me afterwards actually, I think that is the reason!
Couple of nice videos so far, looking forward to more.
Thank you! 😀
It's so quiet and peace full and time goes so slowly too your doing a great job
I do find locks quite relaxing, because you're forced to stand there as the water slowly drains, taking in the scenery. 🙂
Would love to take a trip on a narrow boat am not far from the marina at willington
Have always been slightly terrified of canal Locks but you've made it look easy dont blame you for not filming the ladder bit tho thats the part that gives me the heebie geebies!great video look forward to the next one hope the weather isn't too bad for you
I'm still a bit scared of them... I think locks need to be respected as they can be dangerous.
@@bettyonaboat totally agree know its not that deep water wise but its a long way down and up !fell in the local cut when I was about 10 big wuss I know but still scared to death of canals generally tbh but it does look like a much calmer pace of life I shall keep watching you never know !stay safe Betty 👍
Hi Betty. Thank you for two really enjoyable videos. You have all you need to make a great channel. Don’t be surprised if it grows quickly. There's an honesty and natural pace that fits the subject. You, your boat, and the scenery make a great trio.
Don't feel rushed, remember, it's your channel! Video your travels, edit, and post when you're ready. Your viewers will be here. Stay safe and happy travels...
Thank you, I'll try not to feel rushed! I feel like there are lots of videos I want to make to explain how I got into this, etc, but it will take me a while to do them!
Hi Betty, Just chanced on your channel…now subscribed and waiting to see what comes next.
@@factoryfresh9141 Thanks, I hope you like my future videos!
Hi Betty , wonderful video. I follow Cruising Alba , your life style seems such a slow pace of life . Keep the vids coming, you are doing a brilliant job 👍👍
@@andydawkins9640 Thank you, I'm glad you like the videos so far! ☺
Hi
I am contemplating a solo life on a narrowboat so your channel is perfect!
It would be interesting to see what routine jobs / checks you have to carry out on the boat.
Thanks!
Ah OK, I wasn't sure if people would be interested in that kind of thing but I'll try to show this in future.
Very nice. Enjoyed it. Keep ‘em coming. 👍 The leisurely pace and lovely scenery are wonderful. You are so fortunate to be doing this. I wish the best for you.
Thanks very much, I do feel very fortunate!
Nice to find a new narrow boat channel, enjoyed both videos subscribed and looking forward to following your journey.
Thank you, I look forward to sharing my journey!
i enjoyed this as much as your first video, please keep them coming. having watched a lot of canal life videos i'm enjoying the simplicity of yours, they're a good mix of scenery, voice over, explanation and chat. thanks
Thank you, I'm glad you like the simplicity of them. I wasn't sure how they were going to turn out but quite a few people have said they find them relaxing.
Hi Betty, Anna and I have just enjoyed watching your first couple of video’s. Nice filming and nice on screen commentary. Good luck with your ongoing vlog activities, it will be interesting to follow your travels.
I'm glad you both liked the videos - there should be more soon!
Well done. You had the worst of all worlds there, double lock, single handed on a windy day. Great stuff.
Thank you, I didn't realise how windy it would be when I set off. I should have checked the weather forecast!
Lovely stuff... please give us more 👏
Thank you, I hope to soon!
Thanks for showing such beautiful sights and experiences...yourself included.
Glad I gave you a little laugh in the last video when I said you sound very soothing. As a ginger myself, I understand how you'd get ribbed for what you were born with, but here in Canada your voice is every bit as attractive as you look.
What may seem like a disadvantage to you could be one of your greater assets to others.
Apologies to you if compliments make you uncomfortable. My goals are to boost your confidence early and cheer you on (or up) as you go. I doubt we'll ever meet in person, and I have a life here, so please be assured I have no other (or ill) intents.
Darren ("Recordhound")
My friend and I are thinking about moving onto a narrowboat so watching your videos are very informative. Please keep posting, your vlogs and presentation style is very natural and endearing. All the best from a new subscriber 🙂
Thank you, it's nice to know that people who don't currently have boats are finding the videos informative! I'm still a relative beginner myself so I'm no expert, but I thought I'd show how I do things in case it helps people.
Another great video Betty,many thanks for showing life on a narrow boat for us in Australia.This way of life looks so lovely❤.Keep up the great work.
Thanks for your message - it's nice to know someone across the world in Australia is watching. I bet your weather is nicer!
@bettyonaboat we have our moments of rubbish weather and a bit too hot in summer but nice at moment thanks.
Thankyou for shearing that with us ,i can see that working the locks is slow process ,but a lovel;y to slow down the pace of life ,and i notice you have the same coffe mug i use at work.
Yes, locks are a slow process but I enjoy slowing down for them! That mug is quite special to me as my friend gave it to me while I was on my journey bringing the boat back to the Midlands. She met me at a marina and brought me a mug as I didn't have any on the boat at the time.
Lovely stuff, keep them coming. Have always wanted a narrowboat, maybe someday...
Thank you! You could hire one for a holiday in the meantime maybe?
@@bettyonaboat Now that's a fine idea!
Its a good thing you are young, agile and strong to be able to do all that lock work and drive the boat !! Well done !!
Wow... these are dream numbers here! "Only" 7'000 subs, and 10 days after release, you already have 25'000 views, 960 comments and a whole load of people enjoying and complementing on this, just your 2nd offering in this series. I feel honoured to be one of these "fans" and wish you good health, and much luck and success on this adventure.
Thank you, that's really kind of you to say. The number of views and subscribers have come as a bit of a shock to me! Thank you for the good wishes. 🙂
Agreed Steve! I am also a new subscriber!
That was great work, Thank you.
Thank you!
Having just discovered your channel I just binge watched all your videos and liked them. That shyness will soon wear off . Cheers from another Aussie in Brisbane
Thank you, I'm glad you liked them all so far!
@@bettyonaboatare you north of stoke? Im trying to see if you go past me on the vids but i dont recognise the stretch.
Keep on boating I never had the courage to step out and do it ,i just take my boat out on the norfolk broads when we have good weather.
That sounds great, I've heard it's lovely around there!
Extremely relaxing vibe. My Aunt and Uncle live near there. Lovely part of the country. I hope your channel goes from strength to strength!
Thank you!
Very enjoyable so calming.
Thank you! ☺
Hello Betty - greetings from Poland
A lovely video. Well done on showing us how to go through a lock. It must be difficult being solo handed, but evn more difficult filming at the same time.
Greetings from England! Yes, I was quite tired at the end of the day after doing this. It was fun though!
It would be interesting to get a tour of your Boat as its smaller than most RUclipsrs I watch and maybe to understand a bit of your storey of what got you to Narrowboat life
Yes, I'm planning to do this in future!
Another Excellent and Interesting Video, well done with the windy conditions.
Thank you!
Great to see boat life from a newbie's perspective, and your clear and detailed explanations. Hope you can tell us more about your boat and reasons for choosing it, whether you are a liveaboard (on what seems a very small boat) or not.
Yes, I plan to talk more about all this in future videos!
I'm glad RUclips brought me here
I am too!
me too looking forward to watching your canal journeys
I’ve just moved onto my first narrowboat and will be cruising solo when I leave the marina so yet to tackle my first solo lock, and it’s the GU so will be a wide one. When I did the helmsman’s course, I mentioned that some solo boaters prefer to line haul their boats through locks rather than use the ladders but the instructor very much disapproved. Slow Boat Through Britain prefers to line haul.
Ah that's really interesting because I've heard of people pulling their boats through rather than using ladders, and I've thought about giving it a go. Why did the instructor disapprove? I've also heard about people using their ropes to turn their boats around in the canal (i.e. 180 degrees) but I'm worried it will go wrong and the boat will drift off without me! 😄
@@bettyonaboat He was very much against taking the weight of the boat in any situation. He said, “To stop it moving, let the bollards, rings, spikes or piling hooks take the strain. If you want it to move, that’s what the engine’s for.” He taught springing off, where you keep the bowline tied to the bank and move the stern out using forward gear and if the canal is wide enough, you could spin around to face the other way. Also in winding holes, where there’s a soft back on one side, he taught us to nudge into it with the bow then spin the stern around using full rudder and forward gear.
Love your videos. Please don't change the style
Thank you!
Boat tour would be nice :)
I'll do one soon hopefully!
Thanks for great video! Canals and narrowboats has always facinated me. Greetings from Norway 👍😃
Than you Betty - you do need to know what you are doing with locks and you certainly do!
There's always more to learn though!
This is great because it’s very natural - I love the fact you don’t like talking in front of people - which must seem weird to do without a camera crew etc in the middle of nowhere! Also the camera falling over is all part of it so I think you already have a style of your own. Keep them coming - good luck
Thank you, that's really kind of you to say! ☺
@@bettyonaboat you’re welcome - look forward to seeing more as you go on.
Alot more relaxed this time, great video
Thank you! ☺
Nice second video. You seem much more comfortable on camera and the actual video.and editing is more polished. Like the brief guide to single handing a lock. Looking forward to the next video.
Thank you, I'm hoping my skills and confidence will improve as I do more video!
Hello Betty, you are very personable and I think your first attempts at making videos were very successful. I have subscribed to your channel.
I look forward to more beautiful pictures of your travels.
I travel a lot in the Netherlands with my boat.
I'm from Germany, but there are much nicer places for boating in the Netherlands.
I wish you many more wonderful trips.
Oh wow, I've just subscribed to your channel as I don't know very much about boating in the Netherlands but I'd like to find out more. I'm glad you liked the video!
Great video, you did well on your own to film and do locks and on a windy day. Love to see a boat tour. Stay safe, happy boating .
With hindsight I maybe shouldn't have done it on a windy day! I do plan to do a boat tour in future. I'm glad you liked the video!
Love the video...As a coffee snob...lol can i recommend the clever dripper .Then obviously a grinder n fresh beans 😅.keep on boating
I've just looked it up and it looks good! Although I got that coffee dripper for £2 in about 2017 so I've had my money's worth from it by now!
You are a joy to watch navigating the locks!
Thank you!
Hi Betty, just to say i really hope that the trolls dont start on you! There are some real so and so know alls out there that like to be critical, ignore them! its part n parcel of utube and facebook unfortunately ! Great vlogs so far and more to come, summers on the way 😊 im on my boat having a cup of tea wishing you well 👍
Oh crikey, I've been OK so far but thank you for the warning! I should probably make it clear that this is just how I do things and isn't necessarily the right or best way of doing things. Yes, I'm looking forward to summer cruising!
Really interesting.. often wondered how you'd do a lock on your own 🛥️
So did I before I got my boat! I actually got stuck at the bottom of my first lock. I hope this helps other solo boaters.
I've always wondered how it works with locks on a narrowboat by yourself. Interesting, thanks.
Thanks, I wondered too before I got the boat. I hope this helps people!
My grandad used to own a narrowboat back in the 80s and we'd sometimes go on family trips on it - absolutely loved it as a kid, and for my 42nd birthday this year we rented one in Skipton in yorkshire near where we live just for the day which was great fun although a little chilly in February! Brought back some great memories though. Thanks for the channel!
That sounds lovely! I used to walk along the canal with my granddad when I was growing up but I don’t remember there being as many boats around back then. I’m glad it brought back some nice memories!
Well done Betty, for going out in that wind ,and how strong are you pushing that boat as if it was made from paper 💪,Nick 🏴x
I'm not that strong, it's just not a very big boat!
Good to see you again, a helping hand always makes life easier,your boat “little one “ looks new or has been repainted recently it looks so clean, see you next time.
I'm the third owner and there are some bits I need to sort out if you get close. I'm waiting until the weather gets warmer though!
I thought you did well. I used to follow several narrowboaters prior to COVID, but most of them are no longer living aboard. Its fun to have someone else to follow now.
I’m glad you’re enjoying following!
I live in the outskirts of Derby and so I know the canal at Shardlow very well. And my great grandfather was born in Shardlow in the 1860's. Well done Betty, keep it up.
Shardlow is lovely! I actually think it's one of my favourite places I've been to on the canal network so far.
@@bettyonaboat As you said in the video, it was at one time what was known as an inland port and was the Motorway of it's day, and though the pace of life was slowere then - the speed of a walking horse - I often think we lost something with the passing of those days. My best wishes to you.
Following! I work near shardlow and live not too far away. I am about to sell my house to be a lone, female boater 😊
Shardlow is really lovely - it would be nice to live there all the time I think.
Hi, Betty. Another charming video. I could see how windy it was by the way the boat was being moved about. I am looking forward to seeing what you get up to next. You appear to have mastered locks, even when the wind is not helping. Still a bit shy, no big deal. Do you chat to camera with no intention to use the footage? It's a good way to develop your style. See you on the next one.
Yes, to be honest I probably should have looked at the weather forecast but I needed to move the boat that day as I didn't want to overstay. I filmed these first two videos not sure if I was going to use them so I'm still practising and developing really!
Thank You - first time I've understood what goes on at a lock! After watching so many videos!
Thank you, that's a real compliment! I'm really glad I'm helping people understand things!
Another lovely insightful video.. lovely bumping into you again this morning and having a little chat.. keep up these vlogs.. and safe journeys on the cut.. ❤
Yes, what a strange coincidence! I was actually about to film a video introduction when you saw me so that’s why I had my phone out, but I felt a bit of an idiot!
Great video, Good job explaining the locks, keep up the good work.
Thank you, I hope it was easy to understand without going into too much detail!
You come over so well ,and seem a genuine lovely person. Do what you want girl , as long as it makes you happy..
Thank you for the encouragement. ☺
@@bettyonaboat Please keep the videos comming 🙂
Very informative to see how you accomplish this. Its quite a feat to do this with only one person and it was fortunate to get a bit of help in some areas.😁
It was overwhelming when I first started!
That was really useful, Betty. Thank you.
I'm an old person and I've never been brave enough to go through a lock on my own.
Watching the whole process was informative.
Happy sailing
It's out of necessity really, I much prefer doing locks when I have friends with me to help. I'm glad you found it informative!
Like an American gent in your last video, I’ve no idea how your video was shown in my feed. Anyway considering you seemed new and nervous, I thought it was good. Like my questions after watching, maybe you could do a talk on your trips about how, long, how did you get into narrow boating, etc. Have good travels and stay safe.
Thanks for the well wishes! I'm planning to discuss this in future videos as it's a bit of a long story!
Another lovely video, entertaining and educational. I hope it's ok to say to - be cautious about revealing future locations... stay safe out there. More tips and quirks of boat life please 😊
Agreed in respect of revealing location. I'm a local chap to where Betty is in these vids, but as long as she has moved on, it shouldn't be a problem. Judging by the weather, I would say they are a little while ago.
Thank you! I filmed this a while ago so I’m not there now but I think I am going to stop giving my locations in future videos. I thought there would only be about 20 people watching these!
Wonderful second video, love the narrowboats are holiday time this year will be our second time on a narrow boat, pure pleasure.
Yes the weather is warming up so I'm sure there will be lots of people out on the canals for holidays soon. I hope you have a nice time!
You're definitely growing in confidence and seem more relaxed on camera. Giving us more information on travelling through the locks and the places where you are. Keep up the great work!
Thank you! I think reading these comments is making me feel more confident too so I'm hoping I'll become more and more comfortable over time.
I really enjoyed this, we’ve got a leisure boat at Sawley so you’re in our neck of the woods. So lovely to see a new face as so many other boaters that I’ve been following have left. Take care, looking forward to seeing more from you. xxxx
Thank you! Oh yes, I know Sawley! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. xx
Good to see you are still pursuing your canal journeys Betty 👍
The last time we walked through Shardlow the Trent and Derwent were in full flood and the tow path leading towards Trent lock was totally submerged and impassable
The fields between where you moored and the Trent had disappeared 6:38
Don’t know how long your intending to stay moored in the area but will keep and eye out next time we are about and give you a wave 👋
Carry on cruising 😊 👍
Oh crikey, that sounds scary! I knew there had been flooding in that area but I didn't realise it had been so bad. I'm glad I wasn't there then!
It's just like being there, please continue posting. Thank you!
You're welcome!