Berkhamsted-on-the-Grand S2Ep19
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- Опубликовано: 10 сен 2024
- I want to rename Berkhamsted as I live on my Narrowboat there for about 2 weeks. Nice place. However, there is a towpath walk and chat prior to the cruise along the Grand Union to get there.
#canallife
#canals
#narrowboats
#narrowboatlife
#chrismears
#chrismearsinslowtime
#maximiselife
#narrowboatcruise
#berkhamsted
#towpath
Birki on the grand.. like it.. Beautiful autumnal colour's creeping in, there's some lovely boat's down there and what looks like a good community too. Where people actually talk and help each other. Anyway great vlog again thanks as always for sharing. K
Just recently, I've met some great people in 'Birko' as I've been informed it is. Exchanged a few numbers and hopefully catch up in the future. I was hoping to entice a fella in an older bloke adventure...maybe next year. Great bloke in front of me now. Yes a good community spirit. It appears likeminded people gravitate. Although it's not that often as now, most keep themselves inside this time of year. Thanks for the comment Kath.
Love the walk down the towpath so much.
Thank you Jay.
Nice vlog Chris. Loved the little history lesson on the red phone boxes. They brought back nostalgic memories of days gone by. I remember the boxes being red when the Post Office (then the GPO) had yellow vans, before changing to red. Some very interesting boats on the water and the couple in the green boat waving from the window as you passed them made me laugh 13:15. Safe journeys Chris.
Ooo yes. The GPO were yellow vans. Never saw the waving on the green boat. I need to watch out for that. Also must pay more attention to my own videos. Thanks Steve.
Great Vlog Chris lots of content many thanks, have a brilliant week and weekend.
Thanks Gary
One thing I'm a firm believer in, is, as little as possible washing up when cooking. So I fully endorse you scoffing porridge from said utensil.😀😀 Nice vlog Chris.👍
Thanks Brian. I also plan what meals I eat so I can use the pan pans again. The pasta pan will be used a few times with noodles, pasta and boiling veg. All in the art of efficiency.....or laziness. Perhaps a bit of both.
Sad to see the derelict boats. Thanks for the ride and your notes on the Telephone Box. You take care.
Those abandoned/derelict boats is a bit sad as they were once loved. I would like CRT to somehow make people accountable for sorting it out but it's a bit complicated and I've noticed the water level in the pound I'm in at the moment has dropped in a heart beat. I wouldn't be at all surprised if that was part of the reason for it listing....regardless, a shame and difficult for CRT to manage.
Another enjoyable video, beautiful part of England down there.
Thank you Cynthia. The stretch from North Watford to Dudswell near Tring is lovely. There are plenty of amenities and towns to visit. A feel a change will be happening soon though.
Greetings,
Another very enjoyable cruise. I was going to mention this a few months back when you knocked your melon. A hat not only keeps you warmer by preventing the body’s rising heat from escaping, it also provides a sort of early warning system of a millisecond or so so you can start ducking.
Hasta La Proxima,
John Haase
Agreed mate. It's strange you mention it. I had that hat on and scrapped my head on the bow door. At least it didn't hurt, even with a soft hat and it does make a difference keeping warm. I wear a hat most of the day now, regardless of time and in or out of the boat. Thanks for the comment John.
Nice 1 Chris, have a good weekend mate…
Thanks Tony. Busy filming and editing. You'll understand in a few weeks time.
@@chrismears-inslowtime indeed, don’t make/edit like some of my early ones 🤣🤣
It’s nice to see people helping each other through locks and chatting. Seems to be much more of a community on the canals, nice I like it. Great vlog as always Chris, thanks for sharing 👍
There is at the locks as the time spent in-between times means a conversation can last almost all the journey. I've met some great people over the past few week. It won't take long before I'll find a boater in every towpath visit that I'll know....maybe a few years but not long from Marsworth to Uxbridge. Thanks for the comment Steve.
Fascinating young fella! Thank you. We enjoyed that!
Thanks Ian. Japan did well against Germany. Despite the politics, it's shaping up to be a fascinating World Cup, if you're in to football of course.
Great vlog mate, clean cut no frills. As far as no hair goes, perfect heads don't need it😉😉👌
Thanks Dave. Agreed.
I like watching all the unintentional cross-overs with other videos. The different boats you encounter along the way keeps it interesting. Speaking of evolution, well, there's always a Baldrick, isn't there?
Telephone boxes can be found in the oddest places. There is still one on Commercial Drive, a half-hour's walk from where I live. I recall when it still had a phone in it: the only modification was that the window with "Telephone" printed in it was replaced by one with the Telus logo on it. Not a single window left in it, sadly, and certainly no phone. The other uses I can only speculate on [shudder].
Hi Peter. I hope you are well. The phone boxes can be seen all over and there are some that were painted in different colours for different reasons. I didn't want to go on as it can turn into a history lesson and while interesting, if I see another I can always add to the story.
It is a sign of the times where I remember being in a queue to use the phone in the box. Now of course we reach in our pockets or bags. The book kiosk...great idea. I seem to catch Baldrick a lot as do I appear to see, 'Pennies from Heaven' who passed me today. He noticed it too as he commented on his way by. Thanks for the comment Peter.
Chris you're a lucky man. Eating porridge from the pan. If my wife caught me doing that!!!!!! Wow would I be in trouble.
Why dirty a pan and a bowl I frequently eat out of a pan both with porridge and a main meal
Hi Daniel and Kym. I would eat out the pan if alone at home and I'm not say that's why I'm not married but it was frowned upon and It stays hotter for longer. Love porridge on a cold morning. That not the only meal I eat from the pan! If I have pasta, I will add it to the other pan. It's great so I'm with you Kym. Good to see. Harder to share it that way though.
Sounded like that narrow boat called Tom Cat hissed at you as you walked past😂😂
Was that the cat on the Black boat? It's moored infront of me right now if so. Great character on the inside. He's agreed to allow me to have a chat on camera. Hopefully it'll work out as saying 'yes' and doing it are two different things. Thanks for the comment Ice.
great vid . the youngest in life have missed out in queuing to use the phone. We had two of them in Depot Para when I joined always long queues.👍
The younger people don’t appreciate what they’ve got. I remember my parents saying the same to me. But phones means communication is easy, so why are they so bad at it? Discuss over a beer sometime
Another great wee video, Chris. I look forward to hearing about your jaunts along the canal each week. Thanks again for all your work.
Thank you Alan. Temperature and light have changed now. More time in the boat and it's harder to force myself out as there is a lot less light and time.
@@chrismears-inslowtime It's also an intersting time to get into night time photography. Tripod, long exposures, etc. I'm experimenting with something called "light painting". Some of those old canal locks could look great when lit from different perspectives.
having said that, I do understand what you mean when you say about "forcing" yourself out. I have that problem too.
@@Alan_AB I’m doing a bit of light painting. Good in the winter as you don’t have to wait long for dark. But it’s a lot colder. When I find the right subject, I’ll put it on the vlog.
Nice one 👍
Thanks Chris.
Great vlog .
Thanks Lynne.
Nice one Chris! First night onboard at this end!!!!!
Congratulations Glenn. I hope you enjoy it and get that fire going. I've just about mastered it now. Keep in touch and we'll have to meet up next year...maybe. Even a short journey tales forever now.
Very soothing vlog chris nice.
Thank you John.
I love a good turn of phrase, my mum (91) comes out with them all the time! Great vlog Chris. My OCDish tendencies kick in when I see those old abandoned, sunk, derelict boats, just want to clear them away, they are an eyesore on the beautiful canal, and it is looking beautiful in the autumn colours. Best wishes Christine x
I understand Christine with the derelict boats. They were once loved when bought and sometimes it just become too difficult to keep the project going so are left. CRT, I don't think can track the owners as if you move, you don't need to notify them. Therein lies the problem. Shame. Your Mum's doing well and the old and bold have great phrases that have been lost in the sands of time by the masses that at times just crop up. Great stuff.
Daily routine (Wed). Dressing gown, bed squared, coffee brewed, Tv fired up. Check... Another wonderful vlog Chris. The scenery married to your commentary is just wonderful. You are warming my cockles as someone who left the UK in the mid 80s but still retains love for the old dart. I remember catching stickle-backs on the canal in Brum (Birmingham), and hopping from foot to foot in a somewhat moist and pungent K6 telephone box as I was venturing to call my first girlfriend. (it was worth the offensive odour as I recall). Thank you for sharing the scenery and gentle components of your life and lifestyle. It is bloody brilliant. Back to my coffee.
Catching sticklebacks with a net on the end of a stick seems not to be done much these days. I look back with fond memories at life back then. Simple, easy and carefree. Today, somewhat different. Thanks for the comment John.
Great vlog Chris mate. Love the intentional miss pronouncing of words, something I like to do! You look happy mate, take care
Hi Craig. Hope you are well. I am happier each week. I can't say it's been the easiest of transitions. Everyone I talk too still say they wouldn't move back on land but all have stated it's not the easiest of lives. Autumn is here and Winter around the corner where it get harder still before it eases off in March. Let's see. I've always said I'll give it a year to get used to it. Thanks for the support Craig.
Great Stuff Chris 😎👍🏼
Thanks Nick.
Hi Chris - taking me a while to catchup up with the Vlogs - Let me start by wishing you a Happy New Year on your boat 🛥️ - loved the vlog, interesting to see the seasons changing and things slowing down over the colder months, nice array of different boats showing a broad spectrum of styles and conditions, it’s a shame to see neglected boats on the water, I often wonder do they still pay a license fee 😳
All boats should pay the licence fee and most do, despite their condition. I'm not sure of the financial position of those who own the 'more worn' boats but it would cost a lot of money to get them back to a pleasing condition or a lot of time and effort if on a self help basis. I have learnt a lot in my short time, nothing is easy living on a boat. Especially if your working too. I must admit, the clutter on the roof often doesn't help and that is easy to sort!
Have a great New Year Jon and thanks for the comments and support you have offered throughout the year.
@@chrismears-inslowtime when you see some sunken boats it makes you wonder why CRT are not on there case to sort them out, definitely can’t be classed as “continuous cruisers”
👍
Eating porridge straight out of the pan is one of the most disgusting habits of all time. But it tastes so much better than eating from a bowl!
Great vlog Chris!!!
......And it stays hotter for longer. The ambient temperature has changed and it's not always as warm on the boat as it was in a house. Eating from the pan has that covered. Thanks Henry.
I have to comment on the swing bridge,we had taken the narrow boat Belfast (woolwich boat youth and community project boat )out Nash mills with a youth club group . Any why as we approached the bridge a group of kids and leader when ahead to open the gate I arrived with the boat only to discover they had trapped a car on the bridge and irate driver.Re. Telephone box found one in Arras France !!
Great stuff. Irate drivers in cars where they feel they have the right of passage. I do that to bikes on the towpath. Those who whizz for exercise instead of using roads, while not trapped I do forget to move over despite their bell dinging. Don't get me wrong, families, old and bold, happy to move out the way but those who use it as a race track, need to slow down.
Telephone boxes all over the world I'm sure. Is that one near an old farm house with a trench system in the back garden? I remember going there. Thanks for the comment Gregg.
If you ever go to Hull you will see CREAM coloured telephone boxes. Hull is/was the only place in the UK to have an independent telephone exchange.
I think the closest I've been to Hull Ann, was watching Only Fools and Horses where Dell, Rodney and Uncle Albert went on a diamond smuggling trip to Holland. However, I did see some different colour kiosks on the internet and I think I'm right those cream kiosks had green roofs. Looked nice. Thanks for the comment Ann.
Looks like your heading towards Milton Keynes be going past me soon.
I'll be heading that way in the coming weeks. Northampton for Christmas to meet up with eldest and hopefully my son will take a trip down to join us for a family gathering.
Hi Chris, Another great vlog this week, loved the info on the K6 yes they are normally red but I can remember as a young lad being in the Lake Disrict that some where painted grey to blend in more with the surroundings..... You will find when you get more leaves fall that the boat may slow down as the bottom of the canal becomes silted up with leaves especially in narrow cuts and tunnels... keep an eye on the prop ! Hope all is well with Max.. Stay safe Bud and Carry on Cruising.. Best Wishes Old Skipper :)
The phone box thing...there were a few times some were painted different colours in different locations. Didn't know about the Lakes though. I found that with the leaves on the recent trip. A bust in reverse cleared it thankfully. I've got a tunnel to do before Christmas as I head north for a while. Hopefully get to see all the children over the festive period. Thanks Skip.
Yay, someone else who eats out the pan when nobody is about!!! nice one Chris!!
Save so much in many ways. Thanks Rob.I note you have a new one out so need to catch up. I find less time to watch the tube these days as there appears to be less free time living on a boat.
I feel like my life is complete,now that I have knowledge of the K6 😂. Another great vid into life on the cut, I was that chilled out watching, that I actually nodded off and had to rewind 😂😂 don’t read too much into that, as your certainly not dull. Will you find a suitable mooring to see the. Winter out, or will you carry on moving?
I won't read anything else into that Jack other than I was boring and you nodded off ! But thanks for the rewind. I've always said to people it's a good watch as you go to sleep but, can you do me a favour and put it on the S2 playlist and repeat, then at least it's guaranteed all night sleep !
I'm cruising through Winter mate. I'm going up to Northampton for Christmas and leaving next week to get there for the festive period before turning around and doing the slower float back. Hope you are well mate.
@@chrismears-inslowtime I thought you might keep moving unless the cut freezes over. I actually love your sense of humour and dry wit. I’m surprised the CRT doesn’t shift those old junkers ruining the place. I also think the outside of the boat is a reflection of how the owner lives on the inside. It’s funny , but I almost sent you a txt last week, to ask if you were OK when you didn’t post a vlog last Tues….it’s a Military thing I suppose, but I appreciate how much time in editing a simple vlog takes. If you ever get a tad bored, then you can watch my Rt66 trip…just search Adventure Before Dementia Route 66 on RUclips…it’s in 2 parts. Bon Chance Mon Ami 👍
@@Twinpot1962 I’ll look it up Jack. Btw I post on Wednesday now so unless you don’t see one then, that’s a great gesture. Thanks mate.
It’s always been known as Berko Chris 👍🏻
Thanks for the correction although I aligned it with Henley initially. I've known Berko as a boiler we used in the field on exercise in the mess tent to get a cuppa. Benefits of passing through HQ. Thanks for the comment GC.
“Saves on the washing up”, how did you know what we were all thinking?
“Bit of a whiff about them”, indeed they did. Your statement evoked that exact whiff.
Chris’ boat looked ever so long. Is that the same length as yours?
Occasionally, we see 2 “narras” moored side by side. What’s that about?
Does the CRT remove those abandoned boats or are they just left to decay; they make the canal look like a breakers yard.
Another great, entertaining video from Mears Studios Ltd
Hi Martin. Eating out the pan helps keep the food hotter for longer. That's my excuse. Christians boat is 4ft longer and those boats moored side by side is much the same witch as a wide beam....slightly wider. Some need more accommodation so they move about like that. I've seen one boat as a living boat and the other a business workshop boat.
The CRT can move boats but it costs and they have to track the boat to see if it moves. They do that for about 2 years before it's classed as abandoned. Most unfortunately as just left as it fall into the too difficult bracket.
Thanks for the comment Martin .
@@chrismears-inslowtime when I make my own porridge, I also eat it out of the pan. I can’t see the point of pouring it into a cold bowl and then having to wash the pan AND the bowl afterwards. Got some funny looks from the dining-room staff in the officers mess when I said I’d have it from the pan. ;)
Hi Chris, another really interesting tour of a local town. I do like Berko, it’s always been a bit posh. And I remember it mainly for an early date (is that the word nowadays?) with my now wife, as I managed to set light to the menu by laying it on a tiny tea on the table I didn’t spot. Needless to say 20 years later we’re still together but my heavy handedness hasn’t improved. Nice to see the community spirit is still strong on the water, shame for us on dry land it seems to be very rare. Any plans for the Christmas special yet Chris? Looking forward to the next vlog. Hope all is well.
Thanks Darren. Life is good on the canals and I'm starting to understand it a bit more now. I've started to meet a few people which is nice. Christmas: Heading to Northampton to visit my eldest who is coming back to the UK for the festive period. It's been sometime since I've seen her. I'm hoping to see all of the kids over that period. It should be good. What are you up to?
The Rex would be a nice date with one of those tables next to the screen. A bit different.
Hi Chris. We’re going for a family Christmas take 3 as last 2 were cancelled due to the Vid. I’m sure you well on your way to Northampton now. Be nice for you to see your daughter if she’s back in U.K. - has she seen or been on the boat?
@@darrenking4715 the vid has ruined a few festive years so get festive this year. No to both ref eldest daughter. Nor eldest son and he may make a surprise visit. Not sure as he lives in the proper North for some reason. Went to uni and never left. I need to get through Milton Keynes before Mon as the weather is on the change. A few days long travelling. Still, that’s boat life. 🤞
Chris you mentioned those totems on the side of the portholes on the boat with the cat guarding its hatch, then later (18mins) you also mention "Christian's boat", which looks identical. Would like to know more, those totems look Māori, or Polynesian maybe - maybe there's even grass skirts aboard?
Christian’s boat and the totems on the side of the portholes are one and the same. I plan to have a chat with him about his boat. You’re right about them being Polynesian. I think his a true character on the canals. I hope and I’m sure it will, that’ll shine through when I get to chat to him on film.
Looking very Autumnal now Chris. The chap who designed the telephone box was the same architect who designed Battersea Power Station and Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral so he got about a bit.
The church thing in Liverpool has telephone feel to it with that central bell tower. I do like Battersea Power Station. Something about the block with chimneys that wouldn't pass for architecture today. Thanks for the comment Rob.
Hi warrant I’m still watching through your video vloggy things 😊 there good to watch and such a laugh. Just wondered if your going to crick this year if your south of Crick you could have a lift? We’ll be coming up on the Saturday from Berkshire
That’s very nice of you Steve. Crick: yes and planning to go on Saturday. Not sure if I need a lift yet but I’ll let you know if that’s ok where I am and suggested Pick Up Points. Thanks again.
@@chrismears-inslowtime let me know it’s no problem use what 3 words and I’ll find you 🫡
Gilbert Scott was also the architect who designed Liverpool Anglian Cathedral. Have a look and you can see it looks like a giant phone box. Of course it’s not red.
That's a big old church and yes, I can seethe similarities. How good would that have been...I can just imagine it having windows all the way up. Churches are cold at the best of times, but I reckon as they didn't have double glazing at the time, it may have been the factor swinging his decision to put brick there instead!
Nice one Chris. As usual. Seems to be a lot of derelict craft in that stretch of the canal. Do you see many on your journeys along the cuts ? Or was it more so there than usual.
There is the odd one or two sunken boats. Some derelict looking project boats are lived in and a lot are just moved two weekly to stay in line with the licence. There was a young fella at Rickmansworth who floated a boat and did it to sell. I think it should be offered as a going concern. 'Free' to anyone who can float it. I think a lot of it is rain water and then it's listed due to water dropping in the pound. The water dropping can happen very quickly. Thanks for the comment Kev.
Hi Chris Did you enjoy Sapolsky? I loved Behave.
Yet to read it I'm afraid. I thought I would have more time on the boat relaxing. Not true. I will get around to reading more when I get used to the life and find out all the short cuts. Currently, I still learning about the boat and life so I am constantly on the move. I'm always anxious about what may happen and whats around the corner. I'll relax soon I hope as I have a few books I want to read from the shelves and appear to be collecting more. Rainy days required when I have nothing to do!! Thanks for the comment Kelli.
Us locals call Berkhamsted, 'Berko'
Thanks for the correction. I filmed the next one before I knew that so please forgive me Becky.
Can I say any more complimentary things about you and your vlogs than I have in the past.......? Not really just thank god for you in the lives of your followers. Have a good and safe week my ex military friend.
Life is changing on the canals now it's getting colder and the nights have drawn in. There will do for another another month before they start to get lighter. It's a lot harder now and I'm getting to grips with the fire. All to come out in future vlogs. Thanks Anthony. I hope you are both well. Stay warm.
How long is your boat crisis.
It's 66 ft Adam. A bit long perhaps especially when trying to find a place to moor in busy areas but I've managed to date. However very conformable to have the space.
Chris, eating out of a pan? Your standards are slipping. Hope that's just a temporary lapse.
Less washing up and the food stays hotter longer so I'm afraid if the food allows it, I'll do it every time.Although tonight I have cod and parsley fish cake, chips and peas. All on a plate warmed by draining the peas out on it. Thanks for the comment Terry.
I get that and if I was camping, I'd do the same but I'm now too "conditioned" to allow that at home, and I have no one to take me to task.@@chrismears-inslowtime
Birke... ha ha. That will ruffle the middle classed privileged feathers who live in Berkhampstead
Nah…they’re fine with it.
@@spencehh only joking. Love Berkhamsted. Lived and worked there many years ago
Hi Susan and Spence. It's a pricey post code and it was nice to live there for a short time. Lovely boutique shops and even the charity shops have good clothes in them. Not my style but I appreciate the quality. The Rex cinema was lovely and the whole feel of the town was great with the market too. Loved it. Used to cycle through it a few times when I was in Wendover. Thanks for the comments.