While my boat was broken down recently (see vlog 205), I had the great pleasure of Pixel, Maggie and Ryan aka Narrowboat Chef being my neighbours. They very kindly agreed to instruct me in the mystical ways of baking scones and this is the result.
A quick video demo of a new toy I bought for the boat, a temperature / humidity gauge with three wireless remote sensors. Hours of fun!
The sun is out and it’s time to sort a few bits of the narrowboat that are looking less than prime, notably the paintwork needs a spruce-up and polish plus one or two tiny rust spots on the roof need attending to.
After three-plus years on my boat, did I choose the right one for me and if not, why not? These are the thoughts I’ve been having on that subject, prompted by an email from a viewer (thanks Chris Begbie!)
After getting frustrated with the cheap little twin-tub washing machine I had aboard the boat from the early days, I ditched it and bought a proper automatic machine.
In this video I explain what I think of it and why it fits the bill.
When I received a panicked phone call from The Narrowboat Experience, who were stuck half way up the Grand Union canal and just too tired to carry on, of course I had to help. So I jumped into my car, shot off to Whilton Marina and ran down the towpath to find Anna and Kath, and give them the benefit of my extensive canal and locking experience and wisdom. This is the record of the day.
With only a few weeks to go until I set off on my Grand Spring Tour, I’ve decided to go through the boat and check I’ve got everything I think I have. So in this video I’m rummaging around in the port side well deck locker and taking stock of what’s what. I’ll do the starboard side locker in the next vlog!
I’ve had a few people ask how you get TV while out and about on the canals on a narrowboat so here is my quick guide to watching telly. It’s mostly just like watching TV at home but you have to muck about with the aerial when you move the boat.
We’re right into the middle of winter now and unlike last year, this time it’s quite cold with overnight temperatures in the Midlands (where I’m moored) dropping as low as -7C. So although I’ve talked about my stove and the radiator system before, this is a dedicated video on the subject of narrowboat heating including various types of stove, diesel-fired radiators and insulation. Plus – there’s a very special guest apppearance from Mads and Jökull from Sail Life!
It’s Christmas time and there’s nothing finer than a slap up roast for lunch. Unfortunately I can’t cook but pal Expert Gary from Yelvertoft Marina is a dab hand in the kitchen. He, his wife Carol, plus boating friends Myra and Adrian came over to my boat and cooked up the full works in a cramped galley. This is how they did it.