How a SOLO FEMALE moves her CANAL BOAT up a Lock
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- čas přidán 11. 09. 2024
- Can solo females live alone on canal boats and operate locks? Yes they can! It is always easier with two but one is enough to travel around the UK canal system.
Hey, i'm May and I live off grid on the canal network in the UK. Watch this video to see how I move about every week.
Big thanks to Carlos from CJ Shoots for the epic videography! You da man!
www.cjshoots.co.uk
If you'd like to buy me a coffee, you can do here:
www.buymeacoff...
For more tiny home boat videos please SUBSCRIBE!
Instagram: / tinyhomeyogawithmay
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If you have any questions or queries you can email me: tinyhomeyoga@gmail.com
See you next time,
May x
You are so smart! Locks can be such problems. But I did like the cat who was watching after you midway through this video. 🙂 I think she will continue to look after you through ALL locks that you ever travel through. And, what a beautiful mooring ... away from everyone, with a gorgeous view. Amen about the food, there's an old saying "we are what we eat" and that's certainly true. Purple shit is good shit. 🙂 I love the interior wood of your boat.
Hiya. Handy hint for mooring up, I have a length of rope attached to the central ring on middle of the roof with a ‘nappy’ mooring pin attached, when you pull up to the bank just drop it in to armco & the boat isn’t going anywhere. Also a short version on back deck you can do the same and with gentle forward thrust the front will bring itself into the bank. Hope this makes sense. Best wishes 💕🦆
Good tip! we might steal that one also :)
That is handy! So basically saves pulling the boat to a standstill? Love it. Although I don't have a centre line on top, only on the side
@@wellbeingonwater Don’t pull the boat backward, small reverse thrust when coming to bank will slow it down 💕🦆
@@thefloatinghome17 The back one is handy when wind is pushing the boat away from bank as engine in fwrd will keep to side. Drop rope over dolly whichever side you need 💕🦆
I love that idea, why didn’t I think of that, a second shorter centre line with nappy pin on end, the amount of times I’ve pulled in when it’s windy, jumped off and by the time the front and rear is tied the other end has drifted across canal, then the fight is on with nature pulling boat in, Will the wind or I win, so far I win mooring up, but I lost trying to get into marina entrance as wind kept blowing bow straight, took me like 6 attempts to get bow to turn into wind into marina entrance lol😂🤣
who could not love this gal all the best may and a nice addition to waterways world
Nawww ☺️ thanks Mark
I'm crying purple poop 💩 🤣 watched a few of your vlogs today and I'm hooked , so funny and great info ..🌟
Hehehaha! So glad you enjoyed 💩
Very useful video. I noticed you jump from the top onto the ladder. Ive seen other boaters squeeze down the side of the boat to get to yhe ladder at a lower point.
I don't have a boat myself, yet . I started watching My Floating Home on channel 4. That led me to decide that if i ever win the lotto, i will buy a narrowboat to live on. I love Nature. And being on a river or canal lets one be connected with Nature more than on land. Or so it seems to me 😊. So i am hoping for that lotto win, hopefully soon 😊. Your videos give a very helpful and positive view on life, living on a narrowboat as a solo person. If I get my dream of owning and so living on a narrowboat, i will be on my own human wise. I have a cat. So she would live on the boat with me. Thank you for your videus.
Amazing! Thanks for sharing Anna! Lovely that you have a furry friend too! 🥰
Thanks for reminding me of the self-care aspect, as I begin my search for a narrowboat home! 😌🙏 And loved the hilarious end comment…kinda like asparagus wee 😂
Haha I thought about cutting that out but nahh, trying to be myself as much as I can! 🤣 yes self care is so important!
It is a design feature of most narrow locks, especially those built by James Brindley, that when going uphill the water enters at the bottom level of the lock, bounces off the bottom gates, comes back along the top level of the lock and pushes the boat violently forwards. I was taught to take the boat (slowly) right up to the top gate and hold it there on tickover. Works for me.
So you always have your boat in reverse?
@@wellbeingonwater Er, no! In forward gear up to the top gate, then hold it against the cill and top gate in forward gear on tickover. That's why there are big steel rubbing plates on the top cills and gates, it's how the old boatmen did it.
@@brianferris687 AMAZING! Thank you Brian i will try this. What about going down? Same same?
@@brianferris687 I had a feeling there was a better way!
Going down, you only have to worry about the rear of the boat catching on the cill, so having it against the bottom gates (not in gear - the outflow of water will hold it there) covers that. When coming up, I lift half a ground paddle and watch the boat's nose. As soon as it's lifting freely in the lock, I open both paddles.
Looks like opening and closing those locks makes you fit..I like the idea of that!
Certainly does!
Great video! I admire how strong, savvy and independent you are doing this lifestyle solo! Really installs confidence in my own ability to do this too. It's always been my dream and now it's in the works. Looking forward to other videos you release! 🦋
Hey Kathleen, thanks so much for your comment! This is amazing to hear your so inspired and you are sooo capable! You never know your abilities until you test them! You go girl! 💪
I am really very impressed. I lived on the canals and the Thames in the 80s as a busker. So many years later, I still miss it, apart from the so long winter...!
Hey! Thanks for sharing! The winters may be milder these days?
Much respect, I'm not a boater but helped a couple with a lock the other week, first time I had tried to open one, it was much harder than I had imagined. Interesting to see how someone on their own passes through a lock, had never really thought about it before. Great vlog, thank you for sharing. 👍👍
Thank you! Yeah it's hard work! I'm glad you found it interesting 😄
Well done , total respect being a boater on your own , very organised you did well , I subscribed last wk , keep up the interesting vids 👏👏
Thanks for your subb Artie! And your lovely comment. Next video is out now 😊
I live in a single family home on land. My fixed costs are more than FIVE TIMES her costs. Mortgage, utilities, annual taxes, insurance and still have maintenance expenses. Replacing roof alone can cost $25,000 to $40,000. Repainting interior can cost $3000, water heater replacement is about $1000. She still is better off by HUGE margin. Anyone want to complain any more?
Plus she is living a lifestyle that MANY envy. Good on you, May. Pay no attention to the grumps of the world!
Hey! Anything remotely mean, negative or rude bounces straight off me! And theres compassion to all those feeling grumpy, always.
Really enjoyed watching your lovely video. Many thanks from Chris and Jane 👍👍
Hey Chris and Jane, naww thanks you guys 🥰
Its amazing that the nose and sides of the boat aren't wrecked from all that scraping and banging. I'd definitely need some big rubber bumpers on mine haha.
Hi May, greetings from Canada!
I've only watched a few of your videos so far but will watch them all sequentially from the beginning. . You exude such a bright, happy and positive vibe and that is very appealing to me.
You've also inspired me to get back into yoga. I first discovered it in 2013, a few years after I had a fairly bad injury to my lumbar spine. My back has never been the same since and yoga does help somewhat. I stopped doing it several years ago but I am determined to make it a regular part of my day moving forward.
Thanks for sharing your splendid vlogs with us and for being the inspiration to get my physical and spiritual health back in order once again!
Heyyy! Wow love love love loveeee comments like these. It makes all of this hard work worth while! Wow..I'm.so pleased that you feel inspired to get back into yoga, that's what I'm doing all of this for. Mental health is a passion of mine and all I wanna do is make a bit of a difference in this mad world. Sending lots of love and positive vibes to ya. 😁
@@wellbeingonwater I get that completely. I spent most of my working life in the field of Brain Injury Rehabilitation. It was a tough gig, gains made by people were very small but we celebrated each and every time. I like to think I made a positive difference in the lives of many people and that is very gratifying.
Just wondering, have you made a video on Yoga for beginners? I think I need to start from the basics again.
I hope you are having a wonderful day. Cheers!
@@Cariboukid Oh yes, plenty of beginners yoga on my channel! Most of it is suitable for beginners!
@@wellbeingonwater Great, good to know! I have to be pretty careful, don't want to end up in traction 😁
Great video May.... recipe for beetroot curry.... I have an allotment close to the cut!!
It's so good!
Saw video from retired lady her new narrow boat had all mod cons and was radio controlled useful for locks... and had bow thrusters to move it left and right in lock....
Happy New year May x
Omg bow thrusters gimmie gimmie! I'm so envious of those smarty pants. Whilst I'm struggling in the reeds they cruise on by smug as ever! 🤣 one day Phil, one day I'll have em
This is exactly the kind of thing I’m interested in seeing about boat life. My husband & I thought about living on a narrow boat about 8 years ago when we first moved to London but let go of the idea. We are considering it again now but the most important thing for me is having a realistic idea of the day to day on the boat & not romanticizing it too much. I’m nervous about driving a boat if my husband is away & managing locks myself & basically just looking like an idiot or getting stuck. Things like that. But just seeing you managing it all on your own makes me feel a bit more confident about those things 😅 Thank you so much 🙏🏻
Hey Jade! Thanks for sharing, I love it when i receive a message like this! Yes I agree things can be romanticised and boat life is romantic but shit can hit the fan sometimes! It comes with practice and the more confidence you build the more relaxed you feel. I find things just work out when you put yourself in the right headspace and enjoy the process! Look out for me and come say hi! x
Just found your channel. Great content. You have a nice vibe. Subbed 👍🏻
Thanks Ian 😃
Hey there, just found your channel. Great content. Im really wanting to get myself a boat and do the same, a solo female boater. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and what its like. Really useful. I am a Health Coach and Reflexologist so really relate to your mindful eating at the end. Fab stuff !😀🙏
Ah a gal after my own heart! Amazing, you can do it! Great to have a wellness holistic follower. Thank you for your comment and stay in touch x
New subscriber! Glad I found your channel, just need to catch up with your other videos now........
Hey Cal! Lucky there's not much to catch up on! I'm a new channel but will be posting weekly 🤞
Such an amazing video, loved it! Already cant wait for next weeks
Thanks Emma 😃
You might need one of those support belts ( wide one) round your waist...
May recently found your channel, big up to you, I've done loads of canal boat holidays back when. I looked into living on a boat before I separated with my partner. If you ever wanna ship mate let me know 👍😊
Hey Andy! Thanks for your comment 😊
Gonna make beetroot curry with black. mustard seed and wot not x
Wonderful video May thank you, I really look forward to the next one....who knows I might even see you if you make it to the Midlands at some point and get some more tips all the best. :)
Hey Brian! Thanks! Yes! What's your boat called?
@@wellbeingonwater I'm just in the process of searching for one now my house is all but sold 🙃
Hi may great video ma’am as looking at buying a narrowboat
Great video, and I love that so many people have jumped in with little tips to make your solo lock travelling just a little bit easier. 🙂 Do you plan to do a tour of your boat for us ... or am I just being nosey? 🙃😃🙃
Me too!! Boaters are great. I absolutely will do a walk through. Watch this space!
Love your enthusiasm! :D
Yay!
The last bit is bang on the money. You hurt yourself it's game over if you are a solo cruiser in the winter. You have your head screwed on. One thing I have learnt is that canal people are some of the most helpful and Intelligent people I've met so seek advice or help when needed
Hey Scott, thanks for your comment. Yeh game over indeed and I like this lifestyle. I agree, its a great community!
I'll start on the note that you finished off on... when I look down at the toilet pan and see black poo, I thank the lord for Guinness!
Well done for conquering the lock on your own, that's no easy feat. I couldn't agree more with your concerns for safety whist carrying out your various boating tasks/jobs.
If you look back at 5.00 mins where you are closing the gate, I was thinking of a rainy day and how easily someone could slip and end up going over the edge. CRT should put up some safety barriers I think. Keep looking after yourself young lady. Great vid, thanks!
Haha brilliant! Thanks for your comment it bought a smile to my face 😄
This is my first time I have ever seen you May.
I sail and move big yachts, and I’m a fully certified captain just doing this job for the best part of 40 years.
Why I’m commenting to you is, your zest for life and your personality I see is so much I was and still are but just a little older now.
I wanted to say if you need anything in boating skills or understanding more on how you need to understand much more on living aboard any boat, I can help you so much in most ways.
My skills are at the top end of most having seen most of the world.
From the captain Daniel Freeman take care be careful.
Hey Captain, thank you for your lovely heartfelt comment. I can sense you really mean what you write. So thanks for the offer of your help. Most of my questions and queries are often maintenance related, electrical or plumbing etc. At the moment I have leaky windows!
My boat skills are learnt through a delicate balance of practice and winging it! If theres anything you think could help though, please share!
☺ May
@@wellbeingonwater Hi May
My name is Kelly amass from Malta
I’m the Captains PA
I have taken over for the captain later this afternoon due the captain having to go for a little time.
So I understand that the captain has sent over to you some advice or help in anything you may require for your online personal training or something that you need that the captain could help to resolve some pointers.
Please do send me anything you can think that the captain could assist, and I’m sure he will try to accommodate this for you May.
Please be careful in all that you do.
Best regards
Kelly
Great video - Love the videography! and very impressive solo lock skills :)
Thank you 🥰
Been a longtime follower of Foxes Afloat, which I imagine is why your videos were suggested to me. So far enjoying what you are presenting.
Wow I'm so excited to hear the algorithm is suggesting me after Foxes a Float !! That's incredible 🙏
@@wellbeingonwater Can't say for sure of course, but that is the only other canal boat related one that I actively follow.
This girl is way more authentic than Foxes Afloat!
Hey Beau! Super happy to have you here 😁😁
And Gill that's a real huge compliment thank you 😘
I'm getting into your channel. It's great 👍😁
Yay!!
one word 'inspiring'
Thank you so much 😁
Nice one May!
Daft question. Do you leave the lock with all gates and sluices closed, or is there different procedures for different locks?
Cheers Neil
Yes the general etiquette is to close all gates and sluices. Sometimes they get left open and the canal can drain out! Had it recently where I woke up and stumbled sideways as the boat was listing (tipping)! So important to close the gates and sluices
oh wow how clever and amazing
Naww thanks 😄
Love your videos. Hope you had a Happy Halloween you little monster. 👍🎃👍
So glad you're enjoying them!
Hi,
I noticed that you are stopping the boat the hard way, by using your own strength and weight to pull on the line. Is that because you are trying to strengthen your core? I learned that if you quickly loop the line once around the nearest wooden mooring post, it’s a lot easier. The post will take the weight of the boat and you can just tighten the loop to pull the boat to shore. It doesn’t do as much for core strength, but it’s a lot easier.🙂
Hey Breay, yes thank you. I do try and use those posts when they are available. Need to take care of those elbow joints too! Cheers :)
Hey May ,how about how about a teaspoon of Whisky to keep warm😃 Take Care Be Safe Good Travels 👍 ok
Sounds like a plan! Thanks 😆
Great video
Thanks Jeff :)
@@wellbeingonwater your welcome keep up the fantastic work your doing, love watching the vlogs x
Nice video!
Thank you
You could use a strap loop or a rope to help get the lock gate moving when you have to pull it. ie around waist or over shoulder.
Interesting... what's a strap loop?
@@wellbeingonwater If you look up 'endless flat belt sling' normally used for lifting machinery etc. Its just a loop of nylon strapping - so you could put one end over/aound the gate bar and the other around around your waist like a harness.thought it'd be more comfy with a strap vs rope. or a strap with a hook on each end for the handle?
Thank you ill check that out 😄
I love your vlogs. X
I love your comments!!
Enjoyed it.
Thanks 😃
Wow awesome video 👍
Aww thanks so much
5:52
Firstmate, Mr. or Ms. Fluffles, makes an appearance. 🐱
Meeeowwww!
@@wellbeingonwater
So Fluffles does run the CZcams account… suspicion confirmed. 🤔
Do you ever get boats jumping in your lock after you've left the gate open then ran back to your boat only to find a boat has come up behind you and taken your slot?
Never!
Morning dear,,, sometimes slower is better 😎😎😎
Yes, true
Hi may.... mark n orson..
Hey there! Thanks for the comment 😃
@@wellbeingonwater hi ya.. yeah been watching a lot of you boaters.. very jealous of your lifestyle... seems to be what I'm looking for.. stay well may..
As a canal boat owner I'm interested. Is the process of moving a boat through a lock different for a solo female than for a solo male?
You're sooo right 😅
The process is exactly the same
💙👊😎
dressed to match your beetroot curry love Merilyn McCree
Haha brilliant
Good for you.
As barges were plying their trade long before the welfare state and modern medicine, there must have been loads of women working the canals when you think about it.
Totally! Love this
😊😊😊
😊
be honest the wind changed direction. 🐖💨👃😅
Hahaaaa
Don't catch your boat on left or right sill otherwise boat can tip... worse scenario can capsize maybe some reverse thrust to correct problem... Hope it never happens to you xx
Didn't realise there was a left and right cill!!
What camera do you.use for videography... pls??
On this video some of the content was filmed by a videographer friend...
Solo..? Who's filming you then? That's not drone footage going on there. It's another person.
You should be on a detective show! haha. Didy you see Carlos the videographer, he has his 5 seconds of fame. I did it all Solo, he filmed it! :)
Hello if you looking for a ship mate give me a shout x
Thanks Mick
Probably the same way a solo male does it
I can understand why dividing genders can be triggering. The feminine energy has been downgraded and shat on throughout history and still continues to be shat on, so this is not a way of saying men aren’t as worthy, it’s intended to say “woman are worthy too”. Peace
@@wellbeingonwater I don’t disagree but as a male solo boater I have never head a female solo boater ( and I have met a few) describe herself as such . We are just “ boaters” .
💩 😆 🤣 😂
Haha 🤣🤣
its no big deal , just takes time. Anyone who thinks this is special hasnt a clue.
Depends on your outlook in life I guess 😄
🙄🙄p@@t