Navigating LOCKS SOLO, Canal KINDNESS & a TUG BOAT TOUR

This week’s adventure starts with me single-handing Canal locks as I cruise from Wrenbury to Grindley Brook on the beautiful Llangollen Canal.
Just me, Bonny, and a whole lot of paddles to wind. But in true boating-community style, the day takes a turn for the heart-warming when I fall in behind a couple of other boats. They spot me working alone and—absolute legends—start setting the locks ahead. It saves me time, saves my arms, and honestly reminds me why I love this life on the cut. Pirates might be fierce, but boaters? They’re pure gold.
With their help, I make cracking progress…
…and then the weather traps me for days.
Gales, rain, rising river levels—the usual winter chaos. So while Bonny snores and the stove crackles, I dip into the archives and bring you something special from a few weeks back.

I visited a friend’s stunning tug narrowboat—beautiful lines, tons of character, and the kind of engine room that makes you want to roll your sleeves up and smell the diesel. I give you a full boat tour, from the boatman’s cabin to the Tug deck, and while I’m poking around, two incredibly talented artists are busy transforming his bathroom wall into a masterpiece. A full mural—painted live—right there on a narrowboat. Only on the canals would you find art blooming in a space barely bigger than a broom cupboard!

So this episode has a bit of everything:
🚤 Solo lock-wheeling
❤️ Boaters helping boaters
🌧 Weather-imposed captivity
🛠 A tug boat tour
🎨 A bathroom mural in the making
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Thank you so much for watching. If you are new here, I'm Heidi and I live aboard my Narrowboat The Jolly Roger and travel the UK's Canals in search of Adventure. After selling my house to experience an alternative lifestyle I bought a canal boat and a camper van which as a solo female who loves to travel, gives me the best of both worlds. I have recently got myself a new addition to the crew, a fabulous companion - my little rescue dog Bonny who is an absolute joy and the perfect First Mate. I also work full time off grid from my floating home making badges and trading at canal festivals as The Narrowboat Pirate aboard The Pirate Boat.
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For more info such as Filming Equipment, FAQ and more: 🏴‍☠️ https://thepirateboat.co.uk 🏴‍☠️
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You can also follow my adventures as the Narrowboat Pirate aboard The Jolly Roger, Pirate Boat here:
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⬛️ Website - https://thepirateboat.co.uk
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🎵 Music 🎹
The Jolly Roger by Heidi Manning
Bonny the Brave by Heidi Manning
Mermaids Flower by Heidi Manning
Stiff Ripples by Heidi Manning
The Thrusting Cutlass by Heidi Manning

Plus Music from Epidemic Sound

Get a Free 7 Day Trial of Epidemic Sound Here https://share.epidemicsound.com/d1a8w6
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🥃 If you would like to buy me a Rum you can do here :
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thepirat...
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https://PayPal.me/TheNarrowboatPirate/
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❤️ Become a Patreon and long term supporter on the channel: The Narrowboat Pirate
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