Ep 1. In the Beginning...

Cruising the Cut is a British web series about a man named David Johns who quits his city job and buys a narrowboat to travel the canals of England. In season 1 episode 1, titled "In the Beginning...", we are introduced to David and his boat, which he has named "Chinatown".

David begins his journey in London, where he had his boat built. He takes us on a tour of Chinatown, showing us the inside and outside of the boat, as well as its amenities. We see the living room, kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom, which are all small but functional. David explains how he has had to learn to live with less space and to adapt to a simpler lifestyle.

Next, David takes us through the process of preparing the boat for its journey. He shows us how to fill up the water tanks, pump out the toilet, and turn on the various appliances. We also get a sense of how he plans his route and where he will stop along the way.

Once he is ready to set out, David takes us through the first lock of the journey. He explains how locks work and how to navigate them, which is a key skill for anyone traveling the canals. We see how he operates the locks, working the paddles and opening the gates to let the boat through.

Throughout the episode, David talks about his motivations for taking on this journey. He explains that he was feeling burnt out from his previous job and wanted to try something different. He also wanted to see more of the country and to slow down his pace of life. The canal lifestyle, he says, is a way to connect with nature and to live more simply.

As he cruises through the English countryside, David reflects on the beauty of his surroundings and the tranquility of the waterways. He tells us about the wildlife he has seen and the people he has met along the way. He also talks about the challenges of living on a boat, such as dealing with the weather and the constant maintenance required.

Overall, "In the Beginning..." is a charming and informative introduction to the world of canal boating. David's enthusiasm for his new lifestyle is infectious, and his insights into the practicalities of living on a boat are intriguing. Whether you are a seasoned boater yourself or just curious about what it's like to live on a narrowboat, this episode is well worth a watch.