Abstract: A flexible hose and a method of well drilling are provided herein. In embodiments, the hose includes a forward end, a rearward end, a thruster port and a shut-off valve. The rearward end is configured to be in fluid communication with a source of high pressure drilling fluid. The thruster port is located upstream of the forward end. The thruster port is configured to emit drilling fluid in a substantially rearward direction. The shut-off valve is located between the forward end and the thruster port and is configured to shut off flow of drilling fluid downstream.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for completing a lateral channel from an existing oil or gas well includes a well perforating tool for perforating a well casing at a preselected depth, and a lateral alignment tool for directing a flexible hose and blaster nozzle through a previously made perforation in the casing to complete the lateral channel. The disclosed apparatus eliminates the need to maintain the precise alignment of a downhole “shoe” in order to direct the flexible hose and blaster nozzle through a previously made perforation through the well casing.