Boating, Breaches, Birds and Battles. Narrowboat Life on the Canals.

[@lisapercywolf3392]

YAY! I get so excited when there's a new vlog from you two!

[@qiajenaehamilton6638]

Exactly how I feel, Lisa, when I get a notification!

[@rodnelson2651]

Thank you! I particularly liked the video of the church interior, something I've never seen on any other boating blog. Keep 'em coming!

[@mattelderca]

Thank you both,

[@margaretwhite1724]

That was a nice watch. Thank you. A bit of everything.. the beautiful church, the bird feeder, and Rich and Frans banter!!! Brill.

[@ynot6473]

@ 13.40, i'm a total atheist, but i love churches and cathedrals. there is always a strange feeling which i put down to knowing the passion and effort that people have put into these buildings.

[@sarahgardiner1649]

Ynot6 I think of it as the centuries of worship leaking back out of the stone....

[@FloatingOurBoat]

I feel the same about old houses and furniture. It's almost as if they share memories, but that's probably just me being weird.

[@averynarrowjourney2414]

Fabulous - especially your singing Rich 😊 love the blues track - and love you guys ❤️❤️❤️

[@diannedutton6127]

Your choices of music for your vlogs is sooo perfect.

[@patriciabracken7546]

Hi guys Wow we got a singer among us..nice one Rich. 🎼🎹 Love those old churches, so much history, love the wood carvings... Thank you for remembering the birds.. 💖💕💟💞💝💝

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you Patricia. If people keep saying good things about Rich's singing, he may make it a regular feature. We love feeding the birds and it always puts a smile on our face to watch them.

[@lynnbigner570]

January is a dry month for a lot of us. Lol. Thanks for the donations link for the CRT. I have been following their work on the canals since they were called (I think) the Inland Waterways.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Hi Lynn. Hope your dry Jan is going as well as ours. You are right. CRT was inland waterways. I don't think many people realise that this could all be left to charitable donations in the future. It costs so much to maintain and would be a terrible shame if it the canals were not maintained.

[@martinkavanagh196]

Nice bit of Blues after church .. Thanks both for sharing.

[@stevelloyd3140]

Lovely vlog both, really enjoyed it!.. 👍🏻

[@derrickfelix6206]

grand vlog there, especially bird feeding, Cheers Franrich

[@alicejenkins7591]

We loved how you put up the bird feeder while moored. What a wonderful idea! Thanks for sharing your stories. ❤ Bill and Alice in Idaho

[@serenasimpson3828]

Wonderful upload. Loved the drone footage. ❤️

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you Serena x

[@ChrisJames1973]

The Middlewich big lock is called so because it’s errrmmm. Big! 😂. Great video as always. Always look forward to get a notification of a new video. Thanks

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thanks Colin x

[@patriciarull-wild5629]

Hi, really enjoyed that, thank you very much. Loved the idea of the bird feeder! Bet it was lovely sitting in the warm on the boat , watching them. Take care. From a very wet Sheffield.☔️☂️💦💧🦜🕊

[@theannecrossett7761]

Beautiful church...and an interesting history!

[@lisapercywolf3392]

Fascinating stuff!

[@billyhaney6696]

Fran you never told us the Richard could sing. He's a man of many talents.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

It comes with his family history as his uncle was in the Moody Blues. There are many things you don't know about him..... Yet!

[@APRAPR-nq2wn]

hey Fran hey Rich

[@peterpearce2011]

Love your vlog, very interesting, like all the history.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thanks Peter x

[@TheBoatingAdventure]

Hi guys lovely vlog and music I love nosing round old churches love the sense of history. Looks like you are one of the few boats moving around. Thanks take care. Alan.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Hi Alan. It does feel as if we are alone on the canals at the moment. There is a closure just behind us so I think nobody is bothering to come along this stretch. That's fine, it's lovely and quiet. X

[@nazdagg2027]

thanks for the jazz/blues guitar piece (Condor by Dust Follows). accept for a glass of wine with a big meal and the once or twice a year cocktail, I haven't been 'faced in years (decades). be safe, have fun.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

So far, we're doing really well and enjoying the extra time we seem to have made for doing other things. Pubs are lovely, but it is becoming so expensive.

[@pihoihoi]

Totally agree on thay wonderful piece of music. Thanks for mentioning the performers ♥ Found it on YT!

[@RichardVobes]

Very much enjoyed that. Well done getting in the church.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Just the right place at the right time Richard. normally everything closes just as we arrive. We once walked 17 miles to a pub in Derbyshire only to find it had closed down the day before🙄

[@Mark-ct5dh]

Rich and Fran, what a wonderful time I had watching this weeks VLOG! You two are always good for a laugh! Liked the history bit Rich, it was interesting. Looking forward to the next one. Mark from Colorado USA..

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you Mark. X

[@sylviapage8572]

It was lovely to see Middlewich without rain. We hired a boat there in October and it rained the entire week! The winter light was lovely at the beginning of the video and I loved it when Jess and Archie met two other dogs on the aqueduct towpath, very sweet. How lucky to get into the church, it was huge which reflects the importance of the town. Thanks as always for sharing your adventure. I always enjoy watching.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Hi Sylvia. We were so lucky with the church. It is still a large and thriving congregation with three and sometimes four services a day. They also carry out a lot of community work which is really good to see these days. Sorry Middlewich save all its rain for you xx

[@stephenhughes2775]

Wow some many memories Middlewich is my home town. Used to live near the Big Lock. They had a beer called Wobbly Bob, only sold half pints. It was wobbly steve walking home. Glad you saw the cannon ball on the church. Middlewich does a great boat festival in the summer.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Hi Stephen. Wobbly Bob sounds a bit dangerous to have near a canal. It's a shame we are not there for the boat festival. Maybe a return visit will be needed.

[@jiloute22]

I really like your common sense, and I discover by your vlogs pieces of history, this church is superb and very well maintained, and in these places of peace and tranquility we feel relaxed

[@FloatingOurBoat]

The churches are always a little haven of peace in this crazy world.

[@patrickstarnes2355]

Nice church good vlog thanks

[@Riddlestar01]

There used to be four salt works on the canal between the Big Lock and the 1st Narrow Lock. I think the salt was picked up there with the wide boats.

[@jillipepper5353]

I’ve got a new feeder for Christmas and was going to hang it yesterday but there wasn’t much sense, we got over a foot of snow today. Hopefully I can reach the place to hang it tomorrow, my problem is that as soon as I hang anything out a bunch of blue jays come and goggle it all up, not allowing the little birds to come eat. They are pretty buy are greedy gutted little beggars.lol The church was stunning, they sure took pride of workmanship back then, rare to see such beautiful workings in buildings today. Happy sailing.🙋🏼

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Glad you enjoyed the church footage. Watching birds is a pop effect waste of time and always makes us smile. X

[@nicothechihuahua3167]

Hi Rich ,Fran Watching this on my way to work in Manchester city centre on a dark drizzly morning. As you know it rains most days here. Lovely vlog really enjoyed it thanks.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you Andy.

[@walldj]

If you get to Nantwich, and like old churches , visit St Marys on the town square lovely old Church.

[@MaritimeFox]

The wide boats can get to the Mersey, via the Anderton boat lift and the Weaver Navigation. :)

[@fchichois2250]

Good to see you again. Funny we moored exactly at the same spot last October and the river Weaver was just... well there was no more river but a huge flooded area. Thanks so much for sharing, your Vlog are just exceptional, and it keeps us waiting for the next trip. 👍🏼

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank goodness it wasn't so flooded this year. We have had enough of being stuck by flood water. Thank you for watching.

[@JISJ1964]

How muddy were the dogs coming back aboard? The Finnish health authorities have introduced a "White February" as our Christmas celebrations goes on into January and I normally join it inspite I live in Sweden.

[@helendurfee8926]

Loved it-the singing, dogs, scenery, history & you two lovebirds!😊

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thanks Helen. We're soppy eh? xx

[@DonLefFL]

Just thought I'd let you know I really like your history background of the places you stop along the canal. Slowly catching up with your travels.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you so much

[@live2skide1]

Catching up on your travels, in Sept 2020. Nothing stops you guys, except COVID....but who knew at the start of 2020 how odd the year would be! Make the most of every day ! Love the singing.

[@janeabbotts]

Amazing.....you pop up some bird food and there they are...lovely looking little birds as well. Lovely vlog, thank you.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Hi Jane, we thought it would take days for them to come to feeders in the middle of the countryside, but it was less than an hour. So lovely to watch, better that TV.

[@m.d.grimes1622]

Good video, great humour, fun photography. Thanks...oh and great music.👍😁😎

[@williamlewis5143]

Hello Fran and Rich, from Cullman, AL, USA. You two are just GREAT, Exceptional! Just finished watching all episodes..I enjoyed them very much. I'm an adventurer person, love to travel.....had I known about Narrowboat travels in the UK 15 years ago, my whole life would now be different.....I likely would now be married to a nice Brit Lady! Cheers, Bill Lewis

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Hi Bill. Well done for watching all of our videos. I had no idea about narrowboat travelling either until Rich suggested it a couple of years ago. Im so glad he did. I couldnt imagine any other life now. Thank you for watching. Fran x

[@williamlewis5143]

@@FloatingOurBoat .....Hi Fran< disd you make those Suit balls that were in the bird feeder you hung on the tree limb in the last episode? If yes, what is in them? Bill Lewis

[@williamlewis5143]

Fran and Rich......I live FT in my 38ft Diesel Pusher Motorhome, so I know about dumping the Black water Tank, etc. It's not a bad job since I live in an RV park, connected to the sewer. However, I have watched many Narrowboat videos and I am familiar with the "options" for sewage disposal, and the "cassette" toilet seems the best choice for convenience and costs. For what it costs to get a "pump-out", over a short time, you could make the conversion. Are you thinking about that? Bill

[@christinegibbins6105]

Thank you both, love the canal and drone footage and the dogs, the little one has such a cute face. Take care xx

[@Belegnole]

Yay! for the birdies. Nice suet feeder you found for them.

[@silashouse1054]

As all ways Rich good common-try with good historical value, and not to forget your drone work. Hi Fran, I have a knee replacement in five days then several weeks to recover, then will be fit as to open and shut Lock gates. Keep the good work up. Cheers John NZ.. Kaiora

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thanks John, Hope all goes well with your knee replacement x

[@FoxesAfloat]

We remember that lovely mooring. Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep 🎶 Noooooothing’s gonna stop us now-ow-ow 🎶 🤣

[@FloatingOurBoat]

At least we didn't meet Mr Generator!

[@apolloj23]

Rich has got some pipes! Sing on, friend!

[@philipdoyle-allen6575]

Hi guy’s, Pauline here from Nantwich, I did sober October and lasted nearly 10weeks , good luck with dry January 👍great video x

[@qiajenaehamilton6638]

That's great, Pauline! I was thinking of them re that, too, as I'm off all sugar, including alcohol, in prep for my joint replacements. Up on my green veggies, tofu, vitamins & minerals. It's not been so long & I don't drink even every week, as it's expensive, so I'm not missing it. My body actually feels better afterwards!

[@FloatingOurBoat]

We are already feeling better and enjoying the extra time we have got back.

[@michaelcoker3197]

Let's seek donations so that y'all can do the canal pub crawl. What?

[@sallypascall565]

What a good idea to put up bird feeders

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you Sally

[@pjmaynes8747]

A little church service would be nice.

[@janemarriott3389]

Just wondering what the dogs do when you go into town without them?

[@debbiestevens8269]

Great vlog and we love your choice in music.

[@stevehoare6378]

Glorious to watch as always.....we bought a bird feeder last summer, so nice to sit and watch the birds. Happy cruising, Steve and Sue..🍷🍷

[@FloatingOurBoat]

It's a perfect waste of time isn't it. X

[@stevehoare6378]

Great fun when there are trees close by and I find the boat hook is perfect for hanging the feeder on a convenient branch... 🍷🍷

[@marlenehughes7446]

Hi back again so soon love your vlogs keep them coming hope your enjoying your time in Cheshire it really is a lovely county and it has some lovely people but not looking it’s best at the moment hope you will still be here in spring to see it coming to it best we’ll take care and safe journey xx

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thanks Marlene. Cheshire is being very kind to us so far. We are loving it, and the views.

[@sarkybugger5009]

Hi guys. I'm loving the Floyd-esque soundtrack. What with the gimbal and the drone, it's all getting very professional. Nice work, the pair of you. All the best, as ever.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you Sarky. Xxx

[@barryedwards4481]

Hi a great video thanks for the history of the church it was great and I think the bird feeder is a great idea I think I would hang it up to watch and see what birds it attracts thanks so much happy 2020 happy and safe boating cheers Barry Sydney Australia 🇦🇺

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you Barry. In 24 hours we had three different kinds of birds feeding.

[@lindahodson6455]

Thank you for another great vlog! I'm trying to catch up watching all your vlogs. I really enjoy them!

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you Linda x

[@narrowboatersatlarge]

First locks we did on our own on our very first narrowboat trip were the Middlewich locks.

[@camplinpb]

Great video as always,that was a beautiful church I love checking the old buildings out, great idea with the bird feeder at the end , take care ATB Paul

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thanks Paul. The bird feeder was such a success. It is so easy to become obsessed with it though and hanging it right outside our window gave us an excuse just to sit and watch. X

[@CanuckOnTheCut]

Great vlog (as usual). Thanks for reminders about all I love and miss on the canals.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you. It is a great life x

[@allan010101]

I love the views of your vlogs and history. Lucky dogs to get such long walkies. In the cold and wet, I have to carry my dog outside. Looking forward to your next vlog. Good luck on your dry January, it inspires me.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you Alan. We can't keep he dogs in whatever the weather. They have no understanding of cold, rain or indeed mud! So far, dry Jan is going really well.

[@mikepollard64]

Brilliant pictures lovely scenery of our lved england .brill lv these vlogs done by 2 craking good fun people

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Ah, thank you Mike x

[@davidkidd8602]

Great video,more please. All best to you both.

[@alanjackson4646]

Lovely, thank you. Regards AJ

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you AJ XX

[@christophermusson4479]

Another lovely video, cracking music at the end. Thanks

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you Christopher x

[@pholland6643]

quietly, (Its cheaper by the carton). All the best with that

[@christinehammell6365]

Lovely footage x

[@jefftomlinson6990]

Love watching you two ✌️

[@kevinhunt7699]

Keep up the good work and all the best for New Years

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thanks Kevin, Best wishes for the NY to you too.

[@malcolmelliott1876]

Hardly anyone cruising must be so nice and peaceful... like the choice of guitar music... who was it?

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Well done 😃👍

[@FloatingOurBoat]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWW7kKNspsyaY7c :)

[@malcolmelliott1876]

@@FloatingOurBoat good music for listening to whilst chugging along.... sort of Santana/Clapton jam session :-)

[@KatelynsAdventures707]

Really enjoying watching your vlogs, I’ve started at beginning. Love the Uk churches, they are beautiful constructions. We don’t have churches built like that here in aussie, well maybe there is a couple but only 200 years old. So glad you got inside, and got to video. Middlewich looks a cute town. Love old English towns.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you for your comment Katelyn, glad you're enjoying the videos

[@robtheplod]

lovely update!

[@davidlockwood6461]

Loved it! Winter cruising is such a pleasure when we have such a mild season. I love the history, Rich (but not the singing). x

[@FloatingOurBoat]

I'll try to stop him from singing next time David.

[@andypatt1971]

I thought I was listening to my starship album and not your cruising vlog lol Great vlog guys.

[@davidbutler4363]

Great vlog guys well done.😁👍👏👏👏

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you David. X

[@zulu5282]

You 2 are looking good👍

[@lynmoore8355]

George Moore near your home town , yes my hubby is from Northwich lovely town.

[@thecanucklehead7351]

Hey Rich, maybe give up singing instead of drinking for January - just sayin :) (which is much more polite than people tend to be when I start singing- lol). Didn't take long for the birds to find Fran's feeder. Great vid guys - thanks.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

You took the words out of my mouth Fran x

[@joann5157]

Love your vlogs! You are so kind to help feed the birds during winter. Love the dogs, but how on earth do you keep them from dragging mud into the boat? Do you hose their legs and feet down some way?

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Its just a case of being relaxed a little. We rub them down with an old towel in the engine room and if they are really muddy wash them down with a bucket of water first. then they snuggle up by the fire. We just sweep the boat through every day and it usually is fine.

[@marlenehughes7446]

Hi Fran just a quick one can you let me know how I can purchase one of your lovely woven shorls

[@franpike272]

Hi Marlene. There's not a lot in the shop now as I sold out on the run up to Christmas but I'll be weaving more this week. Here is the link. etsy.me/36Fsfva

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Hi Marlene. Thanks for your enquiry. Here is the link to my Etsy shop. There is not much there at the moment as j sold out coming up to Christmas, but I am weaving again now so will be adding some more this week. If you 'favourite ' the shop, you will get an update when I add more. www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ConstanzeCreations

[@stephenfraser2641]

Great vlog. Every month for me is dry. I never like drinking in the wet! Happy new year and stay dry. lol

[@alfsphone]

I real enjoy you vlogs and the off canal ventures you take. I'm in New Zealand so its its very interesting. Well done and thank you.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you All, we're glad you enjoy our travels.

[@nigelcrisp68]

Geez that heater flu skated pretty close to the bridge as you went under.

[@nigelcrisp68]

Sorry, should've also added that you can see this at 5.18

[@FloatingOurBoat]

That was probably the closest we have been to losing the chimney. I had to lean to one side to lower the boat a cm to clear the bridge.

[@lizjones8984]

You must have passed my sons narrowboat on this one and it’s where we plan to moor our boat too.😊

[@FloatingOurBoat]

It is a lovely area

[@hughcarson6837]

great vlog, hope your new year goes well for you two.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you Hugh

[@voodoo2882]

all that history...time for a pint or two heh!........I have one for you both

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Ha ha. We hope you enjoy it. X

[@bonniehall9551]

It must be Advent. I saw their Advent wreath❤️

[@carolemayer8151]

I love your sweater/jumper. Did you knit it.?

[@FloatingOurBoat]

I'm afraid not Carole. This was a bargain charity shop find made from alpaca wool. So cosy.

[@mikegershon8528]

Great Video. And thanks for the Blues music in the background! Chicago is home to the blues, and I have seen many of the greats. Unfortunately, I could not remember who did that track. Was it Mark Knofler Sounded like him. Anyway, thanks again.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Hi Mike, it's a royalty free track - we pay monthly to be able to have access to tracks like this. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWW7kKNspsyaY7c I have been to Chicago numerous times and had great nights at Buddy Guys. Best wishes Rich

[@theannecrossett7761]

Maybe you could make your own beer and/or wine :)

[@FloatingOurBoat]

I think we would need a bigger boat for that. We will stick to blackberry him in the summer.

[@theannecrossett7761]

​@@FloatingOurBoat I only ever made beer once in, probably, a 5 gallon glass carboy. My future ex-husband wasn't impressed, however, I thought it tasted pretty good :D Tell me about your blackberry him :)

[@Darren_and_Julie]

Your chimney looks really close to those bridges at times lol ..have u ever hit one with it ? Also Litchfield cathedral lovely to visit if you ever near there

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Hi and thanks for watching. I used to live in Lichfield many moons ago and yes it's a wonderful Cathedral, Rich x

[@bonniehall9551]

Love the music! Are any pieces your son’s, Fran?

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Oh, I wish they were. He is very tallented and we would love to use some of his music but his recorded music in not usable because of royalties and recording rights etc, and do you think we can get him to record a little bit just for us?

[@maggiekavanagh2801]

This vlog had the lot, bit of history, nature and a church, lovely stuff! As for dry January, I'm doing it as well, just making sure that it is dry gin, dry wine (red or white)... just saying.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Ha ha! X

[@qiajenaehamilton6638]

I only have the usa bird books. So what do you call the black-capped bird ? It looks similar to our various chickadees. Wonderful stop in Middlewich, adored the church. How sweet of Graeme. Lovely journey! Thanks for sharing! Peace! Q

[@malcolmelliott1876]

Blue Tit or Great Tit

[@qiajenaehamilton6638]

@@malcolmelliott1876 Really? Thank you Malcolm, I really have to get a uk book. Is there a popular title you know? Peace! Q

[@malcolmelliott1876]

@@qiajenaehamilton6638 Great Tit has more black over their eyes... last book i had was 40+ years ago so cant remember its name... there are loads on Amazon.... of go online... try www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/identify-a-bird/

[@paulbartlett3649]

I would love to have joined you on your Dry January quest, but we are too far into January for me to start now and I went shopping yesterday and picked up 6 magnum bottles of red wine that were on offer and I’m assuming they need to be drunk before the end of the month lol..

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Never mind Paul, you can do it in February instead!! 🤣

[@andyrbush]

Looks so cold but full of character along the canal and in Middlewhich - no idea how to spell that.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Spot on with the spelling! X

[@stevegee7593]

I enjoyed that video, and don’t forget R.S.P.B great bird watch 25 to 27 January. I sure they would like some results from canal.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

We will definitely be doing the birdwatch Steve if we can moor up somewhere to put the feeders out.

[@janemarriott3389]

whoops . . . now I see that they are in the church! But I still am wondering about them . . . I'm sure you cannot take them everywhere . . .

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Hi Jane. We take the dogs with us whenever we can. They are really not much of a problem, but onthe occasion when they can't join us , they are fine on the boat. It never gets too hot or cold and they are fine. We set a camera up once to film them while we were out, and they went straight to sleep.

[@patmcdonald8241]

Great vlog as always. So Rich, do you pack or clear the pubs on Karaoke night....... :) Good luck on the Pub detox.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

I think that may be for you decide! 😁

[@patmcdonald8241]

@@FloatingOurBoat I think you would do just fine at the pub on karaoke night. Somehow I can picture you with a Ukulele serenading Fran on the stern of your boat while she cruises into the sunset......