Episode 15 - SPLADOOSH! Rich falls in.

Well it had to happen sooner or later. Rich falls in but not from the boat!
/ floatingour. .
/ floatingourboat
/ floatingourboat
....and if you'd like to help with the making of our vlogs.... / floatingourboat
Thanks for watching - love Fran and Rich
Narrowboat experience can be foundhere / @thenarrowboatexperience

[@lisaforte1575]

Fran is such a gift, a Proverbs 31 sort of woman, and such a good example to the rest of us.❤️

[@1beakin]

You today showed me why I am so happy to be a Patrone, you are showing me the reason you are such a great couple. Take care and thanks the the special glimpse into your lives.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you so much Bette. We can't thank you enough for your support, it really helps us to continue making videos xx

[@CampervanTales]

Glad you are okay Rich. Really chuffed that you are keeping it real and letting your emotions be shown. We get fed up of the KZbinrs who always show the happy side where everything is always smiley happy. Depression is a horrible thing, at least with the lovely Fran, the dogs and the boat you have so much to do and look forward to. Cropredy is 9th to 11th August by the way. Keep smiling and cycling x

[@brianstewart3457]

Hi Fran &Rich. We bought our first narrowboat in June this year (2023). We've just come across your vlogs and gone back to your start, binge watching your journey. Really enjoying your story, don't know how many times we've said "yep, been there, done/seen that". Leap frogging the car, cycling back along rough tow paths, bramble war wounds, branches whipped in the face... Not splooshed yet but god only knows why not. Totally agree with your litter view, drives us mad too. Will catch up with your later episodes and hopefully meet you sometime. Hope you both continue to enjoy the life. 😊😊😊

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you so much. Please don't do the spladoosh thing, it is overrated. 😂 Hope you are enjoying your boat and please say hello if you see us.

[@pjmaynes8747]

Such a great job. I can't get out much anymore so your blogs mean so much to me. Your love for each other is so obvious that it adds to the attraction of your travels. Keep it up, I enjoy your obvious enthusiasm for your lifestyle.

[@kenlennon]

Funny Rich, I had a dream last night and the rest of your and Frans life was blissful. Take care.

[@Elle-kr8od]

I'm just viewing this now as I have started watching your blog from the beginning, after seeing Country House Gent's pleasure in meeting you. Your blog is delightful--for your honesty in sharing "lessons learned," and your love for the natural world, but especially for the love and humor you share. What a day this one was! Your honest emotion is much appreciated.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you so much for joining us. It was such a pleasure to meet Kevin as he is one of the reasons we bout a boat. This day will stick in our memory for ever. Rich was so emotional x

[@kathyowens9901]

What a giant of a man you are that you can admit to depression and your quest to tackle it, keep floating!!

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thanks for your comment Kathy. Nobody should be afraid tobshow their emotions. I think it is easier these days to admit to depression and talk about it. Rich is a wonderful man who has helped me in so many ways, and I think this life has really helped him. Thank you for watching Fran x

[@hugorune766]

Your comment on butterflies.... spot on. the same applies to moths.... I am 63, I recall my childhood, we had an outside toilet, with bare lamp, and there were hundreds of moths, it fascinated me as a child, it gave me a love of nature... me sitting there shitting in the outside toilet... lol

[@garrystacey7018]

One good thing that came out of this is you are now baptised and you can now call yourself a real Boat 👍🏻

[@myhillslife27]

Books and painting sounds lovely 🌄

[@cliverichards9850]

I hate to laugh at other people's misfortune but your story did give me a chuckle. Stay safe

[@keithweybury5212]

We started watching your Vlog after seeing you on Foxes Afloat. Up to episode 15 and loving it so far. I am. Pinot Grigio man like Rich. Thanks from Keith & Helen from Australia.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Welcome aboard!

[@markvanessadixon]

".....open everything and let the breeze in" Sounds like a euphemism🤣 We are LOVING these vlogs.....and learning too!! Thank you👌

[@RichardVobes]

Loved this. Really felt for you Rich!

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Rich is made of tough stuff, he soon recovered!

[@lewlew5686]

It's a sign from the universe that the towpaths aren't a sodding race course ;)

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Lew Lew ha ha. I'll go as fast as I like when there's nobody around. Passing people, dogs or boats I always slow right down. I'm a boater too and am well aware of the idiots on bikes. X

[@lewlew5686]

Floating Our Boat haha don't worry I was pulling your leg but actually,yeah, youre right - there are a load of bell ends on bikes

[@paulroberts5677]

And on boats too.

[@davidwright7923]

What a lovely couple leading a life I’d love to live good luck to you thanks for posting these excellent videos!

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thanks for watching!

[@steveinbulko]

Liked the Vlog. I am also a cyclist along the tow paths and know the hazards you faced only to well. Glad to see you are back onboard and safe. Oddly I was talking to my vet today ( Blue was having his yearly booster) about Weils disease. She has researched it quite a lot. Last year there was only 80 cases reported and treated. Most at risk are farmers and sewage workers. In the dogs yearly booster they have some degree of protection. Glad to see you both back cruising again at the end of your vlog. 😀

[@revamp33]

Hi guys, you had my wife in tears with you two, take your time, relax, enjoy your surroundings and be safe, best wishes Andy and Jules on narrowboat Georgeana. Xx

[@judietallman]

I'm glad you're ok and found the key!

[@JohnNAmon]

Hang in there guys! That sounds like the worst day you have had since you got the narrow boat. Try to remember the better days. Also, don't give up your bike. Some exercise is very good for depression. We all look forward to your videos and hope you both do well, what ever you choose.

[@colinracheljustpootling7468]

Something I’ve learned from listening to you and other vlogs is the honest thoughts and words. It seems nearly everyone gets a dunking at least once. Don’t give up and I’m sure the concerns over weils is just that and nothing more. You guys are great

[@jeremymitchell995]

I am so, so sorry....4 minutes in and I've had to stop the video as I'm laughing so much. Obviously not a bundle of fun at the time but something to look back on fondly....brilliant.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Don't be sorry, we have laughed about it so many times ourselves since then

[@grahambufton2109]

Well done mate. Great you are enjoying your cycling again. Remember you don't have to go flat out now you are on the cut. Take care both. You are both doing an amazing.

[@keithweybury5212]

Fantastic snd hope you are okay Rich. Keith. & Helen from Australia.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

We are both well, thank you

[@lorrainejames4095]

I love you 2,such a great couple. Keeping it real is great, fan from down under.🙋‍♀️

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thanks so much

[@ALifeFullofMeaning]

Oh Rich, what a day! Glad you are safe. Fran, you must of been worried sick!

[@FlashGormless]

Rich.. do what i do... Hold your arms out straight to the side, then sing "always look on the bright side of life ( Whistle)" haha!! It happens to us all mate your now part of the club of real boaters lol :)

[@ukstrummer]

Phew that was emotional, the stress that this little incident caused you showed, body language, facial expression, the way Fran looked at you while you was in the boat talking, it was like she was looking into your soul searching for a way to take the pain away. So glad you posted this honest video and so glad you were smiling by the end of it. Realy looking forward to Edna the enibriate episode. Keep living the dream guys Mark & Debbie

[@darlenecarman303]

Oh, I felt so bad for you Rich. First the dream, then it comes true, then you were so worried about Fran. You are such a sweet man and Fran a sweet lady. I've watched all of your vlogs and will continue too. Keep faith, all will be settled with the house and then the car and you can relax and enjoy your travels to come.

[@SlinkyBack]

You guys are so sweet together ... Thank you for sharing ...

[@andrewriley1664]

Glad your ok, good to see you still enjoying it despite a horrible day...

[@margaretwhite1724]

Luv you guys!!!!!! Wld luv to meet U one day!!!!! Yr lifestyle is amazing , Great stories and vids keep them coming please..

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thanks so much!!

[@berty9561]

Sending you some swimmers and a snorkel Rich. Good kit for biking :)

[@LiamHill]

Glad your okay Rich mate, may your God go with you both! Look's like he was today.

[@inoodleberry1]

How am I only seeing this now??? Damn guys, I was in tears watching this.....so glad you're ok Rich, Fran, you must have been up the wall with worry....

[@melmay581]

Oh my goodness Rich and Fran I watch you now but I’m catching up on passed vlogs. This vlog has me sad, happy and sending you love. A new start is always hard but you are both smashing it!

[@WeaverBird64]

OMG! What an awful day you have had. I'm not surprised you wanted to have a rant. I do hope you're ok now. 💖

[@edwardlee6835]

love your blog ,showing me all the views of the area your in .im living in the philippines now ,so it brings back memories ,keep up the good work your doing with your filming of the english country side thanks for every thing you do

[@danlott71]

I love watching your videos. You two are so real and honest, would very much enjoy meeting you if I am ever in the UK.

[@lesleycouch6557]

Don't despair, you'll get off grid soon, your cottage is finished now and you can bin the car. Nearly there... Keep up the cycling Rich, not all the towpaths are as bad as that one!

[@justinlovstrom9823]

Great vlog guys.Sorry to hear about your nightmare Rich.If it's any consolation, I fell in last year on my bike along the Oxford. Have come to the conclusion after lots of running and cycling along canal, that if you're doing the car /bike thing,is to get off the canal at the nearest bridge and navigate to your destination via Road and footpath.Try not to lose heart eh.You mentioned suffering with depression in the video. As a fellow sufferer my heart goes out to you mate,such a horrible life sucking illness. Be kind to yourself eh.Wishing you both well 🙏

[@666k9s]

Ohhhh no!! What a nightmare day! So sorry. Hope you get those cuts looked at and you start feeling more serene soon.

[@anni50ful]

I live in the depths of the country and its BT all the way,hotspots are terrific when I'm in the middle of nowhere,what a shame no one filmed the splashdown hehe ,scary stuff take care ☺

[@paulsweeney800]

Loving your travels 👍 Glad you are both well after this scare. Trying to catch up to your most recent travels. Think it’s going to take a while 😃

[@kimmitchell1189]

We just discovered your channel and have happily been watching the episodes in order. You two are delightful. Thank you for being so honest and real. And the music you use is so wonderful!

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you so much. Rich does the editing and chooses the music. Music is his thing x

[@cadencechrome4783]

Dear Bravehearts, what a day! Stay safe, all will work out. We all have days like that, no exemption for canal travelers it seems. Have a pint or two, well done.

[@alanskilton9624]

A very moving non moving vlog !! Stay safe

[@robertmartin5973]

So glad you're ok ,stay happy and Safe yous good people

[@narrowboatingourlifeinthes5950]

So sorry to hear of your incident with the bike Rich. I know exactly what you mean regarding the state of some of the rural towpaths. Keep safe on your next ride out and sorry we didn’t get to catch up with you guys. Another wonderful vlog with lovely genuine people. Dave and Fi xx

[@davidbutler4363]

Well done guys 👏😁👍

[@nanrod981]

It's April 2000 and sodding 20. I'm learning so much from you two. Video production is faultless. Very talented, and natural - makes this Florida LockDown bearable.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you so much James. We would never have guessed when making that video that we would be in this mess now!

[@janstickles3035]

So very sorry to hear. So glad you are okay. I believe the tow paths aren't being used because they are not being maintained. Seeing the two of you always so upbeat and dealing with the car is now showing. I am glad to hear you will be freeing yourselves of the car. Best to you both.

[@ianmason8713]

Sorry if someone has said this before (I just don't have time right now to read all your comments) but have you thought about getting waterproof walkie talkies. They have a really good range on them nowadays. They might not keep you in touch with the rest of the world but at least you can be in touch with each other, regardless of your state of sogginess.

[@lynneevans4265]

Glad you are ok. The decision to let the car go seems a logical one. Love listening to your open and honest thoughts about the ups and downs of canal life. I’m sure you will both find what it is you are looking for in the life you have chosen. Happy boating 😊

[@ThumperBluejack]

I feel for you. I was also cycling back from Napton to Braunston to get the car and nearly fell in because of the towpath and foliage. Decided to walk through it all in the end and cycle the bits path I could see. Glad you're ok. Take care both.

[@johnjinn599]

Rich fair play to you ,feel like crying for you .I know it was a long time ago and your still at it .So pleased you didnt let it get you down .Love watching Keep up the great Vlogs .

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Oh, it all makes for good stories to retell with a laugh at a later date.

[@davidbell2056]

Sorry you had such a bad day , did the same thing on way to work years ago 😕. Good that you both smile through it ,enjoy your cruising thanks for sharing bad as well as good 👍

[@apolloj23]

Whoa, Rich! I'm sorry that happened, but you told a great story! Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@rigby3780]

great episode and congrats on your first baptism ;) power to you for bringing up the depression issue.. it's never discussed enough in this mad world of ours and yet soo important. happy cruising!

[@elizabethmondulick8209]

Hello from Oregon, USA!. I am new to narrowboat vlogging and recently discovered you. I was so taken with your outlook on life and the sweet affection that you have for each other, so I decided to backtrack and watch your story from the beginning. I admire your candor in sharing all of the ups and downs you experienced while making the transition to your new life afloat, as well as your appreciation for nature and the environment, and your desire to protect it. It sounds like that was an awful day for both of you and I'm glad Rich's injuries were not more severe. I am looking forward to catching up and getting current with your posts. I am also following you on Facebook and Instagram. P.S. Fran, your weavings are just lovely!

[@samcross6597]

Awesome vlog pleased ur ok x

[@bigmort6916]

Get some silver water spray on those cuts Rich. Hope you’re recovering well, what a day indeed glad you’re safe bud 🙏🏻👍🏻

[@howardeastman311]

Blimey you both look so well, looks like you have been abroad!! So glad you did not hurt yourself Rich, I thought we were going to see you in the canal on film from the title......time to get rid of the car me thinks, as you said before in your previous vlog you can always hire a car. Great seeing you both. Have fun! PS what's wrong with emotion shows you are both lovely honest people!

[@stevesrepairs3815]

Take care my friends and keep making these great vlogs. Stevie

[@andyrbush]

I am sure as the time on your boat is passing you guys both look more and more relaxed.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

You are quite right, we are

[@APRAPR-nq2wn]

as a fellow bicycle rider I can appreciate your plight falling in - I strive to ride 140 to 175 miles a week and sooner or later shit happens as they say , it's all part of the rush we get riding

[@BoatingBiker]

"I seem to remember helping you back to the boat that night" classic!!

[@rolandpeters1]

I heard once that someone tried to walk on water , but never peddle on water , so that’s a new one. Great story , keep going , best regards Mark

[@paulroberts5677]

Been there done that. I was cycling along the G&S behind my friend Richard. He was chatting away to me (being a head teacher it's what he does best). I hit a pothole, went over the handlebars, clipd releasing from my feet and slid along the wet, grassy, towpath and neatly into the cut. So neat was my trajectory that I slid into the canal without so much as a splash. Now, the G&S is built with the most beautifully smooth stones and deep enough to take an ocean going vessel. I was going nowhere. 15 minutes passed before Richard realised there was no answer coming from me. He cycled back, thinking I had nipped behind a hedge. Then a voice came from the cut, mine, "I expect you are wondering what I am doing here". Anyway Richard dragged me out, I wrung my clothes out and we continued our ride to Gloucester and fish and chips. All this happened a couple of decades ago. I did not die or, even, get ill. We were both good cyclists and were travelling at a gentle pace. I think the tow path has been improved since then, which is nice.

[@brianrees3697]

I am new to your site and fully enjoying watching our NB Faith is moored on the N oxford and can say the canal toe path it is very poorly maintained especially beyond Newbold tunnel We took ownership bought our boat on the saturday in May fell of and cut my arm on the sunday and on the tuesday ended up in my local hospital for 3 days with bad infection, finaly will be doing the S Oxford down to oxford end of August so watching your vlog with interest cheers

[@graceygrumble]

How scary, Rich. No-one saw you fall in - every cloud...! You can't keep a good man down, especially when he has a good woman to soothe him. Get shot of the car and then just drift, carefree. I hope that's the worst day you have to face. Wishing you both happy, healthy and safe travels. x

[@courtenaybarber2555]

Holy cow! That's one hell of a bike story, too good to keep to yourself. I really like your honesty. Now sell the car and rent the cottage and keep close to the canals. Cheers, Courtenay

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Cyclists, like fishermen always have s good story hidden away!

[@dalejones4184]

Hi Fran and Richard, love listening to your experiences. We have news and have found a 58 foot Semi trad narrowboat subject to survey on 30th July is all ours, so looking forward to bumping into you!

[@dougzirkle5951]

Hey guys! We got a bit emotional as well while watching...so sorry for your very unfortunate experience. Hope your future dreams are more of the fresh cream cakes variety.

[@negativelybuoyant5835]

Propper boater now rich. It was gunna happen and now its out the way you can chillllll 🙄 i hope 🤞

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Yep. Never gonna happen again 🙄👍

[@skippyjones2077]

Hey you guys so sorry to hear about your horrible Day wow ...... well I hope you guys get along with a better day love you guys...👍❤️🙏✌️💪

[@NL04180]

Love you guys, keep´m coming please!

[@albertrowe3351]

Glad you are OK, I also cycle along the towpaths here in Cheshire and you have to be on your metal!, always nice to see your vlogs, such a nice couple, I hope all works out well for you.

[@andymurch1057]

Thanks for a very entertaining vlog. I wish that you had footage of the fall into the canal. I hope you can laugh at it now. I bet you don’t do it again in a hurry.

[@gailalbers1430]

who knew those little canals in the quiet bucolic country side could be so treacherous 🥺 Fran : the curtains turned out absolutely beautiful, how long did it take you to weave them? i did hear about that type of japanese weaving and watching you ; it is very tempting to get one of those lions; i‘ve been more of a knitter so far! , i guess you could make nice clothes with these straight pieces too,

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you Gail. I'm glad you like the curtains, they took a couple of weeks to make in the evenings. You can make clothes and I am just about to make my first top. I have been making scarves etc to sell on Etsy ( constanzecreations) so please have a look. If you look up Saori on the internet you will be able to find out where you can get the looms of have a taster lesson. I absolutely love it. Fran x

[@brodie2711]

Hi guys. I was so moved when you both succumbed to the emotion of the moment and Frans look of concern almost brought a tear to my eye. One good thing is I know things turned out well because I've seen your later Vlogs, haha.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Hi Stephen. I was so shocked because Rich didn't tell me what had happened before he filmed it so it was really hot off the press.

[@stanburnett4215]

Glad you were ok Rich, I just saw this vlog and the tree fall today 9/7/19. I sure have enjoyed the scenery and your willingness to share a little glimpse into life on the canal. 🙏

[@coachman290651]

hi that pub you have on when went plonking is 25 min from home for me enjoy your life it whole lot better than four walls same view day in day out

[@elizabethannferrario423]

Oh my goodness guys how scary , but for me I hate water I don’t know the depth , as for jumping over locks , that would fraze me completely, but I hope you still need to be boating , as I am sure it’s for you , it’s a good job not for us , we enjoy a very quiet life and my hubby has just retired from his retirement job , yes she spent 28 yrs in the police and then in a shopping centre which he grew to hate tormented by children or should I say youths , so yes we are trying to get our house in order as I have a chronic illness and days where getting out of bed is an effort , but I love to cook and just making things from nothing , I truly love . So guys please stay safe ! My love liz x

[@Mrblack6239]

Sorry Rich, had to fall in sooner or later... I hear ya on the heat, it’s been running 32 degrees throughout the day hear in Ohio, with a heat index of 37. Thankfully the RV has AC. Gotta find a way to get some on the boat that won’t kill your batteries or make you have to plug in to shore power. If I find a way, I’ll give you and Fran a shout...

[@MYNICEEV]

Point your tiller towards tomorrow and enjoy the future. Yesterday is now a memory to cherish and add to your history. I live in Hereford. Maybe we will meet sometime. Have a great time from now on.

[@borderreiver3288]

very lucky not to get injured when you tumbled off...I think a towpath near a village or houses get used regularly by locals whereas one in the middle of nowhere get very little use and no one on the CRT will maintain them....

[@lisasmith2065]

We just watched this episode. So sorry that happened to you. I do understand true depression too. Hope you and Steve can get back to cycling.

[@dulciebarnes6228]

Love the layout of your vlogs. Rich, hope you’re going to be okay after your little episode!

[@andyboatsandbikes]

Ditch the car guys sooner rather than later, most CC's do unless they need one for work.....hire is the way to go, Enterprise will pick you up when you need one. We use 3 for mobile phone and mifi data, only place to date we couldn't get a signal was Lower Heyford. Love your vlogs.

[@katie_lou1990]

Wow what a day! You made me well up you big softy :) great videos, keep up the good work!

[@Boatdog_Traveller]

Hi Sorry to hear that you fell in. I have a monkey bike on my boat and use it to get the van about once a week. It's great fun. It means you can get back via the roads ( DONT RIDE ON THE TOW PATH). I usually head back on a Sunday. It's great fun ☺

[@Boatdog_Traveller]

Floating Our Boat it's a small motorbike. Search ebay for one. Most are Chinese but their Honda design so bullet proof reliable.

[@neilcoates927]

Omg so sorry that you've had this experience. .glad you're ok it could have turned out very different. .Yeah ditch the car. .planning for the future is so so difficult. .it's another one of those boaters dilemmas. .lucky you lived to tell the tale today..tomorrow is never certain. ..really enjoying ur vlogs.

[@johnparkin5312]

You should keep a dream journal ? you could become the Richie Rose Lee of the waterways"

[@bobamos3628]

Gee, only so much can go wrong to a guy and it looks like you have a few months prepaid now. LOL... Be safe and keep up the great videos. Always a pleasure following along... (Wish we had these here in the States.)

[@stevedavis68]

Tee here Richy seeing ya arms reminded me of our camping & towpath rides last year and years back near Seend, I’ve seen you take a few tumbles and always creased me up😂😂 ready to get rid of the truck when you are matey👍🏼

[@cathylarsen7967]

WOW.....glad your ok

[@peterlove5884]

If I win the lottery then you will win I love your vlogs

[@scouseboater8315]

GLAD YOU ARE OK AFTER YOUR ACCIDENT JUST ENJOY WHAT YOU HAVE AND BE LUCKY HAVE A NICE DAY