Going Through The Notorious Blackburn In A Narrowboat - Life On The Water Episode 176

#narrowboat #canal #travelvlog
Not the best experience we've had in a city. Getting through Blackburn lived up to its reputation.
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We are Fran and Rich and along with our two Dogs, Archie and Jess we travel the Canals and Rivers of the UK on our 58ft Narrow Boat 'Laura Maisie'.
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Music
We are Fran and Rich and along with our two Dogs, Archie and Jess we travel the Canals and Rivers of the UK on our 58ft Narrow Boat.
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Please watch: "FREEZING OUR WOTNOTS OFF - Winter cruising on a CANAL NARROWBOAT - Episode 182"
• FREEZING OUR WOTNOTS O...
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[@lorrainerichardson3280]

Imagine the poor teacher if those kids were at school with possibly another 10 like them in the class. Sigh I'm a retired teacher so shuddered at the thought. It's sad that many of these teens have no interest in anything positive. Thanks for the history, sad for those people that worked in the mills. Love it that you are back in the countryside, two different worlds within 10? kms. Take care =-)

[@FloatingOurBoat]

We have a son and a daughter between us who are teachers and they both have a few tales to tell

[@lorrainerichardson3280]

@@FloatingOurBoat Sad when as a teacher you are trying to help them makes the best in their future prospects. Take care =-)

[@bigtrev998]

Eanam Wharf was on my old beat as a bobby many years ago. It is WAY to close to a few undesirable areas...let's just say, I used to joke that the Co-op milk float needed a rear gunner

[@judytreischl6899]

I am in Canada. We have sirloin beef, as well as t-bone, filet mignonette etc.

[@Elle-kr8od]

Chock-full of contrasts: rain and sun, watery trash and greenery, urban trouble and countryside peace, history everywhere. All but the Sunday vaults and dancing....

[@FloatingOurBoat]

We thought it best not to film that 😂

[@louisestopford7114]

Oh gosh Blackburn looked SO depressing. Glad you got out safely. The tower and farmer's market looked great though.

[@michaellooby4187]

Nothing has changed ! It was the same 30 years ago . Always an early start and get through in one hit

[@cathyjay2569]

I am a 65-year-old widow in Tennessee in the United States. I am addicted to your KZbin channel! You both are simply lovely. I was so looking forward to the leaping, vaulting, and dancing and I’m so disappointed that you chose not to!❤TN Nana

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Ha Ha, so sorry we didn't give you some dancing and leaping, but some things are better not filmed. Thank you for watching

[@susanbrock4304]

Glad to see it's not just us keeping the Kissing Gate tradition going. We've started our own tradition. We also kiss in the middle of long tunnels 😂 nb Waggy Tail.

[@cheerio3847]

Houghton Tower looks fascinating! There are not many of that age in such good shape nowadays. It looks like someone still lives there and loves it. It almost looks like something out of a movie set, but better. I can imagine the community living there hundreds of years ago. Thanks for showing something I would have otherwise never known existed!

[@FloatingOurBoat]

The family do still live in one part of it and are sometimes involved in the tours

[@nevillemignot1681]

A real 'Floating Our Boat' kind of intro to the Vid, '70's style soft rock playing and lovely soft green views........

[@stevehoare6378]

Hi Fran and Rich, great to see you back on the move again. You missed out one thing , in my humble opinion....”feral kids, feral pigeons.....and feral parents”.....that’s the root of so many problems. Take care both, Steve and Sue...🍷🍷

[@markstarmer3677]

Good comment.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Good point

[@franktuckwell196]

Pity about the oiks, we once had problems with skinheads in the early 1970s and ended up lashing the boat to an old factory on the non towpath side. The worst offering was a sari wrapped around prop, about an hour down the weed hatch with a knife.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

It seems that this problem will always be there 😢

[@areguapiri]

Yes, in the USA, the sirloin steak is considered one of the better cuts of beef.

[@SoldiersDad]

Thank you so much for taking us on a video tour of the area around you.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Our pleasure!

[@rexharvey8420]

I went there nearly forty years ago by NB and it was a run down dump then. Now it looks like a place never to visit again. What a shame!

[@davidbennett906]

Glad you both survived the trip through Burnley and Blackburn, and good to see you both in our neck of the woods (and well done on your visit to Hoghton Tower, which you finally pronounced correctly haha!). It takes me back to a holiday we had on the L&L back in 1978 on a hire boat (and the kind of early summer when we had four seasons in a day). I don't recall any graffiti back then and no bother from local yobbos, but it was certainly a physical workout I remember. Keep up the good work, and thank you for sharing these journeys with us. 👍

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

For me, there’s something about the word “defecating” that makes it sound and seem sooo much worse. 🤣 A group of defecating pigeons conjures up dantesque imagery in my mind. Add rats (and kids) scratching and gnawing, just trying to get inside and .....yup, that’s nightmare fuel 😳 I’m glad that you both decided to “soldier on” as they say. Well done. Hooray for the sticks, it’s the best place to be I believe 🙂❤️ 🙂🐿🌈❤️

[@kellyheywood503]

Miss you guys witty posts but not Facebook .

[@ronaldcumpsty5605]

Sorry to see that you had some trouble from the local scum, human or otherwise. Nice to see you both kept up the tradition at the kissing gate though. Always a pleasure to see you two enjoying life.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thanks 👍

[@catherine3902]

Well, well, well. Houghton Tower. 😊My Dad was brought up there. My Great Grandad, apparently, used to sit on one of the benches on a Sunday evening and have a chat with the ghost 👻 of Lady de Houghton. So there you go 😊

[@FloatingOurBoat]

That is so interesting. We were told about the ghost.

[@lovelyskull3483]

Fran I have to say you always look amazing, no matter the weather or circumstances. This was an interesting video. It seems Blackburn needs a bit of a tidy up and the kids harassing you is disconcerting. Thank you both for this video. Take care and cheers.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you so much

[@willduckworth5535]

Did you spot the wallpapered telephone box too? Such a shame you had a bad experience at Eanam Warf. We stayed just past it for a few nights with no trouble at all. We managed to try the Caribbean pub and the food and cocktails where great. Those winding lock gate mechanisms are really unusual!

[@andyrbush]

That was a wonderful tour of the canals and area. I haven't watched you guys for a while but really enjoying catching up again. it. Have you changed the format a bit?

[@FloatingOurBoat]

I guess things gradually change as we do.

[@sheilajoseph9953]

Glad you had a better ending to your vlog. Looked like you were cruising through pea soup at one time. 😊

[@farmer6861]

I like your Fatface shirt - I’ve got the same one. Just right for this time of year!

[@lesbrewer8431]

Like you, we can’t go through one of those gates without giving each other a kiss 😘 cheers, Les and Anne on Glendyne

[@FloatingOurBoat]

It's the law!

[@yousteven15]

Hi from the States. FYI, sirloin here is called..."sirloin" and most people know the story of the knighted cut of beef. Personally, if I'm going the steak route, I go for tender loin (aka Filet Mignon). Sear it in a cast iron skillet on both sides and then throw it in the oven to finish it off. Covered in compound butter. Keep up the great work with your videos. Cheers!!

[@TheSimong69]

ty for another fine vlog xx

[@ruthmichigander]

Fall is definitely on the way! Great to see you both❤️

[@petergregorypottery5476]

Love you both, I always enjoy traveling with you with your delightful videos. How nice to hear the church bells on the Sunday morning and to learn about Sir-loin! I will have to treat beef with even more respect now!:-)

[@catherine3902]

Myself and my sister had part time weekend work there as tour guides in the early 1970's.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

That must have been wonderful. Did you ever see the ghost?

[@wendyluvsbooks6537]

Thank goodness you are safe and sound …. That green stuff on the canal water doesn’t look great …. Like the scenery on your walk …. Safe travels ❤

[@FloatingOurBoat]

It is floating pennywort and it is a pain in the neck

[@RetireMentalityChallenged]

We have always used the term sirloin here in the states. Had no idea that a cut of meat was once knighted. Wow!

[@sylviawright5181]

Enjoyed this video ,interesting ,Glad to see you back ,👍

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thanks for watching. Though we never went away.

[@janhjorth965]

🎶🎶🎶🎶great service, great sets, that’s what you get from Granada 🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶

[@FloatingOurBoat]

😂🤣😂

[@beverleyshaw7210]

I watched this vlogs this morning Rich and Fran, seems to be a whole lot of canal weed. It’s to bad your stay was so Spoiled by those awful brats. I did as I always do, enjoy the scenery. I remember Granada TV. Thanks to you both.

[@shirleylynch7529]

Super cruise. Sad that a few young people spoil what could be beautiful towns with history to view. Lovely hall you visited. Great to see you. On the move again. Thank you,

[@Lee_Sullivan]

Lovely as always :-) keeping me happy for 176 episodes now but sometimes, well a few times I'el watch them twice of thrice.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you so much for sticking with us x

[@emmm5713]

Lovely Video as usual. :)

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you so much 😀

[@paulblythman7761]

Thankyou, another very interesting journey. As a JP I'm not wanting to display any balls on my roof 😂 happy to go by word of mouth😅😅

[@FloatingOurBoat]

🤣😂🤣

[@chrisc9406]

The advantage of taking the road out of Blackburn is that travel is faster than the canal!

[@FloatingOurBoat]

😂🤣😂

[@Mr_Reaper]

Thank you for the nostalgic trip back in time. Done plenty of shopping in Blackburn indoor market over the years. Lovely place

[@FloatingOurBoat]

It is a huge market, you can get everything there

[@barbaralamson7450]

I loved you took us along, but you always have done. Sometimes, when seeing these magnificent buildings, I think about the building of it. What it took to do. Especially hundreds of years ago.

[@howardeastman311]

Enjoyed this one, thank you

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@outsider5112]

I wonder what would have happened Rich if you applied the tradition at the kissing gate to the yobs on the back of your boat - You never know until you try 🤔 xx

[@jennyfulcher8035]

Blackburn sounded like an awful place to stay. I'm glad that those hooligans didn't do any damage to your boat. The rats, sirens, and trash wrapped around your prop combined with the rain wasn't too pleasant either, so I'm sure you were glad to get out of Blackburn and onward towards nicer environs!

[@ruthmichigander]

So much history! Thank you for taking us along.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Our pleasure!

[@vebetka8333]

Must have been one heck of a big magistrate😅

[@FloatingOurBoat]

😂

[@AfterTheRains]

Sadly, it sounds like the best thing about Blackburn these days is the first train out. Nice fact about the looms and cotton though and glad you got away safely. The “Tower” not Hall looked really interesting and the garden walls, that almost looked like they should have guys with bows and arrows behind them, were fabulous

[@marcuskay8316]

Sorry its been a while to send you a message been watching your blogs you have been to some interesting places thought you might have been miles away the people that have moved into your spot are great missing you both say hello to archie can never remember the other ones name.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Lovely to hear from you Marcus and so pleased to hear the new residents are fitting in well. Have you walked up that hill yet to look at the view. Please keep us in touch with all the news and keep the cows of our garden. Archie and Jess are missing your BBQ

[@jacquelinefilby1842]

Haha your outro gave me an loud laugh😅

[@janschofield3504]

Great video. Shame about the feral kids! Seems they are everywhere now. Would loved to have seen the farmers market. Hope you found lots of yummy things. Stay safe x

[@StevesRepairs]

Thanks for taking us along on this mostly lovely cruise, a good deterrent to keep rats off your boat is peppermint oil (rats and insects hate it), the good one to keep oiks off is a "Rich" onboard. I used to pass Hoghton Tower/Hall on most of my school holidays as my dad used to drive a lorry past their going to Preston then onto Blackpool and back. I hope that you are both doing well and the doggies. Take care and all the best. Stevie

[@FloatingOurBoat]

I have so often been glad I have a 'Rich' on board, now I just need some peppermint oil

[@suzannehague5203]

Very sad about Blackburn but the country is best very good lvog it looks lovely were you are now all for now 😊

[@FloatingOurBoat]

We always prefer to be out in the countryside. Cities are good to visit but it is not where we feel at home. Thank you for watching

[@brodie2711]

“Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” Thank you guys for the early heads-up. Very enjoyable

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Such a wonderful quote and so true.

[@evelynsutton4411]

What a lovely surprise to wake up and find you two gorgeous people on here this morning! Sorry to know about your unpleasant incident, l bet those yobs soon went off when confronted with an angry Rich! lnteresting buildings and gardens along the way, and Hoghton (hope that is the right spelling) looked very grand and interesting. Hope you enjoyed your goodies! Not many people could make even rain interesting like you two do!

[@jacquelinefilby1842]

My all time favorite book and quote.

[@ianwebb2235]

The chavs and unpleasantness aside,,,,That was a lovely video...Thank you so much.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@karendotson230]

Yes, in the USA it’s called sirloin.

[@marionjohansson4235]

Thank you that was lovely. Sad that kids are so naughty today. Glad they went their way.

[@markstarmer3677]

You never moor for the night in crap holes like Blackburn, Stoke, and the like. Plan your journeys so as you moor in rural areas if you can.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

We always do try to do this, but sometimes it cannot be avoided

[@markames3688]

Good stuff, sorry to hear about the brats.

[@pdxyadayada]

Out west here, in Oregon, we raise some very tasty beef loins, even if they haven’t been knighted…

[@g.marion5888]

Thanks for sharing another adventure, I always enjoy your commentary.

[@katienorthenmore1892]

A wallpapered telephone box !!

[@Jimdirt7898]

Note to self never stop in a Turdtown. What was that Beatles song about holes in Blackburn Lancashire was it pot holes or a-holes.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

😂

[@nathanberry4339]

Have to say you handled the yobs perfectly , it could always have been worse IE if you tried taking them on and got injured etc , it's such a shame there seems to be yobs in most places now

[@FloatingOurBoat]

I don't think they fancied taking on Rich and then the rain came which sent them off home

[@nathanberry4339]

@@FloatingOurBoat I just hate that you both should be put in that position in the first place , respect and tolerance seems to be going down hill with some people

[@leslielutz6140]

Beautiful place. Love your rain. Should have called this Troublemakers and War Mongers.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Where were you when we were thinking up a title???

[@acerone10]

Lovely video. Thanks. Sorry about the "Hooligans of Blackburn". No matter what you did to them (Watercannon squirt guns) they would try to retaliate. Best to do nothing. Be safe. Bless you both.

[@stevenholden9520]

Another great vid. The closing comment from Rich made me laugh out loud, Brill. In local parlance we don't pronounce the H, and the T is glottal in Hoghton (unless you're posh 😀)

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Aah thank you. I am now sitting here practicing saying it

[@Boatdog_Traveller]

Thanks for keeping it real as ever. Too many people dreaming of selling up and dreaming about the Tim and Pru life which is just an idealistic dream.

[@sandihandi7831]

Rich, we do call it Sirloin, we just can't afford it. Loved the video. Getting to see all kinds of boats and homes and old factories. The history you have is outstanding. Take care. Keep safe.

[@pamelaevans6485]

Thank you for the history lesson, and the info on James I. I have read a lot of British history about the royals. I find it fascinating, even though my roots go back to Cromwell, of all people. I have to ask, however, do you stay on your boat during the winter ? Many thanks, as always.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

How lovely to know your roots back that far. We stay of the boat all year round and love winter boat life except for the dark nights. It is so cosy

[@karenreneevoets6616]

Always enjoy your Vlogs! glad you made it safely thru Blackburn. And what a lovely Tower/Manor/Castle and gardens. Thank you!!!

[@billstarr7224]

You 2 are one of our favorite boaters. You show so much more than just the canal and locks. So Rich, I'll be checking your narrowboat to see how important you are.😂

[@FloatingOurBoat]

🤣😂🤣

[@Debba521]

Ah feral children. What was it John Lennon sang about Blackburn? Something about small holes, I think 😁. Other than that, sounds like a nice journey. The kissing gate had to help! That's a funny story about the naming of Sir Loin 😉. Not sure I believe it, but I'm happy to pass along that story to anyone else. We do call it sirloin here in the States. It's my fave cut, used for stir fry mostly and grill it too. Costs less than rib eyes and tenderloin! The magistrates balls was hilarious 😆. Thanks for the fun, stay safe and well!

[@FloatingOurBoat]

We are assured the Sir Loin story is true, who knows but it is a good tale to tell. We even saw the table where it was supposedly carved . Thanks for watching

[@brockshields9336]

It seems there are less and less narrowboaters doing vlogs on KZbin. There's you and Ben & Emily that I watch. Then there's occasionally David of Cruising the Cut. But then he's technically not a narrowboater anymore, is he. So many others that I use to watch have quit the canals. I miss them.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

There are also so many new vloggers, it is difficult to keep up. So glad you still enjoy watching us

[@thehealthjunkie8996]

so sad to see this part of the country like tis once thriving and bustling. The canal walkways and canal itself don't look like they've been looked after. Great vlog though.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

That is true and it is such an historic area. It deserves more love

[@pamelazahn4816]

Actually we Americans DO eat a lot of sirloin and we do call it that. But I thank you for the history of the name, love it.

[@patriciagassor4497]

That was a mix & match cruise, sometimes you need the grotty bits to appreciate the best. Good to see you back

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Absolutely

[@DerekWarner-m3q]

Phew!! what a relief to be back in the country side. Great vid, thanks.

[@gaynorpattle]

After Blackburn, the beauty of the countryside, you ended on a high....I was hoping for a bit of a dance or a leap ? X

[@petersheridan2993]

A few years back!!! I managed a couple of Pubs & restaurants and found the locals very friendly and the area and countryside outstanding. Especially the Moors. The Town center Market was partially good for world foods and takeaways. The only downside was driving standards at junctions and traffic lights quite a few drivers didn't see any reason to stop at all!! Just Barrel thru. ( American Term) LOL

[@FloatingOurBoat]

The one thing that we keep saying is that except for the odd exception, the people are the friendliest we have met.

[@hughcrawford1978]

Thanks for showing us glimpses of Blackburn. There are always challenges of which kids etc terrorizing boaters must be one which puts your skills to work. Sounds like you handled it well without allowing things to escalate. There's a lovely natural look to the countryside. Great coverage Hugh

[@Johnketes54]

How can they "learn" if things don't escalate

[@carlwoodcock9249]

Great vid u2 , blackburn looked rough , kids no respect these days , 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧👍

[@shaunbarton-collins1180]

Nice to be out and about with you ywo again.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thanks for coming

[@brockshields9336]

Yes! We call it Sirloin Steak here. You've now made this here Okie, slightly less ignorant. I would've never know that the term SirLoin dates back to King James I. Thank you for that! Lol! Was he also the king who commissioned a more modern interpretation of the Bible?

[@FloatingOurBoat]

It certainly was the same King James.

[@JayWhy498]

Rich and Fran, you will be glad to know that here in the US we do indeed celebrate Sir Loin! I have a sirloin steak pulled out of the freezer for some pepper steak (I think) on Wednesday! Always makes our day when we get to see you guys out on your adventures! Keep up the great work, I always love the history you teach us.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

I hope you knighted your steak

[@apolloj23]

Checks butcher...yep...sirloin is sirloin.

[@kdean9537]

Hi Fran & Rich, sorry to hear of your troubles in Blackburn, glad you made it through okay without any damage and it doesn't happen often. So nice to see you both, you are looking well. Really love video. Loved the bit about the Magistrates...thanks for the chuckle! So...did Fran do any foraging...is there any Japanese Knotweed on the menu? 😊Please give the doggies a cuddle for me. Have a wonderful week. Lots of love Kathy x 💖🍁🍂

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Ha Ha, I haven't convinced Rich to try Japanese knotweed yet, but be assured I will keep trying

[@myhillslife27]

Been wondering where you were.. quirky one today.. haha.. I wanted to see what you bought Fran

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Think spinning and weaving and you wont go wrong 😊

[@islamentable1290]

Just remember that Diversity is a strength.

[@tamavua1]

Sorry you had problems in my hometown. Bring back the stocks!

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Good idea. It was only a couple of kids, everybody else was so friendly

[@BobbyTucker]

I just found out a new defense system and you don't have to license them, 'Paintball guns', They sting like the dickens when you get hit by them too. You might want to spread the word about them, people might want to look into 'arming' themselves up with 'Paintball guns'. lol

[@beverleybarnes423]

Lovely video x

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you!!

[@christopherdaly9384]

4,000 'A' Holes in Blackburn, Lancashire!!🙃🤔👍🤣

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Very good 😂

[@christopherdaly9384]

@@FloatingOurBoat 👍🤣

[@jenniferproudfoot5980]

It only takes a few to give a place a bad name.

[@davidcoffelt7364]

Great video!

[@johnland5042]

I thoroughly enjoyed this latest update. Thank you!!

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Our pleasure!

[@suzannewch7202]

So glad you made it through that inner city situation unharmed, other than the aggravation……your visit to the farmers market and the historic place I’m sure more than made up for the previous night…. As always, thank you for sharing

[@FloatingOurBoat]

I was only one bad night, and we were able to move out to somewhere lovely

[@BobbyTucker]

@@FloatingOurBoat, Good, I'm also glad to hear that.

[@cherryclark2572]

Yikes, so sorry to hear about the trouble with young scruffians. Effing unpleasant!! But the good news is that you made it out of there and back into idyllic countryside. Float on … !!

[@FloatingOurBoat]

That is the beauty of boat life, you can always move away

[@lacyoflittlerobincottage1403]

The Beatles were the only group who's songs I knew by heart ~ weird I know. 😂 Blackbird singing in the dead of night Take these broken wings and learn to fly All your life You were only waiting for this moment to arise Blackbird singing in the dead of night Take these sunken eyes and learn to see Life is not without it's road-bumps and challenges. Hope you both and the pups have recovered fully. Take good care of yourselves, be well ~ Hugs Lacy, Mike & Hamish🤗🐾💞 PS~ In today's world it seems every city has gone to pot. Dirty, trashy, no control over unruly people.