Too Old For This? - Fran is Struggling -Should we go back to LAND? - Narrowboat Life - Episode 199

#vanlife #canal #offgrid
Too Old For this lifesyle? - Should we settle back to LAND? - Narrowboat Life - Episode 199
The River Avon is so stunning. We cruise fom Bidford-on-Avon to beautiful Pershore.
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We are Fran and Rich and along with our furry companions, Archie and Jess, we explore the UK's canals and rivers aboard our 58ft Narrowboat named 'Laura Maisie'.
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[@1beakin]

Thanks!

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you so, so much for your support. It really is appreciated ❤️❤️❤️

[@AmericaBound]

So now at the beginning of your video, you have your emblem where it says floating our boat underneath that now you need to add driving our RV..

[@wendycrooks875]

I’m 70 and had to make the decision of whether to go back to land or stay on the boat after my Husband died suddenly last year. I’ve never learnt to steer the boat so am permanently moored in a Marina, but I won’t leave the life, I love it! Maybe I’ll learn to steer, maybe I won’t but I know I don’t want to live in bricks and mortar paying all those bills. Narrowboats aren’t cheap but still much less than a house. It’s just me and my JRT, we don’t need much space and life is slower and much more peaceful. You carry on and ignore all those who can’t understand how we feel about life on a narrowboat. xx

[@katienorthenmore1892]

@wendycrooks875 what an inspiration 👏

[@viewfrommylensjane]

Hello my lovelies, just tell them to bugger off. They are pushing THEIR fears onto you both. Agree 100%! Carpus Diem! Seize the day! and enjoy.. Good to see you. I'm 62 & the last 4 yrs has been awful for sudden loss, it should make everyone go harder for their dreams & passions or unfulfilled dreams while we can. I love Judy Dench she's amazing & Betty White!

[@FloatingOurBoat]

You are absolutely right. It is their fears! Well we are not having any of it!!!

[@viewfrommylensjane]

@@FloatingOurBoat yes! Me too! XO XO

[@janoakes9267]

Lol! Love the ending!! 🙂

[@AfterTheRains]

I am fiercely independent and two words that really irritate me are ‘you should’. People need to mind their never mind and get on with their own life choices. Wonderful views on your trip and the abbey is so beautiful. It’s such a blessing we can still see the amazing work of architects and builders from the past.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Agree with you 100%

[@gaynorpattle]

Keep living in the moment....living your best lives and doing things in your own unique way XXX

[@cheerio3847]

What a beautiful river! Considering how much you two enjoy going slow, it must have been difficult to zip thru. But, there is always another time when you get to live on a boat, after all, the canals and rivers ARE a finite list so there will be repeats! There are several canals you have been on more than once, no reason you can't come back and do this river again in either direction you desire. It does look like it would be worth another trip in another year, perhaps mixed with Percy to let you go further off to the sides to explore. The weather seems perfect, and it's not crowded. Don't know if that is the time of year or that it doesn't get the amount of traffic that you see elsewhere. Thanks for choosing this trip! It is enjoyable to watch.

[@lorrainerichardson3280]

The first narrowboaters I watched was the series with Prue Scales and Tim West. Prue has dementia which is heartbreaking but she was there doing the locks so as you say if you are physically fit and able, carry on doing what you love as long as you can. Take care =-)

[@sometimeswrite239]

I love that you are free to shape your lives as you wish, taking it day by day and staying open to possibilities. What other people think about your choices is inconsequential

[@jaymarlin3565]

Dear Fran and Rich: Two things I'm reading about your question as to whether to continue boating --- On one hand, there are those folks who have lost a partner and are wondering whether they should continue the boating lifestyle; whilst on the other hand, there are folks who continue merrily on down the canal observing life and its compliments. Both of you apparently have reached an accord with just about everyone, either actually boating themselves or watching you on the tell with various episodes. I should remind you both of your Civil Responsibilities - that is not to disrupt other lives just to make yours more rewarding. We have politicians for that, rest assured. Rather, continue with your dreams and talk about these dreams. And yes, Fran, we all know where you hide the Christmas booze. And if the locks become more than merely just a struggle, perhaps you'll find find a peaceful dockage and tie up for a while --- chatting and telling us a story of yesteryear. Blue skies and soft winds. Cheers

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you. We wont shirk our responsibilities just yet

[@richglenn3729]

Live your dream guys, live your dream. You earned it, enjoy it.

[@davidcoffelt7364]

Great vlog, as always! Thanks for the candid conversation on aging, never an easy one to have but as usual, the two of you approached it with grace and humility.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thanks so much!

[@annwagner5779]

I’m glad you are living your own lives as you want to live them. And I love that you share some of your experiences with us around the world! Enjoy!🎉

[@sailingvesseljulianne8230]

We have been thinking about moving back to land but Gary came up with another idea. He found a huge 60 foot yacht that’s about the size of a 2 bedroom apartment (flat). We had been in a 45’ sailboat that was equipped to sail around the world. (Solar, watermaker, and 200 gallons of diesel, electric toilets BUT difficult to do all the climbing up and down stairs and the huge mast. I took one look at the new vessel and having 2 bathtubs and huge frig, trash compacter, washer dryer won me over. I feel like I am living on land, only exception is the “boat” things like having a pump out service to pump our toilets every other week, and the occasional trip to the boatyard for bottom paint (2-3 years). If Gary passes before me - I’ll sell, if I go first, I think Gary will stay on the boat. Oh did I mention, we no longer cruise but are docked in a beautiful marina in San Diego - year around beautiful weather.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Two bathtubs!!! That is real luxury. It sounds like a great decision

[@DerekWarner-x6s]

100 percent agree with you both, as long as your able, stay with the life you want. Well done Fran on the lock gate!!!

[@FloatingOurBoat]

It takes a lot for me to be beaten!

[@sadieals]

Enjoy the moment.😀

[@thomastomlinson1992]

You are correct; each day is a gift. "The regret of yesterday and the fear of tomorrow are twin thieves that rob us of today." You are blessed.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

That is very true

[@ruthmichigander]

Beautiful day for cruising!❤ such a lovely river and scenery. So peaceful!

[@debbiegibson9744]

The music in your Pershore clip is absolutely beautiful!

[@Elle-kr8od]

Lovely day on the river with such beautiful well-chosen music to accompany. Those tall pilings at your moorage tell the tale of river rise don't they. i wouldn't want to be on the river during flood season either. When I heard Fran smilingly say "sorry, Rich" in reference to the apple crumble, I though I was learning a new British expression ("sorry rich") as a gentle irony in having a free abundance.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Ha ha, that is so funny

[@nevillemignot1681]

Thanks guys for reducing my stress levels again, and giving us an another look at the green, gentle country side, and Jess and Archie.Take it easy and wishing you all the best luck in the world..........Thanks again you two, from a overcast and rainy night in Sydney.

[@MarieCB916]

Love what you are doing. When we reached retirement age, we took to the road full time in our motorhome for 7 years. (NZ) loved every day of it. Health issues forced us to buy a wee cottage. We still motorhome as often as we can. We too had folk saying about the property ladder. We are so thankful we just “did it” and explored our beautiful country by road, bikes and walking. As you say, we can’t worry about out the future - it might not arrive. Love watching your adventures and reckon your dogs have the best lives! 🚍🚴‍♂️🐝❤

[@FloatingOurBoat]

What a wonderful thing to do. If we get too old for boating we may follow your example

[@teenajohnson1688]

Wow what a fabulous video. Thank you for sharing with your KZbin family!

[@katienorthenmore1892]

what a lovely cruise, nice to see the beautiful places and boats along the way,. yes i think you are right. i agree live life for now, do your thing will you can, enjoy, because this is what we have now. x best wishes.

[@fringedwellermccatintyre730]

Rich, enjoying your music again. Fran, you look great in that outfit!

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you so much. X

[@jb-zr4ez]

What a beautiful old Abbey. Breathtaking! Thank you for sharing it with us.

[@wendyevans411]

Just enjoy yourself..Why worry.What will be will be.Keep doing what you enjoy.Wendy ❤

[@Queenie12]

I love it. Enjoy every minute!❤

[@annkauffold7049]

The previous comments have been spot on! Treasure the time together living the life that you love!

[@NicksAllotmentDiary]

Hi Fran and Rich. The river Avon is certainly very picturesque. Pershore looks to be a nice town. Take care. Nick

[@claren4643]

Really, thank you SO much... the music was particularly lovely as a backdrop to the river and the town and the beautiful church.

[@deborahingles9392]

Wow the green scenery was absolutely beautiful .... Yep I say to all those people that say your too old for this too old for that is - whilst I am able I will do and can do cos eventually I won't be able to do things - people often think Oh you can't do that or Ohhhh you did that - keep on doing it and live your life the way you can & luv.... I'm in Australia so I live vicariously through people like you living on narrowboats exploring England via canals ..... thank you for the beautiful life cheers Debz from Oz

[@FloatingOurBoat]

You are so right. Thank you

[@karenmiller6158]

Good for you ! It's your life. Enjoy it to the gilts for as long as you are able!

[@sianiswack633]

Splendid views from your boat and the country around looks tranquil and beautiful. Do what suits you when it suits you.

[@ACgaillard]

Love your view on life! Great job addressing people's comments. Thank you for sharing your travels and adventures.

[@MichaelPitman-n6o]

I enjoyed that video. I love watching you both. You’re so interesting. Keep up the good work. Can’t wait to see more.

[@nick.caffrey]

Lovely episode! You just keep going. Don't let the fearmongers dent your purpose!

[@LornaT460]

Lovely vlog!❤

[@Westeross]

What a great vlog!!

[@carolynshingler7761]

Live life to the full that’s me too I’m 70next year my diary is full all the time .I swim and aerobics 3times a week met so many lovely.people .You have to go for it it doesn’t come to you .I go away with groups of friends and family often .I keep as fit n healthy as I can .Love your attitude to life sending love ❤.X

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Wonderful. Here's to many more years squeezing juice out of the lemon!

[@johnmcalpine8903]

Thakyou Rich and Fran for a beautiful journey. Rich, I love your music choice......classical and baroque. Take care and stay healthy.

[@BlackLabBracken]

Know this area well but was great to see it from your perspective on the water.

[@jenniferpruden4059]

Good video again🎉. Dont be pushed into something you dont want to do. Its your lives and your decisions. You will know when your not active or well enough to carry on with this active and special life you live. You are very talented with your baking/cooking and it always sounds delicious. Enjoy your weekend, stay safe and well🙋🎉🛥️

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you x

[@Yorci62]

Lovely episode. It is thought that the diamond shaped locks were to reduce erosion

[@marilynstanbury5098]

What a wonderful way to live and travel, enjoy life while you can, who knows what’s ahead. Such beautiful scenery, love it, thanks

[@williamburgess4732]

So refreshing to see the two of you embracing life and each other, keep a piece of that apple crumble for me. Being stress free is so important these days. Love you Bothe..

[@FishingBayofIslands]

Love all your videos and it's great that you are still going, so many of the people that we've been quietly following over the years have faded away.... Anyway, I think Foxes Afloat had an explanation about these locks. I just googled diamond shaped locks and there many theories, we'll worth a read.

[@fionahammond9396]

Hi Fran and Rich great video and what some beautiful country side you certainly find some really beautiful places to visit keep it up love watching your videos xx❤

[@henrywilliam8506]

Yet another great vlog! The lock is diamond shaped due to the fact that, that’s the way it was dug! 😇

[@FloatingOurBoat]

😂😂😂

[@allsearpw3829]

Enjoy yourselves , keep going as you only live once , hot food on the way and a free cook who does the locks , What more could any one want ? . Stay happy .😉

[@gailcollins9331]

I don't blame you both for not getting involved with a property. Those that want to buy can. You both live your lives as you want. Age is only a number, it's so important to live life, appreciating all that we have and keep a sense of humour and adventure. I wish you both happy, healthy and safe travels in Laura Maisie and Percy. Love, health and peace Gail, Czech Republic ❤️ ❤️

[@jamiecoyne1494]

I totally agree with you. We sit at work waiting until we can retire only to kick the bucket a couple years later. I would sell my home and retire early so I can spend the time to travel while I am still able and enjoy life. I’m 45 medically retired now with a 7yr old. Looking to just travel and allow him to do home schooling. I think you learn more and appreciate life more when you’re out in the country on a farm or travelling. I just found your channel and love it.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

There are plenty of people doing just that and home schooling. It really is a realistic alternative these days. We will never be rich but we have never looked back. Glad you are enjoying the videos

[@andreaPat70]

I am really pleased that you are not going back to land. I have only relatively recently found your channel and I absolutely love following your journey with the stunning scenery. We never know what life will bring us so absolutely do what makes you happy while you can.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you, we will carry on for as long as is right for us. We have so much more to explore

[@brenda9990]

Live life to its fullest and don’t worry about the future. You deal with the future as it comes. Nothing is guaranteed so enjoy every day and do what pleases you.

[@cathcarr4823]

You two are living the dream for all of us, keep it up 🥰

[@linfrisenfelds1195]

Lovely video fabulous views, thank you both for sharing. X❤😊😊

[@shirleylynch7529]

Beautiful cruise. Amazing scenery. Great video. Take care and hope your trek up the hill was exhilarating. Thank you.

[@neildaly6787]

Pershore looks beautiful. I'll second those comments about A E Housman and Ralph Vaughan Williams. Thanks for another lovely relaxing cruise. Cheers.

[@Frank-wb811]

Thanks for the video, Fran & Rich

[@MissingLink-hb9ov]

beautiful as always.

[@mazingmumma1]

You keep going seriously❤❤❤❤

[@gloriawaters1455]

You are so right Fran life is for living just go for it 😂😂

[@adrianatkinson-tn9fz]

As Billy Connelly said, Do as you dam well pleazy, you have one life, your own, we don't want to be doing what others think we should do. Keep it up, as I can see the life style you have chosen seems to suit, and I am speaking as some one who did gave up that life (for good a reason) and I/We still miss it.

[@barbaralamson7450]

I've always known you two are solid, good people. Tomorrow is promised to nobody. Even in our safe little home, wherever it may be. If you can't live the life you love, what's the point. I always look forward to your posts, but today was not only beautiful but special as well, because you two made it that way. Thank you.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you so much x

[@johnmccann1960]

Everyone has to live their Life their way, at their own pace. Aslong as you are not hurting anyone, where's the harm is living your life your way. BIG respect to you guys for doing it your way. You will know yourself when it is time to stop, you don't need anyone else to tell you when THEY think you should stop. Happy Cruising and stay safe.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Absolutely!

[@ralphwood5875]

Episode 199 and you try to look into the future.Dear Fran andRich forget it ,take one day at a time when you don't plan more than a day in advance adjust tlet the future happen its a lot more enjoyable and sometimes some wonderful things happen that you never even thought about ,just like the beauty of the river Avon and the beauty of Gothic architecture.My wife is 90 andI'm nearly 88 and we enjoy a variety of things.Were not as spry as we were at 0 but we still enjoy life Like this weekend a Blues Festival and a winding drive home on back roads to take in the gorgeous Fall colours.Tomorrow I'm going make 3 Qiche Lorraines and the wife is making Pesto Tuesday who knows.fFor you congratulations on next week the 200th episode and maybe another yard of gorgeous woven fabric. Cheers from us and Canada

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you Ralph. That is all such good advice. Enjoy your quiches x

[@lovelyskull3483]

As long as you are enjoying your boat life keep floating. You are years and years away from not being to handle it. Cheers.

[@robtheplod]

Hi Both, loving the new format!. Glad you're enjoying the Avon - we did it earlier this year and weren't as lucky as you have been with moorings but its lovely!! You didn't miss anything passing Evesham as while the riverside/church area is lovely, go past it and its seen better days and you wont have heard any english voices at all... ignore those set in their ways re housing - as you have found so many people arent lucky enough to retire and circumstances catch up with them....

[@ruthmichigander]

We are not promised tomorrow! Do what you want today and enjoy!

[@caroledrury1411]

Beautiful Vlog! You’re as young as you feel!

[@suediprose7623]

Yep I agree, age is only a number. Id do it but my bubble cant. Good luck to you both enjoy every day xx

[@arthurraymond6239]

Excellent 😎⭐️👍

[@jeanmann6985]

Lovely video. Especially loved the music from La Boheme. My favourite piece.

[@DeDeStephens]

What a beautiful river. It would be great to spend more time on it at your leisure. It's truly lovely! The scenery is so nice too. It's turned a bit chilly here in arkansas too. Brrrr, take a bit to climatic to fall. Thanks for the video.

[@TimArnot]

You had me worried for a moment! I'm of a similar age to you guys, and only just thinking about getting my first boat...! (30 years of living in the same house, and 15 of them working from home... I want, no, NEED, to get out and be more active and see places that are not my neighbour's garden! While I still can. (and sod the rest, lol)

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Absolutely, go full steam ahead and enjoy it

[@Scott64T]

My parent's last house, in Southern California, was named Bredon Hill. Yes it was named after that one. The previous owners had ties to that area.

[@vebetka8333]

Lovely new introduction and nice video and music. I just returned from 2 weeks in England, by myself, thoroughly soaking in history of Sussex and West Sussex. Watching you take life a day at a time and not worrying too much about the future pretty much aligns with my way of thinking. Take advantage of what is good and what you can do now and deal with whatever comes later. Happy travels. I am looking forward to vicariously taking part in more of your adventures

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you. West Sussex is lovely and we will be exploring in our van as our daughter lives there

[@JimmyCook-yl6qc]

One of your quotes fran if i remember right dont give up on the canals i love watching you 2 on your travels you make the best canals videos 👍❤

[@Deb_Downes]

I like yr attitude! One could spend so much time planning for and, worrying about the future, the present doesn’t get lived properly :) I sold up and bought a houseboat. I have a marina berth for home, and I can travel. My neighbour on one side is an 84yo woman, her son has a boat alongside her, so the family can help her out. Living yr life as an individual, that’s what it’s all about 😻

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Absolutely, no reason why this can't last for as long as we want it to

[@tasticola]

Always a pleasure to see you guys, and the beautiful scenery and interesting facts that you share. Your tomatoes look amazing Fran, they are very happy on your roof! Take care x Nell.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

We had a wonderful crop of tomatoes until we went away for a week!!!

[@jacquelineryde7339]

We do love you two. I had a lock like that on the Trent and Mersey Fran I got there though. To those that say about your age, We have just sold the lot, had our boat built in our early 60’s and retire next year and will CC. We have decided a while ago on a small motorhome. But as you say life is in the here and now. Life is for living. Same as you we have lost dearly loved friends and family so what will be will be. We adore your outlook, we so relate ❤❤❤❤

[@FloatingOurBoat]

In our opinion you have made the right choice. What use is there in sitting in bricks and sticks. You have a wonderful life ahead of you xx

[@nigeldibden9293]

Great video! Brings back happy memories for us. We did the Avon ring on a two week holiday. Had to keep moving on to get the boat back but it was wonderful. We met a family that were doing it in a week! We moored at Pershore where you did, happy days.😊

[@colinturner4158]

Enjoy your videos if you both still feel up to it carry on regardless more importantly if you still enjoy floating your boat and it makes you happy why stop.

[@muja28]

very nice video great editing well done

[@paulbennett4548]

Thank you for another delightful video, I can agree with your sentiments one hundred percent. As Septuagenarians my goodlady and I have been together sixty years and we are going to go as far and as fast as we can for as long as we can. So more power to you. I did the right thing and found an older Young woman, she took a lot of flack at school as she was a Fourth year going out with a Mere Third year :o) Stay Safe.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

A wonderful story and a wonderful outlook xxx

[@BookmavenUSA]

I loved your comment when you said “you’ll see us on our zimmer frames before we get off the boat” because I worked way past normal retirement age as a social worker and when friends asked about retiring I said “ I’ll be using a walker(zimmer) and still working and sure enough years later it came true me and my walker ! Love your Vlogs

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Ha Ha. It would be very interesting getting on and off a boat though!

[@Myworldrightnow]

Lovely video thank you

[@Jane_and_Meg]

Hi Fran and Rich, really enjoyed watching your latest vlog! Completely agree with you re your point about aging and canal life - good for you! 👍 The scenery was so beautiful makes me try to relive the remnants of Summer! Has been so cold and wet here of late up until yesterday! Fran, I've made a couple of apple crumbles recently using windfall apples from neighbour - tastes so.much better when they're free!😅 Please could you pop your receipe on your website? I have a feeling yours will be better! 🙂 Take care both of you.

[@suesmith3417]

Fantastic blog as usual good on you both carry on regardless I have found as iI have got older i have stopped listening to those people who have an opinion on what's right for you. They need to remember that what's right for some is not necessarily right for everyone. The places you take us to are gorgeous. thank you for sharing xxx

[@Jessie_Jenkins]

Enjoyed my cruise with you today, the area is so beautiful. Fran, I love apple crumble. Someone once told me the 3 stages of travelling as you pass 60. Stages are go-go, slow-go and then no-go. Best make the most of the first 2 stages for as long as you can. Cheers from Australia.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

That is great. I'd like to think we are still go-go. We have yet more apple crumble tonight!

[@Boatdog_Traveller]

I love the Avon. One of my favorite rivers. Enjoy it 😊. The Pershore plum festival is a great time out too.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

We missed the plum festival by just a week. I was so disappointed!

[@donnisdavis2185]

really great the way you think ... we traveled in our 60s, and bought a homested at 68 or so, now we work around the homested, horses and chickens ..so peaceful ... ya'll have a great day.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Wonderful. Watching chickens is my favourite thing to do

[@TheLarry2012]

I just love watching you guys! Love the interaction between you too. Enjoy the scenery and music, as well!

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thanks so much!

[@hughcarson6837]

Well done

[@meanqueensuperscrimper8908]

You are so right in what you say. When I hit 60 I thought, that's it, no more work. Now it's me time to do what ever I want to do. Loving it. ilona

[@carolinecaiger6717]

Great vlog yet again!

[@fchichois2250]

We just LOVE your vlogs, just keep posting 🇬🇧❤️🇫🇷

[@Dyfhi]

Nice 1 Rich and Fran…

[@michealpercy1741]

That was gorgeous. I agree 100% with you attitude towards life, we have spoken a few times at Crick, I'm coming up to 70,, I still run , cycle , love my walking & on my boat on my own during the week as Alison still works, I feel great & will carry on till its no longer possible, life's great, I don't want to be lying there at the end thinking I wish, we're here once, life's for living. Regards Mike & Alison nb.Sarah Kay.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

absolutely right

[@gwl1945]

Great video thanks for sharing your life with us.