Winter Water Woes? In Search of an Unfrozen Tap! - Episode 206

[@annwagner5779]

Love the new logo! So glad you were able to get coal and water to see you safely on for the next few weeks. Your videos are always wonderful.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you so much

[@BoatingwithVictoria]

We hadn’t considered how the water points would freeze over! Useful to know now we are starting our boating journey

[@layalabi1667]

Whew! So glad to see that you're full...with coal & water!! Hope the weather improves!!😊😊😊

[@Biochemechanic]

First of all thanks, that was a real nice diversion from the “real” world. Love how you take challenges as an adventure.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

I love that. Problems become challenges and challenges become an adventure!

[@viewfrommylensjane]

YES! 😍 and summer here in Australia 34 today 🥵..

[@viewfrommylensjane]

@@FloatingOurBoat Nicely said Fran

[@Jane_and_Meg]

Hi Fran, Rich and Archie, Happy New Year to you all too! Yes hasn't it been cold, even here in Norfolk we've had some hard frosts! Glad you got some water in the end that must have been a worry! They say milder weather this week coming! I thought the scenery was just beautiful thank you for taking us along. 😍 I'm really pleased Archie is doing okay that must have felt strange for you all at first. It is good he's settled down though.👍🏻 Anyway, take care and catch up soon. 🙂

[@annkauffold7049]

Happy New Year! I really enjoy getting different perspectives from different vloggers and learning about places that I probably will never see.

[@lornaeaketts-rogers2812]

Thank you, gorgeous footage especially the last bit at the very end 😌I am delighted that you enjoyed Slimbridge and saw the beautiful Bewicks, it’s one of my absolute favourite places, the wetland sites are all very different, Welney is especially beautiful very wild with plenty of walking, a place that can really breathe and enjoy ☺️ have a great week ☀️

[@Deb_Downes]

My Dad worked for, what is now British Aerospace. So, although born in OZ, I’ve spent time in the UK. The last occasion was 2 years living in Gloucestershire, in a small town called Thornbury. I have fond childhood memories of the River Severn 😻 Glad you found water and, that feeling of snug and cozy is wonderful :)

[@FloatingOurBoat]

It is a mighty and scary river but there is something magical about it

[@randystogner5466]

Good to see you all. Happy New Year! Stay Warm!

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Happy new year!

[@dougzirkle5951]

That was some slick maneuvering, Rich! I’m always amazed how you two manage those tight turns, 99% of the time.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

This one is especially tight but Rich has learnt to do it so well that I am now scared to take the challenge😂 F x

[@kimileej1]

Happy New Year! Loved the logo and the video❤ Thank you for sharing your adventure:) I also wanted to add that I miss when you used to do videos in your boat. Just chatting about well, nothing in particular. Just being in the boat while one was knitting or the other fixing something etc. And most of all when Fran decided to cook something, the simplest thing really. I miss those cosy vibes. And if you had the sound of rain from outside, well those were one of my favorite videos! (Some of us who have 300 days of sunshine in our country (didn’t say that as a good thing!), trust me the sound of rain is the best sound in the world, not at all gloomy or sad). Well, I thought to share these on a purely informative basis! I thought that maybe you think you mustn’t repeat yourself. …Or you didn’t know this. I am here to tell you that if you liked to do something like that again we would love it❤ Just “hanging out with you” in your boat (or Percy for that matter) is well…enough😊 What ever you want to do we would love it! I wish you and the viewers all the luck and happiness for the year ahead❤️

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you so much for your input. Funnily enough, we are thinking of doing a little more filming just like that, so watch this space. I guess we think it could get a bit boring, but we forget that people who have maybe never been to England, let alone on a narrowboat would find our life interesting. x

[@kimileej1]

⁠@@FloatingOurBoatNo, never boring. Whatever you feel like doing we’ll like. You bring us joy no matter what 🙂

[@donitahagborg516]

Canada loves the filming of the beautiful landscapes!!!!!

[@deballen6147]

Perfect navigation Rich . Can't believe you two got caught out with the water situation, not like you two . Normally everything is all under control ❤

[@FloatingOurBoat]

I know, I think our brains just turned to mush over Christmas!

[@deballen6147]

@FloatingOurBoat 🤣

[@didevilliers1238]

Frozen water pipes are not something one doesn't think about - what a palaver - so glad you were able to find some water eventually 💙🦋

[@FloatingOurBoat]

We learnt a lesson that day

[@jennyfulcher8035]

Happy New Year, Fran & Rich! Thank you for your narrowboat adventures, which are a lovely distraction from the real world right now. That's a beautiful scarf you were wearing with its purples, greens, and browns. If you ever weave another one, I'd sure love it! Purples and greens are my favorite colors. I'm glad to hear that Archie is doing well without his ol' buddy Jess. Is Archie a Springer Spaniel? Such a pretty dog! And that was some fancy navigation of those turns, Rich! Plus I love your updated Floating Our Boat logo--It really pops! Have a great weekend--Goodnight from Seattle, WA. ❤

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you Jenny. That scarf was woven with yarn given to me as a gift so I can't weave another but I do have some purple warp yarn so who knows? Archie is a Sprocker, a cross between a springer and cocker. Have a great weekend in Seattle x

[@jennyfulcher8035]

@@FloatingOurBoat Your scarf looks great on you. Thanks for clarifying that Archie's a Sprocker.

[@Elle-kr8od]

Happy New Year you two! Those frozen taps give me the shivers. Living on a floating home--with a city water connection--we have to pay attention to the temperature in the winter. If it stays below freezing for too long, a drip needs to be set overnight. Any mistake and everyone is outside with lake water boiled on the stove, or hairdryers with long extension cords, to get the pipes unfrozen. So, so cold, anxiously listening for the smallest gurgle signaling success. So glad you have water and coal now. Make me think of "All I want is a room somewhere, far away from the cold night air...." It's loverly to be cozied up. Love the cheeriness and dynamism of the new logo.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

I love that song and in my head I can sing it beautifully in my Cockney accent. There is something wonderful about the need to keep the tap flowing being the biggest thing on your mind sometimes.

[@pilpelet100]

Thanks for sharing the lovely scenery. Happy that you were finally able to get water and coal. Love the new logo.

[@samstlm]

I know nothing about narrowboating….but well done on those turns!! I can appreciate the navigating skills.

[@EggCup-vv6vp]

Your videos are always such a treat. Nature-focused. Love it. Thank you. 🍃🍂

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you so much!

Very interesting vlog, especially as I originate from the area. Whilst researching my family tree and trawling through many parish records I discovered that some of my ancestors were from Pill in Somerset and worked on the river piloting the boats up to Bristol. Unfortunately in many records from villages along the estuary there were many records of drowning and bodies washed ashore, especially children. I'm assuming you will not be braving taking Laura Maisie into the river itself!! Love the new logo Rich!

[@FloatingOurBoat]

We really don't think we fancy the trip up the estuary. It has been suggested but we are not keen.

[@linfrisenfelds1195]

Thank you both for sharing this, keep warm both and stay safe.x😊😊x

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you! Will do!

[@dorothydotson7154]

I'm hunkered down here in Indiana. It's 23F and snowing on top of the 8 inches of snow from a few days ago. I may never leave the house again---at least until Monday. ☺ I love the new version of the logo. Take care and keep warm. ❤

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you. Keep cosy!

[@paulroberts5677]

Ah the lazy Gloucestershire wind. Doesn't go round you, it goes through you. Grand episode this week, thank you. Enjoyed seeing my home turf through a fresh pair of eyes.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

So true about the lazy wind

[@ruaidhrikathygill8833]

You did a great job capturing the beauty of a cold winters day. So glad you were able to get water as well as coal. Love the new logo. 🤗😊 Kathy

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you very much!

[@sometimeswrite239]

Such a lovely video. Rich, you are the master of groovy music. The new logo is fab.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you kindly!

[@debrarobinson57]

There was a special boat made for working the River Severn - the ' Severn Trow'. They were more or less flat bottomed. Freight was brought far upstream.

[@Danny-id8mi]

Nice to see you in 25. All the best for the year ahead.

[@Maggie-j6l]

Happy New Year Fran and Rich, glad you found water and coal, love the new logo.♥️👍

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you

[@shirleylynch7529]

Brilliant video. Loved the River Severn looked beautiful.so glad Archie doing well. Beautiful scenery. Your new Logo is lovely and bright. Will check out your website. Thank you and take care.

[@petemoring67]

All My years working on building sites - In the days when we'd still work no matter HOW COLD it got - We'd drain the hose each night - Store it inside one of the houses - And take a large Thermos into work filled with HOT! Water!! - Poured slowly over the Stand-Pipes when we got to work de-frosted them a treat - And the water flowed freely 👍🤠

[@FloatingOurBoat]

We have done this since and managed to defrost the taps

[@viewfrommylensjane]

Hello beautiful friends! So lovely to see you! first for '25. I was going to ask about Archie, understand they do grieve in their own way and yes they do change but glad he is coping. I love the mudlarking Fran! You just need the tides ''app" it tells you when its safe. Great catch thankyou! stunning spot to stay & moor. PS LOVE THE NEW LOGO very happy looking with land either side it include dear Percy just subtly 🙂 Do you still have old stock?

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Unfortunately not, as these are made and sent out on order from a third party company. I really want to try the mudlarking, they fimd some amazing fossils along this stretch. Maybe in warmer weather though 😊

[@viewfrommylensjane]

@@FloatingOurBoat all good I can buy the new one! just checking xo

[@lionelmarytravels6003]

Good morning to you both. I have wondered how frost proof the canal side taps are. Now I know.... Not very! I had to smile, seeing Archie busy digging as you were talking to us. He wasn't cold, was he? Rich showing off his boat handling skills too. That was quite a manoeuvre getting into the water point. Happy New Year to you both.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Good morning. Archie never seems to feel the cold, even trying to swim when it is below freezing!!!

[@fionahammond9396]

Glad to see you Fran and Rich like to wish you both a happy and healthy new year xx❤❤

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you, and you x

[@MelG-ut3hs]

A wonderful video with stunning filming capturing the beautiful countryside and colours of nature.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you so much

[@hazels27]

Beautiful winter scenery, but it made me feel cold! Glad you got the various provisions and can relax inside near the fire and be all cosy! Glad Archie doing well. He is probably liking having your whole attention.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

I think he loves it actually.

[@rb6662]

Very beautiful story, interesting, thanks

[@katienorthenmore1892]

that was nice , thank you, glad you are warm and have water. and sweets . ! did enjoy the podcast. and need to find the blog to read, many thanks. take care.

[@MrFrostynet]

Thanks for the new video, been missing you on the cut.

[@jillipepper5353]

Wishing you the best in 2025, glad you managed to find some water and that you haven’t had any problems like some of the flooding I’ve seen. 👍🏼🙋🏼‍♀️

[@SheplerStudios]

Thank you for the break from the insanity of the politics here in the States. Safe journeys.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

That is why we live this life, to escape the insanity

[@bethlowell7336]

Your new logo is so appropriate for your new life with the canals and Percy. Cheers.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you

[@kimcorreale4067]

Now I'm visualizing you both toasty and warm by the fire, having a nice cup of tea. Happy New Year

[@FloatingOurBoat]

absolutely right

[@suzannehague5203]

I fan and richard please you are both will a lovey plece you are staying a happy new year to both all for now😊

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you x

[@barbarataylor1535]

Always a pleasure to see what you are doing now. It is facinating to watch you nogotiate the turns so well. I found I was holding my breath. Thank you so much, Happy New Year, see you soon.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you very much! It has taken 7 years to get to this point

[@sianwarwick633]

The logo looks dynamic. It was cold here too for a few days... not snowing so much very windy. Thanks for the news on Archie.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you

[@martinmarsters8581]

Stay safe and warm thanks for the update

[@ladygardener100]

You can try pouring a kettle of water on the tap, chances are it's the last three foot that is solid

[@FloatingOurBoat]

We have done that this week.

[@westy1007]

HNY guys, love the vlogs and look forward to this years adventures ❤

[@joysedgwick812]

Thinking of you today as the temperature here in Staffs has been down to -5 and it’s forecast even lower tonight 😮. Good luck, ideal weather for a good book and a quilt x

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Absolutely. Down to -5 here tonight

[@harris4018]

fran your accent is so good ,when you said you are fascinated by the river i thought you said you were sat naked by the river ,had to go back and listen again lol

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Oh my goodness, it is definitely too cold for that😁

[@evelynsutton4411]

Love the new logo. Nothing wrong with the old one, but this one more colourful and dynamic. Happy New Year to you both and Archie.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you, we thought the same

[@claudiaulrich5445]

Happy New Year Fran and Rich, always a pleasure and great joy watching your vlogs 🫶❄️

[@EdSmith-wb6lx]

Happy New Year to you both and of course Archie. As always looking forward to your next vlogs. Ed 40 S of Vegas

[@GailBrown-np7bb]

Happy New Year to you both, glad you only have frozen taps to worry about! At least you’re not stuck on the Bridgewater canal !! Poor buggers on there are really suffering, must be awful for them 😢

[@FloatingOurBoat]

I know, we are very lucky and really feel for them

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

great vlog on cut cranking it on the cut keep up the great vlogs thanks for share

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you, we will x

[@Westeross]

Thanks Fran and Rich…stay warm x

[@FloatingOurBoat]

He is a daft dog and loves drinking from frozen water!!

[@tom52carey]

I noticed that Archie managed to get a drink.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

He is such a pest and always tries to drink from frozen water!

[@yeoldfart8762]

Some Similarity to our lives. I called Water Wagon to come fill the water tank in my house before watching your video. It's probably -10 c here now and it feels a bit balmy though last Friday after playing a gig for a Contra Dance it was -35C coming out of the dance hall. Wishing you a Happy New Year and thanks again for taking us along.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Wow, -35 is unthinkable for us. I hope you had something to warm you up

[@HellyAvard-xt6mz]

Lovely scenery and great walks even in the cold!

[@janecox4173]

Lovely vlog. Its lovely to see. I listen to your podcast and know how difficult it is after your loss and being winter. Thankyou I much enjoyed x

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you Jane x

[@acerone10]

Good New Year to you both. Glad to see you are enjoying the winter. Hi Archie. Like the logo.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thanks 👍

[@BarneyLeith]

Love the new logo! Great bit of design!

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you so much Barney

[@Setinmywaysalways]

Is it time for a Puppy, Jess? To keep Old Archie Company? How about Investing in a "Heat Trace Cable?" You can link it into your Power Outlet to unfreeze pipes and water connections.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

We are quite happy with just Archie at the moment. We eventually realised a kettle of hot water worked on the frozen tap!

[@SueC-oj6zv]

Happy New Year Fran, Rich & Archie 😊. Thank you for a lovely vlog and wow 😯 I bet you are glad you got that coal and water when you did with the current freezing 🥶 temperatures we have here in the UK. Keep safe and toasty warm 🪵♨️😊

[@FloatingOurBoat]

I think we got sorted just in time.

[@bkrerin]

Love the new Logo ❤

[@janetthompson6792]

My neck of the woods, lovely area great vlog thank you

[@FloatingOurBoat]

It is wonderful here.

[@lakelady57]

Love the new logo, very sunny, lively. That was a very interesting watch and glad to see you were able to get water and sorted for another few weeks. How long does a tank of water usually last? The vista was spectacular and love when you are out and about enjoying nature.

[@howardeastman-uk]

Happy New Year to you all. Spring is on its way! 😊 Howard

[@davidreed8042]

Good to see U all happy new year x

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Same to you!

[@paulblythman7761]

Happy new year to you 🎉. Tad chilly, like the new logo and well done Capt. Pike 😅

[@debssalmon4518]

A very happy new year to you both... so lovely to see you back x x x

[@connieholley1124]

I have seen numerous videos of people mudlarking and reminds me of old movies and tv shows with people getting stuck in quicksand.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Aah the man sinking in quicksand waving his arms in the air. Good old films like Tarzan :)

[@nevillemignot1681]

Cheers and happy holidays Fran, Rich and Archie from Sydney, have a great new year guys!!

[@suzieq2958]

Lovely! Interesting view of the Severn" wow! What beautiful foo5age of the golden hour! Happy New Year Rich and Fran 😃

[@hughcarson6837]

Enjoyed the vlog. Have a great new year

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you! You too!

[@CarolWhite-il7ki]

Thankyou

[@randystogner5466]

Beautiful new Logo!

[@sannyp5464]

you'll def need water to wash that digger dog. LOL

[@FloatingOurBoat]

We did find some cleaner water for him to wash in later!

[@lindabell7975]

A very happy New Year to you both and Archie ❤ xxx

[@Rangergoal]

Boil water and pour it on the spiget to thaw it.

[@ronaldcumpsty5605]

Happy New Year to you both. So glad to see that you are not amongst the poor souls caught in the section of the Bridgewater canal at the breach.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Us too, but we feel so sorry for them.

[@ocean686]

@@FloatingOurBoat don't - look at the number of views they got, increase in subscribers, tv and radio interviews, and donations - kerching! Talk about being in the right place at the right time - Josh was on the brink of giving up his vlogs until the 'disaster' which he captured as it happened :)

[@marianneeckertjensen4723]

Rough but beautiful. 🤩

[@gabrieletewinkel584]

Great new Logo!!!

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thanks! 😁

[@glyniscorina7690]

Happy and healthy new year to you. Lovely to see your video. Thank you for your informative video's you certainly do your homework and make your videos so interesting x

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you x

[@lovelyskull3483]

Happy New Year. Thank you, lovely video.

[@victorfebo2672]

Happy New Year from sunny Puerto Rico! Beautiful logo! Thank you for sharing!

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you for watching from Puerto Rico x

[@JimmyCook-yl6qc]

Happy new year rich and fran 👍👍

[@sarkybugger5009]

Hi guys! Happy new year to you both.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Happy new year to you too!

[@ralphwood5875]

Happy Newer to you both,I always knew you were scavengers but I* never thought I'd see you scavengi for water. As for the cold Never mind Spring will here before you run out of coal. I've got used to Canadian winters since I left Cornwall for Canada some 58 years ago come September. Weve had it scold as -18c and some snow but only one major snowstorm around Christmas witched dropped 10 inches on Christmas Eve.Today its been about 1c and tonight its going down to -8c but -12 with wind chill.but we keep the house around 22 c .We are all electric heating so can control heat room by room.WE have our own well which is the norm throughout the town although we do have mains sewer our well is bout 90fet deep and since moving here have had only one pump failure, weve had the water it tested several timesand it is in excellent health andi runs at a constant temperature year round of 7c .We have two Propane fireplaces with fans to provide both atmosphere and auxilllary heat in our family room sand bar.We can usually expect a few days around end of January of -20c but usually get fair warning . Travel is rarely a problem as I drive an AWD SUV with studded winter tires and being a Subaru can go virtually anywhere including off road. Rick that was a nice bit of good seamanship going int hat Marina for water I bet you find the bow thruster handy for maneuvering in tight spots.. Cheers to you from comparatively balmy Canada and me ,see you soon..

[@terriedelph3721]

Happy New Year

[@TheSimong69]

great vlog guys... may your new year be a special one

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you.

[@FrancesDavey-c8y]

Happy New year both xxx

[@juliemeanor6531]

Happy new year🎉. Love the new logo.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you

[@rq1264]

😃

[@edwardhoughton2565]

❤Xx

[@prestoncrewnarrowboaters8619]

A gass tourch ot hot kettles of water is what i use.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

We did eventually work this out !

[@ajohnson2381]

Don't take this the wrong way but I am glad you are where you are and not up north on the Bridgewater. Glad you are safe. Fran are you modelling one of your scarves in this video? Looks lovely and warm. You would think CRT would insulate the water points better and do maintenance like this in the autumn. Bit of expert helmsmanship Rich. Hope you are both well.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

We ate glad too and really feel for those stuck in the breach! It is one of my scarves made from yarn given to me as a gift and yes, it is so warm.

[@petersenior5314]

Why not boil your kettle then pour it over the frozen tap at the water point, I do it regular

[@lauralie9658]

I love dog friendly places and people. I have a Australian/ Collie cross dog. He is 6.5 years old.Will you ever consider getting another dog?

[@FloatingOurBoat]

We are happy with just one dog at the moment, but who knows

[@nathanberry4339]

im in the exact same position as you frozen in on day 3 on the K&A with probably less water then you , i went passed the boatyard and their tap was frozen before the canal froze so i thought ok ill go to bradford on avon tap its only a few miles away so i moored up 1 mile away and now im frozen in and even if i could get to the tap thats frozen i also cant top up with water bottles while im frozen because my water outlet is in the dip in the gunwhales facing the canal so iv got to the point where iv got to laugh and keep going because you really couldnt make it up lol but it looks like the temperature is going to rise enough to thaw the canal in the next couple of days ... luckily also my boat is called serenity and she also has a sunrise logo on her side

[@FloatingOurBoat]

I feel for you Nathan, but as you say hopefully it will melt tomorrow. It is amazing how all other worries disappear when your top priority is to find water. I do hope you get sorted out tomorrow. Sunrise serenity!!!😯

[@nathanberry4339]

@@FloatingOurBoat its just something we have to go through i also like it being a challenge in that if everything in life was easy then id find it boring and have no sense off achievement the bonus is though i have a full tank of diesel and i have a massive solar system with lithium on batteries so unlike a lot of boaters i dont have to worry about power over winter , i hope you can get to your water tomorrow im expecting there will be a few boats waiting at the tap tomorrow on a few canals