Floating Our Boat

We Judge The BEST! - BOATERS in BLOOM - You Can Have A Garden and Be A Boater - Episode 238

11K views · 2mo ago · 14:09

Can you have a stunning garden while living on a boat? Absolutely! In this video, we share an exciting milestone. We were invited to judge and vote in the national search for the best Aquavista Marina Gardens! Out of 33 entries across the country, the competition was fierce, but was whittled down to just six finalists. Join us as we judge these blooming waterfront spaces and prove once and for all that you can have a garden and be a boater!

Fantasy v Reality - Narrowboat Life RHS Show - Episode 237

10K views · 3mo ago · 14:53

We have a sunny day out to visit the RHS Badminton Flower Show and then come back to earth with a bang when we visit our allotment the next day. NEW TO US? We are Fran and Rich, accompanied by our furry pal, Archie, we navigate the UK's amazing #canals and #rivers aboard our #Narrowboat 'Laura Maisie.'

It's ALL about PATIENCE - Life on a NARROWBOAT - Episode 236

15K views · 4mo ago · 15:45

Join us as we travel between the wild, steep, misty cliffs of Pembrokeshire and the craftiness of our life on the water. In this episode, we take Percy on a trip to Tenby, braving the sea mist and challenging coastal paths that make this rugged corner of Wales. Returning home, we head straight to the allotment to check on our progress—seeing the garden in the quiet glow of very early morning plus a surprise guest in the pond!

Topics: Coastal Adventures: Walking the Pembrokeshire Coast · Back at the Allotment: Early Morning Garden Update · Weaving in a Narrowboat: Fran’s Warp Preparation Process

We Smell a RAT! - Are we Crick Boat Show Ready? - Narrowboat Living - Episode 235

11K views · 5mo ago · 14:39

In this episode we are frantically getting the plot sorted before we leave for Crick Boat Show to be with our friends @HavenKJ Fran's dandelion 'honey' recipe is here NEW TO US? We are Fran and Rich, accompanied by our furry pal, Archie, we navigate the UK's amazing #canals and #rivers aboard our #Narrowboat 'Laura Maisie.'

Harvest to Heartbreak: A Canal Towpath Rant. 😡 - Episode 234

19K views · 5mo ago · 17:41

The Rant: Why the "neat and tidy" approach to towpaths is a disaster for biodiversity. In today's video, we’re celebrating a successful harvest and taking you from Plot to Plate. However, our mood shifts when we head down the canal. We’re having a rant about the Canal & River Trust and their "mowing madness"—specifically the perennial issue of destroying vital wildflowers.

The Call of the Wild - Extinct for 400 years - Narrowboat Life - Episode 233

8K views · 6mo ago · 25:10

The haunting call of a bird that has been extinct in Britain for almost 400 years is waking us most mornings. We head out for a walk and Rich ponders over a BIG birthday. Fran's dandelion 'honey' recipe is here NEW TO US? We are Fran and Rich, accompanied by our furry pal, Archie, we navigate the UK's amazing #canals and #rivers aboard our #Narrowboat 'Laura Maisie.'

We Turned Our BOAT Into a GREENHOUSE -It’s Getting Out of Hand - Canal Narrowboat Life - Episode 231

11K views · 7mo ago · 20:11

Spring has arrived... but winter isn’t quite finished with us yet. With cold nights still hanging around, we’ve turned our narrowboat into a greenhouse — and it’s getting a bit out of hand. Every surface is covered in seedlings, we’re lighting the fire for the plants (not us!), and we’re running out of space.

A Quiet Day Between Boat and Allotment - Narrowboat Life Episode 230

11K views · 7mo ago · 30:18

Life for us is split between the boat and the allotment at the moment. In this video we head up to the plots for a simple check-in on what’s growing and how things are ticking along. No big jobs — just a look at where we’re at right now.

8 Things That Still Make Us Smile After 8 Years Afloat - Episode 229

12K views · 7mo ago · 17:24

After eight years of living on a narrowboat, a lot of things have simply become normal. But there are still moments that make us smile. In this video we share eight of those things - They’re small things really, but they remind us why we still enjoy this way of life.

We Did Something We Said We Never Would… - Narrowboat Life - Episode 228

27K views · 8mo ago · 25:57

After years of moving constantly, something has shifted. We’ve been thinking a lot about getting older, travelling differently, and what “home” really means now. This week we talk honestly about where our heads are at — the slower pace, the pull of the garden, and a small change that feels bigger than we expected. It’s not dramatic. It’s not a goodbye. But it is... different.

Building Something New - Freedom Lifestyle - Episode 227

15K views · 8mo ago · 22:07

Today we’re balancing a slow, lazy morning with the task of building our new allotment shed and reflecting on why we chose this lifestyle. There’s something about a quiet start to the day that makes the hard work on the allotment feel even more rewarding. In this vlog, we finally get started on the shed—a much-needed addition to our growing space—and take some time to sit back and reflect on the "why" behind our lifestyle. Is it always easy? No. Is it worth it? Absolutely.

Mighty Severn - Allotment Excitement and URGENT APPEAL! - Episode 226

14K views · 9mo ago · 18:55

Guest: Mighty Severn

Moored beside the wide waters of the River Severn near its estuary, we walk to see the river in all its tidal glory. Rich heads to Sussex for babysitting duties, leaving Fran holding the fort aboard. Back at the allotment, an exciting delivery arrives. And we take a moment to chat about the Canal & River Trust’s appeal to repair the diastrous breach at Whitchurch. Link to Donate to Witchurch breach appeal.

We’re Safe Together for Christmas - Narrow Boat Life - Episode 225

19K views · 10mo ago · 8:03

As the year comes to an end we are seeing some spectacular sunrises and frosty mornings. Join us as we prepare our narrowboat for our Christmas celebrations. NEW TO US? We are Fran and Rich, accompanied by our furry pal, Archie, we navigate the UK's enchanting #canals and rivers aboard our 58ft Narrowboat, 'Laura Maisie.' Now, with 'Percy' the motorhome, we're expanding our escapades to places beyond the canals!

This Perfect Life - Narrowboat Living - Episode 224

19K views · 11mo ago · 21:54

Join us for a peaceful winter cruise along the Gloucester and Sharpness canal. Before we set off, we’re treated to an incredible starling murmuration — one of those magical, unexpected moments that stop you in your tracks. Back on the boat, Fran shares an update on her latest weaving projects as she prepares for her upcoming Christmas market. If you enjoy slow living, gentle travel, wildlife wonders, and a glimpse behind the scenes of handmade craft, this vlog is for you.

We Won the Cup - Ep 223

20K views · 1y ago · 24:54

After twelve weeks away, we’re back with a new vlog! Today we’re taking a walk along the canal towpath, chatting about what we’ve been up to, and easing back into filming life. We end up at the allotment for a relaxing garden tour — plenty of weeds, a few surprises, and of course some help (and interruptions!) from Archie our spaniel. Oh, and we might just have won a little cup to show off too...