I think You're missing the POINT here...... Canals aren't 'just' for boaters .... The Funds raised to restore! them came through 'Contributions' and Voluntary-Work from Folk who will 'never' own a boat ..... They are for people as well, who like to walk the tow-paths, looking into the water and 'Its' wildlife, often with little children who can't even SEE the canal while the banks are Soooo overgrown! ... The Nettles and Ticks aren't very welcoming either .... I'm SURE the wildlife you're worrying about will soon 'skip' to the other side of the path and enjoy a fruitful existence 'there' also!

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

Hi Peter - The POINT is about 2% (£5.6M) of Canal and River Trust income comes from voluntary contributions via the public, so after 12 years of existence CRT have a way to go to increase public awareness. In the last 40 years we have lost 80% of our butterfly population nevermind the impact on birds and Insects. Canal and River Trust are forever blowing their trumpet as to how wonderfully they are environmentally caring for 2500 miles of network so this seems to be a little uncaring on their part. When did we EVER suggest that the canals were for boaters only? We are fully aware of the contributions by volunteers and the necessity for the public to have access to the system, but loss of wild flowers etc. will mean that there is no wildlife for them to look at. Thanks for watching.

@FlashGormless

12 күн бұрын

No ones saying it's just for boaters it's for everyone, but town, city and boaters dump rubbish all up and down the canals, you have dog walkers allowing thier dogs to deficate and just leave it. Even when they pick it up they fling it into the bushes when no one looking. if you don't believe what I say take a walk in winter and see all the little packages hanging from the trees and bushes. We all have a duty to look after our waterways, those who are caught doing it should have thier licenses revocked. and fine the dog walkers responsible. Nothing worse than enjoying your day on the canals and then stepping in dog muck.

@myhillslife27

10 күн бұрын

@@FloatingOurBoat Well said

Well done, Fran, for picking up the litter!

What a beautiful area and those houses in the cave were beautiful thank you for showing us ….. and I am with you Fran with people leaving rubbish everywhere I don’t know why people can’t use a bin or take it back home with them ….. love your videos ❤

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

Thanks so much

@wendyluvsbooks6537

12 күн бұрын

Forgot to say Rich that little bird was soooo cute ! How nice of you to rescue him ❤

Thanks, Fran & and Rich, for the video 😊

So lovely to hear that cuckoo’s voice. Thank you for sharing ❤

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

It was. We have been witing for 6 years and were grinning from ear to ear

Always a pleasure to be part of your adventures. Thank you so much for your positiveness.

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

Thank you ❤️

Hi Fran and Rich, what beautiful countryside plus those cottages looked wonderful! I fully agrre with you about wild flowers along the towpath we need to protect our wildlife! Interesting what you were saying about meditation, my partner was into that years ago and I know it can be very beneficial - he certainly found so esp when he had a stressful job! Anyway, thanks for another really interesting video, I'm trying to keep one video behind you so I always have an episode to look forward to! Take care. 🙂 👍

Another really relaxing episode ... ignore any negatives keep on bringing your experiences to life for all us landlubbers ! ( and your opinions too ) and keep up the story telling ,and your adventures as its refreshing and enjoyable

Great video. What an interesting place. So glad that you were able to return that baby bird to its parents.

There’s nothing wrong about being an old hippy. Thanks for sharing …from the US.

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

😊

Medlars make a unique and wonderful jelly.

Wow such gorgeous views! Thank you Rich and Fran for the trek and views! Love the rock dwellings!

Great Vvlog guys and wow what a lovely part of the canals, and the villages looks so lovely and peaceful....

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

It is a really unique area with all the sandstone, we love it there

Thanks for the sweet rescue, nicely done. And loved hearing the cuckoo. Interesting stone/rock houses. Enjoy the exercise and meditation. need to begin that, thanks for the push!!

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

Good luck

Good on you Fran for picking up the rubbish, but I agree, I don’t understand why people do it.

Absolutely stunning footage.... and great cameral work... love your tidbits of knowledge along your travels too!

Meditation is a lifelong practice. There are any number of ways to do it. I find that I meditate when I'm doing a monotonous job. Or by sitting still and doing purposeful breathing at the same time. When we control our minds we can be at peace no matter what is going on around us.

Seeing your video reminded us that we wanted to visit Kinver Edge, so off we went today (Tuesday) We should have checked, because it doesn't open until Thursday, DOH! 😄 Still, nice dog walk in the woods. We'll be back.

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

Oh No, such a shame. I hope you didn't travel far x

Thanks for the video you two 😊

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

Our pleasure!

Brilliant video. Idyllic cruise. And the cave homes are amazing. Never even heard of them. Some people will never care for the environment which is so sad. But many like you Fran do and lift rubbish. You are doing a wonderful job. Thank you for all your info. Take care.

@FloatingOurBoat

7 күн бұрын

It seems that litter attracts litter so we always hope that clearing up wlil maybe make the next litterbug think twice

Thank you for this one today, possibly my favorite! I LOVE those cottages along the canal!

Thanks for such an uplifting vlog. You both look very happy and your lifestyle is an inspiration to many. Stay healthy. Cheers.

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

Thank you

I rich and fan a buteful round there I enjoy seeing them old house it must have been a hard life all the best for now 😊

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

I think it was a hard life, but so simple and the houses actually felt very cosy inside

From one old hippie to two cool “old” hippies. You need to try to get to Crested Butte CO for the wild flowers, Fran! You’d be in absolute heaven. I live about 4 hours from there. We skied there this winter and it was amazing scenery (and skiing) but I have a friend who lives there part time. He calls it “Paradise”. We just took an early summer trip to see the beginnings of the wild flowers and it was mind blowing. I learned more about the flowers we saw than I thought it was possible to know! There is a Festival that happens in July each year to celebrate the wild flowers. The hiking is tough but totally 100% worth it! You guys look so happy these days! Yay!

@FloatingOurBoat

7 күн бұрын

I had to look this up and it sounds lovely, but such a long way away for us. Im glad you enjoyed the hike and it definitely sounds worthwhile

Wonderful video, so informative & interesting and as usual greatly appreciated. Thank you xx

Excellent post, thanks for sharing your travels, it's always a pleasure:)

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

It is our pleasure too. Thank you

You two are such a pleasure to watch and listen to.❤❤

What a lovely area that is.

Lots of different video bits here. I feel like as an camper for a few years a little while ago, i know yourforest glade with the rubbish in it - good spot for yoga for sure. Too bad no bins, but as you say, the trees are a crop rather than permanent. Think the strimmed path a bit over-eager. Beautiful orchards near Kinver Edge - how cold in winter, but a house is a house. Thanks for showing us your happy trails and saving the little Robin

@FloatingOurBoat

7 күн бұрын

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it.

I really enjoyed this episode Fran & Rich. Thank you for sharing and have a wonderful week!

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

Thank you, and you x

What a peaceful enchanting area!🧘

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

It was

Well done Fran for your consistant efforts as a litter picker, you got me doing it now when we are out on the canals....

@FloatingOurBoat

9 күн бұрын

Brilliant, thank you

Love you guys, thanks very much for the vlog. Beautiful area you’re in currently

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

Thank you Paul xx

Thank you for this fascinating episode. I had no knowledge of the Kinver Edge troglodytes! When will you post another podcast, I love them? Keep on rockin' in the free world! 🎶🎸 Liz 🙏🎧

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

I had not heard of them either although I think Rich had as he was brought up fairly nearby. We hope to do another podcast very soon

I spent so many Sundays, as a kid, walking up and down Kinver edge, with my Mom and Dad. That is about half a century ago now.

A campaign of “pack out what you pack in”, is needed. How hard can it be for them take rubbish away, given they obviously took it in?

I meditate and have for many yrs, and it's the best thing I have done in yrs. It is so peaceful when you grasp it. We are all connected and share the same space. We can bring peace to this world, everything is energy, we change it for the better. Thanks you pair, great video. xx

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

We are so glad we discovered meditating. It took a while to find what works best for each of us, but has given us a new way of looking at life

Nice to see you back in kinver again, I remember when you came down just after buying your first boat and having a cratchcover made and fitted

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

We love it there and spent much longer exploring this time

Birdsong is so good for inner Peace.

💚Lovely hippies💚

Fabulous Vlog - Thanks!

Splash the cash on that little lock cottage and enjoy the best of both worlds - as the mood takes you!

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

Wouldn't that be lovely

This video (and the music) is even better than the last one:). Such beautiful footage. The litter problem is such a frustrating and dangerous issue for everyone; especially the wildlife. We returned to Tassie on the 11th June, so the weather prepared us for our winter before we left! I thought "No Mow May" was a wonderful idea - and the countryside (even the roads) looked quite beautiful. So sad to see the wild flowers (and everything they attract) cut down like that. As you pointed out, it is not just for boaters that you are concerned. If everyone took an extra bag with them when they go walking, we could make a big difference. Good to see you both looking so well.

@FloatingOurBoat

7 күн бұрын

Yes, our weather hasn't been spectacular so far, your winter will probably be warmer

How interesting. I've never heard of those cave/rock houses. I can't believe someone as late as the 1960's living in those conditions. I guess I like my creature comforts. I'm imagining cold, damp and spiders. Here in the US, I wouldn't trust them because of earthquakes. Do you have earthquakes in the UK? Don't believe I've heard. I agree Fran. Someone butchered those flowers and landscape. Obviously they had a too wide mower and just chopped their way through. Thanks for sharing. Beautiful video. Take care.

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

Apparently the rock houses stay the same medium temperature all year and were very cosy with the fires lit! We don't really have earthquakes, just the very occasional mild tremor

Thumbs up for meditating. Really does make a difference( and not just for going to sleep) 🙏

Hey Fran, stop looking at Rich when talking about ancient artifacts. He is still a great looking Man and you a lovely Lady. Love everything you show to us. What happened to keep Britain Tidy, sorry to say it is happening here in Canada too, plastic bottles, cans etc just dumped.

@sianwarwick633

12 күн бұрын

Yes and glass is a fire hazard in a dry forest litter. Good pickup Fran.

I might have a reason for the carved out spot at 1:31 , The name sounded familiar so I went back through my Culinary history notes. There was a public house that happened to be along the canal route and they served the Boatmen as the area was a bit posh in those days. It "might", I stress might have been a room set aside for the working class to gather and drink. Note the rough bench seating along the perimeter of the room. With tables, the room is the appropriate dimensions for a pub room of the time. Great video as always. Much love from Oregon USA

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

It did look like a room where people would gather so maybe you are right

Thank you for sharing this video with us, take care both cuddles to your fur babies. X❤😊😊😊

I love Eckhard Tolle’s book, The Power of Now. I have the audio book version so it’s actually him reading. I must have listened to the whole thing 5 or 6 times.

@FloatingOurBoat

9 күн бұрын

That's brilliant. I have read it all, but now always have it nearby to dip into

Nothing wrong with been hippies. It’s one of the reasons I follow you. I meditate too and get really wound up with people dropping litter.grewt video as always ❤💚🌱👍😊 thank you for mentioning the Merlin app in your previous videos I love using it to see which birds are in our area

@FloatingOurBoat

9 күн бұрын

Thank you. The Merlin app has been so good for us. We can now identify so many more birds

At Last a Cuckoo singing away and foxgloves galore.Fran and rich you've taken me back to my native Devon and as a bonus Medlars too ,reminiscent of Cotehele house near Calstock on the river Tamar, youve really taken me back home . Thanks Fran and Rich .Greetings from Canada on our day

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

Glad to bring back some happy memories Ralph x

What beautiful country. Enjoy the time spent on journeys with you.

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

Thank you

It makes perfect sense, if you're in the know.... I bushhog the back pasture every year, even tho I haven't harvested it in a decade. If you don't bushes, vines & prickly's will take root. They are neer impossible to get rid off after that, other than burning them out.

@theoztreecrasher2647

13 күн бұрын

Yep. A lot of the newly-converted Environmental Warriors tend to be a bit like Evangelicals who've "Found the Lord!" But no doubt they'd be singing a different tune when the blackberries are clawing at their knickers as they try to scrabble through an overgrown canal. That's not to say that their hearts are not in the right place. Cleaning up after today's ever present yobbos shows that!

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

It is just a matter of common sense and better timing. Don't mow/strim when the flowers and wildlife are in their prime, leave it until the autumn!

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

I don't think we said don't keep the canals passable nor did we say never cut it back but as the Canal and River Trust are claiming to be providing 2500 miles of green corridor for nature they could time their strimming regime a little better and be a little more discerning

@727xer

12 күн бұрын

Ok people 🙄 stop and think for a moment.... How many miles or kilometers do they have to mow??? If I'm not mistaken it's somewhere in the range of 2,500 - 3,000. You think they're going to do that in a weeks time 😒 You want to help out the flora, then step up and volunteer to the trim brigade

Thank you for the very interesting video. Watching it was very calming!

Hi Rich and Fran wow what a brilliant video the views and those beautiful foxgloves great to see so many all together beautiful, great scenery love listening to the birds really lovely cottages thanks for a fantastic video see you on the next one ❤xx

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it

Well done Fran for picking up the litter ☺. If we all did a little bit the world would be a better place, And it starts in our own back yards and homes. Cool and the kaftan, love and peace man ✌☮ 🐾🌻🐝🌹🐞🦋 xx

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

😊

64°F ! ! ! I'll trade you! N. E. Oklahoma is experiencing mid 90s with the humidity gives a RealFeal of 110+.

I “ attempt “ to avoid any News and “ Social Media “ channels / broadcasts , this I find helps my meditation wonderfully. I simply sit with gentle sounds of a nature CD, or just plain silence. Peace & calm to you both mb ☯🙏

So many drinks cans in the plastic bag. Here in Germany you get 25 cents back on each can. I think I should spend my next holiday in Kinver to collect lots of cans.

@FloatingOurBoat

7 күн бұрын

We could be rich if that was the case here

Very informative video Thankyou ❤

lovely vlog...thankyou x

Meditation! Most of us call that an afternoon nap :))

@FloatingOurBoat

9 күн бұрын

😂😂😂

Thank you guys very enjoyable. I have tried meditation but sadly I've got one of those minds that makes it hard to block out the world around me but when I do try and along with some breathing exercises it helps prevent the panic attacks. All the best. Stephen

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

It took me a long time to begin to slow my head down, but I am getting there with practice. F x

When in doubt, sit by the fire!

I loved this video 😊 particularly your discussion on meditation. I’m almost through ‘A New Earth’ by Eckhart Tolle and completely agree with Fran, his writing is essential reading for everyone. Thanks both for brightening our collective days 👍

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

Ooh thank you, that is a new one for my book list. I have only read 'The power of now'

@markas842

12 күн бұрын

@@FloatingOurBoat hope you enjoy it when you get too it :-)

Lovely video loved the cuckoo which I haven't heard for at least 10 years happy meditation.

Thank you both a nice way to start my day best wishes from Aotearoa NZ.

The pair of you are so adorable.... new super fan from Canada...regarding the rubbish... we have a small town conservation area that is along a small town wooded beach ares that has little Flinstone Character signs along the path that say things like follow "this" to find "that" ... go here to find hidden treasure etc etc... sign this board to say you were here... very family friendly but also has signs that say..." You are grown up enough to get yourself here to build a fire on the beach and cook yourself something to eat... We ARE SURE you are old enough to clean up your garbage or rubbish! Do your part and have respect and come back and enjoy a nice space... " something like that. and do you know... the many times I've been there to that spot there is no rubbish to speak of. you can tall that all the people who visit pick up after themselves and others. The only rubbish I have actually found was stuff that washed up on the shore with algae on it. and one time I found a plastic jug that washed up on the shore and as I was bringing it to the toe path I noticed a big dog poo and I scooped it up with the jug and left it on the side of the toe path kind of hidden to pick up on my way out and when I was on my way out of the conservation area to get the poo jug .. someone had already picked it up and discarded it at the entrance near the car park. Long story but those little signs made all the difference in opening the eyes to the people who used the space. ❤

For meditating I watch a candle in my mind and just concentrate on it attempting to block everything else out. I love no mow, I have areas that I don't mow but I do deadhead dandelions before they seed. Take care =-)

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

The candle idea sounds interesting x

Imagine the life that needs no meditation 8 hrs of blissful sleep. How life should be.😊

Hi Fran and Rich, lovely video, beautiful place, all those foxgloves together were stunning, meddlars are a very old fruit, could have been a very old village site, very pretty place, enjoyed this very much, xx

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

Thank you. We have seen so many foxgloves in the wild this year, they are beautiful

Fran is really furious, I wouldn't want to get caught dropping litter by her 😅

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

No you wouldn't, I would throw it right back 😂

Lovely vlog guys 😊

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

Thank you 😊

I am a committed no mower gardener (except twice a year in accordance with wild meadow management). I have been no dig and no mow for a couple of decades and the wildlife just loves it. Yellow rattle: is parasitic and feeds off the grass. I cannot get it to grow- does not like London clay.

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

It is amazing what a difference it makes. Having both been gardeners in the past, we would garden very differently these days.

I don’t get the cutting down of wild flowers or the rubbish in the woods (just why would you want to do either). I have got my yogi bare mat and using my cruiser stern to do my yoga, stretches and balance. Let’s see how winter goes 😂

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

It is ok on the boat until someone else moves when you are trying to balance 😂😂😂

Thank you very much for your videos, they touch us. Greetings from burgundy from the dutch barge "Zambezi". Ute and Dietmar - germans who live on the river.

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

A dutch barge in Burgundy sounds wonderful 😍

@dietmarfranz6032

12 күн бұрын

@@FloatingOurBoat Oh yes, mostly. It´s just life.

Really enjoyable video, well done for stepping in and litter picking, we shouldn't have to but as you say, we have to start somewhere. Fab to hear about the benefits of meditation and that Rich is sleeping better, as a long term insomniac, I have recently been practicing a meditation of sorts which really helps to quieten the night time noise that often used to keep me awake and exhausted in the morning!

@FloatingOurBoat

7 күн бұрын

So glad to hear the meditation is working a bit for you too. Insomnia is horrible and when you wake and see the clock at 2 am the brain just goes into terror mode. Keep practicing. x

l really loved the stunning photography at the beginning, all so vibrantly green, then came the horrible chopped down towpath, such a shame. Lovely walk, and those cave dwellings, magic. Thankyou.

All your videos are visually stunning ❤❤❤

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

Thank you so much 😀

Great to see you at Kinver. We visited a few weeks ago and went to the houses. Thanks for the good work with the litter picking, Have either of you done any mindfulness training? I found it incredibly useful and did some training in delivery too.

@FloatingOurBoat

3 күн бұрын

Hi Will. I have read lots about and do practice mindfulness, but no real training. It has really changed the way I approach life.

A truly beautiful stretch of canal, very picturesque. I walk up and down that canal towpath, and Kinver Edge itself, fairly often, and always enjoy it, in any season. The rock houses are fascinating too, and well worth a visit. There are some nice circular walks off the canal too. It's a pity I didn't know you were around, I would have come and said hello 🙂

@FloatingOurBoat

7 күн бұрын

What a wonderful area to live. You are very lucky. Sorry we missed you, maybe next time

Interesting vlog

nice video.

Yes Rich I have meditated for a long time and taught it. Yes you will find it helps sleep and trains the mind to be still. Also if you can do for 21 days straight you have created a habit and you will seek it and to do it as you have built neuro pathways in that time. ENJOY! needed now more than ever by us all xo xo

@FloatingOurBoat

9 күн бұрын

Thank you x

good vid cranking it on cut thanks the share ing of the boat live you do thanks lee

Xx

Thanks for litter picking.

Old hippie here. I really enjoyed this video. To me every plant is precious and should be preserved. If I had those gorgeous digitalis growing in my yard, I'd be the happiest hippy around. And the fab. pink color, wow! We have a stunted yellow variety here and there, but nothing like the beautiful waves you enjoy. I agree that the wanton mowing of everything along the canal side is evil (my term, not yours). And those rock homes are fascinating to see. Thanks for taking us along. xx

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

We absolutely agree with you x

Not only hacked down but also, by the looks of it, dumped into the canal. 😦

@terenceseymour-tf8rptassie725

13 күн бұрын

yes adding to the rubbish to wrap around the prop

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

You wouldn't believe the mess they made of the canal, it was covered in chopped grass and reeds🙄

Fran you used that plastic bag to avoid touching the litter but with that same plastic bag on your hand, you moved your glasses down from your head! You are doing a good job though!😇

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

Oops!

Beautiful Video

Im a liveaboard boater. I was on the start of the peak forrest canal last week where i seen volunteers litter picking, after they finished i counted 20+ rubish bags left by dossers too lazy to take it home. I know ther are a small percentage of boaters thatdo it. I find it awaful what these scruffs di.

Nice 1 folks…

I learned many years ago that the only positive thing , (apart from not discarding it), we can do about litter is pick it up. Litter picking in our village is a community thing & has been done for many years ! I was gathering some on many occasions when passing cars just chucked more out their windows , made my blood boil ! Well done Fran !

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

That is so infuriating. We saw a car discard litter once, we stopped to pick it up, caught them up at the lights and through it back through their sunroof 😁

There are still a few troglodytes left. My house, here in Portugal, sits half inside a mountain with a literal man cave. In Spanish Galera there are thousands of cave houses. Cool in the heat of Summer but warmer in the winter chill.

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

Rich would love your man cave

Serendipity! I just bookmarked that last Friday!❤lovely vlog!

nice that the rock houses have been preserved by the National Trust but pity they could not be used to house some of the homeless who would not mind the absence of a water supply. It is the 21st Century and a solution could be found to put in the facilities .

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

Thats a great idea

Thanks for a very interesting video. Good to hear the cuckoo!! It's sad, though, to see all that strimming having been done. Isn't there anyone at the CRT that you could speak to and explain the importance of keeping wild flowers?

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

We have asked for the head of the environmental section of CRT to contact us, but no reply so far. We are working on it though

Give some people a grass strimmer and they don't know when to stop, maybe the sound puts them in a meditative state and they don't realise they have cut so much. 🙈

@FloatingOurBoat

12 күн бұрын

😂😂😂

🙏🏼🥰🙋🏼‍♀️