Thank you ALL for your wonderful comments and words of support. We are reading every message and will endeavour to answer as many as we can over the next few days. Bless you all Rich and Fran

Thank you for sharing this very personal information. Have missed you both. Sending you sincere wishes for your health and healing. Lots of your viewers care deeply for the two of you. Loving hugs.

My husband suffers from bipolar disorder and depression, and I suffer from depression. I completely understand about the mental health condition making you need to pause. We are about the same age as you, and health HAS TO COME FIRST! I really enjoy your vlogs and will happily wait until you feel ready to share again. Take care! We're all rooting for you.

@dougzirkle5951

4 ай бұрын

100% in agreement. Fran & Rich have helped us all through tough periods over the past years. Whatever time it takes to make it right for them to feel comfortable with being ‘vlog productive’ is a schedule I can easily live with. I’ll just miss them in the meantime.

Debs says: I love every video and have watched them over and over. I never want you to feel any pressure to put out a vlog. It is a treasure to me to see the Spring flowers and to hear you two laughing and talking on your walks. There is a lot of pain in the world. My only child is dying of cancer at 39 years old, so your videos soothe and encourage me to keep going. So I will keep you in my prayers. Thank you so much. Love You.

@FloatingOurBoat

4 ай бұрын

Debs that is so sad and we both really feel for you. To know that our videos may bring you a little joy makes it worth while. We both send our love to you xx

Don't panic, make another cup of tea. Stay safe and well. You will never walk alone.

Mental health is so important and so overlooked. You two helped me through a very dark time just by watching your vlogs. You brought peace and solace during Covid times. You distracted me when the family was struggling with troubles. Thank you for your openness and honesty about your struggle with depression. It is real and not somebody can just say “pull your socks up and get on with it” or “go outside and get some fresh air and sunshine”. I’m so glad you feel you’re coming out the other side. Hugs to you both from Colorado

@FloatingOurBoat

3 ай бұрын

Thank you Jayne. It means a lot to know our videos have helped in some way x

👍 keep going Rich, I know it can’t be easy, But you are doing a great job.

Cheers. Roll on Spring and summer, eh!

Just continue to do what you feel you want to do. Whenever you want to put a vlog out there we will be waiting for you whenever you are ready. Take care both of you.

We will be here for when you are ready to post. Take care 🤗

This is so hard, Rich. You have hidden it so well and been, on the surface, such a cheerful presence in our lives, such a superb photographer and bringer of joy, l for one never would have guessed what you have been going through all this time. Like everybody else, l hope that you will soon recover, and find something that will help in the future. For Fran's sake as well. Love to you both. xx

Sending love to you Rich. Xxx

Hang in there Rich, take your time.

Good luck rich, glad you are feeling better, keep up with the vlogs, love them ❤

I appreciate the update and your candor. Self-care and each other first, always. I'm glad you've taken time when you needed it and even more glad that you're seeing the sunshine again. Looking forward to seeing what you're getting up to when you feel up to it.

Prayers from America. We will take whatever post you are comfortable send out. Be well.

Best wishes Rich. Glad you are starting to feel better mate. Thinking of you both.

The sun always comes out , sometimes revealing a rainbow ! Sending positive thoughts .

Thank you for shining this light on depression. Very brave of you to have done so. Thank you for your kindness in sharing.

Depression is awful and hard ti explain to anyone ŵho doesn't suffer from it. Hope you feel better soon Rich and look forward to next video. Rich your photography is the best mate well done.

My wife and I love your vlogs, and we're thinking of you both during this time. Take care.

Oh Rich...I'm sorry for your suffering. Take care both of you n do exactly what YOU need 💛 thanks for giving us so much enjoyment

What a brave vlog. I think most of us have fought the same demons. Exercise and volunteering has helped me. Focusing on others keeps our mind off our own pain. Praying for you

1st we all love both of you. The battle within is tough but winnable. I am in Pa U.S.A. and you have shown us so much about the canals and towns that we will never be able to see. Take your time and it will work out. Whatever you decide to do is fine with all of us i'm sure but consider taking us on your journey whatever it may be. Thanks.

Thanks for who you both are. Rich, why some of us must have depression beats me, while our clever brains retain many memories while we learn life & for safety, it throws up some junk we’d prefer to leave alone. Most ‘creatives’ tend to have this dilemma. Painting & arts in general, is a way of overcoming & expressing ‘stuff’. When depression comes, our motivation is lost-I’m glad Fran understands how to give your brain time to reinvigorate itself. Love to you both.

Winter is not helpful for anyone suffering depression. Fortunately, I don’t have the same issue but I do appreciate my SAD light in the dark days and nights of winter. You do you Rich and I hope your days are brighter very soon.

Awww Rich!! Sending love & hugs....depression sucks and winter tends to be the hardest. I feel for you.

Awww so sorry to hear you are suffering Rich but well done for speaking out and raising awareness,it's something that needs to be talked about .I hope you feel much better soon

Absolutely love your vlogs and certainly appreciate your sharing about your periodic bouts of depression. Heartfelt and warm best wishes for your healing, Rich, and to both of you for allowing us into your lives.

@FloatingOurBoat

4 ай бұрын

Thank you Barney. Best wishes to you also 👍

This past couple of months has seen a lot of grey days….and those grey days are the hardest! So very happy to now see the SUN….at last. I know where you are coming from. Will only get better from now on. Sending more sunny days your way. 👍🥰

Fully understand where you’re coming from Rich, keep well, keep on keeping on!

Thank you for your honesty. You are a man to be admired and Fran is a woman to be admired as well. Things will get better, they always do. Morning comes after the darkness of night and Spring will follow Winter. You both will be in my prayers, blessings to you both!

Stay strong Rich, been there many years ago, but got though it, I now think of the people in war torn countries that have lost every thing but they still soldier on. Just keep making us all happy with your vlogs.

Your channel was a very good idea followed you on and off for the 6 years the fact you have managed to post this vlog is a huge positive step up look forward to your next post all the very best to you both. Remember when you post your positive vlogs beautiful scenery gentle pace and loverly music they bring comfort people who are sometimes feeling low.

@FloatingOurBoat

3 ай бұрын

Thank you so much! We hope you soon feel better too x

Have a trip to see the Foxes, Colin looks like it's done him the world of good, maybe it's the way to go for u two. Keep smiling and do the best for you both nobody said life would be esey.

I'm so sorry you are suffering with this, please know you are not alone. I love your videos so much and would miss your adventures if you stopped sharing with us. I believe your follower's are the same and we will be happy with whatever and whenever you are able to produce. Also your videos are always pristine which takes alot of time. Most of us are happy with just the basics don't feel your videos have to be long and perfect. The most important thing is we consider you to be a part of our family and would dearly miss you if you left us. I've watched all the #s 20 episodes many, many times. They're like a therapy session for me. Love to you, Fran, and the puppies!

@FloatingOurBoat

3 ай бұрын

Thank you

Your a good man hang in there life is hard

Thanks for the update Rich and hopefully the black cloud lifts soon. Looking forward to the next video when you are able to make it.

Sending hugs

Yay! See you soon.❤

Sending you both lots of love and hugs. Please don’t go we will miss you both so much. I’m the guy the said Fran is the best pilot on the canal. She’s just brilliant. Love to you both hugs and cuddles John and Monty. X

@FloatingOurBoat

3 ай бұрын

Thank you and you are right about me being the best driver!😁😁We will still be here with our videos so don't worry.

Thank you for helping me with my issues. My PTS ( PTSD ) is with me all of time. Your videos help me deal with my every day issues. For me, I get out side viewing your videos. I can no longer walk. Please help me see the world and walk for me.

Thanks for sharing Rich 👍🏻

I understand all too well about depression.. Always wishing the best for you, you are the best couple on the cut for sure.

Very sorry to hear your depression is so debilitating, Rich. I remember hearing Churchill describing his "Black dogs" were chasing him. He drank a lot which was part of his problem. I have no doubt you and Fran will work it out, she is a star, you're a lucky man there. Stay safe, young fella and Fran.

Thank you, so much, for opening up about such a personal issue. I so look forward to your Vlogs and have added a narrow-boat trip to my life's bucket list because I am so inspired by you both. Please take care of yourself. If you ever need someone talk to, feel free to reach out to me. Though we don't know each other, I am happy to lend an ear.

Winter is the worst. I and my depression hibernate. Spring is coming so maybe that sunshine and warmth will help. I have that hope for myself too. I'm so sick of the "I just can't" days. Take care of yourself. Vlogs can wait till you can deal with it. ❤

Sorry to hear about your depression.

Go Rich! Kudos to you for this. I know depression. I salute you!

Take care flower, its just life tripping you up flat on your face. So many of us have been there. Occasionally whilst flat on your face a herd of elephants trample over you followed by a train but amazingly if you pull yourself up and just keep putting one foot in front of the other things do gradually improve. Keep enjoying fresh air, nature and Fran xx

Your followers, like me, are not going anywhere. When we don't hear from you we do miss being along on your journeys. But you do what is what is best for you. We Can wait.

@FloatingOurBoat

4 ай бұрын

That is really kind, thank you

Thanks so much for sharing Rich. Vicky suffers from depression and I have bipolar disorder so we have some idea of what you've been going through. We can manage without the vlogs when you need to concentrate on yourself. Having an understanding partner is such a blessing. Will (Rainboat)

@FloatingOurBoat

3 ай бұрын

Thank you Will. Hope you are both doing ok. Maybe we will still catch up with you x

Feel deeply for your health Rich. Totally understand your situation, it hits you sideways even when things are good. I admire your strength to manage your thinking. You can reset, keep pressing that button.

Guys its your life we are just voyeurs, I personally, will watch when a video goes up. Hope the sun will shine brightly again soon. Life is a river, just go with the flow.

Rich, you are so far ahead of the game and more well planted than most. Your awareness, understanding and ability to share your issues with us puts you a cut above those who are experiencing that enveloping cloud. As stated, many vlogs ago, by a subscriber 'You and Fran are very well glued !' We should all be as fortunate. THANKS for sharing your and Fran's 'life's adventures'... the good, the bad, the ups and downs. Looking forward to many more ! Enjoy.

@FloatingOurBoat

3 ай бұрын

Thank you so much

I'll happily keep watching. In fact, enjoying your vlogs is one small way I try to keep my equilibrium in the midst of what is almost 6 years of my husband's cancer journey. Thank you for the heart & the beauty in every video!

@FloatingOurBoat

2 ай бұрын

You are welcome. 6 years is a long time, wishing you both well.

Hi Rich! Your videos, good or bad, help others, and I'm sure this one did, too. Thank you! If you haven't tried it, please consider light therapy. Even your metaphors for depression included: a dark cloud or light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you for your videos. Take the time you need.

Fully understand,Rich. I grew up in New York, so I understand Long gray Winters, but now in my 80s, I enjoy the brightness of Florida. I think even at this age I would love to live on an narrow Boat, but I can't see myself getting through the winters other than Cuddling up in a fetal position and staying there until June. I've had those ups and downs all my life too. Not a severe is what you're describing.

God Bless you Rich. I know exactly where you are coming from. I too become a reluctant communicator when I am down.

There's always light at the end of a tunnel, unless you're in a railway tunnel and the light’s speeding towards you.😬 We're all behind you Rich, stay strong and don't walk through railway tunnels. 😊

Thanks Rich for a very honest vlog. Your content is always worth watching. Just hoping you reach the end of the tunnel. Great respect to you both.

Never give up. Have often thought that those who experience depression are the most aware, creative and thoughtful people. People who feel deeply are the most needed humans on the planet.

@FloatingOurBoat

4 ай бұрын

I think that is very true. Thank you

Bless you two!❤🙏

Keep your chin up.All the best.

Stay strong, theres understanding and prayers for you and Fran from Nova Sccotia.

Sending positive vibes to you Rich for feeling a bit chirpier soon. Hubby has been going through similar since Christmas and it’s a bloody hard road for him and all of us around him. Thankfully I have seen some of the light start to come back into his eyes over the last week so hopefully onwards and upwards for him and for yourself as well. Take care.

@FloatingOurBoat

3 ай бұрын

Thank you Julie. Hope your hubby is feeling better

WOW you are on the way back or you would not have made this video! My profound respext to you and please keep on!

I keep smiling and don't give up I no all about cancer I lost my love and soul mate 3year go now packing the small holding farm up its hard I hope you feelings better soon all.the best for now take care you and fan and Richard 😊

Keep going Richard, wished I could down w you and Fran.

So sorry to hear you suffer from depression Rich. I suffer a bit from it, so I know what you are going through. It can be really difficult to get your self out of it. I find talking about it helps and I have loads of hobby's (too many really), to occupied my mind which slowly helps to gat me out of it. I hope all works out for you and your lovely wife Fran. I really enjoy your vlogs. Thanks for sharing your lives with us. God Bless. Dave M.

Thank you for sharing Rich. There will be many people who will watch this and be grateful for your candor. I am.

Having just watched your video, I lost my dearest husband last year and have struggled to pick myself up in January, so listening to some one else going through it has given me a big hug, take care love watching your videos.

@sianwarwick633

3 ай бұрын

Hi Sandra. I lost my dear friend of 20 years, last year. Grief 😔 is difficult. I just wanted to let you know you're not alone with those feelings.

Don't you ever quit and keep your focus positive, we all suffer from something. We watch you because you inspire us despite whatever you may be feeling. We are also not as brave to vlog ourselves, our lives and our feelings. We all support you and love you guys! Keep crackin on! I think you brits say ;)

Wishing you well.

Sending love. B & K ❤️❤️

Take care bothe love your video's XX

Rich, our hearts go out to you. We have been in the same place, having lived on boats for over 18 years, and have learned to trust that the right answers come at the right time. Don't struggle for solutions, they will reveal themselves in good time. Lots of love to you both from us Paul and Anna, Aotearoa New Zealand.

@FloatingOurBoat

3 ай бұрын

That is a good philosophy to have, thank you

keep your chin up mate there is light at the end of the tunnel ,u have a great life enjoy each others company and just relax .

Sorry to hear about your problems hope you get to feel better soon ,winters are always tough cold damp i like a lot of people prefers the sun praying for you and jan

Hi Rich, sorry to hear you have been down lately. You are of course a wonderful man with a wonderful wife and you both bring pleasure and love to all who follow you. I am like you and this time of year is never easy. This year I prepared for it by planting lots of Narcissus bulbs that have already started flowering and lifting my spirits. I want to send an arm to lay across your shoulders to lift you too. Ken

@nick.caffrey

4 ай бұрын

Nicely put.

Thank you so much for sharing and hope things will get better in the future, so hope more vlogs 😉

I appreciated your candor, Rich. Depression runs in my family so I feel your pain. My best to you and Fran. I am so happy you have friends like Pete, Carolyn, Paul and Anthony in your corner. You definitely are not alone.

I'm glad you're beginning to feel a little better. We'll be here for a new video when you're ready. Here's hoping for sunshine.

Rich i think everybody who has followed your channel as i have since the first vlog will want you to still put out your vlogs if you can. Fran and you feel like part of our family so i hope you get better and can forge ahead to do whatever you feel will help both of you along. Fran is an angel and you are her knight in shining armor you are so good for each other and it is great to follow you along on your journey. Bless both of you and stay safe. Ed 40 S of Vegas

@FloatingOurBoat

3 ай бұрын

Thank you so much Ed xx

Hi guys we have watched you from the beginning when you started to vlog and met you both briefly at Braunston ( Ethlron ). It was nice to meet you both and we still follow your life aboard. We wish you both well and just to say we are thinking of you.

@FloatingOurBoat

3 ай бұрын

Thank you. hopefully we may meet again some day.

Well done Rich for tellng the world your feelings, its a massive step to take but one that I am sure has helped and will relate and help others so very much like myself! Nothing wrong with taking time out to regain balance within your mind and with Fran and your 2 lovely dogs by your side is all you need. The day is becomming lighter longer now, giving you more time to listen and to watch nature evolve around you. A massive achievement on the 6 years of boating life. An inspiration to so many of us who watch your vlogs, thank you. Great snoring by the way from your dogs!!! Xx

Wishing you and Fran the best. Health and Family come First !.

All the best Rich, I hope you feel better soon. I don’t like the winter months, I’m not a fan of Christmas or the cold weather so when we get to October I start feeling sad because I know what’s ahead of me. Last year we cruised through the summer and worked the winter, this year we will work the summer and hopefully go round Europe in our camper van over winter, mix things up a bit. Lots of love to you both xx

I lost my husband at53 yrs old after a 2 yr battle with motor neurones disease, he was the most happy joyful sunshine laughing smiling man i have ever met & so brave smiling to the end. its a hard life with everything pretty terrible going on in the world right now, your very lucky to have Fran in your life. ... can i be cheeky & ask where your lovely blinds leaf fabric came from ?

@FloatingOurBoat

3 ай бұрын

Hi Gilly, Fran here. Sorry to hear about you losing your husband so young. He sounds like a wonderful man. I'm afraid I cant help about the curtains. They were made for us by a lady at the boatyard and I cant remember where we saw the fabric now. I know it was called aubergine, that's all I remember.

@gillyhennessy7637

3 ай бұрын

@@FloatingOurBoat Hi Fran, no worries. Hope you both have a good day....the sun is just starting to peek thru the clouds down here in Devon, but do wish we had a canal system that stretched this far!

All the best to both of you ❤❤❤❤

Thank you for being so open with us. I know what you are experiencing. 25 years for me. Love your videos! I will keep you in my prayers.

Thankyou for sharing your personal information with us. I too have that same feeling, the winter months seem to make it worse, especially this year, endless wet, gloomy days. Such low light levels, we’ve had hardly any cold, sunny, crisp days that lift the demon cloud that constantly attacks one! I hope the longer spring days will help you feel better. Love your videos and have missed them. Thanks

@FloatingOurBoat

3 ай бұрын

Thank you so much. We hope you soon feel better also

Wasn't expecting that vlog Rich thankyou for being so open about the black dog we often hear about. Your keep doing wat you know helps you with Fran and I look forward to more vlogs as and wen they come along. Keep well and all the best from Aotearoa NZ.

Thank you for sharing! I love your videos so I am glad the boat won out! Walk in peace, guys!!

Hello Rich, I have so much respect for you, for documenting your struggles with mental health. You’re not alone. Keep strong and keep working hard to stay positive. Sending lots of love and positive energy.

God bless you, Rich.

Sending much love and admiration for making this video which so many can relate to. Sometimes depression can visit out of the blue and it can be hard to shake it off but l believe talking and as you say fresh air helps more than anything. I hope you feel happier very soon. I Love to you both ❤

Thank you for sharing that with us. I have two chronic illnesses and on days where resting in bed is the best I can do I really enjoy watching your videos. You both help ease the situation. Hope that helps you in return.

@FloatingOurBoat

3 ай бұрын

Thank you. It is wonderful to know the videos may help others in some way x

Props to you Rich for speaking on this, the situation can be a killer. I've dabbled with depression Lite, I say that because I've known quite a few who suffer as you do. Stay the course with your narrowboating, it'll keep you grounded. Looking forward to your "10 reasons" vlog!

@FloatingOurBoat

4 ай бұрын

Thank you so much

I will never understand why there aren't tons more resources spent on mental health issues especially when you know so many people who suffer from depression and other problems. I am so angry that the government treats it like an afterthought. All the best to you both ❤Stephen