Living on a Tiny House Boat for 5 Years Saved His Life - NARROWBOAT STORY
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- Опубликовано: 20 май 2024
- Living on a narrowboat in the UK has provided Dave with the home and tranquility he needed to recover from the sudden loss of his wife, and the depression that followed. But after 5 years of continuous cruising on the canals, he is now thriving and living in the moment in part thanks to his connection with nature. As an amateur filmmaker, he's been capturing and sharing the stunning scenery and wildlife all around him on his Inspired by Nature social media project here:
/ @inspiredbynature3
/ inspiredbynature4
/ inspiredbynature5
Dave's boat is a 57-foot-long Liverpool narrow boat that was built in 2005. The interior was already exactly as he wanted it, but the exterior needed some TLC and he spent two months sanding down the exterior so that he could treat the rust, prime it, and re-paint the boat.
He says this lifestyle isn't all castles and roses, and there's a lot of hard work that goes on behind the scenes of living off the grid while on the water. For example, Dave has to move the boat every two weeks according to the Canal and River Trust rules, he has to fill his water tanks and empty his cassette toilet by hand, he has to collect groceries and wood on foot using a trolley, and he services the diesel engine himself as well. Not only that but the boat is only heated with wood, so temperatures can drop below freezing in winter if the fire goes out while he's away.
We appreciate Dave sharing his story and his struggles with mental health so openly. We all need help sometimes!
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please know that you are not alone, and help is available. We've included some resources on how to get help below:
Canada
Suicide Prevention: talksuicide.ca/
Kids Help Phone: kidshelpphone.ca/
Battered Women's Support Services: www.bwss.org/resources/transi...
USA
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988lifeline.org/
Crisis Text Line: www.crisistextline.org/
The Trevor Project: www.thetrevorproject.org/get-...
UK
Samaritans: www.samaritans.org/
NHS: www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/menta...
Thanks for watching and take good care :)
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Website: www.exploringalternatives.ca
Facebook: / exploringalternativesblog
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COMMENTS
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CREDITS
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Music by Exploring Alternatives
Intro Guitar Song by Dave from Inspired by Nature
Editing Credit: Exploring Alternatives
Filming Credit: Dave from Inspired by Nature
#narrowboat #boatlife #offgrid 
Хобби
Thanks for watching! You can follow Dave and his Inspired by Nature social media project here:
youtube.com/@inspiredbynature3
facebook.com/inspiredbyNature4
instagram.com/inspiredbynature5
Thank you for sharing my story and home.
Just to answer a few questions on posts below as a few are making judgments about me.
I've retired, but I care for an elderly family member who has dementia. I do not claim or get any government benefits. I like to find my own way in life, stand on my own two feet. I've paid back my family member the money he gave me to buy my floating home.
I am not rich or have a rich family. Living on a Narrowboat on the canal doesn't mean your wealthy! Infact a lot of boat dwellers have very little. The richness is in my heart.
Hope that clears up a few questions in other posts.
As I say this alternative lifestyle has changed my life. Its given me the chance to move on from the loss of my wife and to find myself a better way to live life. 🙏
Dave
Thanks so much Dave! It was really nice working with you and collaborating together to share your story. We wish you all the best :)
@@inspiredbynature3 Your story is inspiring. You are good! Subscribed to your channel. Good luck Dave!
@@timelife5811 bless you, thanks
@@inspiredbynature3 Aloha hugs 🤗 God Bless Your heart ❤ lovely
Touched by Dave's relative who gave him the money to buy the boat. Not a loan but a gift. An angel! Allowing him freedom, peace and healing.
How much it cost. Don't look cheap
@@martinkulik9466thats atleast 30 40 k there if not more.
Well put that's how I like to think too✌️
@@martinkulik9466i take it your not 'British ' ? We wouldn't ask that question. ( we would be curious, but manners would prevail)
@@gregpodmore2850I'd ask that question, although I'm not British I'm English....
Thank you for all your lovely comments. I'm sorry if I dont reply to all, just so many! Feeling very grateful to you all for tuning into exploring alternatives and watching.
Have a beautiful day! Dave 🙏
Just about to enjoy/endure my first winter on a boat.
Moved on in April for same health reason's. Though I have a CRT permanent mooring but my job gives me the same freedom you enjoy when I want it.
Love the part about having minimal possessions. All the material things people strive for. It ends up tethering rather than freedom!
@@ianstuart5660I wonder if that is part of the allure of driving truck over the road in the United States?
I don't have much control over where I end up on a day to day calendar, but if I didn't have a home with a wife and kid that want to see me, I could choose to take my off time in any part of the country I am driving to.
Definitely minimalist in the items I have on board, the newer trucks did away with storage for pretty's sake. I prefer storage😂.
With onboard electric inverter I can run my 3 quart instant pot, an electric skillet a little rice steamer. I have a TV with DVD player if I need entertainment, usually my cellphone has all the entertainment I need.
I just need to get more active. So many beautiful places to walk, and beautiful people to talk to.
Oh I went to your channel and saw a beautiful video about "Mother nature..." so peaceful energy. ❤
❤
Just wonderful, gentle, human. Many, many years of happiness to Dave.
Thank you :)
🙏
Dave
Amen!❤
I see beauty in Dave's depression... "Grief is the price you pay for love". True love. I am so happy that he has made himself happy again. Long may he reign on the canals!
Well the person who bought himself a boat helped a bit.. Its not like he pulled himself up by the bootstraps, got a job, saved up for 20 years at a shitty job, paid rent...etc
@@placeholdermcgavinport5343I think he'd already worked for a lifetime!
As someone who can totally relate to loss and starting over, this has been my favourite story so far on this channel. Living on a boat was the best years of my life. I hope to do it again one day. For those struggling, there is hope. Blessings to all. 🙏💚
Thank you for watching and for sharing
I to had to start all over at 50 yrs old after a loss....it's THEE hardest thing I've done....blessing to ANYONE who's had to do this...❤🙏👍
@@ExploringAlternatives 🌹❤️🙏👍
not sure who helped him but you are a hero - you helped save Dave .
What a charming man. So sorry for the loss of his wife. And how fortunate was he to have a family member that was able to help him with the purchase of the boat. How many are in his situation and don't get that help. I appreciated his candor and honesty regarding the hard work that is required to live on the boat. That even though he does love the lifestyle it doesn't come without its challenges. So many RUclipsrs often will glamorize whatever lifestyle it is they're trying to sell you. I wish him continued success and peace on his journey.
Very well put, my thoughts exactly. He sounds like he's got lovely family support around him and I love that for him
Well said
Why ?
I wouldn't call it "often will glamorize whatever lifestyle ..."
IMHO, it's isn't glamorizing to chose not to tell everything.
@@charonstyxferrymanif you don't tell the bad as well as the good, you are glamorising something.
Happy for this man finding a new lease on life. So incredibly generous of his relative to help him acquire the boat. Beautiful!
What a beautiful Man, he is actually living not just existing. He has such a wonderful outlook and sweet attitude to all the joys around him. Thanks for sharing I really enjoyed this episode. Take care stay safe Dave. 🇦🇺👍I think u need a little dog for companionship and there's plenty that need rescuing. 🌈
Thankyou 🙏
Dave
Get a german shepherd and he’s going to be by your side all the time no matter what ❤ ❤ Thanks for the inspiring story Dave. One day I’ll live on my boat . Sending blessings from 🇧🇷
What an inspiring story Dave. The relative that helped you out financially is an angel. I look forward to finding your RUclips channel. The UK countryside always looks so beautiful to me, one day I hope to see it in person. Best wishes for continued happy life.
Man I wish I could convince my wife to be more of a minimalist and I envy you as I spent twenty years working on the river and now live off grid for the last ten years after retirement.
As a continual cruiser for many years I totally appreciate your lifestyle Dave. So many wonderful people and nature we enjoyed. Since I lost my soulmate I have found a mooring in the middle of the countryside and would never consider moving back to a house. One day I will go back to travelling but sadly age is now a factor but the dream is still there. I wish you all the best 💕🦆
I'm sorry to hear about your loss 🙏
Shout out to that relative. You're truly your brothers keeper.
We appreciate Dave sharing his story and his struggles with mental health so openly. We all need help sometimes! If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please know that you are not alone, and help is available. We've included some resources on how to get help below:
Canada
Suicide Prevention: talksuicide.ca/
Kids Help Phone: kidshelpphone.ca/
Battered Women's Support Services: www.bwss.org/resources/transition-houses-in-canada/
USA
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988lifeline.org/
Crisis Text Line: www.crisistextline.org/
The Trevor Project: www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/
UK
Samaritans: www.samaritans.org/
NHS: www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/where-to-get-urgent-help-for-mental-health/
Really happy that this guy has found his path in life
Amen!!! I’m proud of him. And his boat home is lovely
Hi Denise how are you doing
This is exactly what I need .
Thanks for the inspiration!
Do you know of canals in the US that this can be done? You’re inspirational and will be joining your blog. Thanks. Bob
Thanks for watching! We don't think that the US has an extensive canal network like the UK does. It seems like liveaboards in the US often go for sailboats or houseboats. Hope that helps!
There aren’t any that I’m aware of. It’s too bad too, it would be great.
Great channel! I recently moved back into a house I built 16 years ago. I make way more money now than I ever have and my only focus now is getting out of this self imposed PRISON! I'm tired of it and the people that go with it! It's almost like you feel a responsibility to listen to everyone complain about how empty they feel and how busy they are! I also recently lost my wife and think what you did is amazing! Thank you for doing it while the rest of us watch. LOL I plan on changing that and your example is very inspiring!
Lovely😊 what a grand life you have made for yourself😄. God Bless you kind sir, from America.
Brook🧑🌾🍏🍎
Dave touched our hearts with his story. We wish him many happy years on the canal. Thank you so much Matt and Danielle for sharing his heartfelt story.❤❤❤
Thanks for your message, I'm sure Dave will appreciate it too :)
Hi Cathy where are you from
You look so happy and peaceful lovely life you are leaving God bless you
🙏
Wow! That’s all that I can say is, Wow!
Fantastic way to get a differant veiw when you wont.must meet some great friends doing canal up keep..must be so much work to keep plants from over growing wster ways.fantastic life
Sometimes, starting over can be a blessing.😊
Absolutely 🙏
Beautiful story. I'm inspired to move to nature. 🤍✨🙏
Sometimes Change is good! 🙏
God bless you Dave. Stay strong sir.
🙏
Beautiful, simply beautiful …
So glad he is in a bettwr place. ❤
I ❤️ his boat and how he converted into a home for himself. He is a free spirit man.
It's a nice way to do it. If the entire earth gets innovative, things can happen. We need to end the current way of doing things. Nice content Exploring Alternatives!
I would have a cat or a small dog for company? Someone to talk to, and give you a smile and chuckles. I live 2 miles from the Erie Canal in New York State, USA. Have gone on many boats, even a tug boat that couples purchased by selling their homes. I loved the posh catamaran, and the wonderful couple who invited me on board. Most were going in June through the canal to the Atlantic Ocean, then down to Barbados. Such an interesting lifestyle, with many interesting stories to share. ☺️
am so sorry to here about your wife all the best.
This is my dream - freedom from depression and a means to saving myself 😪
Beautiful lifestyle that’s what I’d love to do when I retire sorry about your wife nature heals
You can feel that his inner soul is better and he find peace without forgetting the past. One day I will travel there and live a month or so just to find peace and live with the canal pace.
What a lovely gentleman! Love his lifestyle!
What a wonderful story and such a kind gift from your family member.
I love you mate!!! Good story. Stay strong,...you are a tiger!!!!❤🎉
Thank you for your kind words 🙏
Dave
I am so glad someone helped him, he’s a very good person
What a beautiful human 🇦🇺❤️
i am so happy for you... you are a credit to yourself... i wish i had your family...
🙏
I would like it too! Looks great! Have fun and a good time. Greetings from Germany
Life is a journey with ups and downs; thanks for sharing a bit of your journey! ! ✌️
Downs for sure. I'm still waiting for those ups. Like having some rich family member purchase me a house or a boat.
@@placeholdermcgavinport5343
Perhaps if you weren’t intentionally cruel in your comments, someone would be so kind to you.
Until then, best of luck.
Wow! Blessings from the Netherlands dear Dave! 🙏👍
Sad story with a very happy ending that starts with a new journey in one man's life , Best Wishes 👌 but I enjoyed your journey. Thank you 😊
Nice one, I lived on a sailboat for three years - life on the water is second to one. Hope you have many happy years Dave.
Its hard when you lose your spouse. Suddenly your world is so small and lonely. I am going through this now so I can fully relate to you Dave. I have found that I need to do maintenance on my home and have had to learn how to use a drill, an electric saw and many other tasks that my husband always did. Sometimes I just cry with frustration. I have ruined so many of my clothes with paint, glue and other gooey stuff and I often forget to use cloves and apron. But everyday I managed to get a job done. One small step at a time and then a job is done. It is satisfying at that point. But lonely. I have two wonderful friends who keep on eye on me and laugh and help when I get overwhelmed. So grateful for their friendship. I am glad you have found a safe place that makes you happy. Moving on after a death of a spouse is not easy so I doff my hat and congratulate you on all you have achieved.
Keep going Lynne, you are doing everything right and things are bound to get better. Sending love from Australia.
What a sad but loving story,how nice of your family to help you to buy this lovely home yes it is home on the cut ,57ft is a lovely size to have you can get Al round the cannels I hope you really enjoy you new life in your new home good luck till next time take care keep safe
Sorry to hear you lost your wife and was down & out that caused you depressed. Fortunately, with the help of your warm-hearted relative, you stood up, re-gain yourself and started living on a boat. When I saw you just bring a trolley for your supplies on foot, I think it could be better to ride a tri-cycle with basket at the back instead of dragging a trolley. I do wish to live like this kind of simple, quiet & slow life and enjoying such relaxing environment for my retirement ..... You really are a lucky man ! Thanks for sharing your wonderful moments ! 👍👍 God Bless You ....
🙏
Fair play to this man, he found his happiness!
Sending love & hugs Dave
❤. x
Thank you :)
That was a touching story but your life began again when you bought the boat, home sweet home. we all wish for that little comfort and stay warm and staff when the winter comes.
You said a mouthful "enjoy the present" many of us seem to forget that. Thank you for posting, its been inspirational ❤❤
🙏
You are an inspection mate god bless you. Sorry for your loss. Chin up pal much love ❤ xx
🙏
All the best, to you. Enjoying every day is just what, you must, do. Open your heart, and live, your best life, and be thankful.❤
🙏
Thanks Dave. God be with you always. Peace and love to you.
🙏
You have done extraordinary good that paint job, I've been trying to paint my boat for the last 3vyears, and not finished yet 😅 take care 🛥️
What a wonderful relative to buy you this narrow boat. I hope you continue to love narrowboating
Enjoyed your presentation and you story. Thank you. I am 85 and am happy to see contemporaries doing well!
Thank you sir for your powerful witness! Good things can happen after a loss..
That was a beautiful story thankyou for sharing it ,very happy you found peace.
his vlogs are fantastic on youtube. beautiful photography of nature
For sure, Dave is very talented! Thanks for checking out the video :)
you are so blessed Dave 😊
🙏
RIP your wife, sorry for your lose:-( She will be proud of what you have achieved plus given back to us all! Thank you Xx
🙏
A lovely way to spend your life - he is blessed
I just found this again and am finally watching it clear through and just now jumped back and subscribed to his channel!!❤️omg in Ohio we had the Ohio Erie canals back in the 1800s which a lot of it is gone but some spots you can still see ❤️this would of been so cool here in Ohio to do!!! Omg!!❤️totally envious! God bless ya brother!❤️
🙏
We felt the presence of your wife with you, so rest assured you are not alone. We are watching from Australia, we love your boat too. Nice Green. God Bless you Dave
Beautiful video, I'm 60 and have very little possessions (used to have a ton many years ago!, now I don't own my own home, I live in a shared house etc, never been happier) it is sooooooo liberating, and I don't miss those things, nor the headache and responsibility/upkeep. I actually think that for some of us, having a lot of 'stuff' can clutter our lives (and minds) in so many ways. Very happy for Dave. One of the best comments I ever read was in a book (it's called the Multi-Hyphen Method) and in it the author said something like "designing a life that works for you" - I love that sentence so much. We're brainwashed in society to have a house, a car, a job, kids, stuff, go on holidays yada yada yada, yet for many, that isn't what life is all about and isn't 'enough'. Dave is the epitome of that phrase I mention - he has designed a live that works for him. It's not for everybody, but it's perfect for him and I'm sure many envy him for that freedom. Best wishes to Dave and to you all!
Thank you Dave, your such an inspiration
Thank you 🙏
I'm so happy for those who have found the ability to heal by immersing themselves in the magical powers of the natural world.
It also helped that the boat was purchased for him by a rich family member. He was couch surfing (homeless) before that. Its not like we can just 'go to nature' and quit our jobs and heal that way. I know I sound jealous but I can't help but think its a little less inspiring.
@@placeholdermcgavinport5343
Wow, the fifth negative comment of yours now.
I guess you found the inspiration…. to be a tool.
Thank you!! A gorgeous way of life and such a lovely man 🌱🌷💚
Sooo inspiring 🥰🙌
Hi Anne how are you doing today
Good on you mate
That’s the life right there. Glad you found peace in your life❤
Sincere condolences and compliments. You moved on well and with strength. May you continue to enjoy and remain healthy.
🙏
Would love to live on a boat, my absolute dream. Total respect to the family member who gave this fella the money to buy a boat. Saved his life from depression. Respect 🫡
I am so sorry that you have to go through that depression and losing the love of your life, and I just wanna tell you how inspirational you are and that I'm loving your way of living 😍
Lovely...
Thanks 😊
Merci Dave pour ces superbes images et l'exemple de sérénité. La vie à bord de votre narrow boat ne doit pas être facile tous les jours, mais vous l'acceptez avec beaucoup de calme. Faites nous encore beaucoup de belles images. Faites de beaux voyages. 😊
🙏 Thank you 🙏
🙏
I like your lifestyle sir, you are indeed a peaceful man.
Wonderful for you to have found peace on the waterways Dave. I hope to being doing the same in a few years. All the best!
Blessings to you, and to the family member that helped you. All the best to you.
Thank goodness that you can enjoy the affirmations of the many people who watch 😊
What a wonderful relative you have to help you in this way.
Wow, I can't believe how much your story moved me. IAM 53 with heart problems and also have bad thoughts every day . IAM homeless because I can't work but most of all I have no peace or happiness. You gave me some hope watching your video. If you know anyone that will donate a old Van to live in and give me a purpose to something with the time I have left. You are a great person and I feel like we have the same soul. Bless you my friend 🙏 and thank you for getting me though another day
What area are you in ? Jittery?
Beautiful human on a beautiful boat living a beautiful lifestyle! It's definitely not for everyone but I imagine all the maintenance and running around helps keep you vibrant and healthy! Great video :)
first thing that comes to mind, your life is peaceful and calm. in america we do van-life which has its benefits but id love to wake up one cool morning with a cuppa hot and watch canal life slowly wake up. very nice video and wishing you all the best
Dave, you are living one of my dreams, even though I am far away in South Africa, where we have no canals. I am inspired when I watch how you rebuilt your life. I have also re-invented my life in the 30 years I have been living alone. I will look up your vlog as I am planning on starting a RUclips channel . I have positive and adventurous things to share. Keep well and keep enjoying your special life Regards Denise
🙏 Go with the flow!
I really hope your dreams and aspirations happen for you you sound positive which is a super thing to be ❤
Beautiful boat. i enjoyed .
I love Dave’s longboat story and the life journey and happiness it seems to bring him. I thank you for your story!! 💞💖💕💞💖💕
This was a really wonderful episode. Thank you for sharing with us. Loved it.
Hi my friend how are you doing today 😊❤
I was emotional from the first few seconds of this video.. then you sharing your story your heart.. really did it to me..
🙏
Dave
Great account of narrowboat living. The boat is gorgeous. Your decorating skills are a great part of that. Well done, love it!
Thank you 🙏
Wow, came through a lot and battled your own health after your loss. All the best with your future journeys on the wee boat you've poured your heart and soul in to.
Thank you for your kind words 🙏 Dave
So glad to hear and lovely to see.
I am so happy for this man. Its a nice and cozy boat❤
Nice that a family member helped him. It's so cosy inside. Thanks for sharing 👍🏼 I will definitely follow Dave on RUclips.
Hi garden where are you from?
Thankyou Dave for sharing your story. Living a more simplistic life is good for the soul.
In a world of
consumerism and dictatorship its good to know that some people can break free and live a more conscious life. So glad you found that freedom. 💚
Thank you Sheila
Oh Dave. What a touching story. Beautiful boat for a beautiful person.