Jo_

I'd wonder why the seller would take £5k off (a big discount) for the sake of a couple of days and if the boat's a good 'un. Try offering a deposit and the discounted price subject to survey.

CRT "are aware" but say they have a lot of reports of trees down so not able to say when they'll go out. They don't say whether navigation is blocked, so any more precise information would be very welcome. There have been recent CRT notifications of trees down on Peak Forest and Caldon to add to GG's Oxford and T&M.

Yes, Leicester Line. 5/6 miles up from Crick area. We've a boat heading that way and a local boater says this ... ??Noone in the area to give more news?? I have asked CRT.

Today (Wednesday) pm .... Anyone know about a tree down across the canal near Bridge 28 (Elkington Bridge) on GU? We've been told by a boater in the area

Last four posts on individual spec preferences are really good to read and I found myself mentally ticking off the 'yep, got that' or 'hmmm' or 'nahhhh' as I went! Might be worth adding the length of your boats as well though, because that does affect choices for space use.

How lovely! What a joyous thing boating is. Lang may yer lum reek!

Have a great cruise. I look forward to keeping up with progress via your blog. xx

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/15724183?s=cF4AjIqs That says two bedrooms

Makes me feel ill. And all that dreamy music along with it as though this is a wonderful thing. It's just sad; "they" are wrecking one of the loveliest stretches and one of my very favourite locks with this awful development. I wrote and protested, even although I knew it would do no good.

Is it a six figure number and does it end with 118? Do you wear red and white striped old fashioned running outfits? Hmmmm?

Or get them both ......

I've voted yes (in the interests of a rounded and good discussion forum) but would want them in the VP (where I can avoid them easily should I choose to do so!)

What about getting involved with a canal restoration team (Wilts & Berks Canal Trust perhaps, if your "Caversham" location means you're round there. Or suss out the groups who are out and about on the canals through the Winter. A huge amount of amazing work is done and it will certainly get you out on a frosty morning! Go on a WRG Camp. Look at volunteering work on the CRT website. None of it boating, I know, but since the others have covered that bit, I thought I'd throw in the bankside possibilities.

Done

Have a look at Inkling (Aqua Narrowboats). Almost what you're saying. They had the bedroom then a walkthrough bathroom (not off corridor) then the saloon because it meant if there were family/guests in the sofabed in the saloon at the bow, both they and the owners could use the bathroom. It's a great boat.