Eloise

Yes haggis, that seems to be what happened, from various reports by locals, The elderly couple apparently decided to reverse through the lock, so the boat was actually heading up, but backwards.

Lock 4, so Derbyshire. Will update if I find out what's happened.

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/notice/9650/weston-lock

I pay less than this for a Mercia mooring, and I can't see how security could be improved, except perhaps if a barrier were added to leave the marina.

There's no vendetta. I'm just concerned that the boat owners stated quite clearly that there have been no arrests, so this remains an unsolved crime.

I've held off from posting here, but have followed this from the start. Since C and G have stated clearly that their boat was found without anyone on board, and that no arrests have been made, why are we assuming that third party reports are more accurate?

I love all of these winter photos and now can't wait for snow. Might even get a sledge. I like the idea of a middle-aged woman sledging, like some kind of Beryl Cook painting.

Hi Mike On a boating holiday a couple of years ago, I met a lady in her eighties single-handing. She had sold up everything to live aboard, in her seventies! A real inspiration. I do have a couple of books (I have 'Going it Alone') and I've read the advice on this forum too. The photos are just breath-taking. Off to visit Mary-Jo now, to move her to her mooring spot! Everyone at Mercia has been really friendly and helpful.

I've just bought a boat and will be spending quite a bit of time on it. I was a bit apprehensive about starting out in the winter, but this advice is really useful and the photos have clinched it for me. I'll be at Mercia Marina initially so will have shore power, and the oil-filled radiator sounds like a good investment. I won't be able to go very far initially because of the stoppages, but I can practise single-handing a bit! Think I've decided that Christmas on board would actually be a great start to a boating life, even if I'm iced in.

No names were mentioned. I may have an announcement myself soon. Fingers crossed ...

Wow, this thread makes fantastic and useful reading. I've followed your story right from the start, and think it should all go in a book! Helpful and heartwarming - I've been astonished at all the assistance that's been offered, and the genuine community of boaters here. Even the grumpy ones. No, especially the grumpy ones. I think you might have become a Cut Character, Star! Hope to see you out there soon, cussing as you chase cats. Well done!