August 2026 - ..... and it's goodbye from Mary H

So, this is a very sad post as it is the last one from Mary H.  Two years ago, we bought a motorhome so that we could explore Europe, but this has meant that Mary H, until we went out three weeks ago, hadn't been out of the marina since August last year.  There are other reasons for parting company with our dear Mary H, one being that my back is struggling and Richard's knees are getting more and more painful and locking isn't good for him.  Also, for some reason, Rio isn't enjoying himself this year while the boat is moving.  It's his third summer but, we can tell by his reluctance to get on the boat that he really doesn't want to be onboard.  However, he loves it after we have moored up!  There are still other reasons but I won't go into them as I don't want to bore you!
 
We have loved having Mary H.  I met Richard in April 2009 and he had bought the boat in December 2008 and between us we made her our floating holiday home and she is perfect for us.
 
In May 2010 Richard retired and as I was working remotely, we took off for three months, going down from Bugbrooke on the Grand Union into London to Limehouse Basin.  It was then up the tidal River Thames (I hasten to add that we were both experienced narrowboaters before we met!) to Lechlade, before heading back to Reading and going down the K & A to Bristol, before wintering at Newbury.  This was then how our summers went until gradually the time away got less and less as there were other things taking up our time (grandchildren being one).  But we went as far north as Tewitfield on the Lancaster Canal and York on the River Aire.  West to Boston on the River Witham.  East to Llangollen and then south to Bristol and Farncombe on the River Wey.  We navigated the tidal River Ribble, River Trent and River Seven as well as the River Thames, twice.  We never made crossing the Wash, which was always on my bucket list, maybe one day we will be able to hitch a ride with someone!  We have done 7520 miles and 4802 locks.
 
But it's time to move on and explore more of Europe.  In two years, we have been to nine countries and covered 1400 miles, but no locks, only tunnels and ferries!  Next year we will be exploring Croatia, Slovenia and Bosnia, as well as France, Spain and Portugal.  We are also going to tour Scotland which will include 10 days on the Caledonian Canal with Steve and Tracey.  We have got plans right up to and including 2028!
 
It's been lovely having you onboard my blog which really started out as a means of letting my late mother know where we were and what we were up to!  Our motorhome, Kiwi, has her own blog, Kiwi on the Road - Our Motorhome Adventures so why don't you join us over there and see where we get to? 
 
Thank you for reading.