Saturday, 5 August 2017

Henley and Marlow




It was very nice, thank you, Mr Geller for allowing us moor at the bottom of your garden but its time for us to move on.


We have 'Alts'and Eyots' ( islands to you and me!!!)
to negotiate before we arrive at Henley.


Some may be cruised round either side but we stick to the main channel,wouldn't want to risk going aground.


Anyone for a life jacket!!!



Past and present flood defences.



This property featured in the programme Grand Designs.  The locals fought  against planning permission on the grounds of it was out of keeping with the area. 


Turning round to moor is a new concept....


and so is this!!!




Riverside at Henley



Beyond the iconic regatta Henley is a well heeled country market town.


£2.50 for water!!!


Happy Anniversary to these guys, 32 years married.


Moving on Hurley


Temple Island




More amazing properties.


Moored just beyond the lock at Hurley, a lovely spot, shame I had to hit the lemsips and rest.



Bisham Abbey, presented to Anne of Cleeves by Henry V111 by way of consolation for his decision to divorce her and now the National Sports Centre, where Trev went for his BAWA instructor qualification (weight- lifting)in his prison service days.


Riverside at Marlow.



So here we are tonight moored up opposite the boat that isn't a boat.
We have had a lovely day exploring Marlow, it lacks nothing in the Thames Valley's recurring theme of sophisticated shopping and the most up market charity shops, designer labels abound. The boys having a pint or two whilst us ladies had some retail therapy.

SCORES ON THE DOORS.

426 1/2 miles, 213 locks, 21 swing bridges ,5 tunnels



Tuesday, 1 August 2017

Sonning


This mornings view from the side hatch, the coot family enjoying a spot of porridge.


Goodbye Reading.


Interesting river side apartments.


Sokai calling for diesel at Better Boating...


A VERY good price...for the Thames!!!




So intrigued with this interesting little community we totally missed the moorings on the opposite side for Tesco....they were fully taken anyway!!!


The Kennet Mouth forms a misleadingly inauspicious beginning to the Kennet & Avon Canal.


Waiting for Sonning Lock to be set.


3 miles today....nearly lunchtime....


and The Great House looks so inviting.



and the food did not disappoint, neither did the espresso martini!!!


It has a holiday atmosphere, the staff are effortlessly welcoming and friendly, it is  reasonably priced and highly recommended.


Now for a stroll round the village....





The Parish Council building with its telephone box


On closer inspection it houses a defibrillator....what a good idea!!!




All in all a lovely village.


This house is owned by the very famous Uri Geller and for the princely sum of £10 we are allowed to moor at the bottom of his garden, the fees being donated to charity.


So £10 in envelope and posted through slot and that's us for tonight.


Love it!!!!


Will we make Henley tomorrow......who knows!!!!