A Brilliant Birthday

Monday 28^th August 2017

Henley to Medmenham Meadows

4.25 miles, 1 lock

What a fantastis day yet again - brilliant sunshine, no wind - just glorious.  First the mundane tasks that have to be done plus a trip to Tesco which is an easy walk from where we were moored - well easy when you have nothing to carry but empty bags, but not so good with two full rucksacks and 4 shopping bags!  We cheated and got a taxi to take us back to the end of Mill Lane which was only around 100 yards from the boat.  Chris walked Monty whilst I stowed the shopping away and then we were off.  A very short trip today, but oh what a wonderful one - the weather could not have been better and Henley is so visually attractive that for the most part I am just going to let the photos tell the tale.

I dread to think what the fees are per week in this retirement complex of  'close care apartments and nursing home'!

 

I wonder what state the boat was in that hit this very substantial bridge!?

   Henley Reach looking ahead

and behind

Dedicated boat cleaning!

A border collie in boots

I cannot imagine the noise that would emanate from Monty if we tried this with him

 First indications that things might be busy at the lock

They were

 With more coming up behind us

We waited around 20 minutes when all ahead of us started to go into the lock - we really thought we would not make it, but the lock is very large and to our surprise we squeezed in at the back - as we had never had room to moor whilst we waited we missed an ice cream opportunity!

We were quite quickly down and on our way behind the three large cruisers and three smaller ones we had shared the lock with

The queue to go up was no smaller - a very busy day.

With yet more steaming up to join the queue

And here was our target

Friends George and Carol on their fabulous widebeam boat 'Still Rockin'.

George moved out, so we could go on the inside - easier for Monty and also they were going to be leaving early the next day.

And what a mooring this is - with a 'garden' so big it must be every dogs dream.

Even if you do have to share it with the neighbours

We had an afternoon of tea and chat on the back of Still Rockin' - Monty made good use of the extra space and made himself at home

It is a very comfortable space - we can see the attraction of a much larger boat.

 There was a constant stream of boats going both ways, but only one of these

With such an appropriate number plate

Then it was down to the serious business of a barbecue - Monty kept an eye on the sheep, but I am glad to say he was content to just watch until they came that bit too close when he did get up to move them along, but one blast on the whistle and he came straight back.

One has to have some bubbly on a birthday!!

We ate on the back deck of Still Rockin' and spent a wonderful evening together - good food, great friends with lots of talk on a warm summer's evening - what more could you want.

We moved inside for coffee and Monty was allowed to make himself at home - it is a little out of focus, but it is the only one I got.

Thank you both for your hospitality - I hope we meet up again one day.  Safe travels to you both.

 George and Carol ready to leave early on Tuesday morning.

Snapping you snapping me!

Farewell