Success in Henley

Sunday 27^th August 2017

Sonning Lock to Henley

6.25 miles, 2 locks

Today is another glorious one.  An early morning walk was on the cards for Monty before we set off to the first lock at Shiplake where we availed ourselves of the services before going into the lock.  The journey was glorious and at both locks we went straight in.  Even better we were able to secure a mooring in Henley in some shade not far from the lock, so we are away from most of the action.

We travelled this way two years ago with nb Cleddau in torrential rain. I checked the blog last night and the pictures were awful due to the weather conditions, so I probably should have taken a few today, but Chris's camera ran out of battery and the spare was also discharged and I am not that good with a phone, so there is no evidence of today's route.

When we arrived we did a few domestics and took Monty for a short stroll and game of ball - it is too hot for much else before we headed along the mile walk into town to Waitrose.  On our way we met a group of people walking the Thames Path with a 'casualty' on a stretcher in aid of  the Lance Corporal Ben Hyde Memorial Trust.  It was founded in March 2005 in memory of Ben who was one of the six Military Policemen killed on 24 June 2003 in Southern Iraq.  They had stopped for a well needed and much needed ice cream.

The nearer you get to the town the busier it is - we both felt it had a sea side air about it.I am glad for businesses up and down the land who rely on good Bank Holiday weather to swell their coffers.  Everyone round here is doing a roaring trade.

We stopped on the way to Waitrose at The Catherine Wheel which is a Weatherspoons pub. Historically we have avoided these establishments as we had one in Horsham that was not that good, so it put us off.  We know a lot of boaters swear by them, so we decided to give them a try for a light lunch - it is too hot for a roast.  The verdict - we were both incredibly impressed.  Despite being very busy the food arrived quickly, was excellent and the service was first rate.  To cap it all the price was pretty good.

After lunch we collected my camera and a few other bits from Waitrose before heading the mile back to the boat.  

So was the camera there?  Yes it was and is up and running and here is the proof - our mooring and views from the side hatch.

It has been a pleasure to sit here and watch people having such fun 'messing about' on the river. I think this is the weirdest craft we have seen today.

It is now 18:30 and boats are still plying up and down to the lock.  The lock keepers go off duty about now, so it will be interesting to see how long the traffic keeps going.

And out on the park - well there are still loads of people with at least one BBQ going on - we hope they don't set light to anyone and are quite glad we have not been invited!  However, any self-respecting mosquitoes will stay far away.

And tomorrow - well, perfect timing for once.  It is my birthday and we are going to be moored up with Carol and George on Still Rockin' at Medmenham Meadows where we are going to be treated to a 'George' BBQ.  We are looking forward to seeing them again.

Postscript - at 19:30 the boats are still queuing for the lock!