So much to see!

There was quite a lot of activity on the river past our mooring at Wargrave last evening.  Even though it was a bit wet, the party boats were in full swing……..

………this huge replica paddle steamer “The New Orleans”, operating out of Henley, looked very dramatic.

This state of the art party cruiser “The Waterman” also looked great.

This morning we left our mooring in bright sunshine at 9 o’ clock, with the forecast not looking too good for later in the day.  There is so much to see on the Thames as we get nearer to London – we’ve taken a great many photos of all sorts of things – here is just a selection of what we’re experiencing and seeing.

We’re never too far away from great wealth, wherever we look.  This is a modest new home for someone – maybe even a week end retreat!  There’s even a classic Thames “Slipper Launch” in the boathouse.

Homes can get very grand………

…….. and sometimes they can be quite cute!

We were soon at Henley-on-Thames where we stopped briefly and walked into town for a paper.  After the bridge the waterfront is really very impressive.

A pensive looking steerer as we leave Henley, and its lovely atmosphere behind……..

……. and then we enter the mile long straight where Henley Regatta will take place in a few weeks time. The lanes are already staked out and the marquees are beginning to take their places.

After the straight, we pass the beautifully kept Temple Island before heading back out into the glorious countryside.

We had a great treat as we left Henley – this Lancaster Bomber flew over us.

This must be the most over the top boathouse on the whole of the river!  It needs a bit of TLC though!

We never cease to wonder at who lives in these places!

We had another treat further down the river – a close encounter with a Slipper Launch.  They are always kept in immaculate order by their owners.

After passing through Marsh Lock, and Hambledon Lock we decided to moor up just below Hurley Lock (oh, the luxury of having them all done for us).  After securing ‘Chance’, and putting the anchor down) we had a walk around the delightfully pretty Hurley village before getting back on board for a, much looked forward to, Gin and Tonic.  We were just dosing off when there was a  knock on the side of the boat – the land owner had come for his money!  It was only £5 but the usual is £8/10. (£15 if they think they can get it!) 

The rain came, as expected, about 4 o’ clock but we lit the stove by then and we’re enjoying a relaxing evening.  There’s not as much ‘traffic’ around for a Sunday as we thought there might be – there seem to be as many canoes as boats!