19th Sept Thursday
On Tuesday, we moored at Sonning just before the lock in pouring rain. We went to meet Christabel in the lovely Bull Inn, a 'proper' pub, dark and cosy with low beams and shining brass. We have very fond memories of mooring here on the barge years ago (18?) in the summer on the field end downstream of the lock and bridge as this is a pretty stretch and a charming village. Then it was free, now it is £10 a night or £20 if you moor by the pub/restaurant by the bridge, however the latter is redeemable in the restaurant, which would sweeten the pill. Our mooring by the lock was 24hours free, thereafter £10 a night.
Christabel returned to the boat with us for dinner - very generously contributing a starter and a pud and a bottle of wine. I have since discovered a bar of chocolate too! Such tasty gifts and great to see her and catch up. She has plenty of information about this area as it is local to her home in Wargrave and was a favourite walking/cycling area of her's and Mike's. Needless to say we blathered all evening (hopefully not too much girly talk to bore Pete - he didn't complain) then walked her back through the damp churchyard to her car to see her off.
On Wednesday we continued to Henley and moored by the museum for £9 a night. This time Pete actually asked the warden what we get for that fee and he was noticeably sheepish when he replied 'a mooring and water point'. Mustn't keep going on about these fees but we are a bit miffed. Henley is posh and beautiful of course, but perhaps a fiver would be kinder, especially as it is now Autumn and not holiday season as such. Pint of brakspears helps of course.
Thursday morning after finding a market where I bought bread, fruit and a bargain foot-wiping mat for the bow, we set off for Marlow - teeming rain again. Moored up, went to pay and this time it was £11, so to make our tiny protest, we moved further up on to the muddy bank where there is no charge (along with 2 others similarly miffed). I suppose we will find this all the way especially in these classy Thames towns: a way of making money for their councils.
Wet ropes, wet trousers, but stove going so it doesn't matter and with the new mat, we aren't walking quite so much mud through! Result!
Sonning bridge- how are you supposed to post a letter there?!
Moor rules and regulations
Show off cormorant: see how long I can balance on this branch. (It was along time!)
Henley sunset, the rain has stopped.........
And the rowers come out to play
On Tuesday, we moored at Sonning just before the lock in pouring rain. We went to meet Christabel in the lovely Bull Inn, a 'proper' pub, dark and cosy with low beams and shining brass. We have very fond memories of mooring here on the barge years ago (18?) in the summer on the field end downstream of the lock and bridge as this is a pretty stretch and a charming village. Then it was free, now it is £10 a night or £20 if you moor by the pub/restaurant by the bridge, however the latter is redeemable in the restaurant, which would sweeten the pill. Our mooring by the lock was 24hours free, thereafter £10 a night.
Christabel returned to the boat with us for dinner - very generously contributing a starter and a pud and a bottle of wine. I have since discovered a bar of chocolate too! Such tasty gifts and great to see her and catch up. She has plenty of information about this area as it is local to her home in Wargrave and was a favourite walking/cycling area of her's and Mike's. Needless to say we blathered all evening (hopefully not too much girly talk to bore Pete - he didn't complain) then walked her back through the damp churchyard to her car to see her off.
On Wednesday we continued to Henley and moored by the museum for £9 a night. This time Pete actually asked the warden what we get for that fee and he was noticeably sheepish when he replied 'a mooring and water point'. Mustn't keep going on about these fees but we are a bit miffed. Henley is posh and beautiful of course, but perhaps a fiver would be kinder, especially as it is now Autumn and not holiday season as such. Pint of brakspears helps of course.
Thursday morning after finding a market where I bought bread, fruit and a bargain foot-wiping mat for the bow, we set off for Marlow - teeming rain again. Moored up, went to pay and this time it was £11, so to make our tiny protest, we moved further up on to the muddy bank where there is no charge (along with 2 others similarly miffed). I suppose we will find this all the way especially in these classy Thames towns: a way of making money for their councils.
Wet ropes, wet trousers, but stove going so it doesn't matter and with the new mat, we aren't walking quite so much mud through! Result!
Sonning bridge- how are you supposed to post a letter there?!
Moor rules and regulations
Show off cormorant: see how long I can balance on this branch. (It was along time!)
Henley sunset, the rain has stopped.........
And the rowers come out to play
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