What a difference from January 2014 to now. Then Marlow was under water.

We got collared for the mooring fee as we finished the BBQ by a chap who had been allowed to moor on the field. Only criteria, he had to collect the £6 from boaters every day. I estimated that last night the farmer must have made at least £66. Times that by 7 and he's into a good little money earner. Mind you these days the farmers need all the money they can get!

In the cold light of day the scratch didn't look so 'in your face' this morning so feeling much happier and hopefully over time it will blend in.

Ian's efforts last night paid off somewhat.

Hmmm. A trip hazard for the sheep!

A sort of selfie. Had to try out the new camera timer, now didn't I

Spun back round and headed downstream by 9am after another peaceful night on the river. Not far to go today and several places on the short list. Would have stayed in Marlow but the fee applied to both sides of the river and our Thames guide showed free moorings at Cookham. On the way we passed Marlow weir. Last time we saw the weir back in 2014 the river was in flood. Had posted pictures back then of several spots along the Thames all under water so if you fancy a look click here.

Marlow weir

At Marlow waiting for the lock

Found a great spot at Cookham above lock. We arrived by midday and a good job too. Now all available moorings taken up by the cruisers. Seems the further downstream we head the more of the Gin Palaces are on the go, all vieing for the best place to moor. I watched two boats race toward the only space left on the meadow. The downstream cruiser got there just before the upstream causing him to stop rather rapidly.

Near empty mooring when we arrived to......

You do an 'alf see some sights along this river. Not sure what this statue is all about but seen in the garden of one of the big houses in Cookham.

And the bullock enjoying a dip with the wildfowl.

Then there was these planes flying in formation. Would love to know if there was a air display going on around here.

We have just been asked for £6 mooring fee. Not a notice on the meadow anywhere other then one small sign apparently right by the lane. She said that we should have seen it. How, I wondered, when we haven't been anywhere near the lane!!! I did argue with her as the Thames guide book shows free moorings and also said that there should be clear signage for us to see. She got quite nasty in the end saying we must pay up or we were not welcome. We had no choice and paid the £6. Looks like all landowners including the councils south of Henley are just out to take your money. This has soured the last few days on this lovely river and am expecting more of the same the further toward Teddington we get.

Anyway rant over for now and here are my on route photos.

Apologies for the amount of Kingfisher photos I have posted over the weeks. There are so many whizzing past that I cant resist.

Late family

Dancing Mayflies

Kite