Dinner finished, enjoying a small glass of Baileys to wash it down with and then a blast from a horn. Not just one blast but several. A glance out of the lounge window and a familiar face stared back at us. It was none other than Maffi with his friend Sue and Molly the ship's dog. Milly M was winded and brought in behind FS. After the meet and greet Maffi and Sue walked to The Bull in Sonning for a meal and we joined them later for a drink. Oh dear...to say we got a little drunk is an understatement. 3 bottles of red wine later, roughly a bottle each as Ian was on the beer, and several hours of chat and hilarity we all staggered back to our respective boats. How we managed to get on board and not fall in, well I have no idea as my memory is a little hazy. I do recall Maffi having to take several attempts to cross the boarding plank as Milly M's stern was well away from the bank. I think I would have remembered a splash had it occurred but for me getting to bed is a complete blur. But this morning surprise, surprise, no hangover. Unfortunately, I have no idea if Maffi and Sue felt any worse for wear as with no sign of life by 10 am, we sailed off into the distance and toward Sonning lock. If your reading this Maffi, sorry not to say farewell but we may see you on your travels as you head for Teddington later.
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| Sonning lock |
At Shiplake lock, I was kept entertained by a Siamese cat. Scratching away at that wooden protective side by the lock and at one point I thought it was about to squat and do its toilet into the river. Now that would have been a sight to see. (and one very clever cat)
Cruised towards Henley and only a few rowers about. Those that were on the water gave us a bit of a shock when they cut right across the bow of FS. GB on their shirts, was this the Olympic pair and coxless four practising?
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| Henley boat race course but now without those lane buoys. |
Our plan was to stop at the Westfield Farm moorings. A fee is required of £7 for 24 hours or part thereof. Spying what we thought to be the ideal spot, towards the bank we went only to discover at the last minute the bottom was too near the top. Bushes in front and to the back gave us a headache trying to get out again. I poled it from the back while Ian went up front but we still ended up deep inside the bush. More scratches on the paintwork!
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| Finally a mooring deep enough. |
Now we await the farmer to collect our money.
And on the journey
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| Fabulous big and expensive properties. |
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| Colours of Autumn |
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| Hmmm, do they know something we don't? |
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| See what I mean? |
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| Fun seating. |
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| Artist on the meadow. |
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| Mistletoe Pom Poms |
And seen on route.
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| Unknown duck. Thanks to Mark (Jennie's son) it's a male Widgeon. |
And in FS
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| Shield Bug |
8 comments:
Hi Irene, we're currently moored below Marlow lock so may see you today if you come this far. Tomorrow Lisa and David What a Lark will be with us and we'll be cruising upstream towards Henley so we may pass you on the way!
Oh no, Carol, we have already passed Marlow lock. I was below sorting out my Butternut squash soup and I don't think Ian would have realised it was you. We have moored by Cliveden House for the afternoon just for a visit and then hope to get on the island for tonight. Such a shame we missed each other but look out for Maffi as he is on his way downstream from Reading. Maybe next year we will get to say hello. Xxx
I have sent the 'unknown duck' to Mark - he is away on business at present, but I am sure he will get back to me in due course. Jennie
Thanks, Jennie, If anyone can identify it I know Mark can. xx
He says it is a male Wigeon. Jennie xx
Tell Mark thanks. Xxx
Hi Irene, you must have passed us when we walked into town early afternoon! Enjoy the remainder of your Thames cruising and yes hope to see you next year on this lovely river!
Thanks Carol, enjoy the rest of your cruise as well. Xx
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