Monday 30 July 2012

After a fantastic weekend ...

It was quite a late start for everyone on Saturday after staying up to watch the 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony ...
 ... but the hounds still needed to be walked in the afternoon ...







Coot and baby coot by Caversham Weir 





A Dunkirk boat 1940 moored on Christchurch Meadow





‘Our’ Molly is getting used to getting her feet wet ... but only her feet!



The view from Caversham Bridge on the way back to the boats ...





... where down below is a familiar sight but on the canals!











On Saturday evening the Del and Al (Derwent 6), Geoff and Mags (Seyella), Chas and Ann (Moore 2 Life) and George and I met on the towpath by Rock n Roll for drinks and nibbles. Del brought out his guitar and he and Al kept us entertained with songs that we could all join in with, several of which had been written by themselves, both lyrics and music - and another good time was had by all!

Photo ‘borrowed’ from Derwent6 blog.

Sunday morning Tom from NB Waiouru came to call and while he was chatting with George, Sheila and her husband (I’m really sorry, I’m hopeless with names) who have been reading our blog for years also made themselves known to me - it's really lovely to meet our readers and it was a shame that we had to cut the visits short as we were on our way to Tesco before the rain came.



Sunday evening we all spent time on Moore 2 Life for a few more bevies and nibbles as tomorrow we go our separate ways - another fantastic evening!

 Del and Al were the first to leave this morning ... they’re turning off the Thames onto the Kennet and Avon canal for a few days ... and will probably catch up with us after the weekend - see you soon guys!

 Next to pull the pins was Ann and Chas, they need to do a big shop at Tesco before carrying on and once that’s done will call us and we’ll then up sticks and drop down Caversham Lock to join them - we will continue down the Thames.

 Geoff and Mags next - we will surely miss them both and Megs as they are heading back upstream and off the River Thames.  Geoff is competing in the Great North Run in September (if you’ve not sponsored him yet (for Macmillan Cancer Support) the link is here.

 Cheerio you two ... take care of yourselves and each other - see you later in the year.





The sound of a saxaphone caught my attention as we waited for the call from Ann to say that her cupboards were now full ...  




... and now we’re on our way and the great mooring on the Thames Promenade is now empty - we shall definitely moor there again.




Approaching Caversham Bridge and we spy the ferry which transports pedestrians to and from Fry Island which has no other access but by water...






... and opposite are these very smart apartments overlooking the river






Passing the entrance to the Kennet and Avon Canal ... 




... and Moore 2 Life is now following us ...







The river traffic tends to get bigger as we continue downstream 
 Rock n Roll and Moore 2 Life waiting for Sonning Lock ...







... lovely gardens




This narrowboat approached Sonning road bridge from the wrong side of the river but fortunately George saw it in time and slowed down for him to come through.
 The New Orleans Paddle Steamer came by with live music playing ...








... and a real paddle wheel behind!







enjoying the sunshine





... lots of spectacular ... 





... property ...






... line the river in the Shiplake area ...






... this one with these unusual musical statues in the garden 
We’ve moored up in a cosy little hollow opposite Poplar Eyot and here comes Moore 2 Life who is now paired up with us ‘top-to-tail’ as it were!

I am shattered and I can feel an early night coming on - early start tomorrow - quite a long way to go.

1 comment:

  1. Jaqueline BiggsTuesday, 31 July, 2012

    Another post with great pics. You all look like you are having a glorious time--and the sunshine!! We haven't had enough up here to do much in--between the near constant rain showers!
    JaqXX

    ReplyDelete