We are having such glorious weather and making the most of it! This is our last day on the first leg of the Thames before we turn off for the Kennet and Avon canal later today. I wandered around Henley first thing this morning ( had to get the paper and catch the Post Office) admiring the picturesque cottages and houses.
Henley frontage is so pretty and the river very busy with scullers training for the annual regatta.
Passed some really old boathouses which had been beautifully renovated but spotted this rather contempoary new build tucked in between them. Those of you who follow the Grand Designs TV programme might find this following bit interesting - apparently, they televised the rebuild of this old boathouse which was demolished and a new and very modern one was built in its place much to the disgust of the neighbours! We rather liked it.
Making the most of the expanse and spaciousness of the Thames.
Turning off the Thames at Reading and entering the Kennet and Avon........
........ and cruising through the shopping centre at Reading which was very built up.
We soon reached the outskirts and prettier views! The locks and gate paddles were different to those we have on the Grand Union and quite challenging at times........
....... this lock looks idyllic but had hidden challenges with no warnings! Although I only opened one paddle and very, very slowly that was still too much for our boat. The resultant turbulence caused NestaMay to be buffetted against the side of the lock and with an almighty bang hit it!!!! Only had a broken eggcup as a result though! We have never experienced that before and I couldn't close the paddle to stop the tremendous gush of water as it was stuck open! Still we learn from our experiences. Round the corner from this ......
.... a very welcome sight and well deserved drink It was now 8.15pm and we were tired. Tomorrow is another day and all that!
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