Autumn Cruise - Day 14

It was very misty when we woke up this morning, so we had a relaxed start and set off at 9am, when visibility was a bit better.  Even so, it was very atmospheric with the mist rolling off the water and the sun trying to break through.

By the time we got to Marlow Lock the sun was out and the sky was blue.  Leaving the lock the scene was perfect,with the church and the bridge, and some lovely houses.

There are fantastic riverside houses all along the banks, and while Medmenham Abbey is notable there are plenty more along the same lines.

Temple Island marks the start of Henley Reach, where the regatta is held.  There were plenty of rowers out on the water, practising.

Henley Bridge has a couple of arches closed for work.  We weren't sure what they were doing, but each block of stone appears to have been numbered.

We moored for lunch at Henley, just along from the River and Rowing Museum, where the moorings are free between 10am and 3pm; overnight, it costs £9!  When we arrived at Marsh Lock, which has an elaborate network of footbridges over the weir streams, it was on self service.  The lock keeper arrived and took over once three boats were in the lock.

At Lower Shiplake, we spotted a house for sale.  At that price, we'd probably want more than three bedrooms!  Shiplake Lock is another pretty one.  Along the next reach, we spotted Derwent6 moored up, and slowed for a brief chat with Del and Al.  At Sonning Lock, Dogma was coming down.  We stopped just after the lock to buy ice creams from the tea garden.

We moored up just along from the lock and I went for a walk round Sonning, a very pretty village completely clogged by traffic, thanks to the one way Sonning Bridge.  The traffic lights stay red (or green) for ages, so plenty of cars jump the lights when they change.

17 miles, 7 locks.  (201 miles, 134 locks)