Sunday, 14 June 2009

River Thames


The Mill at Marlowe

A classic "slipper" launch - always immaculate

An 85 year old river-launch

The former home of the Astors

Our mooring tonight

Next to each lock, a weir. Big stuff

One of many beautiful boat-houses

From the architectural magazines a few years back
Moondaisy is having a lovely time on the Thames.
It's very well managed ( they have more money than British Waterways - plus they are professionals).
It is strange to be amongst rowing eights, sailing dinghies and launches instead of narrowboats !
The Henley Reach, where a lot of racing goes on, was like boating down a motorway.
We are moored tonight on an uninhabited island in the river, belonging to the National Trust. yes, they really still exist and very peaceful it is, too.

We have drifted for two days past some extraordinary houses, with boat-houses sheltering some beautiful river launches and other expensive toys. It does not, strangely, make me envious - just happy to see the best free show in town. (well, nearly free- a 15 day License is £95 and a mooring is around £5 a night if you have to pay - but well worth it.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

All we miss is Hercule Poirot! Looks delightful -nice to think that the Thames has kept all its upper-reaches charm.

We love the varnished mahogany slipper launches

Have fun!

Jim & Gjertrud