Sorry about the lack of blogging, the only excuse is nothing very much has happened since our last entry. Now we have a little tit bit for you.

This seems such a long time ago now, at Reading we arranged to meet R&J alongside the Tesco mooring. Rod and I shopped until we were on our knees and required to borrow a trolly/cart to transport said purchases to the boat. The boat sunk at least 2”in the water with all the wine and food. The mooring is never quiet at Tesco and it has deteriorated to such an extent that kids charge up and down the narrow walk ways on mini motorbikes. Too much for us oldies. So the idea was to head further down stream for some quiet time. However, we had to go further than we anticipated and moored opposite the really posh houses between Shiplake and Wargrave quite a bit later than planned so a very quick chat, drink and food and bed followed our late mooring. Bright and breezy for the next day we ambled down river to Henley. Had the usual mooch around and explore and ended up in a pub. Both parties spied and recognised an actor but can't think who he was. Tall blond and getting on a bit and appears in period drama. Thought Ann or Wendy would know who he was.

Further down stream we moored at Cookham, first time for us, pleasant enough moorings but not so easy to get off the boats due to the high bank. However, there are some better public moorings slightly down stream at Bell Pull Meadows. Thanks Reg for sharing your Bombay Gin during that very long happy hour. The weather was superb and continued the following day so as we approached Windsor we decided to lob into a well used mooring with the idea of having a bbq. R&J continued into Windsor to collect provisions plus D&S from Rhapsody in Blue. What a lovely evening! Continued until we could no longer see each others faces in the dark. Thanks again Reg for the Jamieson's 12 year old. My legs stopped working and broke my little toe again kicking an inert obstacle in the boat. You would think I would have learnt by now not to kick wood with bare feet! Must be a senior moment thing!

This mooring is where we again became hazy about our actions with Tim Bob last year. We drank to you Tim hope you are well wherever you are. (Spied Alexandra and still displaying a For Sale sign). The Olympic rowing lake was behind the hedge where we moored so we wondered across and had a nose. The junior rowing trials were about to start and we met up with some of the contestants. Quite an impressive venue. Saw an Olympic rower but again can't name him.

Time to say our goodbyes to our fellow boaters as they about turned and headed north. We were continuing onto Windsor with the idea of catching up with the family. We hosted a little picnic at the side of the boat on Sunday and had a thoroughly pleasant weekend. The kids tired us out and we slept like logs. I think they did as well. The Royals weren't in residence over the weekend due to Zara getting wed up in Scotland.

Further downstream we moored close to Penton Hook Lock to escape the heat of the day. The boat was in urgent need of a wash after being covered in tree pollen from Windsor. All we would have achieved was plenty of sizzling and steam had we washed it that afternoon so left it until early the next morning. Proud owners of a nice clean and gleaming boat we travelled down stream. Then we found a great spot which the yoghurt pots/tupperware (plastic boats) have kept secret from us tin slugs. Behind Desborough Island is an idyllic spot to moor, quiet with a wide area to sit and enjoy.

Kingston upon Thames was our next port of call and there is always plenty of mooring available by the town bridge. We enjoyed a visit to Kew Gardens when we decided to stay put because of the wet forecast. Yes it was wet but we escaped most of the heavy downpours diving into the various glass houses. Another visit to Tupperware Land behind Desborough Island put us in a good position to enter the Wey navigation early this morning. So far we are enjoying new territory. Weather still staying fine and sunny with the odd rogue shower.