The mooring here at Remenham Farm is really nice, so we decided we’d stay today. Also, we have plenty of time in hand, as the low water levels on the Upper Thames probably mean we won’t be going beyond Oxford on this trip — and if the canals are also drying up, the next stage of our planned trip is also in doubt. This morning Macc and I walked back to Hambledon Lock, passing the Lockdown Lodge, a pop up bar and restaurant.
Last night there were a lot of people along there. We noticed that their website has menus, but none of them have any prices which is always a worrying sign. Talking of food, yesterday evening also saw this floating dinner party come past.
Macc really wouldn’t settle for a morning nap today, so I ended up taking him for another walk. We went towards Henley this time, past Temple Island.
The river was incredibly busy, with a whole stream of boats in each direction. There was everything from rowers, little hired motor boats, cruisers, and narrowboats.
The Regatta course is still in place, with posts and rails all down the reach. It means there’s a one way system in operation. We went to have a look at the tiny village of Remenham, which in spite of having very few houses has a village hall and a church.
Since this morning, Macc had been licking one of his paws again. We had a close look, and found a grass seed in one of his paws, which we were able to get out. It hadn’t affected his walking, but maybe explained why he wasn’t going to sleep for his naps. Across the river from us is Greenlands, a hotel and venue that’s part of Henley Business School. It looked lovely when we went past this morning.
There’s a big marquee in the grounds, and during the morning we could hear a band rehearsing. This afternoon, the big trip boat brought a large number of wedding guests up — and then there was a launch with the bride and groom.
Since then, soft jazz versions of pop classics have been wafting across the river. We’re wondering how rowdy the later part of the reception is going to be! A bit later the New Orleans paddle steamer came by, with a different wedding party on board. Hobbs of Henley, the big boat company round here, must be raking it in today.
0 miles, 0 locks. (33 miles, 13 locks)