Millionaire's Row and the Henley Regatta

On our way back to Henley we passed through Millionaire's Row.  Property is at a premium here and when you see these houses you will understand why it has this nickname.

But first we had to make a pit stop!  We stopped at Shiplake to get more water, empty the toilet cartridges (thank God Jane was in charge) and discard our garbage.  (That little cartridge is the toilet waste container!)

The cows were not particularly interested.

This gorgeous campground is located nearby.  It is an old fashioned camping ground with tents but regular beds in a luxury setting.

Now it's time to see the big bucks!!!

You get the idea!!!!

We cruised through Henley on our way to see the regatta course.  The Henley Regatta is a big social event and is being held next week.

The Regatta is just about ready to start.  The course is set up.  The viewing stands are in place.  The pavilion is ready and the rowers are all out practicing for the big week.

In the middle if the course lies Victoria's Folly, built for Queen Victoria who only stayed there one night!

On that note we bid Henley-on-Thames adieu. 

Next stop is Jacksonville and St. Augustine Beach, Florida, USA

We've been in England 7 weeks and it's time to go home.  But I will miss the swans.

We are Boat People.....Pangborne and Sonning

Okay, now we are officially boat people.  Having moored at Pangborne we explored the town.

Carolyn stopped at a salon to get her bangs cut.  When the lady found out she was from Florida she exclaimed "if you are from Florida, what the hell are you doing in Pangborne???"

Frankly, I had to agree with her but I was impressed with this beautiful meadow that bordered the Thames where people could walk their dogs or take watercraft lessons.

I was also liked the beauty of the adjoining riverfront homes.  (You know I love being by the water.)

We had a great dinner at the Swan.  It is also famous for being in the book, 3 Men in a Boat, which was a bestseller some years ago.  The three men took the same journey that we did and wrote about it.

After a few hours visit and overnight mooring we set sail for Sonning, our next stop on the way back to Henley.

Sonning is a picturesque little village on the border of the Berkshires and Oxfordshire.

We moored right next to the lock and Thames Path.  The lock is a beautiful little complex of buildings and the Thames Path is a popular walking path along the river.

The village itself is very small and very pretty and boasts a water wheel that runs all the power for a little group of buildings that date back to the Domesday Book!

Once again we had a few hours visit and set sail in the morning for Henley. (Wild swans were everywhere!)