We love it when a plan comes together!

Ah! But what plan ....

leaving Thameside Prom

Leaving Thameside Promenade on the River Thames

First we had to set off - really early for us! John was on the tiller by 8.30am and we were leaving the Thameside Promenade above Caversham....

There were rowers and their coach to avoid

Rowers and coach

One crew woke me at 6am as they sped past, what dedication!. I wondered if they were practising for the Henley Regatta next weekend. If so I hope the early mornings are worth it.

Around Caversham there are Thames craft to admire and this sporty one took my fancy.

Sporty cruiser

Next we were admiring the houses below Mapledurham Lock. By the way, I was awake and dressed and at the back by now - I had to be there, was a lock ahead of us! The roses are out in the gardens adding a splash of colour on the banks. I think (!) I could just live here, but there would have to be a boat at the bottom of the garden:

House and roses

Modern house and roses

So we came to Mapledurham Lock - passing the church on our right. I really think that we should stop here one day and explore the Church, Mill and House. There are charged moorings above, £5/night (or day) and boats are allowed to stay two nights.

Mapledurham church

The church can be glimpsed through the trees

A narrowboat had just come through the lock, which was still saying "self service". So we pulled in to the pontoon and John went to open the gates.

Below Mapledurham Lock

Mapledurham Lock and weir

Just as he opened the gates, the Lock Keeper appeared and took over! He later apologised that he was late starting work - I said we would let him off, this time! I make no apology for putting up photos of the locks - again - as they are looking very pretty with all the flowers out. It was way back in the last days of April/start of May we were here: springtime. Now it is summertime, I think!

Mapledurham Lock opens

Mapledurham Lock top gates open

I am in a teasing mood, so I think I will stop here at Mapledurham, with us at the services, emptying the cassettes and throwing the rubbish away (no water hose, only containers allowed). I will tell you how our plan came together later .......

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