River Thames:Mill Meadows, Henley-on-Thames

Got all ready to go this morning, to be at the fuel pontoon at 9:00, office opening time.  This was an ideal opportunity to do a pump out and top up with diesel since I was within a stones throw of the pontoon.  It was a lovely quick pumpout machine.  One big gulp and it was all gone very quickly.  The final bill including the mooring, pumpout and diesel at £85.00 was £220.  I then set off to join the river again and continue the journey to Henley.   At Sonning Lock I joined another narrowboat.  They had stopped there to but a visitors’ licence having just come off the K&A.   I asked how far they had been and how was it?  “Awfull” came the reply.   The lock-keeper wanted me to put a stern line on, which is fine.  The centre rope is long enough to be able to handle both and it does guarantee that the stern wont blow out, especially with another boat in the lock.   So I will continue that practice.   Marsh Lock was on self service, and one boat on approach coming up, so we acted as lock-keepers for them.   I had my eye on a mooring at Mill Meadows.   Pat and I had stopped there before.   There were quite a few places and there are rings too, no no problem.   It was about 15 minutes walk into town from there.   Looks very touristy as you would expect.  The Regatta is next month and preparations will already be underway.