Rain stops play

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Well, we're home. Got home last night having spent the most fantastic month afloat, but when the thunderstorms arrived on Sunday evening, we decided to call it a day. We felt no need to put ourselves through that experience again, having done it last year! And as we were already at Henley it was only a day's travel from there to Piccolo Mondo's home.

What a difference a year makes! We seem only to travel during record-breaking months... July 2012 the wettest for decades, July 2013 the hottest! But as last year, we're having very mixed feelings about being back.

The blog definitely took a backseat this year, sorry to those who expected more! It just didn't seem to fit in this time. But, just to bring everyone up to date and for my own records, here's a brief account of what we did after last blog from Weybridge on Sunday 21st...

Monday 22nd: After delicious breakfast in Weybridge, moved on to Laleham, a pretty village just outside Staines, stayed for two nights 'cos it was so nice. Still under the flight path, but apart from that, perfect. Must have been the hottest day so far... dripping by the time we arrived, so had to head straight for the local pub which was excellent. Only intended to have a drink, but ended up staying for meal, sharing table with our new friends David and Gilly on Otium, who we first met moored at Windsor all that time ago (well, a week maybe). The Captain was under some pressure though, as just next to our mooring there was THE MOST PERFECT boat for sale....I know I said Piccolo Mondo was perfect... but you know me! After returning from the local we had a viewing which was a mistake. Beautiful craft, couldn't stop thinking about it, but in the end common sense prevailed. Fresh air arrived in the night along with a couple of thunderstorms, always good value on the boat.

Wednesday 24th: Bade farewell to Davis and Gilly and continued upstream finally mooring at Boveney, again a perfect spot behind the lock under some trees (and under the flight path). There was even a toilet and shower available to use, although of course we had no need for the latter! Stopped off on the way at Runnymede for coffee and reading of the papers in the sun. Shelved the cultural bit of going to look at Magna Carta and JFK Memorial - too damn hot! Also stopped in Eton for a spot of lunch and think we spotted a TV personality... Neil Oliver from Coast. Obviously far too cool to seek confirmation! Experienced some excitement at Boveney when the cat from the narrow boat moored behind us escaped into the lock-keeper's house. Strong words were exchanged!

Thursday 25th: Moved on to moor just below Cliveden Reach, (Profumo affair etc.).Walked up to visit gardens where we had terrific views over the surrounding countryside and river, and then onwards to moor for the night at Cookham. Met up with Tom and Ally for meal and catch up at village pub.

Friday 26th: Continued onwards to Marlow where we met up with Lucy our lovely neighbour with her little boy Harry and baby Emily. Spent lovely afternoon in the park and then Pete joined us for meal in evening at the Marlow Donkey.

Saturday 27th: Another social engagement today, this time at Henley, where we were joined by Dianne, Rob, Julie and Ronnie, and the BEST picnic of the entire trip! Did some pootling with them up and down to demonstrate life aboard, and we even had a rainstorm thrown in to add to the authenticity! Finished off a great day with a meal in Henley in the evening.

Sunday 28th: Yet more visitors, this time Helen and Ben with Pheobe and Harriet. Spent a lovely afternoon picnicing between showers, and then witnessed Phoebe taking her first ride on a roundabout in the park. After they'd left we walked along the towpath to Marsh Lock and were back just before the heavens opened.

And then Monday 29th: decided to set off for home as forecast not good.

And the rest you know. Back on Terra Firma, still rocking occasionally. It was great to have so many friends and family visit us and to have met some lovely new friends along the way. What can next year bring?!

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Photos

Crew No. 2
What are you supposed to do with this??!!

Piccolo Mondo and Crew
sailing off into the sunset....

Comments

[Karen]

Welcome home, me hearties!
Looks like you've had another wonderful adventure. We'd have loved to have joined you at some point for a beer or two, but work (do you remember that word, you two?!) took over. Perhaps next year ... K & Rxx