18 September 2019, Wednesday Day 17 Thames Path, Chertsey to Kingston on Thames, day 32 of travel. After buffet breakfast at The Crown Hotel, we set out. The book indicated a 12 mile day but Garmin showed 12.9 miles. As we approached the Chertsey Bridge Wendy had just emerged from The Bridge Hotel and saw us, so we were blessed with her company for the day. After crossing the bridge we walked along Dumsey Meadow. The plants, animals, birds and fish are detailed on signs. The landscape is now that of Thames watermeadows. Also saw 'oreo cows,' black front and back and white middle. Just past Shepperton Lock we took the small Shepperton to Weybridge ferry across to the opposite tow path much like the old barge tow people would do. But, we were in a ... read more

16 September 2019, Monday Day 15 on Thames Path, a rest day in Windsor and visit to the castle. Day 30 of travel. A new day dawns and it is a rest day--yah! For some reason we thought daily mileages were decreasing after Marlow; instead every day is longer than indicated in the national trails guide book. A nine mile day is thirteen, an eleven mile day turns in to a fourteen mile day--it is most distressing ?. And fatiguing. The night before, Julia had smoothed the ruffled feathers of four tired, frustrated travelers as they arrived at her door. She served tea in her lovely parlor, shared information of the area (important information such as, "Where is the nearest laundromat?") and sent us off to a local pub to get a "nutritional attitude adjustment." We ... read more

14 September 2019, Saturday Henley on Thames to Bisham Abbey National Sports Center day 13 Thames Path day 29 of travel Henley is a most beautiful village. Yesterday, when, with weary feet, we arrived at Marsh Lock, it was as if we had come upon Brigadoon. Marsh Lock is unusually situated in midstream and you reach it via a long, wooden causeway. Then one goes past a Georgian lock house, sporting hanging flower baskets, and then you go back to the bank again by a second causeway leading to pretty cottages at the foot of Mill Lane. A grand floral entry to a superb English village. - But now, after a welcome night at the Row Barge Pub, we saunter down West St., in the beautiful sun, enjoying the morning. It is difficult to imagine this ... read more

12 September 2019, Thursday Pangbourne to Reading, day 11 of Thames Path, day 27 of travel. -The Elephant Hotel had an old India decor and charm with a husband/wife team comprising a Romanian bar tender and Jamaican waiter. We sat at the classy table and chairs for dinner. Chairs are made of large rough old boards and have 6 feet high backs. Several photos are included of the hotel including the knit elephant adorning our bed. The table was used for the fruit and cereal buffet the next morning. -We have a delicious breakfast at The Elephant. By the time the specially ordered porridge arrives we have satiated ourselves with freshly made raspberry yoghurt, fresh fruit, and nuts and finished with lovely chocolate croissants. -Fueled for the day we set off for Reading--a techie, business park, ... read more

10 September 2019, Tuesday Abingdon to Wallingford day 10 on Thames Path, day 24 of travel. One misty, moisty morning When foggy was the weather We met with old friends Not dressed up in leather With apologies to this old nursery rhyme, we do join together for our morning walk. It is a very misty morning as we leave Cosenar's House for our 'daily constitution.' At Abington lock there is a demonstration of how the old wooden weir system worked on the locks. This we attempted to describe earlier when we talked to Steven, the lock keeper at Northmoor. The upper and lower weir paddles are shown and the bottom supports in the river bed. It takes a person in excellent shape to handle this system. The display, almost like an outdoor sculpture, was a tribute ... read more