Pangbourne to Henley on Thames - Day 7

 What a fabulous hotel we stayed in for our night in Pangbourne...The Elephant Hotel.  A hotel with a definate Indian theme but oozing charm at every corner.  The bar served a great G & T and the restaurant was fantastic...even Yorkshire Pudding!

The bar at the Elephant Hotel

 Second week on the new job for the recent retiree.

We started our hike today, just the five of us, heading out through fields alongside the Thames.  The clouds were threatening rain but we only experienced a few sprinkles in the morning.

 As we passed through one of the locks we saw this boat moored alongside the bank with a crest on it claiming to be the original African Queen!

As we made our way out of the rural areas and closer to the suburbs we walked by some beautiful gardens alongside the houses.

We soon reached the outskirts of the city of Reading, surprisingly, paired with the city of Dusseldorf!

Some old houses along banks of the Thames heading into Reading, this one with a massive boathouse underneath which housed more than a half dozen boats.

The Caversham bridge in Reading.

Four amigos briefly resting their weary feet along the Thames in Reading.  We walked along a well manicured parkway throughout the entire city.  Leaving town we walked past the new corporate research parks of Reading where companies like Oracle have built offices.

Unlike the four Amigos, I think the inhabitants of this Long Boat have been moored too long!

After leaving Reading behind we hiked further along the Thames to Sonning, where we stopped for lunch, then moved on towards Shiplake, the destination for our second planned pub stop for the day. Along the way we passed Shiplake College, another prestigous Boys school, complete with rowing docks, etc.

Glimpse of Shiplake College from the banks of the Thames.

Most of our gang leaning against a massive old tree at Shiplake.

As we approached Henley on Thames, the real estate started to enter a different league.  The picture below is the front yard of an estate owned by a wealthy Swiss who built a medium scale railroad around his entire estate, complete with small but authentic train station seen in the background.  Shortly after we passed his estate we heard the sounds of a polo match being played on the other side of the hedge.

The harbour area coming into Henley on Thames, site of the famous Regatta which took place just last week.  Elton John also made an appearance here last week and played at a local small theater.

This evening we were invited to the home of Helen and Julian, good friends of Pete and Shelagh, who had joined us previously on our walking days.  They live in a beautiful home set above the high street in Henley on Thames.  We were generously treated to local BBQ'ed sausages, an array of  delicious home made salads, drink specials al la Casa and the ever elusive English Trifle.  Cathy has been scouring the countryside for the perfect trifle (not only this walk but all previous walks) and she finally found it courtesy of Helen our hostess!  There was no sharing involved!!!!

Tomorrow we have planned a day of rest in Henley to shop, rest our weary feet and recharge for the final 5 days of the hike.  Stay tuned!