While we were in Henley on Thames we had some wonderful walks.
These canal boats were so interesting and varied. We liked this one since it was named “Katie”. We saw it putt away later in the day…
We had several fun encounters with these three ladies as we walked along the banks of the river.
You could really feel the inspiration behind The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame. We found the Wind in the Willows museum along this stretch of The River Thames along with a Rowing Museum and I’ll share the photos soon.
“This has been a wonderful day!” said he, as the rat shoved off and took to the sculls again. “Do you know, I’ve never been in a boat in all my life.”
“What?” cried the Rat, open mouthed: “Never been in a – you never-well, I-what have you been doing, then?”
“Is it so nice as all that?” asked the Mole shyly, though he was quite prepared to believe it as he leaned back in his seat and surveyed the cushions, the oars, the rowlocks, and all the fascinating fittings, and felt the boat sway lightly under him.
“Nice? It’s the only thing.” said the Water Rat solemnly, as he leaned forward for his stroke. “Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing – absolutely nothing- half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. Simply messing.”
The first time I read The Wind in the Willows was as an adult and just a few years ago. If you’ve never read it I would highly recommend it.
In the spirit of the tales in this book I will share the saga of the hotel we stayed in while in Henley-on-Thames in a future post. We only had one night in Henley and we were glad to check out of the hotel but we could have explored the lovely town for another day. Maybe in the future we’ll re-visit with a better choice of lodging.
Hope you all had a nice weekend. We did here at this old house.
The Happy Wonderer ~ ellen b. 
Beautiful series of photos, and your header is wonderful!
I continue to enjoy seeing all your wonderful travel photos!
Also, thank you so much for your sweet words of comfort you left on my blog! ♥
It does look as though you were in The Wind in the Willows country for sure. I just finished the second volume of the Eliot Family Trilogy by E. Goudge and The Wind in the Willows is mentioned quite frequently throughout it, as is messing about in boats.
Oh – I will have to show Miss Baby that “Wind in the Willows” photo you posted. She is actually reading that book right now, all by herself. We have a little bookworm at our house.
You really have me curious about that hotel. It expecting a really good horror story! 🙂 BTW…love your sunglasses. True confession…I have never read the Wind in the Willows. Maybe I should.
I’ve never read the Wind in the Willows. Beautiful photos! Love the picnic one too. Had to see if it was you, but alas… it was not!
I have read Wind in the Willows twice (both times as an adult), and I agree with you! It was delightful, funny, a beautifully written tale with characters that you come to love!
Beautiful setting, beautiful photos in this post today. Thanks for taking me on your walk! (I love being a vicarious traveler.) 🙂
Beautiful photos. Walking is the best way to see so much of a country. That quote of Rat’s is one that my husband takes to heart.
You can definitely see Wind in the Willows in these beautiful photos. I love to see the old barges. Very much part of my childhood, the memories of seeing them. Lovely post!
Looks so peaceful there. I’ve never read Wind in the Willows.
You really need to write a book on all of your fabulous travels and adventures! You have so many great pictures and stories to tell…I know a lot of people would love to read all about it!