This was only the second time we have visited a Caravan Club site in Tom and I have to say that I do like the general standard and layout of the site compared to the Camping Club. Likewise, the Camping Club advertises itself as "The Friendly Club", but after meeting a bunch of miserable gits and their Nazi leader from the Royal Bank of Scotland Caravan Club at Horsley the other month, and meeting so many really nice people at Henley, perhaps the opposite is true! One discussion sowed the seeds for a future trip to Lake Garda. Who knows, eh?
On Friday I drove down from Marquis in Northampton after Meggers kindly dropped me off there to collect Tom following some warranty snags (upgrade motor on step, upgrade aerial etc). It rained...and it rained some more. I met Debs at Henley station and it rained, so we repaired to the pub and had dinner and a few drinks until it stopped raining. Good job we didn't apply this principle all through the summer as we would be blimp sized alcoholics by now!
On Saturday, despite the useless weathermen predicting warm sunny weather, it was misty and dank so our plan to enjoy nature's autumnal raiment in all its glory was put on hold. We did a bit of Cackmas shopping and then, after lunch, we went for a walk along the Thames, then sought a pub showing the Quins game (no luck - who the hell wants to watch poofball on the telly. I thought that they may have more taste in Henley). We eventually arrived back at Tom absolutely knackered after hiking about 12 miles.
The weather remained much the same on Sunday, so after Sunday lunch in Wetherspoons (classy, I know), we pootled along the Thames the other way towards Shiplake and enjoyed looking at the rich people in their massive mansions by the River. We didn't go to the rowing museum as we are tight gits and they wanted to charge £8 a pop. Too much to look at a few old boats.
On Monday we had a pre-arranged visit to the Chiltern Valley Winery and Brewery (http://www.chilternvalley.co.uk/) courtesy of a Cackmas present from Andrew and Michele. It was a great day out. Very interesting and informative and there was plenty to taste. My views on English wine have changed somewhat (but why does it have to be so expensive). The liqueurs they produce are also to die for. In the evening we wandered into Henley to try and find a pub selling the CVW&B locally produced beer, but it would appear that Brakespears have a stranglehold on all the pubs, so no luck.
Tuesday saw us up early and back home whilst Debs worked on the way. The ol' big white mobile office is pretty effective (and gives her a golden excuse not to drive. One day I'll get her behind the wheel).
As for the site, it is ideally located close to Henley, but you really run the gauntlet walking into town as there is a narrow pavement and huge puddles. It is also very close to the road, so there is some noise, but we didn't really hear it as I had selected a pitch at the back of the site. Apart from that, the area has a lot to offer with lovely villages to explore. Perhaps on a summers day with Debs more confident on a bike....
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