At this time of the year, we try to get together with TheD for a joint birthday celebration. This year, she is half-way through her 184 mile Thames Path adventure.
MWNN and I have happy memories of eating at The Beetle and Wedge during our summer cruises. TheD, therefore booked in for an overnight stay, yesterday, and MWNN, S-I-L, and I joined her for dinner.
It was a very relaxed affair. The service was attentive and, while the food was not as we remembered it from the days Richard Smith was the Chef, we had a lovely meal.
Earlier in the day, I'd checked in at The Swan at Streatley ( a mere 2 miles from the B&W), where MWNN and Ron were to join me for the night.
We had a huge twin room with internal balcony overlooking a side stream of the Thames.
Breakfast was in the conservatory overlooking the Thames. The view from the table was inspiring.
After a very late breakfast this morning, we walked Ron around the hotel grounds. MWNN was waiting for Kevin from Autoglass to repair his windscreen which had cracked as he drove down the M1 on Monday afternoon.
TheD passed this spot before we were even out of bed.
The Thames Path cuts across the hotel's car park.
While we waited for the Autoglass man, we had tea and scones in The Boat House Deli and Cafe.
Then it was time for MWNN to take Ron and head for home, and me to head for The Thames Hotel, Maidenhead.
I'm looking forward to an Italian meal in the The Trevi Restaurant later.
Tomorrow is the penultimate day of this ultra of all ultras. I'll be at The Antoinette in Kingston upon Thames by lunchtime. It will take TheD a bit longer to arrive at her destination.
