African Queen Blog

Mollie booked the ‘Honeymoon Suite’ & the ‘Twin En-suite Cabin’ on the African Queen to celebrate her seventieth birthday. It was a complete surprise ……….. ‘her family had no idea where they were going until they arrived at the double gates with the ‘African Queen’ sign. It’s February 10th 2012 ……. the weather is ‘FREEZING’,  Mollie’s two daughters Helen & Claire looked at each other in wonderment, ……. why would their Mother want to celebrate her birthday, on a barge,  during the winter ??????????   BRRRRRRRRRR

Nice & Warm on the African Queen …….. Minus Twelve Outside!!

Mollie’s husband Anthony was an ‘Officer in the Royal Navy’ for years.

Alison & Clive also joined us on the February 10th cruise. Clive Bought Alison a ‘Fresh Weekends Gift Voucher’ for a Christmas present, which entitled them to one night B&B on the African Queen. Alison & Clive upgraded their ‘Gift Voucher’ to a Weekend Break!! 

The ‘Alpacas’ in a nearby field ……… all huddled together.

Andy had to smash the ice at ‘Whitchurch Lock’ to get the doors to open.

The scenery was beautiful ……. in spite of the cold weather.

A blanket of snow covered the ground.

Gatehampton Bridge

Looks a bit like  ‘Stalactites’

Anthony with daughter Claire on deck.

We passed this ‘Summer House’ jutting out into the river, on the way to Goring.

Beautiful Scenery.

Rumour is …….. this is one of Geri Halliwell’s  houses ??

The African Queen in Goring.

When in Goring, everybody goes ashore,  there are several delightful pubs, a very pretty little English Town

Clive & Alison disembarking the African Queen

Mollie with her husband Anthony & their daughters Helen & Claire.

We passed the Alpacas on our return journey.

Mollie …….. with her family

Clive & Alison came from Suffolk. They have two sons, one daughter, & a three year old Grandson.

Sitting Down to Saturday Night’s Dinner.

Surprise ………… Mollie’s & Her Birthday Cake.

WOW …….. do I have to blow out all those candles ?????

Happy Birthday To You , Happy Birthday To You, Happy Birthday Dear Mollie, Happy Birthday To YOU.

Mollie you look so GOOD for your years!

Happiness is ……….

Sunday Morning ……… no change in the weather!!

Mapledurham Lock, completely FROZEN

No swimming for the ducks today??

Anthony & Claire braving the weather.

The African Queen was here!!

The African Queen Breaking Through The Ice.

She Made It!!

MapleDurham Lock

The doors are open & we are finely on our way.

Mollie’s Birthday Present,  from Helen & Claire is a picture of their four Grandchildren. Helen has two boys, Samuel & Oliver and Claire has a girl & a boy Thomas & Katie. 

Andy & I hope you all enjoyed your Winter Cruise on the African Queen. Have a safe journey home.