African Queen Blog

Winter ‘Weekend Cruise’ aboard the African Queen on the 9th – 11th December. Earlier that same week there were 55 mile an hour winds, some trees had been uprooted in the area,  I was praying the weather would improve,  since we had had a bad experience on the African Queen in strong winds before. My prayers were answered. Friday dawned ……….. the air was crisp and clear with bright sunshine & not a breath of wind.

Ken & Judith came by train & were met by our usual taxi driver Chris. I think it’s comforting to know there is a taxi to meet you on the other end, it takes the stress out of traveling.

Dawn & Paul came all the way from Portugal. 

Jennifer booked the African Queen to celebrate Pieter’s 65th birthday, his birthday was on Friday the 9th of December

I served a three course Cape Malay menu on Friday night. 

After we had served the Starter & the Main Course we brought out Pierter’s Cake

We all sang ‘Happy Birthday’ & ‘For He’s A Jolly Good Fellow’ together with a CD

Pieter blowing out his candles

The view from the African Queen on Saturday morning

 The Thames River on Saturday morning

Breakfast is always served at 9:00am 

We past this Heron on our way to Goring.

At the start of the cruise, these three men were the only ones to brave the weather on the deck

The sign welcoming us to Whitchurch Lock.

We pass many beautiful riverside properties on our way to Goring, I am always fascinated by this ‘Summer House’ elevated over the river.

Goring Lock

If you look carefully you will spot another Heron

Ken & Judith enjoying a cup of coffee

Shaun & Sarah braving the weather,  they were the youngest couple on board

Cruising down the river Thames

African Queen in Whitchurch Lock

Dawn & Paul

Shaun & Sarah

Gatehampton Bridge which was designed by Brunel

Going under Gatehampton Bridge

Goring Lock

This was the sunset on our way back to Mapledurham

Another three course dinner on Saturday night

Sitting down for dinner on Saturday night

We celebrated Shaun’s Birthday on Saturday night, since he was turning 29 on Sunday.

Shaun looking at his cake. 

Shaun blowing out his candles

He even managed to blow out the Magic Candles

The evening was ended with ‘Dom Pedros’ a South African Dessert

The following morning after breakfast we cruised downstream through Mapledurham Lock

We wish everybody a safe journey home & thank you to those who chose the African Queen to celebrate their birthdays.