Henley Royal Regatta 2012

I was lucky to visit Henley Royal Regatta on a sizzling hot humid day. In fact with the rules on gentlemen keeping their jackets on in the Stewards Enclosure it was possibly too hot!

I love spending the afternoon in the deckchairs watching the rowing. The races on Thursday were largely won by big margins, but I did manage to get a reasonable shot of Gonzaga College High School USA and Tabor Academy USA  battling it out to the finish line.

The New Orleans Paddle Steamer was taking regatta corporate guests up and down the river, although you always wonder just how interested corporate visitors are in watching the rowing?

Nature on The Thames is still an ever present during the regatta, but having to give way to the oars men and women.

The way information is relayed to spectators has changed little over the years, but it is the traditions of the regatta, which are maintained that make it so special still.

One of my photographic challenges this year was to try and capture a few more action shots and both the ladies and men came up trumps!

Aside from watching the rowing, myself and Michele had a wander along the Thames at lunchtime and then suring the afternoon tea interval we enjoyed a very welcoming and refreshing iced coffee. This year I tried out a new look with wearing glasses in public and also possible thoughts of growing my hair for the first time in a decade!

And finally a shot of the back of a deckchair insect 'n all :)