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This afternoon, Jackie drove us around the forest.
On the outskirts of Brockenhurst a troop of cattle exercised their right to hold up the traffic.
Over Lymington River
a swing has been suspended from a tree bearing
a lengthy lichen-laden limb kept out of the water by a complicated system of rigging.
A pool is filling up on the other side of the road.
Wherever we go we are likely to see a crow perched high enough to explain the term ‘a crow’s nest’.
This one could observe ponies chomping whilst waiting for a bus.
I was just thinking how sleepy one of the animals looked, when it turned and yawned in my direction.
An isolated individual had no competition for the grazing on the other side of the road.
At East Boldre, the sight of the sun behind a tree mirrored in a pool,
encouraged us to return in time to watch the sun drop down below the horizon
and deepen the red, gold, and indigo hues above.
Ponies keeping the grass down here were oblivious of the beauty above.
This evening we dined on fishcakes, one Thai, and one parsley and cheese, served on a bed of onions, peppers, tomato, and garlic; with runner beans, carrots, and cauliflower. Jackie drank Hoegaarden, and I finished the Malbec.
54 responses to “Waiting For A Bus”
Brilliant!
Many thanks, Candy
I would be so tempted to explore the forst on foot or take one of the ponies on a gallop!!
Yes, GP. I tramped miles across it until a couple of years ago when the knees gave out. But you’d be lucky to get a gallop out of these sleepy creatures. Thanks a lot
Lovely Autumn sunsets.
Many thanks, Doodle
Stunning pictures! It’s been a blah day, and your pictures have brought it right again. Thanks a ton.
Sorry about your day, Paul. Glad to offer some compensation. Many thanks
Beautiful sunset pics!
Many thanks, Karen
Your photos seem to get more and more stunning. Wow. I love pretending I am actually there, seeing the sights, and then dining on Jackie’s cooking!
Very many thanks, Luanne
I do so love your New Forest. Still unsure why I haven’t come across such prolific animal life whenever I’ve driven through there myself. You obviously know the routes to take. You wax quite lyrical today, – I like the poetic alliteration of ‘a lengthy lichen-laden limb’.
Thanks a lot, Roland. We do know the likely spots, but it is often hit and miss. I’m glad you didn’t think that alliteration over the top 🙂
Lovely photo’s beautifully presented. I do believe you’re getting better with age; a bit like the Malbec if given the chance which it’s not! 🙂
🙂 Thanks a lot, Brian
Would have enjoyed experiencing that beauty of a sunset.
Thanks a lot, Pamela
Wow! Thanks for making my day, Derrick.
Thanks for saying so, Jill
There’s something in s forest sky that is timeless.
Yes. Thanks a lot, Geoff
What a beautiful drive! I love these trips you and Jackie take through the forest. Those sunsets of yours are spectacular!
That sleepy pony made me yawn.
Thank you very much, Lavinia. 🙂
Such a beautiful sunset! I also liked the reflection in the pool.
Thanks very much, Clare
I have a feeling the ponies are much more close to the secrets of Nature, of burnished gold sunsets, the burst of orange at the dawns, and the impalpable black of moonless nights. To them, humans are mere irritants like the flies that bug them. Those are great images of sunsets.
Very many thanks, Uma
Loved the horses waiting for the bus, ah, the pony express…..
Many thanks, Ivor
Beautiful colours in the sky.
x
Thanks very much, Melanie
Beautiful landscapes and a lovely sunset!
Thanks very much, Geetha
Most welcome Derrick 🙂
Oh, those horses! And beautiful sunset pictures.
Many thanks, Laurie
This is a delightful post seeing the ponies! What gorgeous colors!
Many thanks, Lynn
most welcome derrick
Splendid photos, Derrick. It’s always fun to see the cattle and horses. The moss covered branches are lovely, but that tree mirrored in the water with the sunset is breathtaking.
Very many thanks, Merril
I’m intrigued by the ponies. I take it they are wild? I wonder how they got there, i.e. did they escape from somewhere?
Thanks, Helen. The ponies are all owned by commoners who have ancient grazing rights. I have often featured explanations in earlier posts like this one: https://derrickjknight.com/2016/08/30/the-drift/
Thank you, Derrick!
Great photos again. 🙂
I adore your details, visual and written.
Many thanks, JoAnna. Lovely comment
The wandering cattle and ponies, oh and the donkeys also, is such a mystery to me. Some day I will go over there and see it for myself. But I don’t fly so they would have to knock me out to get me there.
Do the animals wander at night? I don’t see many street lamps about
Good final questions, Pleasant. They do wander at night. They need constantly to eat grass and suchlike. The forest is unlit. Even our local lane has only a couple of lamps set near bends. Some of the ponies wear luminous collars, but they are still difficult to see, sometimes with fatal consequences.
That is terrifying
Last death count read in October stood at 50+
Are the animals protected by law, or just tradition?
Drivers are legally bound to report accidents, but many ignore that.