This afternoon Jackie drove us to Beaulieu and back. We began at Hatchet Pond, so named because of its shape.
These first two photographs of and over Hatchet Pond have received no editing.
An about turn produced this one.
The recent, now ceased, rains have distributed various pools nearby.
Wandering donkeys did what donkeys do: chomped on thistles,
and prevented a driver from opening his boot to release his dappled collie. A certain amount of persuasion was required to allow the dog its freedom.
Becky and Ian took Scooby for a walk along the waterlogged track around the pond.
On her return Becky’s bag of poop scoop attracted the attention of a pair of swans who lurched along to engage her in conversation. Or perhaps they were just having a hissy-fit.
Each of these birds was tagged.
This birch, stripped of it leaves, embellished one skycape.
Others were enhanced by geese,
or gulls.
Beaulieu Abbey was nicely silhouetted.
In the village’s main street are a number of interesting terraces with long chimneys;
one group of dwellings has fascinating herringbone brickwork.
We payed a visit Steff’s Kitchen in Fairweather’s Garden Centre, where the others enjoyed superb flapjacks and cappuccino’s. My salad lunch had rendered me incapable, but I kept them company.
This evening we dined on Jackie’s scrumptious cottage pie, mashed carrots and swede, crisp cauliflower, and green beans.
P.S. See my reply below to Timi at Lively Twist. She has pointed out a disgraceful omission 🙂
Beautiful photos! I particularly love the animals ones, as you might expect. They made me “homesick” for seeing some different types of animals than I normally encounter.
Many thanks, Luanne
A very nice day, it looks like. The picture of Becky on the wet trail is particularly nice and I really liked the tumbling birds and the abbey.
Many thanks, Lisa
The first two photographs are absolutely stunning.
Are the donkeys feral and roam the country side?
Thank you, Jarrod. The donkeys are all owned by commoners who have the right to allow them to roam the New Forest
There’s some great photos in this post Derrick – the sky looks unusually blue in some. So nice to see donkeys wandering about again!
Thank you, Pauline
As Jarrod said, the first two photographs are absolutely stunning. But, I always enjoy your little trips, Derrick. I like the way you present them.
Thank you, Monica
Since I usually do a lot of cropping on my photos, I know the feeling of looking at a photo and deciding that it’s good just the way it is. Great photos, thanks for sharing. 🙂
Many thanks, Johnna
The photos are stunning. Beautifully presented, as ever.
Many thanks, Ian
A beautiful way to bring in the New Year ~ great series of photos. Cheers to a great 2016.
Thank you, Dalo
Gorgeous photos, and you have made me want a donkey.
Thank you, Bianca. They roam freely here in the New Forest
I love the old terraces and the herringbone brick work.
Me too, John. Thanks
The photos are stunning, Derrick. The wandering donkey eating thistle made me smile.
Thank you, jill
Your photos are stunning!
Thank you, A Marie
Ah Hatchett Pond. Dad drove past it every day and one summer in the 70s told of a naked man dancing around it. We weren’t sure whether to believe him but Beaulieu was always an odd place. I suppose the then Lord Montagu and his bizarre boyfriends added to the gaiety of nations as it were.
There seems to be quite a story to this place! 🙂
Thank you, Geoff. I’ve taken some lovely sunsets driving past, but never gone down there before.
My parents in law fished there regularly on their holidays and loved the spot.
Lovely photos. I thought the sky photos with the geese were stunning, and I also liked the birch very much. The donkey at the car made me chuckle. They don’t seem to mind people at all!
Thank you, Merril. They come after you for food, but it’s not a good idea to touch them because they carry unpleasant ticks.
Love the donkeys. Was that the Charter of the Forest?
You have some beautiful skies but I love its reflection on the water. Red seems to be the accent you went for today. Works well.
Thank you, Mary. Yes, long term residents have these rights.
I very much like the non edited photos. When does Jackie find the time to cook all these splendid meals ?
Thank you, Sylvie. Actually, I do very little editing. I just wanted to highlight that the sky really was like that for a while. Sometimes Jackie cooks in bulk well in advance.
Especially loved all the beautiful skies, Derrick
Thought you might, Cynthia. Thank you.
You paint with your camera Derrick. I just loved this series of photographs, from the buildings to the gorgeous open sky shot – the one of the birch stripped of it’s leaves is amazing.
Wow!. Thank you, Mary
Excellent photos. I love especially Your night photos – gorgeous.
Thanks, Sartenada. Those night photos were at 3 pm – before those with birds in the sky 🙂
I’m used to you ending with what you both had to drink 😉
Forgot to mention Hoegaarden, San Miguel, Rose and Sotillo red wine. Thank you, Timi. Now amended
good call!
Timi is on the ball!
Beautiful and very serene 🙂
Also (if you like to join): Three-day quote challenge. You can check the rules in my post 🙂 http://sauj4.com/2016/01/05/daily-quote-challenge-13/
Thanks Small Town Girl
Oh, those donkeys! And what a lovely village.
Thanks, Laurie
Wonderful photos as always, Derrick 🙂
Many thanks, Julie
Very interesting landscape and inhabitants. So different from the part of the world that I live in. Thank you 🙂
Beautiful Photos again Derrick – the sky scenes particularly stunnimg Thanks for sharing…
Thank you very much, Rob
I study the nature photos and revel in your photography artistry, Derrick. The herringbone brickwork on building and stopping at local cafe with cappuccinos and flapjacks were my favorite unique elements in this lovely post.
Very many thanks, Robin
Good heavens that swan is nearly as tall as Becky. I don’t think I’ve ever been close to a swan.
Thanks Crystal
I’d love to explore that village, Derrick. And don’t those swans big!
What a fun excursion you had.
Thank you, Laurie