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I needed a trip to the bank in New Milton today. As it was a fine frosty morning we took a drive in the forest first and moved on to Friar’s Cliff for big breakfast brunches in the eponymous café.
On the way through Tiptoe we fell in behind a splendid horse and cart. After I had photographed hooves through the car windscreen, Jackie overtook the antique vehicle and stopped further down the road so that I could lay in wait for a full frontal shot.
Holmesley Passage, was bathed in both sunshine
and frost;
as was the still autumnal woodland and the bracken covered moor.
The stream that runs under the road flowed fast over the concrete ford.
Wrapped up and back-packed walkers strode across the moor.
The Friar’s Cliff café was so full that many diners sat outside (remember the dog)
watching the sea, a canoeist kayaking by,
and dogs frolicking on the beach.
We are given a slip of paper containing our order number, and wait for the superb, freshly cooked, food. One couple didn’t touch their bottled water and crisps. They, too, were to receive a café meal.
A young mother clutched both her small son and his scooter as she made for the café. She didn’t drop either before she reached her destination.
We admired the patience of a golden haired dog ogling its owners’ bacon sandwiches without moving a muscle.
This evening we dined on fish fingers, chips, onion rings, and baked beans, with which I finished the cabernet sauvignon.
Ah frosty forest mornings redolent of cross country runs when the playing fields were frozen
You poor sod. I’d rather scuff my knees on the rugby field. Thanks
What ghastly memories that conjures up!
What a beautiful place. Lovely horse.
Many thanks, Brenda
The definition of single-mindedness. 😀
Yes. I kept hoping it would get a bit in the end, but no such luck
Oh no! … starving dog! 😀
How thoughtless to leave that sandwich in front of the dog. I loved the horse and cart.
I agree, John. Thanks.
I can easily imagine the big droops of drool …… How mean not to offer even a tiny taste at the end of the meal! It looks a little cool for al fresco dining though.
It was a bit cool, Pauline. And it did seem a bit tough on the dog. Many thanks
What a lovely way to travel to do the mundane tasks of banking. I see you hiding at every concealment, waiting for your quota of pics to stand still long enough. Bravo Derrick.
Very many thanks, Frank
Most dogs aren’t as patient as that well mannered chap!
Quite, John. Thanks
Yet another stunning disguise, Derrick. But if you want brunch you have to pay for it.
🙂 Glad to see you haven’t lost your touch, Bruce. Woof Woof
You’d have to be an animal not to share your bacon with your dog. 🙂
🙂 Thanks, Oglach
I know a few dogs who would have snatched that burger and ran. 🙂 Great photos! I love
Holmesley Passage 4.
Thanks, Jill. I thought of you when I took the HP shots
🙂
Some beautiful shots of the woods–enjoyed that cart and horse and it made me think of the Amish folks over here. Looks like a happy day out–cheers!
Cheers to you, Cynthia. Now you mention it, I can see the Amish connection.
My favorite…just the idea of dining outside in January. ?
It is amazing, even for us. Thanks, Van.
The very idea of being able to dine outside in January blows my tiny mind. I suppose if I donned snow-pants, a down parka, thick boots, a balaclava, and a wool toque and was well fortified with hot rum I could do it in Ottawa. Maybe. Love the name of the water bottle. It sounds like the name of a fine Australian wine. As always, I’m charmed by the photos of the countryside and seaside around your home.
Thanks very much Susanne. You must be very cold. The water source lies in the old county of Radnorshire in mid-Wales.
Terrific Blog. Lovely pics. I’ve seen your logo on several other blog sites, especially Cynthia Guenther Richardson’s. Sorry it took me so long to get here. I’m glad I did.
Thanks very much Paul. I am going to enjoy yours as well
The frosty covered leaves made my mouth open to say, “Wow!” The scenes of misty entwined trees and bracken covered moor were perfectly captured into an enchanting photo montage, Derrick.
We had a golden dog (mutt blend of German Shepherd with Labrador retriever) who was patient with babies, other dogs and food. 🙂
Many thanks, Robin. Of course, I wasn’t sure of the breed
Oh, I wasn’t sure but it does seem like a golden retriever. You’re very welcome, Derrick.
Don’t think I’d have had the willpower of that dog. I mean, bacon is bacon.
Quite, Bun. Thanks a lot
I could feel the cold sting of salt air sitting at those tables by the sea, What a lovely spot in winter. Thanks for letting us come along.
Many thanks, Jeanne. I don’t seem to have been receiving yours, so have subscribed again
My daughter is convinced that labradors and retrievers collectively all have Prader Willi Syndrome – your picture of Mr Patience would convince her further ….
Thanks very much, Osyth. This comment reminded me of something which would convince her still further: https://derrickjknight.com/2013/07/28/petra-wouldnt-chance-it/
Labs have fantastic personalities! A great place to dine for man and beast…. (did you feed him any of your lunch?)
Not likely! GP. Thanks a lot
Thank you for your kind words and for following! Mom is doing much better 🙂
The horse and cart brought back memories of time spent in Mere,(think that’s the spelling) Somerset in 1940,
Mr Martin who with his wife cared for my brother and me when we were ‘vacuees;’ used to take me in his cart, when he went to cut peat for his fire,
I can still smell the aroma of the faggots, filling the air, when we got back to the house.
I never smelt them again.
I doubt I’ll ever get to Friars Cliff for a late ‘brekkie’ but if I do, I’ll certainly know where to go; if I need to….;)
Thanks a lot, Brian. I do hope your evacuee period was OK – It looks as if it might have been
It looks like a wonderful outing–great shots!
Many thanks, Merril
The dog is well trained unless, of course, it grabbed and ran after the photo. That would have been the shot to see. Nice countryside. Looks like western New York today, with some fog for good measure. But the week’s forecast is calling for snow. Drat!
Hope you don’t get the snow. Thanks, Steve
Oh, we’ll get it sooner or later. We average nearly 100 inches (times 2.25cm) per season