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It really felt like a spring day as we drove out to the forest this morning.
A pair of cyclists led us along the Rhinefield Ornamental Drive.
At intervals I left the car and photographed the forest scenes.
The usual amount of fallen trees festooned the floor. I have mentioned before, that, apart from some which is sold to be fashioned into something artistic or useful, the timber is left to rot where it falls, as an aid to ecology.
Some of the stumps in particular have disintegrated before our eyes during the few years we have lived here.
Even close to midday, the sun is still low enough in the sky to cast long shadows across the carpet of dry autumn leaves.
Last year’s bracken has not yet shrunk in the presence of Spring’s burgeoning coils.
Beyond Boldre an arrogant cock pheasant strutted erect through the heather.
Further on, a group of ponies were celebrating the fact that, courtesy of the recent rain their food and drink were both available at the same location.
An apparently dead tree would seem to have fallen into the water. Actually the water had fallen around the tree, beyond which the white pony guzzled the gorse.
On our return home we took our main meal of the day at Holmsley Old Station Tea Rooms. I chose steak and ale pie with short crust pastry, carrots, peas, and chips. Jackie’s pick was Stationmaster’s Rarebit. She drank cappuccino. I drank sparkling water.
Beautiful ~ I love the tree trunk with ‘green feet’.
x
Many thanks, Melanie
Very welcome.
x
Your lovely photos really capture the beginning of spring, Derrick.
Some of the dried stems/grass looked like ghosts to me, until I enlarged the photos. One can imagine ghosts wandering about though.
I liked your comment about the pnies happy to find food and drink in the same location. 🙂
Thank you for such a full comment, Merril
You’re welcome, Derrick. 🙂
I love that light but the long shadows near midday is amazing to me.
Thanks a lot, Mary. It is partly because of the height of the trees; but mainly because the sun still doesn’t get up to its peak
Looking good – can spring really be on the way?
I see spring in the greens of these pictures.
🙂
Yes, it’s coming… 🙂
Lovely moss growing beneath and on the trees. I am wondering why it is that a tree stump will remain in one’s yard for what seems like forever, but seems to rot quickly in the forest. The ground conditions in the forest must be just right for that to occur. Such wonderful shapes of the trees.
Many thanks, Ginene. It does take a number of years for the trees to reach the level of those stumps
Your weather was certainly nicer than ours, Derrick. I love the reflections of the horses.
Many thanks, Jill
Yes – I especially loved the horse photos.
Very artictic captures. The ones with the stumps are hauntingly beautiful! The words that go with the pictures are just perfect!
Many thanks, Sofia. Your comments about the words are particularly welcome.
I love how you always end with what you eat and drink for supper. It makes your posts very personal and I feel like I’m right there with you.
Very many thanks, Mama
That is one dapper chestnut pony. 🙂
Isn’t it just. Thanks, Widders
That first photo doesn’t whisper the arrival of spring, it just about shouts it!
Sure does, Yvonne. Thank you very much
What a stunning forest landscape.
Many thanks, Miriam
Oh those forest pictures are incredible, Derrick. And the ponies are beautiful. Your posts always leave me like I have just had a wonderful sight-seeing tour!
That’s good, Lydia. Many thanks
Rottng trees apparently feed woodpeckers who ought to be quite voluble at this time of year.
I met a birdwatcher who had just seen one. Thanks, John
I live not far from where these are taken. Beautiful pics
Many thanks, fauxcroft. We live in Downton (Lymiington)
New Milton me.
Wow!. Going to register with Birchfield dentists this afternoon. 🙂
Always enjoy you pony photos. It’s so peaceful there. 🙂
It is, Amy. Thank you
Wonderful picture of the horse and his or her reflection in the water.
Many thanks, Laurie
Amazing photos derrick!
Thanks very much, Lynn
most welcome
Trees have personality all unto themselves Derrick – fascinating finds.
Many thanks, Mary
Yes – perfectly said, Mary.
The trees arched and shaped in unique arrangements created beautiful photographs. It is so wonderful how you “see” these lovely details and capture them to share with us, Derrick. 🙂
That’s lovely. Thank you, Robin
Oh, this was very inspirational. So, thank you!