CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE. REPEAT AS REQUIRED.
Jackie and I left Hurst Castle yesterday as we entered, crossing the bridge over the moat. What was once a deep defensive dug-out water-filled trench, now just collects a little precipitation when it rains.
We joined the crowds waiting for the ferry.
The small fleet of pleasure boats plied their way between Keyhaven and the castle. Even as one hove into view there was little movement among the visitors. Each boat only catered for twelve people, so those who were able might as well lounge around on the grass
until this arrival
had decanted its load and taken on fresh supplies.
We gained a place on the next one and were soon back at Keyhaven.
On board the ferry Jackie had learned the story of the wrecked boat that I have featured in several previous posts. It is seen here with a severe list. The owner of the vessel has apparently died. Before his demise he had sold the mooring to someone at Mudeford. The purchaser has done nothing with it.
This afternoon we drove to Lepe to meet Elizabeth, Danni, and Andy. My sister is embarking on a documentary photographic series on ‘coast’ for her camera club. I had suggested Lepe.
On a wide junction with the Exbury Road outside Beaulieu, a young pony seemed confused. It stood in the centre, not knowing which way to turn, until Jackie stopped for it.
It had been agreed that we would make our ways to the car park and find each other. A friendly gull guided us to what seemed to be the only available space. Jackie waited in the car.
As I walked along the shingle there was much activity down by the shore at this low tide. Groups gathered in the shallows and yachts were much in evidence.
A louring sky did, however, send some off to the café.
Kite surfers were undeterred.
My extended family members, Andy, Danni, and Elizabeth, were to be found on the shingle at the far end of the car park.
I had decided that, in walking back to inform Jackie, I would amble down to the shore, where the action was. A gull’s presence against the cloud curtain suggested rain was not far away.
Indeed, it wasn’t, so, swathed in towels, the action came to me;
some pausing to inspect the shallows.
Along with the entire population of the beach, we entered the café, fought for chairs, and drank our choice of hot or cold liquids.
When the sun returned we walked down to the crumbling cliffs for Elizabeth to conduct her recce. There a couple of groups dug for lug worms to use as fishing bait,
while others walked along the exposed sand spit.
Kite surfers has continued undisturbed.
A skein of geese flapped silently by above the scene.
The darkening sky had shifted enough for a pair of passing yachts to catch the sunlight.
Soon it was time to pack up the surf kites
and carry them to the transport.
This evening we dined on Jackie’s splendid sausage casserole, boiled potatoes, carrots, and cauliflower with which she drank Hoegaarden and I drank more of the Bardalino.
Derrick what wonderful photo’s and what a lot of action too.. both in your lovely family animal and birds.. Not to mention boats.. Wishing you a Peaceful weekend Derrick. And glad Jackie stopped for that confused foal.. xxx 🙂
Yes, I’m glad she helped out the foal, as well. Poor baby.
Many thanks, Sue. X
🙂
Yes, poor little foal! I wonder where its mama is.
Probably chomping happily on the other side of the road
Great captures of a succession of the sorts of sights that go into making a really satisfying day.
Many thanks, Leslie
What skies! Love the photos of the birds with the kite surfers.
Many thanks, Jodie
I love your new avatar photo, by the way. Were you wearing pink socks in this one, as well?
No socks 🙂
Wild man.
Thanks for sharing your day, Derrick. I’ve been stuck at the computer all day finishing some work, and this was a nice break and (virtual) outing. Wonderful photos!
Very many thanks, Merril
I rather think that today the foal is the one I can most relate to. I’m glad Jackie stopped for it.
Thanks, Osyth. I don’t know why no-one else did
Not sure about your shingle beaches, and everyone wearing shoes on the, all so very different, as I live here near the “Surf Coast” with hundreds of miles of golden sandy beaches, but it looks warmer than here at the moment !! and that’ll do me …..
Yes, our local beaches tend to be hard on the feet. Thanks a lot, Ivor
Great shots, Derrick! Thanks for entertaining me during a break from a long day of writing. I love the louring sky photo.
Many thanks, Jill
So funny that you have a Hurst Castle, and in the states we have a Hearst Castle :). Great photos, as usual, Derrick! I especially love the geese!
Many thanks, Luanne. Jackie spotted the geese arriving
Good eye!
The geese and the kites are great shots – one in particular couldn’t have been better had it been staged. Poor wee baby donkey – so glad Jackie stopped for it!
Thanks very much, Pauline. Jackie spotted the geese on their way, too
Those geese looked as though they were following the kite! This is the GREAT GOOSE! We must follow! That kit surfing looks like fun.
Oooh, love the idea of a GREAT GOOSE in the sky!
Me too! 😉
Very nicely put, Lisa. Thank you.
Beautiful photographs! Clouds, birds, geese, shallows and all. You made me forget the dump I am in for a while.
Many thanks, Uma. Sorry about the dump
Another splendid, sunshine filled day, lolling around on sandy beaches, can’t wait to see the summer photos.
🙂 Thanks a lot, Brian
Your whole country seems like one big historic site.
I think it is, GP. Thanks a lot
Nature clicked in natural setting just excellently. Beautiful indeed, as ever. Thanks and regards
Many thanks, Harbans
My pleasure. :))
Awesome shots once again! We are having a bit of a heatwave in Athens! Hope the weather is smiling in your part of the world
Many thanks, Sofia. Weather is just right at the moment 🙂
What a lovely day!
And here’s to Jackie for helping that sweet pony!
Many thanks, Laurie
Funny seeing the people taking their surf kites back to their cars — they look like superheros. I remember reading about the Hurst Castle years ago and how it was a fort, really, built by Henry the VIII. Great to see it — it looks quite intact.
Thanks a lot, Rose. I don’t think anyone ever actually attacked it 🙂
Not even the alligators in the moat? 🙂
The best we can muster over here are tiny lizards
Wonderful pictures! 💖
Thank you, Jade
You’re welcome 🙂
Great skies in the photos – full of interest. 🙂
Many thanks, Quercus
The photos are beautiful, Derrick! I especially love the storm clouds, kite surfers and geese. Kite surfing always looked like an interesting sport.
Thanks a lot, Lavinia. I’m rather thankful to be past kite surfing now 🙂