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We began the day with a trip to Everton Nurseries to buy four more slabs of reconstituted stone for the new bench base. Sadly, artificial Halloween pumpkins and other scary things were being arrayed at the entrance. What has happened to the pleasure of making your own carving? Sadder still, I noticed a heap of dog turds in the car park. Someone had allowed their dog to dump where others may wish to tread. I informed a staff member who picked up the offending material with a plastic bag.
I soon cheered up as we drove through the forest.
Somewhere near Bramsgore an Austin 7 was being carried on a low trailer.
We stopped on Charles’s Lane near Ringwood, where Jackie had noticed rows of gnarled boles of trees that had lived and died over centuries of accumulated hedgerow boundaries. I spent a pleasant time wandering up and down photographing these,
and the forest scenes beyond them. Leaves are just beginning to fall and ferns are turning brown.
I have been unable to discover any history of this lane, but we feel that, judging by the ancient hedgerows, it is a very early one.
One cyclist ascended the slight incline and disappeared round a bend in the road;
another whirred into sight and whizzed downhill.
The rapid machine gun fire that was acorns spattering the tarmac had me ducking for cover.
Soon, even this rattling was eclipsed by the clopping of horses’ hooves. I stood on the verge, expecting perhaps a couple of equestrian carriages to round the distant bend. What appeared were a group of riders who slowed as they approached,
and thinned out to a string, the young lady bringing up the rear being led by a rope.
Having, I thought, exhausted photographic possibilities I returned to the car. On the way the familiar clip clop indicated that the riders were returning.
Their leader paused for a chat, a comment that it was “a lovely autumny day”, and a wave goodbye.
Off they returned, on past
the walls of a now demolished railway bridge, an overgrown example of ‘Beechingisation’.
This evening we dined on Jackie’s excellent cottage pie, crunchy carrots and cauliflower, with most flavoursome first Brussels sprouts of the season. I finished the malbec.
That one tree looks like evil fairies crafted it. Great photos.
Very many thanks, Leslie
That lane is absolutely enchanting, Derrick. I can imagine seeing riders from the past appearing. š
I love the gnarled roots, too.
Many thanks, Merril. It does lend itself to such imaginings
The sight of that tunnel of green must lower one’s blood pressure. š
Quite so, Mary. Thank you
I love the photos of the trees and the gnarled up ones are so cool!
Many thanks, Lynn
Fabulous gnarly trees.
(I wonder if the horse riders were from the Fortune Centre, where my son was a student?)
Gosh! I’ll bet they were. Many thanks, Melanie
No problem.
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I absolutely love these photos. The trees look like they’re from another planet.
Don’t they, Rekha? Thanks very much
What a beautiful road, Derrick. Lovely place for a walk.
Magical, Jill. Thanks very much
I’m starting to see why many of England’s former colonies are not big on horse meat.
š Thanks very much, Bruce
I hope the lovely gnarly trees and the green lane and the horsey people cheered you up. I hate dog poop ignorers. When I catch them ignoring I hand them bags with a cheerful smile š
Thanks very much, Pauline. I couldn’t be that polite š
Looks like one of those great autumn days like the one we’re having today, Derrick. I’m thankful! Great photos of the wooded lane and riders and the tunnel too.
Thanks very much, Cynthia
Pretty day for a lovely trip! (I will post a pumpkin picture or two soon. :))
š Many thanks, Cynthia
What an enchanting wood, all the more lovely for the touch of autumn.
It was, Eliza. Thanks very much.
I always enjoy your trips through the forest. May you and Jackie have many more beautiful autumn days. It was beautiful here today, as well.
Many thanks, Lavinia
Apart from faux skulls and pumpkins, you have stumbled upon a fairy world of trees. I can swear the gnarled one belongs to the realms of Tolkein! The one in green jacket is a bubbly cheerleader. Developments like Beechingisation remind me of Milo Minderbinder –what is good for the corporate is good enough for you.
Very many thanks, Uma. How are you getting on with the tablet?
The tablet is money well invested. My eyes are grateful to Steve Jobs!
š
I adore scraggly trees as well! Loved seeing these beautiful pics. Lovely post. š
Thanks very much, MoJo
What a lovely big smile on that lady riders face. That would make anybody’s day š
It was a wonderful welcome. Brian. Thanks a lot.
The riders were ecstatic to see you! Perhaps with your wonderful silver hair, they thought they’d come across a kindly warlock? ??
Super comments, Rose. They were very friendly. Thanks a lot
Oh Yes, what a lovely Autumn’s day you’ve captured, and here in the southern hemisphere, it’s a beautiful Spring’s day…….
Thanks very much, Ivor. At these crossover points we do share such similar days
Derrick I so loved that Autumn walk with you.. I especially love those gnarled tree toots etc.. I love taking photo’s of old trees and unusual shapes in them.. The Tree Spirits are often still hidden among them š
It is lovely to see horses being ridden.. We have one lane here where we get equestrian riders, its maddening though how many drivers still do not know how to behave and slow down to almost stop to let these riders by…
Sadly too many accidents are recorded involving collisions ..
So loved the forest and hedgerows Derrick.. And this time of year with the colours of leaves and fallen leaves on paths make it more magical in my eyes..
Thank you for sharing your fabulous Day.. š
Very many thanks, Sue
Beautiful photos of trees. I find it difficult to take good photos of them
Many thanks, Sylvie. I find that the filtered light we get in the forest helps
Some of those trees do indeed look as though they are inhabited by spirits. Busy road with bikers, horses, and, of course, cars.
Many thanks, Laurie
Beautiful photos, Derrick. I love the way you captured the peaceful shadows and light of the forest. The photo of the gnarled tree is fabulous.
Very many thanks, Diana
I don’t think much of the artificial pumpkins but I love those gnarled trees and the views of the forest!
Me too, Clare. Many thanks
Great atmospheric tree shots.
Many thanks, Quercus