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At first light this morning Jackie drove us down to the clifftop at Milford on Sea to watch the sunrise.
The forest behind the Isle of Wight and The Needles was a bank of clouds. The lighthouse blinked.
Soon
a pink lining
came into view
over
to the east.
Just two lone walkers
braved the two degrees centigrade temperature at 7 a.m.
This afternoon we visited the New Milton toy shop to investigate Christmas presents, and decided that we needed parental advice.
Afterwards we drove into the forest.
On the way down Holmsley Passage Jackie spotted
a string of ponies
crossing a ridge. Watch the wavy lines in the bracken to the right.
She parked
beside the stream on the lowest part of the lane, while I watched
as the ponies
dropped onto
what was a trail
they had regularly trodden.
It was fortunate
for me that there were a couple of greys to help me pick them out against the bracken
or, as they reached level ground, among the trees.
The black leader came into view and investigated the road;
when it was pronounced clear, the others followed
and were led
past
a delighted Jackie
in the car.
Having crossed to the other side
they reappeared on higher ground.
Further on, up the road to Clay Hill reflections in the calm pool
were clear and bright.
On our return the sun was setting over Holmsley;
blazing clouds shrouded Wootton Common,
where the moon was in the ascendancy.
Trellises of tree branches
screened the pink and indigo backcloth.
This evening we dined on Jackie’s wonderful savoury rice forming a bed for tempura prawns. We both drank Maison Castel Touraine sauvignon blanc 2015.
Nice pic’s
Thank you, bond0servant
It is the gentleness of the horses and the surrounding landscape. Great photography
Fabulous photos, Derrick! The sunset is glorious 😃
Such delights! I loved the sunrise photos, particularly the first and the walker. I would love to use the photo of the woman walking for a story prompt sometime, Derrick. (However, I’d need to create a different setting since I don’t sadly know your country….) the horses are enchanting, such fine creatures that impacted the landscape in an interesting, textural way.
Thanks very much, Cynthia. You very welcome to use the photo. If I could inspire a story that would be an honour. I am pleased you picked up the animals’ impact on the landscape
A whole days-worth of images – from dawn until dusk. You are a martyr to your cause, Derrick – and we are the beneficiaries. Thank you.
Many thanks, Roland. A very willing martyr 🙂
Have to say that your photography skills are definitely improving Del!
So pleasing to wring a compliment out of you, Sir
Fabulous photos!!!
Thanks very much, Sofia
Seeing both start and end of the same day through your lens is a bit of a treat Derrick. I can well imagine Jackie being absolutely delighted by that troop of ponies passing in front of her car! <3
Many thanks, Pauline. And Jackie hadn’t known I’d photographed them – see my response to Lord Beeri. 🙂
Beautiful photos, Derrick. I love the lighting in your shots by the stream!
Many thanks, Jill
Perfect way to top and tail the day!
Thanks, Jessica. Jackie’s insistence
Lovely post, Dawn is the favourite part of the day since moving to the eastern seaboard, In WA i loved the sunset, although dawn in the Pilbara was always magnificent. Those horses crossing the road must have been a joy to witness, Must admit I’m a wee bit envious.Thanks Derrick
Many thanks, Brian. Jackie, watching them from the car, didn’t know I’d done the sequence, and sat there thinking ‘if he’s missed this I’ll kill him’.
‘Whew’ we all say! 🙂
I was going to ad “What a pity” then I realized that then we’d have missed those pictures too . 😈 :bear:
I like the last picture, and the beautiful, fattening moon, which I saw tonight on my way home…
Thanks a lot, Lisa. It is magical that we can share the same moon
Lovely sunrise and sunset photos. I like the silhouetted walker very much.
Thank you very much, Clare
Your photography skills are on a real roll 🙂
Many thanks, Alex
How lovely to spend a day like this. Superb photos as usual.
Very many thanks, Arlene
And, my favourite was the first reflection in a calm pool.
Many thanks, Yvonne
It seems you had taken a resolve not to miss the rendezvous with Nature on the day. Your efforts (inclusive of the mighty pilot’s) have borne gorgeous shots of the sun, moon and the ponies.
Many thanks, Uma
Ponies, reflecting pools and sunsets – all part of a visual feast you share with readers. You and Jackie have wonderful time out and about!
Very many thanks, Lavinia
Lovely light in those photos, Derrick!
Many thanks, Marina
Reflections always mesmerize me.
Thank you, Rupali. I’ll bear that in mind 🙂
Beautiful landscape photography. I love the lighting
Thanks very much, Geetha
Welcome Derrick 🙂
Cracking sequences, Derrick. You’ve just reminded me that I almost drowned in New Milton once; just the once.
Thanks a lot, Mike. Not an experience you would wish to repeat 🙂
Well, no…I haven’t visited since 🙂
I love these dawn to dusk photos and commentary, Derrick. This is such a wonderful post.
The sequence with the ponies is outstanding–a nature documentary. I saw above that Jackie didn’t know you were photographing them. She must have been delighted to see them pass by.
I like the reflected water and the rising moon, as well.
Very many thanks, Merril
What a day, from dawn to dusk!
Thanks very much, Laurie
Oh my, Derrick. What a beautiful serene post, glowing with soft light. I love the photos and how your words flow with the view. Thanks for the smile.
Very many thanks, Diana
That evening light is absolutely stunning! And, the horses crossing the road—it was as if I had a glimpse back into a past age. It’s great that you can experience that sort of thing. Just lovely. Thanks a ton for sharing, Derrick.
Very many thanks, Paul
Stunning!
Thanks very much, Lynn
You always bring a smile when I see the horses you have photographed.
Added to that, the beautiful sunrise and sunset; it seems an utterly perfect day.
x
Thanks very much, Melanie
What a beautiful way to spend a Wednesday morning 🙂
Many thanks, msw
Many beautiful photos here. Thank you for sharing, Derrick!
Thanks very much, Amy
Wonderful blend of visuals and prose poem. 🙂
Many thanks, Joseph
What a day! So well narrated in picture and words! Nice one!
Many thanks, Rob
This was just like a storybook I would have read often at age 8 or so. I had such a deep love of ponies and horses! So great you noticed the wavy lines of bracken. 🙂
Many thanks, Robin. I noticed those before the ponies demonstrated their purpose – that was a bonus, indeed
Looks like an excellent day. 🙂
Thanks a lot, Quercus